What does the Champ do?

The Champ is the “owner” of the panel, and wears two hats:

1. Before the panel starts: The Champ comes up with a theme, formulates the initial Viewpoint that kicks the whole thing off, identifies potential Experts who could contribute, and then sends them the Viewpoint and an invitation to participate.
2. While the panel is up and running: The Champ follows up with the Experts chosen to make sure they submit their Views.

In both phases, the Champ can count on plenty of support from Hospitality Net.

How does the Champ initiate a panel?

To get started, a panel needs a theme, an initial Viewpoint related to the theme, and a list of potential Experts to be invited. The Champ suggests a theme and a Viewpoint to us, and when we OK it, the Champ sends invitations to the selected Experts, explaining the concept and giving them the Viewpoint for them to respond to. This gets the panel underway.

Does the Viewpoint have to be controversial? Can it just be a question?

The theme needs to be attractive, and the Viewpoint is just a way to get the conversation started. We want to elicit Views that are a few sentences long, subjective, and perhaps even thought- provoking. To do this, though, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so we believe the initial Viewpoint can be formulated in many ways. We will help the Champ make it as interesting as possible.

Who selects the Experts to be invited?

To come up with an invitation list, we will tap into both the Champ’s network and our own, and agree between us who to send an invitation to.

How long doe the panel last? What happens when it is over?

Each panel will run for about a month, allowing the Champ to generate input from 10 to perhaps 25 Experts. (The deadline will be communicated to the Experts when they’re invited.) When all the Views have been submitted, we will assemble the inputs into a coherent thread, beginning with the Champ’s Viewpoint, and post it at Hospitality Net.

What if an Expert agrees to participate, but doesn’t send a View?

This is where the Champ needs to do some gentle reminding. We expect some follow-up will be necessary from time to time.

Who can serve as a Champ? Do you need to be a subject expert?

Anyone can be a Champ, so if you’re interested, please contact us.