Moderators With A Mission
At Moderate The Panel, we understand the impact a great moderator can have on an event. The right moderator can elevate an event, creating a captivating atmosphere while keeping the audience engaged and entertained. But in the hands of an amateur, disaster can strike at any moment.
Our co-founder, Femi Oke, knows this all too well. She’s witnessed moderators being heckled, freeze onstage, and even one hungry facilitator eating lunch while moderating. With over 30 years of experience hosting events for royalty, presidents, and prime ministers, she's seen it all. From moderators who can't control the flow of a session to journalists who take lunch breaks on stage, she's witnessed the ups and downs of moderating.
That's why Femi brought together a diverse group of international journalists and expert communicators to form Moderate The Panel. Our mission is to take the stress out of planning panel events, whether held in a conference space or online.
We believe everyone deserves a successful event, and we're here to make that a reality. So, whether you're in North America, Africa, the Middle East, South America, Europe, Australia, or Asia, give us a call.
Femi Oke has over three decades of experience reporting, producing, and presenting for top international media outlets such as the BBC, 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 moderator and MC 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.
Femi Oke Co-founder
Leslie Shampaine Co-founder
Leslie Shampaine is a seasoned producer with a wealth of experience in the television and film industry. With her extensive expertise across a diverse range of media platforms, Leslie has a track record of delivering award-winning programs and events for major networks such as PBS, CBS, Discovery Channel, TLC, Al Jazeera, and National Geographic.
Leslie is a co-founder of Moderate The Panel, a company dedicated to revolutionizing international conferences by bringing a diverse group of talented female moderators and MCs to the event stage. With two decades of worldwide production experience, her portfolio spans from documentaries to cultural and educational programming. Leslie was part of the Emmy award-winning Kennedy Center Honors production team for eight years and has produced a number of popular shows, including the PBS series Avoiding Armageddon hosted by Walter Cronkite, the TLC series D.C. Cupcakes, and the Smithsonian Networks series Seriously Amazing Objects. With two decades of production experience and a versatile skill set, there's no aspect of your event Leslie can't handle.