By Laura Gramling, President, EnSpark Consulting
All effective meetings regardless of location (in-person or virtual) require thoughtful consideration when it comes to designing the agenda. There are, however, key differences in the timing, sequencing and interactivity of the agenda.
On the surface the agendas for virtual and in-person meetings do not look too different. 
Similarities reside in the principles of good meeting design: start with a solid understanding of the meeting objectives and desired outcomes and build a structured set of activities/discussions to achieve that.
Differences emerge in how the meeting proceeds.
Facilitation is much more active and directive to ensure the right amount of engagement throughout the meeting
Timing: the overall meeting is shorter and the content/discussion/engagement cycle pacing is different
No small group discussions [note: groups of 20 or more, the use of breakout rooms is recommended to ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute]
More focus on maintaining people’s attention with interactivity throughout, not just at the end of a presentation
Meeting visuals from presentation, documentation, use of camera/videos need to reinforce and strengthen the meeting objectives and how participants are to interact
Final take-aways as you are designing a virtual meeting: start well and end well.
SAMPLE AGENDAS
We have sample meeting agendas and design ideas that can be tailored for your meeting goals. Reach out if you want to discuss more about how to create amazing virtual meetings.
laura@ensparkconsulting.com
