Our Story

MModerate The Panel is built on a guiding principle that has served us well wherever we are working in the world. DON’T BE BORING!

Our Story

In 2006, while watching a hapless moderator being heckled at a Brussels forum, Femi Oke, international broadcaster and professional moderator came up with the idea for Moderate The Panel. Having observed years of high-level events Femi recognized a disturbing pattern. Important conversations were often dry, the caliber of moderators was inconsistent and there weren’t many women of color facilitators.

This wasn’t a problem that one passionate journalist could tackle alone. So, Femi partnered with TV business executive Leslie Shampaine, and a lineup of talented journalists and expert communicators. Fast forward to today, where we’re leveraging our years of experience to transform conversations and preside over gatherings people don’t want to leave. With over 40 international moderators we facilitate hundreds of events for prestigious organizations like The Rockefeller Foundation, the United Nations, African Development Bank Group, African Union, Thomson Reuters, and the European Union.

Moderate The Panel is an unparalleled resource for event organizers who are looking for highly-skilled facilitators, handpicked to bring dynamism, diversity and professionalism to audiences around the world. Now you know our story, we’d love to hear about your event and explore opportunities for collaboration. Click on the contact button to start the conversation.

-Femi and Leslie

Founders

Femi Oke

Co-Founder

Femi Oke has over three decades of experience reporting, producing, and presenting for top international media outlets such as the BBC, Al Jazeera, Channel 4, ITV, Sky Television, CNN International, National Geographic, and NPR. Her extensive exposure on both local and international platforms kick-started her moderating career. Now she's sought after as a moderator and emcee to lead global events and discussions for organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, and European Commission.

"Moderating a panel is deceptively hard, but Femi Oke makes it look easy. Her moderation skills are world-class and she will work with the conference organizers and the speakers themselves to ensure the event is a success. Last but not least, she also brings joy, wit, and fun to your event."
- Marc de Fleurieu, European Development Days,
Europe's premier forum on global poverty and development.

Femi draws on the skills she's learned as a veteran moderator to lead a unique team of like-minded professionals. From the moment you contact us, you'll have the opportunity to benefit from Femi's experience guiding successful events.

Leslie Shampaine is a seasoned producer with a wealth of experience in the television and film industry. Her impressive portfolio includes documentaries, cultural and educational programming created for a diverse range of media platforms. Leslie has a track record of delivering high-profile programs and events for major networks such as PBS, CBS, Discovery Channel, TLC, Al Jazeera, and National Geographic.

Highlights include being part of the production team for the Emmy award-winning Kennedy Center Honors, producing popular shows like the iconic PBS series Avoiding Armageddon, the TLC series D.C. Cupcakes, and Who Betrayed Anne Frank for Discovery Channel. More recently Leslie produced and directed the feature documentary Call Me Dancer, while running Moderate The Panel. Clearly her multi-tasking skills are next level!

With two decades of international production experience and a versatile skill set, there's no aspect of your event Leslie can't handle.

Leslie Shampaine

Co-Founder

Get in touch

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