In-person was the past, Virtual is the present, and Hybrid was the future. Even if you are still finding a way to get used to the virtual setting and the concept of virtual events, technology is still going to rule. Gone are the days when you would travel miles to attend an event, conference, or meeting. It is the time of virtual meetings, and so is tomorrow. There was a time when organizations were forced to work remotely and stay connected through the virtual medium. However, time changed it all, and now, we don’t want to get back to the old method, even if we stand a chance.
Now that we know that there’s no way we can escape this, it is important to ensure that you host your virtual meetings in the best possible way. To help you make your virtual meetings efficient, seamless and the best, we are sharing with you all a few ways that will assist you till the end of the process.
Have a Clear and Well-Defined Objective:
The first and the most significant step is to ensure that you have a clear and well-defined objective. Before moving ahead with further steps, it is crucial to have your objective defined. A clear, well-defined, and realistic aim will help you give a direction to your meeting. It will act as a foundation for your meeting. Ask yourself, what do you want to achieve with your meeting? Do you wish to connect with your team members over a cup of coffee? Do you plan to share a new strategy with your teammates? Or is it a town hall meeting? When you have a clear and well-defined objective, only then move ahead with your further online events planning, and strategize the meeting. If you feel the matters are not worth hosting a meeting, address it over the mail.
Create a Meeting Agenda:
Now that you know why you want to host a meeting, we suggest you prepare a meeting agenda. Plan an outline of the meeting; include everything you can remember in the agenda. Also, virtual meetings have a few limitations; one is they don’t allow you to host extended and long sessions. Hence, while you create the meeting agenda, make sure you include only the necessary topics and don’t include anything irrelevant. Include only necessary topics; it will ensure your product remains in check. Also, if you want to discuss something with a particular person, include that in your agenda. Also, include the meeting itinerary in it. In addition, don’t forget to include clear timings as well.
Last but not least, don’t forget to add a set of guidelines that your attendees need to follow. For example, mention that the attendees need to show up on time; late attendees will be punished. Share the meeting agenda with your attendees a few days before the meeting. It will allow them to manage their regular tasks accordingly, and they will be able to show up to the meeting prepared.
Suitable Virtual Meeting Platforms:
The next thing you should do is select a suitable Online Conference Platform. While selecting the platform, keep your objectives and requirements in mind, and pick the one that meets your ends. Remember that all your tools are different and have their own advantages and disadvantages. Hence, keep your planning and necessities in mind while looking for a solution. Also, since team meetings are held regularly, we would suggest you select a 3D Virtual Event Platform that helps you host a series of events and meetings at a feasible rate. One thing that most event organizers do is don’t pay enough attention to the platform and select any name randomly. However, they don’t know that carelessness might cost them their entire event. Hence, as an organizer, you should compare a few options, conduct detailed research, analyze what your competitors are using, and select a platform.
Keep Your Attendees Engaged:
While you are in the meeting, make sure your attendees are here not just for the sake of it. You should ensure that they are enjoying it as well. For this, you should rely on the audience engagement tools that come with the virtual event platform. These tools will ensure attendee involvement in the meeting. There are various tools that will keep your attendees engaged, involved, and hooked to their screens. For example, the live chat tool will allow them to chat with fellow attendees. The live poll feature will enable them to express their opinions. Moreover, you can also conduct audience engagement activities to keep the vibes light, and the attendees will enjoy the meeting more.
Debrief; Always:
Once you reach the end of the meeting, make sure you summarize the entire meeting with your attendees. Better, you let your attendees do that; You can add on points if they miss out on anything. Moreover, it’s a great way to cross-check if your attendees paid attention to the meeting or not. Create meeting minutes; Include the required steps, things you discussed, and probably the next meeting agenda.
Finally, end the meeting with a small interaction session or a joke. It will help everyone refresh their minds and improve their mood. Also, don’t forget to send a follow-up mail.
No matter what, virtual meetings will never be able to give the exact feeling of a physical meeting. But, the only choice we are left with is adjusting to virtual meetings and making the most of them. We hope this guide has helped you know how you can give an effective execution to your virtual meeting in the most seamless way possible.