Hello Friends,
With the ease of using technology and its reach in the current world dynamics, the connectivity and networking got the edge. The interactions amongst mankind have also increased immensely due to this revolutionary change with technology. We as a Local Guides are also taking advantages of this technological developments in many ways. One of the examples is Hybrid Meet-ups where we make use of technology and the related devices.
Hybrid Meet-ups have their own challenges and we as a Local Guides have experienced and learnt to overcome such challenges over a period of time.
Through this post, we would like to draw your attention on some of the key facts related to the Hybrid Meet-ups. Hope this is of help for your future Hybrid Meet-ups.
What, Why and How
Hybrid Meet-up is a meet-up which involves in-person as well as online participants. This is not absolute ‘In-person’ or ‘Virtual’ Meet-up rather it is a combination of both.
Hybrid Meet-up expands the horizon of participants to get them involved even when they can’t make it in-person. In addition to that, it is also available for global participants.
Hybrid Meet-up is organized and executed through online meeting link.
Suggested Best Practices and steps to consider for Successful Hybrid Meet-ups
Apply for the Meet-up approval
- To ensure the privacy of the meet-up, add the online meet-up link in the placeholder provided in the application and NOT in the meet-up description or in the meet-up banner.
- Select local time zone which suits best globally. System will take care of other time zones.
- Have a host partner for Hybrid meet-up to effectively manage the participants in various ways. E.g. admit participants in the online meeting link, keep track of chat messages, handling queries, timekeeping etc.
- If there is a different time slot for online participants, please mention it categorically. E.g. In-person meet-up may start early and online participants may have to join at later time slot.
- Do not use the official Local Guides logo, pin, or any other Google imagery in any of online/offline materials. Please refer here for updated program resources for you to use.
Check for Connectivity and Availability beforehand
- Wherever possible, the host and the host partner should visit the proposed Meet-up location/venue in advance to identify the best spot with a strong and stable network signal.
- Reservation to be done for the location/venue (if necessary).
- Check for the requirement of tickets and possibility of advance ticket booking to enter the location/venue.
Useful Checklist
- Make use of various networking channels to promote Meet-ups.
- Ensure to carry fully charged device with internet enabled connection (mobile phone, tablet, laptop etc.).
- Ensure to carry fully charged power bank.
- Ensure microphone, camera and internet connection of your device working properly.
- Before taking group photo, please take the consent of the participants for their photo.
- Ensure to make an announcement to the participant about not to record the session to ensure the privacy of the meet-up.
Online Streaming
- Select a streaming area with proper lighting and no sound disturbances to the extent possible.
- It is advisable to carry a handstick to hold the device (wherever possible).
- It is also advisable to use handsfree device while conducting Hybrid Meet-up when it is up for online participants for better voice quality and smooth interaction with the online participants.
Before Closing the Meet-up
- Allow participants to share their views. Pay attention to the online participants.
- Announce the closure of meet-up at least 5 minutes before the actual closing time.
- Ensure taking group photo.
- Watch the chat messages and address them as appropriate.
- Ensure the Meet-up duration as per the planned schedule. In case of any deviation, please take the participants into confidence to extend the duration.
Request you to please share your views and helpful pointers (if any) in the comment box below to further strengthen the success of Hybrid Meet-ups.
Keep building a well-informed community stronger 
together.
Stay Happy, Stay Healthy!
Great Efforts
