• 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.