Public engagement strategies have evolved over the last two years. In-person meetings are no longer the standard for outreach. COVID 19 has taught us that stakeholders and the public are willing to adapt and try new forms of virtual engagement. Adding virtual tactics to the outreach toolbox opens up avenues for creative engagement including blended or hybrid meetings.
Recently, our team assisted the Village of Algonquin with their first-ever hybrid public meeting and workshop for the Towne Park Master Plan Study. Given the historic significance of this park to the community, Algonquin wanted to ensure the broadest participation possible by having people join an interactive meeting both virtually or in person. We recreated the in-person interactive experience for virtual participants allowing them to provide input simultaneously through a combination of live-streaming and a break-out workshop. A separate virtual workshop using a whiteboard feature mirrored the in-person prioritization exercise that gathered input using post-it notes. Live streaming allowed virtual participants to hear overall project information and ask questions via an online moderator at the same time as in-person participants.
Some things to keep in mind for planning hybrid meetings:
Tailor workshop exercises and questions to work for both, virtual and in-person formats
Set up virtual white boards in advance and designate online facilitation roles and responsibilities
Test optimal audio/video placement for livestreaming and breakout sessions to reduce ambient sounds for virtual audiences
Speakers presenting at in-person locations should be mindful of what virtual participants see and hear
If planned right, hybrid meetings can save time and provide opportunities for greater community participation and engagement.
Engagement Snapshot
In the three short months since we officially launched, we’ve been busy. Grateful to be a part of our clients’ work and dedicated project teams to get things done! During this time, our team has helped our clients with:
Happy New Year from the Metro Strategies Team
Our team wishes you and your family a happy and healthy 2022!
