Half-day (3 hours) and Full-day (6 hours) Pre-Conference Workshops take place exclusively on Wednesday, 2 December, as part of the Pre-Conference Day. The workshops cover specific learning goals and outcomes and follow a detailed, structured agenda. They take a hands-on approach, encouraging active participation and practical application, and are designed to deliver in-depth, solution-oriented learning experiences. Participants are expected to leave with concrete tools, methods, and insights that can be applied in their professional context. Prior registration is required and workshops may be fee-based. The OEB team will discuss the organisation and delivery of these sessions in detail with the workshop facilitator(s) to ensure quality, clarity, and alignment with the overall programme.
A Boardroom Dialogue is a 60-minute, facilitated networking session centred around a specific theme or community. It encourages participants to connect around shared interests and engage in focused exchange. Each session is led by a single facilitator, who introduces the topic with a short input (max. 10 minutes) and prepares a brief agenda with key discussion points. The facilitator guides a conversation on the topic, facilitates networking and brings focus to the discussion, so that everyone attending can learn from each other as a group and build connections.
Learning Cafés are participatory sessions designed for group discussions on specialised topics. Participants sit in small groups at round tables, working together to explore and discuss a specific theme. The facilitator or moderator guides the overall session and supports the discussions at the tables. Rather than delivering a presentation, the focus is on collaborative exchange, group work, and shared reflection. This interactive format lasts between 60 and 90 minutes and encourages participants to actively contribute, exchange perspectives, and develop ideas together in an open room setting.
How Tos are 60- or 90-minute, hands-on learning formats designed to support active, practical skill development. They create a space for experimentation, interactive activities, collaborative learning, and practical takeaways participants can immediately apply in their professional environment. The sessions follow a workshop-style approach, with structured activities and small-group work. Participants are encouraged to actively engage, experiment, and apply methods during the session, often using their own devices and working collaboratively. How Tos are designed as practice-oriented learning experiences that combine focused input with active participation and immediate application.
Presentation Panels are curated sessions of 45, 60, or 90 minutes, chaired by a moderator. They bring together several single speakers who each deliver a focused presentation of 10 to 15 minutes on a shared overarching topic. Individual presentations are grouped by the OEB team to form a coherent panel that explores different perspectives on a relevant issue. Each presentation is delivered by one speaker only. After the presentations, dedicated time is reserved for a lively and informative Q&A between the presenters, the moderator, and the participants. The focus of Presentation Panels is on sharing information and practical insights. The moderator supports the structure of the session, ensures alignment between contributions, and facilitates engagement and interaction throughout the panel.
Panel Discussions are curated panels that focus on current topics of professional relevance and strategic interest. Panel Discussions offer participants the opportunity to compare disciplinary insights and engage with differing viewpoints in an active session with audience participation. Submissions must include a designated moderator who will organise and facilitate the discussion between the panellists and the audience. Proposals should clearly identify all confirmed panel members and outline the specific expertise each contributes to the session. (Placeholder names are not accepted.) This format is scheduled as a 60- or 90-minute session.
Masterclasses are expert-led learning sessions offering in-depth insights, practical guidance, and advanced perspectives on specific topics. They are designed for participants seeking focused, high-level learning experiences and practical takeaways that can be applied directly in their professional context. Sessions may be delivered by one or several speakers and combine structured input, interactive elements, and applied learning.