--- title: Engaging Conference Breakout Session Ideas description: Explore creative breakout session examples from top scientific and medical conferences. Boost engagement and inspire your next event—read now. image: https://www.exordo.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/batch_people-work-meeting-medium-shot-3.png --- [Ex Ordo](https://www.exordo.com/) - Product - #### [Review Our abstract management software is built for painless peer review.](https://www.exordo.com/product/peer-review-software) - #### [Register We designed our registration system for research conferences, not rock concerts.](https://www.exordo.com/product/conference-registration) - #### [Virtual Gather your tribe with a virtual or hybrid conference that's designed for discovery.](https://www.exordo.com/product/virtual-conference-platform) We've built the best software in the world for [managing a research conference](https://www.exordo.com/product/conference-management) - Customers - #### [WDA Case Study How Wildlife Disease Association built a long-term partnership with Ex Ordo.](https://www.exordo.com/case-study/wildlife-disease-association) - #### [ASEM Case Study How the American Society for Engineering Management moved to a hybrid format.](https://www.exordo.com/case-study/american-society-for-engineering-management) - #### [Customer Stories We understand the value of a second opinion. 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Conference breakout sessions are typically used to gather delegates in smaller groups. The sessions get them engaged with a workshop or discussion. They offer people the chance to discuss, challenge or act on information they’ve learned at your event. Breakout sessions come in all shapes and sizes, but they’re often scheduled in parallel streams to allow delegates to follow the stream they’re interested in, before they rejoin the larger group for a plenary session. These sessions are [great for multiple reasons](https://helloendless.com/conference-breakout-sessions/). They can help you divide sessions by knowledge or career level. They increase the sort of face-to-face interactions that are [more valuable](https://www.exordo.com/blog/5-ways-to-encourage-conference-networking/) to delegates than anything they can achieve online. Adding a bit of creativity to your breakout sessions allows you to tailor content to different learning styles. And, because they’re often based heavily on participation, they help ensure your delegates experience a more personalised event. Plus, taking a break from lecture-style passive learning can be just the ticket people need after a morning of intense oral presentations. Lists of innovative breakout [session types](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/blog/formats-to-refresh-your-conference-ds00/) abound online, but which formats suit scientific, medical and technical conferences? Let’s take a look at what these eight scientific and medical conferences are doing. ### 1. The archaeology teaching slam *A breakout session to inspire new teaching methods.* Sessions which involves an audience passively listening can be great for imparting knowledge, but, just like in a classroom of learners, an audience that’s given the chance to participate is often better able to retain and implement knowledge. To help inspire new teachers, and to furnish seasoned lecturers with some fresh ideas, the Society for American Archaeology Annual Meeting includes a Teaching Slam. In this breakout session, presenters offer a three-minute lesson on one archaeological concept, with the help of one slide and one prop. It’s inspired by the popular [Three-Minute Thesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Minute_Thesis) competitions, and the aim is firmly on audience engagement. The result is a fast-paced session that inspires. ### 2. The paediatrics marketplace *A session that puts learners firmly in charge.* Different delegates respond to different styles of teaching. The most effective learning often occurs when we get info that’s targeted directly at our needs. For this reason, breakout sessions are a fantastic time to pass the reins to attendees and let them direct the learning. This is what the conferences of the Emergency Medicine Society of South Africa do in their Paediatric Marketplace breakout sessions. A dozen or so market stalls are set up with materials like posters, interactive cases and quizzes on topics within the conference. Delegates are free to browse at their own pace and chat with the stallholders who are experts in each topic. The experts tailor their teaching to each delegate’s individual needs and the stalls have equipment so that experts can demonstrate skills where appropriate. And, unlike an exhibit by sponsors, the marketplace is non-commercial, it’s simply a space for sharing expertise, skills and knowledge. ### 3. The microbiology meet-the-editors night *An informal session designed to put early-career delegates at ease.