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Panel Session
One 50-minute lively discussion with a moderator and 3 panelists to share an array of various perspectives on a specific topic with questions from the audience at the end.
Quick tips:
If you’re moderating
- Prep each panelist individually beforehand
- Write questions, not topics: “What’s the biggest mistake you made scaling X?” beats “Tell us about scaling.”
- Have a throughline, not a checklist: build questions that build on each other rather than jumping from topic to topic.
- Get panelists talking to each other, not just to you: “Do you agree with that?” or “How was your experience different?” turns a Q&A into a real discussion.
- Manage airtime actively: gently redirect dominators (“Great point — [other panelist], does that match your experience?”) and draw out quieter voices with direct, easy questions.
- Keep your own talking to a minimum
- Have a strong opener and closer: a sharp first question sets energy; end with something forward-looking
- Watch the clock ruthlessly
If you’re a panelist
- Answer in stories, not lectures: a specific example beats a general opinion every time.
- Be concise: 60–90 seconds per answer unless asked to go deeper; leave room for others.
- Have 2–3 sharp points ready, not a script — spontaneity reads as authenticity.
- React to others: build on, respectfully disagree with, or add nuance to what’s just been said. This is what makes it feel like a real conversation instead of parallel interviews.
Concurrent Session
Two engaging presentations are paired during this time with an overall theme. Each presentation is 20-minutes in length with 1-2 presenters and questions will be managed by the assigned moderator at the end of the session.
Quick tips:
- Hook / core idea
Start with the central insight or provocative claim, not background. What’s the one thing you want the audience to believe or understand. - Know your audience and connect
Speak to the audience and not the room. Connect the topic to something the audience already values. Build interaction and/or opportunities for reflection for the audience to think of how to apply the information. - Visuals over busy slides
Slides support you, they aren’t the presentation — minimal text, one idea per slide, strong visuals over bullet lists. Use images/diagrams over paragraphs — people can’t read and listen well simultaneously. Try to use the formula of 1 slide per minute - Close strong
End with a clear takeaways, call to actions, or return to your opening hook (bookending).
Rapid Fire Session
Each presentation is 5-minutes in length presented by a single speaker. Concise storytelling style to share lessons learned in a captivating and engaging way. The assigned moderator for the session will direct all questions from the audience after all presenters have had their time.
Quick tips:
- Hook / core idea
Start with the central insight or provocative claim, not background. What’s the one thing you want the audience to believe or understand. - Speaker & credibility (optional)
Who they are and why they’re positioned to speak on this — especially if it’s not obvious from the topic. - What you will cover
The argument, story, or journey the talk takes you through — key examples, evidence, or turning points. - Why it matters / takeaway
The implication for the audience — what should change in how you think or act.
COI Disclosure Form Due
Profile Information Review
Speaker Agreement Form Due
Speaker Biogrograhy Due
Speaker Photo Due
Presentation Short Description
PowerPoint Presentation Upload
Permission to Record
Venue
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
1775 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone Number: 619-677-1161
Reserve your Room
Registration
All presenters are required to register for the Annual Meeting and are responsible for their own registration, airfare and hotel expenses. All presenters are required to deliver their presentations in-person in San Diego, California (no virtual presentations).
A/V
The meeting space will be equipped with:
- podium
- wireless podium microphone
- LCD projector and screen
- confidence monitor
- slide advancer
- laser pointer
- wireless handheld audience microphone
- wired internet connection at the tech table
- audio capabilities for presentations.
Utilizing your own laptop/device at the podium will not be permitted. We encourage you to bring a copy of your final presentation on a flash drive and verify the AV copy of your presentation by checking in with the onsite Speaker Ready Room at least 2 hours in advance of your scheduled presentation.
Speaker Ready Room
Speaker ready room is available for you to review your slides and upload your presentation. The speaker ready room is the Private Dining Room in the San Diego Mission Bay Resort.
Room:
Private Dining Room
Hours:
Wednesday, November 18: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday, November 19: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday, November 20: 6:15 am – 2:30 pm
Session Recordings & Presentations within the Platform
By participating in the CMSS Annual Meeting, you acknowledge that your session(s) may be recorded for post- meeting use. You understand that recorded sessions are owned by CMSS and will be made available to registered attendees and CMSS members for on-demand viewing during and after the meeting.
CMSS often receives requests from attendees for PowerPoint presentations after the meeting. Please indicate on the Speaker Form whether you give permission to share your presentation (in PDF format).
Questions
Contact education@cmss.org if you have any questions.
AV and Meeting Logistics questions: Christina Miller – cmiller@connect2amc.com