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? asked in Society & CultureEtiquette · 6 years ago

Is this a request to be on a panel that I'm moderating, and how to respond?

I'm an informal advisor to a startup. My university (where I graduated 20 years ago) asked me to put together and moderate a panel of startups and investors. I had mentioned prior panels to the startup that I advise, but the CEO said that she wasn't ready, so I didn't ask her for this one.

Someone else on the upcoming panel mentioned the panel to the CEO, and the CEO wrote me:

"I'm told that you might be going to [University Name] for an event and that maybe I should tag along; could you let me know if you're planning that, since I'd really like to join!"

Does this mean, "please invite me to be a panelist"?

The panel is full, so I'll just have to let her know that we'll have other panels in the future and I'd be honored if she'd like to join them. Is that a good approach?

Thanks.

3 Answers

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  • Antst
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    It's hard to tell whether she only wants to be an audience member or if she wants to be a panel member. She probably does want to be a panel member, but it is OK to tell her that it isn't possible this time.

    You can frame this in a positive way and also let her know more about the discussion and who will be there by saying something like:

    "Thanks for your interest. The event is a panel discussion between startup people and investors at 7:30 pm on 27 August. Unfortunately, the panel is full, but I'd love to have you join us in the audience. There will be a discussion/reception afterwards, where I'm sure the students/panel members/whoever would welcome an opportunity to meet you.

    If you're interested, please find directions to the auditorium here: (insert link).

    Please let me know if you would be interested in receiving invitations to future panel discussions."

  • TrustMe
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    It sounds like she's simply asking for a ride to the event, not to be part of it.

    I would explain to her that she's welcome to tag along, but that you are moderating a panel, so you won't be available to visit socially with her.

    That will get your message across without being rude.

  • Pearl L
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    it sounds like a good approach to me

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