Build the foundation to lead a descriptive panel with confidence.

Descriptive Panel Leadership 1: Foundations for New Panel Leaders

This foundational course builds the core knowledge, skills, and confidence required to lead a descriptive panel effectively. Participants learn how to form and manage panels, develop lexicons, apply test controls, and conduct basic product evaluations. Through a combination of instruction, hands-on exercises, and guided discussion, participants gain practical experience they can immediately apply in their own programs.

The course culminates in a participant-led simulated panel experience and action plan, allowing learners to apply key concepts in a supportive, real-world context.

Course Schedule and Information

On Tuesday, May 12th, we will have a light breakfast available beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET, and the course will begin at 9 a.m. ET. Tuesday and Wednesday we will finish around 4 to 5 p.m.

The course will wrap up on Thursday, May 14th around noon. We will have grab and go lunch options available for those that are traveling.

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DPL 1 is designed for new or early-stage descriptive panel leaders who are beginning to lead panels or who want to strengthen their foundational skills. It is ideal for individuals who have recently stepped into a panel leadership role or who support sensory panels and want a clearer understanding of best practices.

Explain the role and responsibilities of an effective descriptive panel leader
Apply basic sensory scaling techniques and evaluation methods
Form and manage a panel, including panelist selection and motivation
Develop and apply a basic lexicon for product evaluation
Design simple test protocols and conduct product evaluations
Identify common panel challenges and apply introductory strategies to address them
Summarize and communicate key results appropriately for different audiences

During this course, you will actively apply foundational panel leadership concepts through guided, hands-on practice. You will:

Participate in interactive sensory exercises to practice scaling, evaluation, and observation skills
Develop and apply a basic lexicon, gaining experience translating sensory perceptions into shared language
Collaborate with instructors and peers to work through real-world panel leadership scenarios
Design and run simple product evaluations using appropriate test controls and protocols
Practice observing and supporting panel performance during simulated panel sessions
Explore strategies for motivating panelists and managing common challenges
Engage in role-playing activities to build confidence addressing difficult dynamics
Lead or contribute to a simulated panel experience, applying course concepts in a supportive environment
Create a personal action plan to apply what you’ve learned to your own panel or role

Build a strong foundation in descriptive panel leadership
Gain hands-on experience in a guided, supportive learning environment
Learn best practices directly from experienced panel leaders
Leave with a practical action plan you can apply immediately

2.5 days (2 full days + ½ day)
Instructor-led training with interactive workshops, group discussions, and hands-on exercises
Culminates in a participant-led simulated panel session and personal action plan
Small class size to encourage interaction and individualized feedback

This course is strongly recommended before taking DPL 2.

Get to know us

Instructors

Lisa Schroeder

Lisa Schroeder currently serves as a Project Manager, Product Understanding at Sensory Spectrum with expertise in all aspects of panel execution. Lisa has over twenty years of experience forming, training, leading, and managing both descriptive analysis and quality panels. She has also overseen and maintained sensory quality programs in food manufacturing production. She enjoys developing protocols for training panels as well as creating protocols for challenging attributes and categories. She has trained panels in Europe and Asia and has spent hundreds of hours assisting with developing scales and references relevant to international local markets and palates. Lisa has a passion for coaching and mentoring panel leaders and is also adept at helping panelists understand complicated methodology. Lisa has worked in the field of sensory for over 20 years and has held positions in food manufacturing sensory quality, panel leadership and panel management.

Deanna Fiedler

Deanna Fiedler has dedicated 15 years to the field of Sensory Science and currently holds the position of Project Manager of Consulting at Sensory Spectrum. She specializes in the sensory evaluation of food, beverages, and aromas. Deanna excels in client engagement, study design, execution, and results reporting. Her extensive experience includes leading and training sensory panels and panel leaders. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Science from Rutgers University.

Descriptive Panel Leadership 1: Foundations for New Panel Leaders

Course Schedule and Information

Course Description

Who Should Attend

What You Will Learn

What You Will Do

Why Take This Course?

Course Format & Length

Additional Information

Instructors

Lisa Schroeder

Deanna Fiedler

Course Lessons

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