* Breakout sessions also provide the opportunity to let people join a discussion in smaller groups and ask questions they might not ask in a larger formal session. And they’re perfect for creating a more personal feel that feeds off participation, which is what [The International Society for Microbial Ecology](https://www.isme-microbes.org/) does at the Meet the Editors pub night held during its symposium. To encourage early-career scientists to ask questions about their writing skills or about academic publishing in general, the organisers buy the first round of drinks during this session. Then they give the students the time and space to have informal chats with the society’s editorial team. ### 4. The urology debates, *Survivor*-style *A fast-paced breakout session designed for healthy competition.* Pitting presenters against each other in the name of fun can help enliven any event. Which is why the American Urological Association’s 2018 Annual Meeting encourages its attendees to get heated in their [Survivor Debate](https://associationsnow.com/2018/05/conference-circuit-urologic-medicine/) breakout sessions. In these sessions, panelists debate hot topics in the urology field. They used their knowledge and persuasion to avoid getting voted off the island. Debaters are gradually eliminated by an audience vote, until one is left standing. Fast-paced, interactive sessions like these are always a hit with delegates. [![No panic conference guide](https://www.exordo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Lead-Magnet-Image-2-Apr-10-2025-12-16-25-9472-PM.png?width=588&height=309&name=Lead-Magnet-Image-2-Apr-10-2025-12-16-25-9472-PM.png)](https://www.exordo.com/no-panic-scholarly-event-guide) ### 5. The cancer research dragons’ den *A session designed to air research ideas to a lay audience.* Breakout sessions are a great opportunity to bring in people from outside of research to lend their lived experiences to the specialists in the room. This is what the National Cancer Research Institute does at its annual conference Dragons’ Den sessions.  The “dragons” in these sessions are knowledgeable patients and carers who are already involved in research. The delegates have the opportunity to pitch their research projects to them and hear their thoughts. The benefits of these practical sessions are twofold. Delegates get help and advice on everything from their study’s design to its delivery. And the patients and carers gain the opportunity to support cancer research more effectively and productively. ### 6. The emergency medicine SIM competitions *A breakout session using role play to create a hands-on experience.* Those who practice emergency medicine rarely work in isolation, so a breakout session that requires teamwork and decisiveness is perfect. The [Society for Academic Emergency Medicine](https://www.saem.org/) conference uses their SIMWars sessions to do just this. SIMWars is a simulation-based competition between teams of clinical providers that compete in various aspects of patient care in front of other delegates. This session emphasises experiential learning for the competitors. It allows the audience to benefit from observing decision-making, and viewing and discussing practice variations across emergency medicine disciplines and institutions. ### 7. The nuclear cardiology walk and learn tours *A breakout session for small-group learning on the go.* Breakout sessions are a nice excuse to sneak some stress-reducing activities into your [conference programme](https://www.exordo.com/product/conference-programme), such as taking the learning outdoors. The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology used [Walk and Learn](https://www.asnc.org/blog_home.asp?display=223) breakout sessions at its conference in San Francisco to ensure delegates saw the sights and explored the host city while acquiring knowledge on the go. These walking tours allowed delegates to take part in intelligent discussions of the field’s hot topics, while enjoying San Francisco’s sweet and savoury attractions. Each session’s discussion was tailored to the group’s interests. And attendees sampled dim sum and watched as fortune cookies are made, while enjoying the collegial environment of a small group discussion ### 8. The meteorology town hall meetings *A session serving the hottest topics of the day.* Giving your delegations options on what they engage with gives them the power to tailor your event to their needs. The American Meteorological Society uses its annual conference [Town Hall Meetings](https://ams.confex.com/ams/98Annual/webprogram/Session45423.html) to do just this. These breakout sessions are more informal than the technical sessions in the conference programme and focus on the field’s hot topics. They draw some of the biggest names in the community as speakers and foster an open discussion for attendees. ### **Placing Breakouts in the Modern Conference Programme** Breakout sessions are most effective when they are not an afterthought but are strategically woven into the fabric of the [conference programme.](https://www.exordo.com/product/conference-programme) In today's hybrid and data-driven landscape, this requires careful planning and the smart use of technology. This section explores how to integrate breakout sessions into a seamless, engaging delegate journey. #### **Aligning Breakout Sessions with the Conference Narrative** Your conference has a story, and breakout sessions are a key chapter. - **Topic Relevance:** Ensure the [breakout session topics](https://iccbelfast.com/blogs/conference-breakout-sessions)are a logical extension of the main plenary sessions. For example, a keynote on a new research methodology could be followed