In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, staying updated with the latest trends, insights, and strategies is crucial for the success of any project, program, or portfolio manager (PPM). Fireside chats with industry leaders have emerged as an effective and engaging way to gain valuable knowledge directly from those who have excelled in their respective fields. The transition to virtual platforms has made these interactions even more accessible, allowing for global participation without the limitations of physical presence. Hosting virtual PPM fireside chats with industry leaders requires thoughtful planning and execution. In this article, we will explore comprehensive strategies to make these events successful.

Table of Contents

1. Define the Purpose and Goals:

Begin by clearly defining the purpose of the fireside chat. Are you aiming to provide insights into industry trends, offer career advice, or discuss specific challenges? Establishing well-defined goals will guide the content and format of the conversation.

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2. Selecting the Right Industry Leaders:

The success of a fireside chat heavily relies on the credibility and expertise of the guest industry leader. Choose individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of PPM and have relevant experiences to share. Research their background, achievements, and speaking style to ensure they align with your audience’s interests.

3. Format and Moderation:

Virtual fireside chats can take various formats. The traditional approach involves a moderator and a guest speaker, fostering a conversational atmosphere. Alternatively, panel discussions can be organized with multiple industry leaders discussing a common theme. The role of the moderator is crucial – they must steer the conversation, ask thought-provoking questions, and ensure a balanced discussion.

4. Technological Setup:

Select a reliable virtual platform for hosting the fireside chat. Ensure that the platform supports features like video streaming, audience interaction (Q&A sessions or polls), and screen sharing for visual aids. Test the technology beforehand to iron out any technical glitches.

5. Pre-event Promotion:

Generate anticipation by promoting the fireside chat through various channels such as social media, industry forums, email newsletters, and your organization’s website. Clearly communicate the date, time, guest speaker, and topics of discussion.

6. Engaging Content Creation:

Craft a list of engaging questions that cover a range of topics. Mix insightful questions about the guest’s career journey and their perspective on industry trends with more practical inquiries related to PPM challenges and strategies.

7. Audience Interaction:

Virtual platforms allow for real-time audience interaction. Incorporate Q&A sessions where attendees can ask questions directly to the industry leader. You can also use live polls to gauge the audience’s opinions on certain topics.

8. Structured Time Management:

Respect the time of both the industry leader and the attendees. Create a structured timeline for the fireside chat, including introduction, conversation segments, Q&A, and a conclusion.

9. Post-event Content:

Record the fireside chat and make it available for on-demand viewing. This allows those who couldn’t attend the live event to benefit from the discussion. Additionally, summarize key takeaways in a blog post, infographic, or video snippet for easy sharing.

10. Continuous Learning:

Consider turning the fireside chat into a series, featuring different industry leaders in each session. This fosters continuous learning and provides diverse perspectives on PPM-related topics.

11. Feedback and Improvement:

After the fireside chat, gather feedback from attendees through surveys or direct communication. Use this feedback to improve future events and address any shortcomings.

12. Networking Opportunities:

Utilize the virtual event as a networking opportunity. Provide a platform for attendees to connect with each other and the industry leader through discussion forums, LinkedIn groups, or other online communities.

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Hosting virtual PPM fireside chats with industry leaders offers a unique chance for project, program, and portfolio managers to gain insights from experienced professionals. By strategically planning the event, selecting the right speakers, and engaging the audience effectively, you can create a valuable knowledge-sharing platform that enhances professional growth within the PPM community. Through thoughtful execution and continuous improvement, virtual fireside chats can become an integral part of professional development in the PPM field.