Whether it’s an all-day sales meeting, a 3-day conference, or simply an event that needs some glue, consider Doug Lipp as your next moderator ... a professional who adds true value—not just laughs— and who challenges the audience to apply what they are learning. Doug brings to your conference more than the typical talking-head, local celebrity or comedian. Doug blends his amazing business savvy, quick wit, and enormous base of client stories and learning points to give your event just the right balance of entertainment—but with a cerebral edge—to pull the entire conference together.

Doug was first hired as a moderator by a client that was working with a tight budget. The client asked if Doug would consider dividing up his keynote into many mini-sessions in between each of the other presenters? Doug took it step further – he transitioned each segment with his Over the years, Doug has further developed the moderator role by fine-tuning a number of activities. For example,

ENGAGING EXECUTIVES PANELISTS & AUDIENCE

Doug is a master at engaging executives, on stage, in one-on-one discussions; he calls these his “fireside chat” sessions. Doug’s clients rave about the success of these chats for two reasons: 1) Doug has an amazing ability to put even the most nervous executive at ease, even on stage, and helps these executives connect with the audience in a very relaxed, natural manner. 2) The fireside chat strategy is also a creative way to bring energy to a conference schedule; it is a nice departure from simply having speech, after speech after speech! 

Another strategy Doug has mastered is that of panel-discussion moderator. Panels can consist of customers, internal or external experts or even government officials. Doug’s relaxed, engaging style, plus his quick wit is a natural fit for these types of discussions.  Panels provide a lot of information in a short amount of time and, due to Doug’s interactive style, conference attendees are often treated to some “off the script” comments that are rich in content.

Audiences and guest speakers immediately connect with Doug’s relaxed-yet-informed style and ability to think on his feet.  His many years of business experience and background as a consultant gives Doug the ability to engage with people from all business backgrounds. Combine this with Doug’s natural ability as a professional speaker, humorous story-teller, interviewer and facilitator and you get the complete package; someone who ensures your conference objectives will be met with just the right amount of humor and interaction to keep the message fresh and memorable.  

DOUG BECOMES PART OF THE MEETING PLANNER TEAM

Successful conferences are a combination of tireless planning plus the ability to react on-the-fly. Doug is skilled at both, as you will see when checking his testimonials. Doug’s pre-event activities range from coaching presenters and panel members, to visiting conference sites with meeting planners. During the conference, Doug is 100% engaged.  His consulting and facilitating background adds a whole new level of detail and professionalism even when he is introducing speakers; he is much more than an emcee. His ability to summarize complex presentations—given by others—is unparalleled. Because of Doug’s pre-event work with every speaker, and his copious note-taking during the conference, he connects the message of every speaker to the attendees … and the conference.  Plus, he always keeps an eye on the clock!

ENDLESS OPTIONS! ( No two conferences are ever alike)

Doug transforms conferences into dynamic, engaging opportunities to learn, network and have fun.  Doug will work carefully with your meeting planners and company executives to ensure you not only meet, but exceed your conference goals.

The following are skills that Doug can provide for your event. 

• Opening and/or closing keynotes.
• Introductions of each speaker.  Seamless transitions between speakes.r
• Pre-event preparation with every speaker.
• Notes taken live to develop key talking points about every person on stage
• Summarizing on-the-fly to connects the message of every speaker, ensuring overall conference goals.
• Relevant exercises and hands-on learning activities (mini keynotes). Timed to meet audience’s needs.
• Mix of exercises and activities?  Did the last speaker end early or put everyone to sleep? Doug seamlessly incorporates his skill as a training expert to reinforce learning points and re-energize the audience.
• Doug is skilled at working with a teleprompter and script. For multi-day events, Doug works with organizers, scriptwriters, and executives, to create a compelling event.
• Last-minute change is the norm for conferences.  Doug seamlessly makes last-minute changes.
•  Doug ‘s approachability style is a welcome relief to a planning team, often attending pre-event meetings.
• Pre-event interviews involve coaching with every speaker, setting the stage for personal success. Doug gleans extra information from every speaker ─ from personal to professional accomplishments ─ adding the personal touch that audiences love.
• Fireside Chats – Doug often facilitates discussions with key executives to add a different flare to a conference. Conference attendees constantly rave about these one-on-one sessions because they add variety and dynamism to any session. Doug works directly with meeting planners and executives to help create the message flow.
• Panel Discussions – Doug is a master at facilitating these small-group discussions. His combination of active listening and interviewing skills, plus his sardonic wit ensure these discussions will resonate with any audience.
• International Flavor ─ American-based jokes, sports references or quotes work well with Americans. What about your international attendees?  All too often they get left behind, simply wondering why everyone else is laughing. Similar challenges can be found in details such as the kind of food being served to the number and skill of simultaneous interpreters.  Doug’s extensive background as an international cross-cultural consultant will ensure the success of your next global conference.

Testimonials

Doug met with us to discuss our goals, reviewed survey results, requested information to learn more about our group synergies and provided drafts of his slides for our comment and approval. He amended his presentation based on discussions he observed. Doug’s tailor-made performance was right on target with the message, incorporating our goals and initiatives.

Our challenge to Doug was to be much more than a talking-head presenter;  we expected him to “have an outsider’s viewpoint with an insider’s knowledge.”  Doug more than met our expectations.  He connected with the audience as a respected and credible business speaker, worked with the meeting planners and team to ensure content relevance, tirelessly researched our company well before the event, demonstrated an uncanny ability to summarize and synthesize information that he heard throughout each of the three days of our conference.  He is a great facilitator, “quick on his feet” and can absorb and process volumes of information quickly.