![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.eventmobi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/breakout-1024x427.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBreakout sessions can be implemented into a session agenda for all kinds of reasons, like: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Discussing a specific topic in greater detail<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Networking or breaking the ice between attendees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Problem-solving or ideas generation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Changing up the pace of the conference<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
And more! Regardless of the reason, breakout sessions are great ways for attendees to connect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Do You Make a Breakout Session Interesting & Productive? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When you plan your breakout session with your goals in mind, opportunities for creative implementation may jump out of the woodwork and surprise even you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are our tips for crafting a dynamic session that offers even higher value to participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.eventmobi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/36conference-1024x299.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGet feedback before the event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t have to plan in a vacuum! You never know where other people\u2019s feedback might take you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people to ask for feedback could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Experienced facilitators. <\/strong>Do you know someone who\u2019s organized a great breakout group or two in their time? Ask what helped make their experience great\u2014and what to avoid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Experts in the field. <\/strong>Running an educational breakout session? Ask seasoned experts in the field what they wished they\u2019d learned earlier in their career.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your conference attendees. <\/strong>If you can poll attendees before they arrive, ask them what experience they\u2019re hoping for! Questions could include what skills they hope to build and what their ideal conference structure looks like.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Select the best format for your session<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The right format for your breakout conference session depends on what your session aims to achieve!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Skill-building. <\/strong>These <\/strong>sessions might allow attendees to practice the skill in mind. For research, sales, or pitching, a three-minute thesis format might fit the bill!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Leadership. <\/strong>A leadership <\/strong>session could involve role-playing exercises or a roundtable discussion with prompts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Teambuilding. <\/strong>Strengthening bonds takes time\u2014and it can be fun! Your <\/strong>session could focus on skill-sharing and collaboration. An escape room is a great example.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Networking. <\/strong>Attendees need an interactive <\/strong>format to connect with each other. Consider small groups with conversation prompts, speed networking, or experience sharing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Relaxation.<\/strong> Sometimes attendees just need <\/strong>a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the conference environment. Consider guided meditation, a breathing exercise, or a quiet collaborative activity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
There are also ways to vary how attendees participate in sessions. For example, interactive conference session ideas could include gamifying your session<\/a> to encourage greater participant engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Set clear expectations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When you set goals for your breakout session, you not only provide yourself with planning<\/em> guidelines\u2014you also have built-in attendee participation<\/em> guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be sure to convey your goals to your breakout groups before they begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep the breakout on topic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With so much happening at conferences, it can be easy to wander off-topic! Appointing facilitators within each small group is a great way to make sure the session moves in the right direction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give your facilitators a hand by providing an outline or other facilitation tips. Even a few sample segue phrases could help keep the group on task. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Designate the right amount of time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How much time do you have available for a breakout session? Make sure that participants have enough time to warm up to their group, get into it, and figure out\u2014if relevant\u2014what they\u2019ll share on the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Too short, and the breakout sessions won\u2019t be productive. Too long, and breakout session participants might complete the task and disengage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Calculating the right amount of time may require some trial and error. \u201cThree-minute thesis\u201d events make it quite easy to estimate timelines, but a more collaborative and constructive event might need more flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everybody deserves a chance to speak, so don\u2019t forget to factor in the number of participants in each breakout group!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use the right space or event tech<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
From the in person setting to the virtual space, your environment and tools set the tone for your breakouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For in person, is the room big enough, or too big? Does each breakout group have their own space? Does everyone have the tools they need (whiteboard, pens, paper, fidget toys, seating), and, if relevant, privacy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For virtual, do you have event tech that lets you easily set up and run virtual breakout rooms? Do your facilitators know how to use it, and is there troubleshooting available for your participants?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Figuring out your needs before the event gives the session itself more time to flourish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mix introverts and extroverts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The trick to any well constructed group is balance. Group strong talkers with strong listeners for a dynamic conversation full of insights and different ways of processing information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Create an inclusive event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
An important question to consider when planning your breakout session is: how easy is it to alter or accommodate the setup depending on participants\u2019 abilities and needs?
