Leading the Conversation: Moderating and Panel Development

"The qualities that make Julie Burstein a phenomenal Moderator and Interviewer are her own genuine curiosity, exceptional professionalism, and innate story-telling ability." Fiona Brady, American Museum of Natural History

My experience as a radio host and producer has given me the perfect tools to moderate panels for museums, universities, and corporations. For events such as Spark Talks at The Met I focus on finding the right talent for each event, and then craft an hour of conversation that leads the audience, and the panelists themselves, into new areas of discovery.

What people are saying about my work leading public conversations:

"The qualities that make Julie Burstein a phenomenal Moderator and Interviewer are her own genuine curiosity, exceptional professionalism, and innate story-telling ability. At the American Museum of Natural History's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, we have hired Julie numerous times to moderate panel discussions exploring diverse scientific concepts. (Our public-program audiences often include a mix of science professionals, members of the general public, and students ranging from middle-school age to doctoral candidates.) Julie's careful preparation process begins as she delves into the topic herself, working closely with the event hosts to identify important themes. Her practice of conducting pre-interviews with speakers helps each prepare and feel comfortable, and draws out fascinating details and backstories that Julie revisits during the live event. On stage, she engages both speakers and audience members, helping bridge the divide on topics and perspectives that may be new to many. Julie is a pleasure to work with, and I heartily endorse her." -- Fiona Brady, American Museum of Natural History

"I had the pleasure of working with Julie for 2009 NYC Wildflower Week. She moderated our panel discussion, “Creating Sustainable Landscapes”. The result was an engaging and intelligent conversation about our open spaces. She allowed panelists to shine while keeping them on topic. It was an excellent example of her gift for crafting a story and it has stayed with me. Others agree – NYC Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe let me know that it was one of the finest panels he’d ever attended and that Julie did an outstanding job!" Marielle Anzelone, Founder, Pop-up Forest Times Square and Founder of NYC Wildflower Week

Spark Talks at The Met: A conversation with architect Steven Holl, neuroscientist Robert Zatorre, and theologian and jazz musician Peter Bouteneff about music, space, and awe.

A Spark Talk about time, with musician Laurie Anderson, art historian and astrophysicist Dr. SeungJung Kim, author Rebecca Stead, and curator Melanie Holcomb.

Ancient Korean art meets K-Pop in this Spark Talk with curators Sooyoung Lee and Denise Leidy and playwright Young Jean Lee.