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Tech Trends Fit Needs of Hybrid Meetings

September 9, 2024

With more tech advances rolling out and on the horizon, planners are more equipped to meet the dual trends of people working remotely as well as joining a meeting virtually with fewer technical difficulties.

The global videoconferencing market is anticipated to reach USD $20.02B in value by 2030, a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 9.4 percent from now to then, according to a 2024 report by Grand View Research.

While other research also has proven the benefits of in-person meetings, there are times when people simply can’t be there. Perhaps a coveted speaker has a schedule conflict but is willing to participate virtually. It’s a great time for either scenario, as technology has all but put the person there holographically, demonstrated so memorably earlier this year at CES 2024.

Hello, Hybrids

Gone are the days when remote attendees were disconnected heads on a screen. Advances in video and audio technology put them vividly in the room or auditorium, participating fully or speaking to the group in real time. Here are a few essentials for successful integration of in-person and virtual meeting attendees:

High-quality microphones are vital for clear communication in hybrid meetings. They accurately capture the voices of in-person participants, ensuring remote attendees can hear every word. Investing in good microphones, such as boundary or omnidirectional models, can significantly improve the audio experience for everyone involved.
Audio speakers play an important role in hybrid meetings by delivering clear sound to in-person participants and ensuring that remote attendees’ voices are heard distinctly.
Audio mixers are valuable tools for managing and balancing sound inputs from multiple sources. They allow you to control the volume levels of microphones, speakers, and other audio devices, preventing feedback and distortion and creating a smoother and more professional audio experience for hybrid meetings.
Soundbars provide an all-in-one audio solution for meeting rooms, combining speakers and sometimes microphones into a single device. They are designed to deliver precise and powerful sound, making them ideal for hybrid meetings. Soundbars can simplify the setup process and improve audio quality by providing consistent sound coverage throughout the room.
High-quality cameras are essential for capturing clear video of in-person participants during hybrid meetings. They ensure remote attendees can see the speakers and other participants clearly, which enhances engagement and communication. Investing in cameras with high resolution and good low-light performance can significantly improve the visual experience of your meetings.
Video switchers allow you to switch between different video sources during a meeting seamlessly, enabling smooth transitions between primary and secondary cameras, presentation slides, and other video inputs. Using a video switcher helps create a professional and polished video experience for hybrid meetings, enhancing the overall production quality.

The best hybrid meeting technology encompasses a whole ecosystem of tools designed to enhance collaboration and streamline workflows, from interactive whiteboards that allow real-time brainstorming across continents to AI-powered transcription services that capture every important detail. If you’re planning a hybrid event, have a tech checklist ready for the venue.