Are You On-Trend? Top 4 Meeting Trends for 2019

Meeting trends change from year-to-year due to advancements and improvements in industries relating to events, meetings, and technology.

For 2019 there are some key trends that stand out and will continue to evolve as the year progresses.

Here’s what we think are the four major meeting trends of 2019.

1) Informal Meeting Rooms 

Meeting attendees want to gather in a space that is more comfortable and more relaxed, while still maintaining the ability to get work done.

This can include things like open-concept meeting rooms with furniture options other than the standard boardroom table and chairs. Think of it more like a hang-out space where a meeting will happen to take place. Younger employees like to have a more approachable environment when they get together.

Some teams are forgoing meeting rooms altogether and are opting for a unique space, like a coffee shop, art gallery, park, and so on to hold their collaborations. This type of environment gets employees out of the office to hopefully increase their ability to brainstorm and think outside of the box (source).

2) Live Streaming

While most people make use of video conferencing already, this year people are really embracing live streaming. Apps like Facebook and Instagram offer ‘live’ video capabilities that make it possible for virtual attendees to watch and hear what is going on in your meeting, usually with the ability to comment live as the video airs.

The difference between this and video conferencing (such as Skype), is that live streaming platforms usually don’t offer two-way audio. The person (or people) watching the live stream can’t say anything out loud and be heard, but that is ideal in situations where all they want to be able to do is watch and listen. Again, commenting is available, so the communication is not limited — just different.

“Whether as an additional revenue stream for remote attendees or as a value-add to attendees who want flexible ways to consume content, live streaming is more popular than ever.” (source)

Live streaming can be used in tandem with any other meeting software tools that you are already using.

3) Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) has been gaining a lot of momentum in the past year or so and is making its way into corporate events and meetings.

Meeting participants who aren’t able to be in the room can use VR technology to visually experience the event in a more advanced and interactive way than simply watching a stream.

This technology is ideal for larger meetings and events (like conferences) where there is a lot to see and be a part of, but smaller teams can use it as well.

“Virtual reality (VR) brings remote attendees closer to the real-world experience and can also be deployed on site to boost conversions for tradeshow exhibitors.” (source)

4) Entirely Virtual/Remote Meetings 

Most companies are still holding in-person meetings and trying to incorporate technology to make the meeting more advanced and exciting. However, as remote work and distributed teams continue to grow, entirely digital meetings are becoming a normal occurrence.

Virtual meeting software (such as Stormboard) has grown to a point where organizing a completely remote meeting is easy and productive for everyone involved. Participants can be located almost anywhere and use their own device (laptop, desktop, tablet — even a phone) to join in on a real-time meeting.

We all seem to be constantly on-the-go, traveling, or working from a remote location, so adapting virtual meeting software is a huge trend right now — and it shows no signs of stopping. 

Inspired by these trends and ready to hold your own on-trend meeting? 
Try Stormboard today!

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