www.itsboardroom.com/how-to-set-up-successful-hybrid-board-meetings/
As board members return to in-person meetings, hybrid board meetings are the new normal. This new arrangement allows for the possibility of having meetings in person and remotely at the same time decreasing costs and enhancing accessibility. If your business decides to go with virtual meetings, in-person meetings with remote participants or both, it’s crucial to establish a set of meeting norms and expectations to ensure everyone feels respected. The best way to accomplish this is to ensure the technology is working properly and establishing clear guidelines for participation, and communicating with purpose.
Hybrid board sessions are not without challenges, however. Some board members might be irritated that they’re not able to be in the same room. Some may feel that their contributions aren’t as valuable because they don’t have the ability to communicate with their peers. Experts in meeting management recommend that you take proactive measures to encourage collaboration. This includes opening virtual rooms to encourage interaction before and during meetings, as well as during breaks. Additionally, you can utilize tools such a board portal to centralize your board’s activities.
Another issue that is frequently encountered is of different levels of technical expertise among board members. Some remote participants may not be included in the meeting, or their participation could be hindered by poor audio or video quality or an unreliable internet connection. Training your board members on how to utilize the technology and making sure they have access to reliable equipment prior the meeting can help them navigate these challenges successfully.