The pandemic, despite the desire of many board members to resume in-person meetings has forced us to continue to hold meetings online. This hybrid model will not go away and boards need to find ways to run effective meetings for both in-person and remote attendees.

To ensure that meetings are productive, it is vital that the chair of the board adheres to the agenda. The chair must also provide clear guidelines. Digital tools can help to speed up the process of meetings by giving attendees the ability to work through the agenda faster. It is also essential that remote and in-person attendees receive the same materials prior to the meeting. This can include documents and slides that are used during the meeting, as in addition to any notes or information that was sent out in advance.

Prioritizing engagement will ensure that everyone is on the same page during www.itsboardroom.com/how-to-set-up-successful-hybrid-board-meetings/ hybrid meetings. It is essential to ensure that the virtual platform functions correctly and that all the links have been downloaded and clicked prior to the meeting begins. It is possible to identify and resolve any issues earlier by having an experienced member of staff log into the meeting.

Similarly, muting the microphone when you’re not speaking will cut out echoes as well as background noise and allow everyone to concentrate on the discussion in front of them. It’s recommended to close all tabs and stop any music or videos prior to starting the meeting. A board management program that is accessible will help make your meeting more accessible for people who have hearing, speech or vision disabilities.