Why Riva Media’s Expert Moderators and Facilitators Are the Secret to Unforgettable Events

In today’s competitive event landscape, securing the right speaker is no longer enough. You need a skilled moderator or facilitator—professionals who can bring structure, flow, and high-level engagement to every session. Riva Media is a Moderators and Facilitators Agency representing news presenters from major broadcasters like the BBC, ITV, and NBC – all experienced and equipped to interview, guide and facilitate panel discussions, conferences and other major events, ensuring maximum value from your guests, speakers and contributors.

Governments, banks, major corporations and the United Nations are among the clients we’ve worked with, and our moderators have hosted events and conferences around the world. As a premier speakers bureau, Riva Media transforms standard agendas into dynamic, future-ready discussions.

What’s the Difference Between Moderators and Facilitators?

Although often used interchangeably, moderators and facilitators play distinct roles in live and virtual events:

Moderators guide discussions, panels, and interviews, ensuring seamless transitions, audience engagement, and time management. They set the tone, bridge between speakers, and are adept at handling high-profile interviews, difficult questions, and unexpected developments with composure.
Facilitators focus on collaboration and outcomes. They structure group sessions, drive interaction, and keep energy levels high. They’re invaluable in workshops, brainstorming sessions, and small group dynamics where engagement and contribution from all attendees is essential.

Both require sharp listening, quick thinking, diplomacy, and charisma. Their skill sets often overlap, but the application differs based on event type. It’s no coincidence that many of Riva Media’s professionals come from global broadcasting backgrounds—think BBC, ITV, and CNN—where real-time adaptability and confident stage presence are crucial. These experts don’t just manage a room—they empower it, elevating the content and giving every voice space to be heard.

Why a Great Moderator or Facilitator is Game-Changing

A compelling keynote can capture attention—but it’s a moderator or facilitator who ensures the audience stays with you throughout the day. They:

Frame the conversation to provide context and credibility
Bridge between speakers, avoiding repetition and filler
Manage Q&A sessions tactfully and dynamically
Adapt in real-time to agenda changes or sensitive topics
Inject energy, especially during hybrid or virtual formats

In short: they make your content work harder.

The Rise of AI Speakers – and Why They Work So Well with Professional Moderators

Artificial Intelligence is one of the most talked-about topics in global business, education, and government—and audiences demand speakers who not only understand the tech, but can communicate it accessibly.

Pairing a skilled moderator or facilitator with an expert AI speaker brings huge advantages:

Clarifies complex topics like generative AI, ethics, or machine learning
Encourages dialogue with non-technical audiences
Drives better engagement during Q&A and panel formats

Riva Media specialises in booking high-impact AI speakers who can collaborate effectively with moderators to deliver sharp, inclusive conversations.

Featured AI Speakers at Riva Media

1. Zoe Kleinman

BBC Technology Editor and leading AI commentator. Zoe is known for making cutting-edge tech relatable to everyday audiences, whether she’s speaking about cyber security, ChatGPT, or AI’s role in education.

2. Dr Daniel Hulme

CEO of Satalia and Chief AI Officer at WPP, Daniel is one of the UK’s most prominent AI thought leaders. He covers the ethical, organisational, and societal impact of AI—and regularly appears at global forums.

3. Kathryn Parsons

Co-founder of Decoded, Kathryn is a tech education visionary and policy influencer. Her keynotes blend coding, innovation, and digital transformation with practical takeaways for business leaders.

These voices are even more powerful when guided by Riva Media’s professional moderators—ensuring clarity, structure, and relevance.

When to Choose a Moderator vs. a Facilitator

Choosing between a moderator and a facilitator often depends on your event’s format, tone, and objectives. For structured conversations like panel discussions or fireside chats, a skilled moderator is ideal. They manage time, flow, and engagement while ensuring each speaker has their moment to shine.

If your event involves deeper interaction—such as roundtables, workshops, or virtual breakout sessions—a facilitator is better suited. Facilitators guide collaboration, encourage equal participation, and keep sessions focused on outcomes.

In larger events like multi-speaker conferences, you may need both: a moderator to manage keynotes and panels, and a facilitator to handle interactive segments. The combination ensures both content delivery and participant engagement are maximised.

Still unsure which is right for your event? Riva Media offers bespoke consultation services to help you design the most effective format and select the right professional for the job.

The Riva Media Edge: Why Global Brands Trust Us

From the United Nations to global banks, from tech summits to climate forums, Riva Media has placed seasoned moderators and facilitators at high-stakes events worldwide.

Why clients choose us:

Broadcast-grade talent from BBC, ITV, CNN, Sky News
Topic specialists in AI, geopolitics, sustainability, finance, and health
Fluent multilingual speakers
Experienced in virtual, hybrid, and live formats

Explore our roster of professional Moderators and Facilitators ready to elevate your next event.

Event Types That Benefit Most from Moderators & Facilitators

Corporate Strategy Days – drive actionable conversations
Public Sector Forums – maintain structure and neutrality
International Summits – facilitate cross-cultural clarity
Product Launches – keep things crisp and on-message
Academic Roundtables – encourage deep thought and inclusivity

How to Book Your Moderator or AI Speaker with Riva Media

Working with Riva Media is simple:

Browse talent via our curated categories
Submit your brief—or speak with a specialist
Receive a tailored shortlist based on your needs
We handle logistics, prep, and support before and during the event

You focus on your audience. We’ll take care of the rest.

Don’t Just Plan an Event—Craft a Conversation

In 2025 and beyond, audiences expect more than just information—they crave connection, clarity, and energy. A successful event requires more than outstanding content; it demands the skilled delivery and guidance of seasoned professionals. That’s where moderators, facilitators, and AI speakers from Riva Media excel.

Whether you’re hosting a high-stakes boardroom session, a cross-sector summit, or a public-facing innovation showcase, our team brings the experience, poise, and subject-matter knowledge to make your event truly shine. We don’t just fill slots—we shape conversations that inspire real change.

Let Riva Media handle the people who guide the narrative, keep the pace, and captivate the audience from start to finish.

Get in touch today and discover how our moderators and facilitators can transform your next event from good to unforgettable.