Panels are a great way to get speakers involved in your program.
Panelists can interact with each other, adding a lively note to the session.
Setting up a panel requires careful preparation. That many people on a panel means that you will rush through each speaker, she won't feel valued, and there will be limited or no time for interaction with the audience. Panels usually run 1 to 2 hours. You should ask panelists to speak for about 10 to 15 minutes on the topic. That leaves plenty of time for questions and answers from the audience.