- Select panelists on the basis of expertise, ensuring issues/groups of relevance are represented.
- Allow time for contacting experts for the panel, and negotiating a mutually suitable time. For very busy people, this can mean planning some months in advance.
- Employ a skilled and unbiased moderator.
- Provide background briefing information to panelists.
- Determine ground rules for the panel.
- Allow public input if possible and appropriate (also see fishbowl).
- Determine course of action.
- Present the outcomes of the panel discussions.