Even as restrictions on in-person gatherings are eased and councils start returning to chambers and meeting rooms, ongoing needs of maintaining physical distancing, accommodating vulnerable participants and preparing for future emergencies will continue to make hybrid meetings essential for modern democracy. To ensure continuity, efficiency, and effectiveness, the “new norm” must seamlessly integrate both virtual and physical meeting environments into a single, unified meeting experience.

This paper explores the key requirements for future civic meetings and approaches for successfully managing them.