The Long Table is a format devised by Lois Weaver as an alternative to Panel Discussions at events/conference to democratise conversation and expertise. For me at these events, its often very full of content and its nice to have a pause to process some of what is happening for and in people . This format invites conversation around any topics including difficult ones, it breaks down institutional barriers for knowledge and cultivates community. There is a physical set up with a table around which a number of chairs around that is a circle of chairs for everyone. When someone wants to speak, they come to the table. One chair always has to be empty and the tablecloth is paper so can be drawn/written on. According to Lois "Everyone in the room has the power (and imperative, with the communal interest for a more satisfying discussion) to shift the direction of conversation, to mediate moments of tension and to make space for voices less easily heard." There are rules of engagement that are simple and lay the groundwork for participation and access. Its a really good format for a somatic event "while celebrating the potential for new forms of knowledge-making and -sharing." I've also added a body base intro before the conversation begins. See also https://split-britches.squarespace.com/long-table