what is a panel discussion

A panel discussion, or simply a panel, is an event where a group of people, typically experts in a specific field, gather to discuss a topic in front of an audience. The discussion is usually moderated by a facilitator who guides the conversation and sometimes elicits audience questions. The main purpose of a panel discussion is to provide a platform for experts to express their opinions, challenge each other, and explore topics of discussion that provide value, insight, and entertainment for the watching audience. Panel discussions are often held at scientific, business, or academic conferences, fan conventions, and on television shows. They can be held in-person or virtually, and can last up to an hour. The audience is often invited to ask questions at the end, making it a dynamic and interactive form of learning. Panel discussions complement keynote speeches and other presentation-based sessions. The format of a panel discussion includes a moderator in front of an audience, and the discussion is usually structured.