Table Talks FAQs

At some ONA events, we hold Table Talks hosted by speakers and thought leaders like you.  As a host, you’ll help engage a small group of participants in a discussion on a particular topic. To learn more, check out the FAQs below.

1. Why did ONA create Table Talks?

We’ve had two issues we’ve been trying to address in our annual feedback from the conference — we really do look over those surveys.

1. As we’ve grown, it’s been increasingly difficult for people to find other people who share their interests. Our events draw thousands of attendees, which is a lot of people to try to meet, especially for first-time attendees.
2. People consistently rank networking as their favorite part of the conference. Educational programming comes in a very close second … but it’s always second. We want to bring the valuable networking aspects more central to the conference.

Table Talks are designed to address both of these issues at once.

2. So, what exactly are Table Talks supposed to be?

• A fun, engaging coffee-shop-style discussion with others who share your passion
• Open conversations about challenges or emerging issues we see in journalism, or perhaps those Big Ideas we hardly get the chance to explore in our day-to-day work
• A chance to get at some of the stickier issues that are not easily addressed in a more standard conference format

3. So, what SHOULDN’T a Table Talk be?

• A lecture or office hours. Remember, this is supposed to be a conversation, and like any conversation, when one person is overly dominant, it’s a turnoff to everyone else in the group – make space for everyone and engage
• An advertisement for your product. Table Talks are designed to discuss ongoing and emerging issues, not a problem you and your company have already solved
• Complain-A-Thons. Yes, some problems are intractable and seem to go on forever but complaining about them for an hour isn’t constructive. If you’re stuck, brainstorm some moon shots, try to list out the root of what’s causing the issues, build support for some big ideas!

4. Who will be participating in these talks?

Anyone and everyone! This is one of the only pieces of formal conference programming happening at this time. If you are available, take a look at the eight Table Talk conversations we’re running this year and consider joining.

Unlike our formal educational programming, no one “presents” a Table Talk. Instead, we have designated hosts to keep the conversation moving and make sure everyone has a chance to share their thoughts and ideas on specific topic areas. Remember to keep your questions specific, your answers brief and make space for others to chime in with their experiences.

5. What is the format for Table Talks in a digital-only environment?

TableTalks will be virtual this year, and will run differently than they do at in person events.

Rather than turning over several big ballrooms to accommodate every conference attendee over one long morning, we will instead run eight specific conversations at the close of formal programming on most conference days.

Each Table Talk will entail a single breakout room, managed by conference speakers and volunteers and open to all attendees. These spaces are a chance for attendees to share experiences, gain expertise and network across job roles and organization types.

ONA20 Table Talks:

• Table Talks: Ensuring Information Access Equity in Our Communities
  Wednesday, June 23 | 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM ET
• Table Talks: Tools for Getting Your Organization On Board for Change
  Wednesday, June 23 | 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM ET
• Table Talks: Safety in Journalism
  Friday, June 25 | 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM ET
• Table Talks: Strengthening Engagement Through Culturally Competent Translation
  Friday, June 25 | 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM ET

When attendees arrive for Table Talks, a facilitator will welcome them and explain the format.

6. Ok but … how do we get people talking?

Attendees come from all sorts of professional backgrounds and have varying levels of experience: All are welcome.

A great place to start is with very brief introductions, going around the room and asking others to chime in. The point is just to get everyone contributing.