by a workshop where delegates apply that method[to a case study.](https://www.exordo.com/case-study/wildlife-disease-association) - **Energy Management:** Use breakout sessions to break up long periods of passive listening. Schedule them in the middle of the day or after lunch when delegate engagement might naturally wane. - **Goal-Oriented Design:** Each breakout session should serve a clear purpose, whether that's skill development (workshop), [in-depth networkin](https://www.exordo.com/blog/networking-at-a-conference)g (roundtable), or collaborative problem-solving (unconference). Communicate this purpose clearly in the programme to help delegates choose wisely. #### **The Role of Technology in Facilitating Engagement** In 2025, technology is a key enabler of effective breakout sessions, especially for hybrid events. - **Seamless Virtual Integration:** For virtual or hybrid breakout sessions, ensure your chosen platform offers robust, easy-to-use breakout room functionality. Delegates should be able to move between rooms with a single click, and facilitators should be able to "pop in" and out of rooms to monitor progress. - **Mobile App as a Central Hub:** The [conference mobile app](https://www.exordo.com/product/mobile-conference-app) should be the central point for managing the delegate's journey. It can host the programme, allow delegates to build a personalised schedule, and provide push notifications about upcoming sessions. Crucially, it should also host networking features that allow delegates to see who is attending a session and connect with them before or after the event. - **Live Engagement Tools:** Tools for live polling, Q&A, and word clouds can be used within a breakout session to gauge audience opinion in real-time. This is particularly effective for large groups and for ensuring a voice for virtual attendees. By integrating breakout sessions strategically and leveraging technology, you ensure they are not just a diversion but a vital component of your conference's academic and networking goals. This approach transforms a simple list of session ideas into a practical guide for [modern programme design.](https://www.exordo.com/blog/conference-programme-design-tools) ### Conclusion In conclusion, conference breakout sessions offer unique opportunities to enrich attendee engagement, foster learning, and facilitate deeper connections. These sessions can be designed to suit different objectives. Like hands-on workshops to insightful discussions, adapting to attendees’ interests and encouraging active participation. By implementing creative breakout formats, organisers can enhance the overall impact of their events, leaving participants with valuable skills, memorable experiences, and a strong sense of community. These innovations ultimately help make conferences more interactive, memorable, and impactful. ### Abstract Management Software: Everything you need to know ## Read more articles ### [![Design the Perfect Conference Programme](https://www.exordo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand%20imagery/People%20at%20Work%20(1).png?width=1200&height=800&name=People%20at%20Work%20(1).png) Design the Perfect Conference Programme](https://www.exordo.com/blog/conference-programme-design-tools) 23 July 2025 Explore the best tools and expert tips for flawless conference scheduling. Simplify planning, boost engagement, and save time—start now. [Conference Programme](https://www.exordo.com/blog/tag/conference-programme) [![Avatar of Brian Campbell](https://www.exordo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Brian-Headshot%20(2).jpg?width=24&height=24&name=Brian-Headshot%20(2).jpg) Brian Campbell](https://www.exordo.com/blog/author/brian-campbell) 14 mins read ### [![10 Tips for building better programmes](https://www.exordo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/conference-programme-1.jpg?width=1200&height=800&name=conference-programme-1.jpg) 10 Tips for building better programmes](https://www.exordo.com/blog/make-your-conference-programme-memorable) 07 December 2023 Creating a conference programme that’s intuitive and digestible will give delegates a rich learning experience at your event. [![Avatar of Dee McCurry](https://www.exordo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dee%20-%20Grey-1.jpg?width=24&height=24&name=Dee%20-%20Grey-1.jpg) Dee McCurry](https://www.exordo.com/blog/author/dee-mccurry) 4 mins read ### [![How to Plan a Successful Conference Poster Session](https://www.exordo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Conference%20planning.png?width=1200&height=800&name=Conference%20planning.png) How to Plan a Successful Conference Poster Session](https://www.exordo.com/blog/planning-a-poster-session) 12 August 2025 From layout to logistics, learn how to organize a poster session that encourages engagement and showcases research effectively. [Conference Programme](https://www.exordo.com/blog/tag/conference-programme) [![Avatar of Gemma Elliott](https://www.exordo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gemma-General-1.jpg?width=24&height=24&name=Gemma-General-1.jpg) Gemma Elliott](https://www.exordo.com/blog/author/gemma-elliott) 9 mins read ## Like what you see? Go to our pricing page and get a quote delivered to your inbox. 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