Break & Intermission Scheduler
Enter your event duration and type to get optimal break placement recommendations. Keep your audience engaged with science-backed scheduling.
Event Details
Recommended Schedule
4h 45m
Content Time
1h 15m
Break Time
4
Sessions
1h 12m
Longest Session
80/100
Attention Score
Good
Break Schedule
Conference · 6h total · 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
| Time | Item | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 10:12 AM | Session 1 | 1h 12m | Session |
| 10:12 AM – 10:27 AM | Short Break | 15m | Break |
| 10:27 AM – 11:38 AM | Session 2 | 1h 11m | Session |
| 11:38 AM – 12:23 PM | Lunch Break | 45m | Meal Break |
| 12:23 PM – 1:34 PM | Session 3 | 1h 11m | Session |
| 1:34 PM – 1:49 PM | Short Break | 15m | Break |
| 1:49 PM – 3:00 PM | Session 4 | 1h 11m | Session |
| 3:00 PM | Event Ends |
Why Break Timing Matters
Research consistently shows that audience attention drops significantly after 45-60 minutes of continuous content. Without well-placed breaks, engagement decreases, information retention suffers, and your audience mentally checks out even if they're physically present.
Strategic break placement does more than rest your audience — it creates natural transition points, gives speakers time to reset, allows for networking and informal discussions, and keeps energy levels high throughout the day.
Break Scheduling Best Practices by Event Type
Conferences
Keep sessions under 90 minutes. Schedule 15-minute breaks between sessions and a 45-60 minute lunch for full-day events. Morning and afternoon tea breaks boost energy levels.
Workshops & Training
Shorter sessions work better — 45-60 minutes max. Workshops require more cognitive effort, so frequent 10-15 minute breaks help participants absorb material.
All-Day Summits
For 8+ hour events, plan for morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Vary session lengths to keep the day dynamic. The post-lunch session should be the most engaging to counter the afternoon dip.
Virtual Events
Online attention spans are shorter. Cap sessions at 45 minutes and include 10-minute breaks. Consider "micro-breaks" every 20 minutes with quick polls or Q&A to re-engage remote attendees.