During one of the last months of summer, most of us are making plans for the fall. Many of our chapters have scheduled their fall meetings and are looking forward to reconnecting with members they may have not seen in well over a year. Additionally, as many new members have joined during the year, this will be their first opportunity to meet other members. It may also be the first in-person meeting for many of our members since the pandemic began. However, there are some that may still not be able to attend live meetings.
As we are moving towards regularly scheduled in-person events, chapters may want to consider continuing with offering virtual options for a portion of their live meetings as well as other educational opportunities that can be planned throughout the year. This allows for flexibility with the program should unexpected situations arise (i.e., COVID-19, extreme weather, labor strikes, etc.) as well as allow those members that are not able to travel to participate in a chapter meeting/event. Below are some ideas for educational meetings and events throughout the year.
Hybrid Meetings & Events – The first option being the most obvious is to hold chapter meetings/events as a hybrid event, with virtual and in-person options. It allows for flexibility for your members to attend throughout the state regardless of their ability to travel or scheduling conflicts. Zoom has monthly plans as low as $14.99 that can be canceled at any time.
Alternate between in-person and virtual – Chapters can also plan to host one of their meetings as a virtual event (Spring or Fall) while the other can take place as an in-person event. Again, this allows flexibility for your members as well as helps to reduce some of the costs associated with a live, in-person meeting.
Lunch and Learns – This type of session can be done virtually and in person. It can also be done through a simple platform as such as FaceTime. For continuity purposes, you can choose to focus on one topic that is discussed at each virtual session as well as an in-person session at your next meeting. Or, various topics can be discussed at each one.
Board and Committee Meetings - Another opportunity to incorporate hybrid presentations/meetings is through your board and committee meetings. There are times that our chapter boards and committees delay meeting as they traditionally meet in person. However, by holding virtual meetings throughout the year when we are not able to meet in person, we can continue to move forward with our goals and conduct regular business.