How to Host Effective Virtual Board Meetings

If it’s to cut down on time and money on travel, provide more flexibility for board members, or improve communication, virtual meetings are becoming more frequent. The benefits are clear but they’re not without pitfalls. Virtual meetings can be as effective as in-person ones in the event that they are properly planned. However there are a few aspects to be considered when planning and hosting these events.

Make sure everyone is using the correct software and equipment. It can be difficult to keep everyone engaged when there are technical issues which prevent people from speaking to one another and watching presentations or using their camera. It’s a good idea inform all attendees of the instructions on how to check their cameras, microphones and speakers prior to the start of the meeting to eliminate these problems.

Set an agenda in advance to help keep the discussion focused. Boards can get bogged down in conversational side-bars when you don’t have a schedule to guide the meeting. Also, make sure that all topics covered during the meeting are addressed within the timeframe you have set to make sure that your attendees do https://seboardroom.com/start-from-the-absolute-basics-and-learn-how-to-set-up-a-ma-data-room not feel like they did nothing or that their time was wasted.

The camaraderie, conversations and camaraderie that occur during in-person board meetings are difficult to duplicate online. However, there are ways to enhance your virtual experience with fun and engaging activities like breakout sessions or even a test. Also, make use of regular feedback loops to gather data about how each member and director participates in the meeting, what they think is working and not working, and what could be improved next time.