Hybrid Meeting

What is a Hybrid Meeting?

Hybrid Meeting

A hybrid meeting is a type of meeting that involves both in-person and remote participants.

Definition

Daniel Wirtz

Co-Founder, Facilitator School

Last updated

June 14, 2024

A hybrid meeting effectively combines in-person attendance with virtual participation, allowing attendees to join from any location via technological means. This kind of meeting leverages the flexibility of digital platforms while maintaining the personal touch of face-to-face interactions.

Hybrid meetings are particularly valuable in a globalized business environment where team members might be spread across various locations, ensuring everyone can participate regardless of their physical presence. These meetings require careful planning to ensure both online and on-site participants can interact seamlessly. It's crucial to use tools that enable effective communication and engagement for all attendees.

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Hybrid Meeting

What is an example of a hybrid meeting at work?

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Imagine a scenario where a company's headquarters in New York hosts a quarterly planning session. While some team members gather in the conference room, others from branches in London and Tokyo join via a video conferencing tool. This setup allows everyone to contribute to the discussion as if they were in the same room, bridging the gap between different continents.

What are the characteristics of a successful hybrid meeting?

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Successful hybrid meetings ensure equal participation between in-person and remote attendees. They feature high-quality audio and visual technology, a clear agenda known in advance, and an effective facilitator who can manage the dynamics of both virtual and physical spaces. Active engagement and active listening strategies are employed to foster a collaborative environment.

How can you facilitate hybrid meetings?

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To effectively facilitate a hybrid meeting, start by ensuring top-notch technology is in place, including reliable internet, professional microphones, and cameras. Utilize a co-facilitator to manage online interaction, while the primary facilitator handles the in-room activities. Regularly engage with remote participants to make them feel included. Experiment with different formats and technologies to find what works best for your team.

What technology can be used to improve hybrid meetings?

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Enhancing hybrid meetings can be achieved through the use of advanced technologies like high-definition cameras, clear and reliable microphones, and robust video conferencing platforms that support seamless interaction between in-person and online attendees. Tools that enable real-time collaboration and participation, such as shared digital whiteboards and instant polling software, also add significant value.

What is the alternative to running a hybrid meeting?

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An alternative to hybrid meetings is conducting fully remote or fully in-person sessions. Depending on the context, another approach could involve splitting participants into distinct groups, either by role, function, or location, and then merging their contributions asynchronously to tackle projects or decisions.