For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n- \n
- If there\u2019s a strong visual component to the session, is there an alternative way for people with low vision to participate?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If there\u2019s a strong physical component, how can mobility needs be accommodated?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If there is a strong verbal component, is there a visual accommodation (like captions) for people with audio processing disorders?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
After all, the last thing you want is for someone to be unable to enjoy the event you\u2019ve so thoughtfully put together!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Create safety measures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Attendees come from a variety of backgrounds and each may have varying levels of comfort at events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Safety measures help all participants feel empowered to participate in breakout sessions, where event staff might not be present to help moderate uncomfortable situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Providing facilitators with de-escalation or segue skills. <\/strong>If tensions rise in a breakout group or if someone says they aren\u2019t comfortable, facilitators should feel empowered to quickly address the tension and\/or move the conversation along.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Code of Conduct. <\/strong>A comprehensive code of conduct that attendees are required to agree to beforehand holds everybody to the same standard and protects you from any attendee misbehavior.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Security. <\/strong>Invest in hired security so that you can focus on running your event and supporting your facilitators. That way, any in person disruptions can be professionally addressed. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Moderation. <\/strong>In a virtual setting, it\u2019s important to task one or more people with moderating the digital space and managing breakout room assignments. With EventMobi\u2019s GoLive! Production Services Team<\/a>, you can even find expert support for your breakout sessions. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Incorporating illness-prevention protocols. <\/strong>Recommending and providing masks or ensuring your venue implements air filtration helps you create an inclusive event. Disabled and immunocompromised people may feel more comfortable coming to your conference and breakout sessions! Plus: no one likes con crud.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What Are Some Good Conference Breakout Session Topics?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hosting the best conference breakout session will depend on what kind of conference you\u2019re hosting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To start brainstorming ideas, focus on your goals for the session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not sure of your goals? Ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- What are people learning? <\/strong>Are they building skills, or gaining knowledge? Another way of framing this is what conference-goers want <\/em>from the breakout session\u2014whether that be industry info or professional skills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What are people sharing? <\/strong>Again\u2014will they share skills, or knowledge? Another way of framing this is what conference-goers have to offer<\/em> the breakout session.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How do you enrich the existing programming? <\/strong>Will you provide attendees with new skills, new knowledge, new connections? Will you build on or deviate from existing conference programming?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What tools will facilitators use to drive discussion? <\/strong>This could include technology like slideshow presentations or facilitation tools like brainstorms and mediation skills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
With your goals clearly established, it\u2019ll be easy to align your conference breakout session ideas with your attendees\u2019 interests! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.eventmobi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/groupdiscuss-1024x427.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLooking for breakout session examples? Attendees at a leadership conference might benefit from a breakout session that allows them to share leadership experiences and problem-solve. Or, at an academic conference, a three-minute thesis competition could encourage academic inspiration and learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Structure a Breakout Session<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Breakout sessions are more than just the main event! Here\u2019s one structure to help make your sessions feel social and natural\u2014and to build connections between your participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Provide a framework or outline. <\/strong>This helps you share your goals for the session with attendees. Make sure participants know what\u2019s expected of them\u2014and how to time the components of the session.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Appoint breakout leaders\/facilitators. <\/strong>Identify leaders before breaking into groups, or ask the groups to elect one amongst themselves. Ideally, your leaders will volunteer!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Facilitate introductions. <\/strong>This is a great time for an icebreaker question, or even an activity if time permits! Have participants offer one fun fact about themselves, or ask what made them smile in the last week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dive into the activity.<\/strong> The reason everyone\u2019s here!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wind the session down. <\/strong>Provide some light guidance on how groups should wrap the session amongst themselves before returning to the main room.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reunite and share findings.<\/strong> Everyone will be eager to share what they learned! Have a plan for how best to discuss the conference breakout session once everyone\u2019s come back together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ask for feedback on structure. <\/strong>Find a way to collect feedback efficiently, such as through live polling<\/a>, <\/strong>then implement those suggestions in the next session you host!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Now you know what should be included in a conference breakout! If you\u2019ve set goals for your sessions and planned around them, odds are that your breakout session\u2019s structure has already started taking shape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, let\u2019s explore 37 interactive conference session ideas to help guide your next event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5 Collaborative Discussion Conference Breakout Session Ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A conference breakout session that focuses on discussion can be a great way for attendees to connect, problem-solve, or brainstorm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re hoping for attendees to come away with some bright ideas, try one of these breakout session ideas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roundtable <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Roundtables are a classic breakout session. A roundtable discussion allocates time for small groups to discuss a specific topic or prompt. Generally non-hierarchical, these sessions can be a great chance to give quieter attendees dedicated space to share their thoughts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Case study discussions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Looking to solve a problem? Assigning a case study to your breakout sessions allows your attendees to put their heads together and focus on the solution. When you reunite as a room, you\u2019ll have many new ideas to consider. Many hands make light work, after all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brainstorming and ideation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Big dreams need space to breathe! Your attendees have a lot to offer, but the conference setting doesn\u2019t always enable collaborative ideation. Creating breakout sessions where participants can use their creativity will result in fresh suggestions and help everybody feel heard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Goal setting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
First comes the brainstorm, then comes the plan! Whether it be to set individual, team, or organizational goals, your attendees can take a hands-on approach to the future of your event topic by participating in a breakout meeting centered on goal-setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Book discussion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Running an event where a key text or book is central to the attendees\u2019 interests? It\u2019s easy to skip over the individual reading experience when in a large group, so this is where the breakout session shines. Provide prompting questions so that each group has a place to start chatting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n - Appoint breakout leaders\/facilitators. <\/strong>Identify leaders before breaking into groups, or ask the groups to elect one amongst themselves. Ideally, your leaders will volunteer!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What are people sharing? <\/strong>Again\u2014will they share skills, or knowledge? Another way of framing this is what conference-goers have to offer<\/em> the breakout session.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Code of Conduct. <\/strong>A comprehensive code of conduct that attendees are required to agree to beforehand holds everybody to the same standard and protects you from any attendee misbehavior.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Providing facilitators with de-escalation or segue skills. <\/strong>If tensions rise in a breakout group or if someone says they aren\u2019t comfortable, facilitators should feel empowered to quickly address the tension and\/or move the conversation along.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Leadership. <\/strong>A leadership <\/strong>session could involve role-playing exercises or a roundtable discussion with prompts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Experts in the field. <\/strong>Running an educational breakout session? Ask seasoned experts in the field what they wished they\u2019d learned earlier in their career.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Experienced facilitators. <\/strong>Do you know someone who\u2019s organized a great breakout group or two in their time? Ask what helped make their experience great\u2014and what to avoid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n