Descriptive Panel Leadership 1: Foundations for New Panel Leaders
May 2026
Traveling to NJ?
Course Overview
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
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.
Course Description
Who Should Attend:
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.
What You Will Learn:
- 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
What You Will Do:
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
Why Take This Course?
Course Format & Length:
Additional Information
Instructors
Lisa Schroeder
Deanna Fiedler
