Category: Meetings

Hybrid meetings increased in popularity in 2020, and as we’ve moved into 2021, they continue to be a necessity. By offering the option to concurrently meet in-person and virtually, they gave us the ability to continue to move forward in business when some attendees may not have been able to participate in person.

While the concept of a hosting a hybrid meeting might seem a bit daunting, it doesn’t need to be. With the right preparation, you can host a highly productive and beneficial meeting that meets everyone’s needs with great success. 

Let’s face it. 2020 has been a challenge. While there are have been some setbacks, the human spirit, ingenuity, and loyalty have all had the opportunity to shine in unprecedented ways. Has your staff bravely faced furloughs, long hours, salary reductions, new challenges, and/or uncertainty? If so, maybe it’s time to plan a time to thank your team for a year well maneuvered. 

Whether you frame it as a holiday party or a “We Survived 2020 Celebration”, it’s time to show your team just how grateful you are for their partnership in helping your company continue to push forward, no matter how steep the climb. 

As the era of the pandemic continues, businesses must continue to push forward. The hybrid meeting has become a lifesaver for companies as mandates are ever-changing. With increasing ingenuity, hybrid meetings are becoming as effective as their former counterparts. 

Hybrid meetings are not a new concept, although the idea didn’t gain much traction until the spring of 2020 when the pandemic hit. With the new normals of social distancing and working from home, hybrid meetings have become a primary solution to keep businesses moving forward. 

In the current times, adjustments are being made both in everyday life and in business practices. For a short time, it was as though the world hit the pause button but that can’t last forever. We now have the task of figuring out how to move our businesses forward with the restrictions in place and the challenges we are facing. 

Destination meetings and incentive trips that are planned well inspire creative ideas and team cohesiveness while offering ample time for R&R. Relaxing poolside and a game of golf are enjoyable ways to recharge but some quality forest infusion might be just what is needed to top off the event.  

Beautifully curated, light, and simple meals are trending and that is a very good thing for meeting planners. Not only do these types of meals help attract attendees, but they are also very versatile and serve the overall agenda of the meeting well. From grab and go snacks that encourage mingling to locally sourced salads that energize and satisfy, your staff will enjoy every bite. 

‘Tis the season — when stress is up and productivity is down. Everyone’s already packed calendars are overflowing with must-dos like kids’ holiday concerts and gift buying. Work must go on but with some careful planning and a sprinkle of understanding, your company atmosphere can inspire productivity through the holidays. 

When planning an offsite meeting, you should have high expectations and anticipate a significant return on your investment. But no matter how much you plan and schedule, if your team is not inspired, your results will likely be mediocre at best. If you are planning an offsite meeting, you need a venue that inspires creativity, sparks innovation, and triggers engagement.

Extracting the most value from a set meeting budget is an extraordinarily important task. Meetings and conferences are an organization’s chance to connect deeper, to inspire new ideas and projects, and to continue cultivating a powerful work culture. Suffice it say, wise meeting planners recognize the crucial task at hand and are open to new ideas on squeezing out more value.