What if no one has any questions or the questions run out before the time ends?

In all the years we have been doing panels, we have never run out of questions, so don’t worry.  However, we have provided a list of questions the moderator can ask in case it does happen.  You can also plant people in the audience to ask questions from our list…….again, don’t worry.  Once the ice is broken with the first few questions, people will have many, many questions. 

How should the moderator prep the audience?

Often the moderator offers the audience the choice of writing their question down and handing it to him/her.  This is for the shy ones who do not want to ask it to the group.   But that is not the bulk of the people so you will need a microphone in the audience so people who choose can ask questions can be heard.  The most important thing is for the moderator to request that those with questions ask them in a way that the rest of the audience might benefit. I.E. How do you find candidates? VS How do you find Java Programmers?  Also, ask them not to discuss elaborate situations that the person wants help handling.  They are welcome to talk to any of the panelists after to get specific information. 

Who will the moderator be?

This is open. We can provide one or your association can.  Both methods are very effective.   

What about awkward questions dealing with money and commissions and leaving to go on own etc?

Our Panelists are fairly experienced with this and are prepared to handle whatever "ground rules" you set. These kinds of questions usually do not pose a problem because people don't often want to ask them in such an open forum anyhow.