Fireside Chat
An informal, conversational interview format at events where a moderator guides a discussion with one or two speakers on stage.
Definition
A fireside chat is an event session format featuring a relaxed, conversational interview between a moderator and one or two speakers, typically seated in comfortable chairs rather than behind a podium. The format emphasizes authentic dialogue over formal presentations, encouraging candid insights and storytelling.
The term originates from Franklin D. Roosevelt's informal radio addresses to the American public. In the modern events context, fireside chats have become one of the most popular session formats at conferences, summits, and corporate events because they feel intimate and unscripted even before large audiences.
Why It Matters
Audiences increasingly prefer authentic, conversational content over polished presentations. Fireside chats generate higher engagement and memorable moments because speakers drop their corporate messaging and share genuine perspectives.
For event planners, fireside chats are logistically simpler than keynote presentations, requiring minimal slides or production. They also help attract high-profile speakers who prefer conversation over the pressure of preparing a formal address.
Examples in Practice
A tech summit features a fireside chat between the CEO of a major platform and an industry journalist, generating the most-shared moment of the entire conference when the CEO candidly discusses a product failure and what they learned from it.
A leadership conference pairs a Fortune 500 executive with a moderator who asks questions submitted by the audience in real-time, creating a dynamic session that feels like eavesdropping on a private conversation.