AWP Event Outline Suggested Template

This outline is only suggested—there are many ways to create an event outline successfully. Feel free to rearrange it as you see fit or see one of the examples provided in this guide.

  • event title
  • event description
  • event category
  • event organizer
  • event moderator
  • event participants and short biographies

In-person events, please read the following at the beginning of your event:

Welcome to [title of event]. A few reminders before we begin:

  • For those needing or wishing to follow along to a written text, please let the moderator of the panel, (identify moderator), know, and a printed copy will be delivered to you.
  • Please make sure that spaces left open for wheelchairs remain clear of chairs or other barriers.
  • Treat service animals as working animals and do not attempt to distract or pet them.
  • Be aware of those with chemical sensitivities and refrain from wearing scented products.
  • Please be aware that your fellow attendees may have invisible disabilities. Do not question anyone’s use of an accommodation while at the conference, including for chairs reserved for those with disabilities.

Opening Moderator Remarks & Housekeeping Announcements

Introduce and identify all speakers in the order in which they are sitting.

Participant Opening Remarks, Initial Thoughts, or Readings

These can be in a paragraph, a bulleted list of items the speakers would like to cover during the event, or a copy of whatever they plan to read.

If you are concerned about distributing copyrighted material at an in-person event, please make sure to gather the reading material back at the end of the event and let those using an outline know that you will need the materials back at the end of your event. You might also consider printing separate copies to attach to this overall event outline so you may just collect that portion back from the attendee using the outline.

Moderator Questions

Responses of Each Participant to Moderator Questions

We understand this portion of the event may be more spontaneous than what can be planned for in a written document. That’s okay—it’s the nature of a live event. Each presenter should still be able to provide a brief written response or bulleted list of thoughts in response to planned questions.

If the conversation veers off in an interesting, on-topic, and productive way, that’s okay too! The point of creating this document isn’t to hamstring you into delivering a completely rehearsed discussion or reading but to provide as much information as possible to those wanting or needing to follow along to a written text.

Q&A Session

In-person events: At the end of the event, there will be time for a ten-to-fifteen-minute Q&A session. Please pass the wireless microphone to the person posing the question or repeat all questions into one of the wired microphones.