what is panel discussion

A panel discussion, or simply a panel, is an event where a group of people, typically experts in a particular field, gather to discuss a specific topic in front of an audience. The discussion is usually moderated by a host who guides the conversation and sometimes elicits audience questions. The goal of a panel discussion is to present different perspectives, bounce ideas off each other, and come up with insights. Panel discussions are often held at scientific, business, or academic conferences, fan conventions, and on television shows. They can be live, recorded, in-person, virtual, or "hybrid". Panel discussions complement keynote speeches and other presentation-based sessions and offer a platform for engaging conversations among multiple experts or stakeholders. They encourage audience participation through Q&A sessions, making attendees feel more involved and gaining a deeper understanding of the topic. The main purpose of a panel discussion is to provide a platform for experts in a particular field or on a specific topic to express their opinions, challenge each other, and explore topics of discussion that provide value, insight, and entertainment for the watching audience.