Moderator, MC, Compere and
Conversation Architect
When Katja moderates, expert knowledge turns into engaging conversations
audiences follow
Great conferences don’t just present ideas. They create conversations that move people forward.
Katja Schleicher moderates international conferences, summits and expert panels with a distinctive approach: she strengthens the quality of dialogue. With her background in corporate communications, journalism and keynote speaking, she combines intellectual curiosity, strategic framing and a sharp sense for the dynamics of a room.
The result:conversations that are clearer, deeper and more meaningful for everyone involved.
Many conferences feature impressive speakers and important topics. Yet discussions often remain polite, fragmented or overly technical.
Katja’s moderation style ensures that conversations become engaging, insightful and relevant.
Katja combines three strengths rarely found in one moderator:
What Happens Differently When Katja Moderates
Her tone is warm yet challenging, allowing experts to go beyond prepared statements while keeping the discussion constructive and accessible.
Communicative intelligence
Understanding
how conversations unfold
Intellectual framing
connecting perspectives into a bigger picture
Journalistic interviewing
Asking precise
and meaningful questions
During the event Katja combines two distinctive roles that elevate discussions
The Challenger who is asking the Question Everyone Is Thinking
Important conversations rarely fail because people have nothing to say. They fail because no one asks the uncomfortable question. Katja listens closely, identifies the missing perspective and asks the question that moves the discussion forward.
The Synthesizer Turning Expertise into Meaning
Experts speak in depth. Audiences think in context. Katja bridges that gap. Throughout a conversation she connects perspectives, highlights patterns and translates complex insights into clear takeaways. What might otherwise remain a series of expert statements becomes a coherent narrative the audience can follow.
Conversation Architect
Katja sees moderation not simply as guiding a panel, but as designing a conversation. Before the event even begins, she works with organizers to shape discussions that are both intellectually stimulating and audience-friendly.
This includes:
structuring panels so speakers complement rather than repeat each other
identifying the central question driving the conversation
ensuring clarity and flow throughout the session
creating space for genuine dialogue rather than parallel monologues
The most memorable conferences do more than deliver content.
They create conversations people remember.
Areas of Expertise
Katja frequently moderates conversations at the intersection of technology, innovation and societal change: including
Sustainability and climate transition
Deep tech and innovation
Mobility and energy systems
Policy and
public-private dialogue
Her experience allows her to translate complex topics between science, business, politics and the public.
Typical Formats
Katja Schleicher moderates:
international conferences and summits
expert panels and high-level dialogues
fireside conversations and keynote interviews
award ceremonies and innovation showcases
policy and technology discussions
She is equally comfortable working with scientists, CEOs, policymakers and entrepreneurs, ensuring that each perspective contributes to the conversation.
The Wrap-Up Keynote
Turning a Day of Ideas into Real Insight
Great conferences generate hundreds of ideas, perspectives and questions. But by the end of the day many participants remember only fragments. Katja’s Wrap-Up Keynote transforms a full conference day into a coherent and memorable closing moment.
After listening throughout the event panels, keynotes and audience reactions she delivers a short closing keynote that:
identifies and elevates the central themes emerging from the discussions
connects ideas across sessions
highlights surprising insights and tensions
translates expert knowledge into meaningful takeaways
Instead of leaving with scattered impressions, the audience leaves with clarity, perspective and a sense of the bigger picture. Because Katja combines the qualities of analytical listening of a moderator and the storytelling ability of a keynote speaker a closing moment likes this elevates the entire event.
Selected Moderation References
Katja has moderated events for leading organizations and institutions, including: