As governing boards return normal activities the hybrid board meeting is rapidly becoming the normal. This new system allows trustees and directors from nonprofit organizations to participate in meetings remotely, but also allows the attendance of in-person at a later date. This is beneficial for many boards, since it eliminates the need to accommodate limitations on travel and quarantine periods. However hybrid board meetings may also pose challenges if not planned and implemented properly.

The success of a conference is dependent on the ability to communicate effectively between participants who are in person and those who are remote. It is crucial to have an advanced video conference system that allows both in-person as well as virtual participants to be heard clearly. It’s a good idea to allow participants in person to have their own audio speaker, and remote www.itsboardroom.com/selecting-and-developing-board-leadership-how-to-choose-the-right-leader/ participants to be able to share their screen so that they can follow the conversation.

A clear agenda is crucial. This can help to keep the meeting focused and on point This is a problem that could arise if meetings are held for too long. Also, it is helpful to allow a break for attendees who are in person to let them reenergize themselves and continue to be productive throughout the meeting.

It is recommended to have a designated facilitator at every meeting, particularly during lively discussions. It is easy for people who are in person to forget about their virtual counterparts and not notice the difference that occurs when some have a physical presence and others don’t. Facilitators help to manage these differences and keep the board focusing on the most important issues in the room.