How to do hybrid really well – for trainers, meeting organisers and more

Trainer – Dan Mason – Insole Court, Cardiff

Hybrid – can it be done well?

We all know the benefits of online training and meetings: flexibility, accessibility and the ability to log in from anywhere. But we also know how much people value face-to-face contact for the social, interactive and networking benefits it offers. Is it possible to combine the best of both?

It’s true that hybrid options can sometimes offer the worst of both worlds, but we have tried and tested the tech and we’re confident hybrid can be done well, if you follow the tips and tricks in this workshop.

Thinking differently

Many businesses have been running successful hybrid meetings for years. A huddle of people sit around a table with a central speakerphone, conversing with colleagues on a display at the front of the room. Remote participants see what’s happening in the meeting thanks to a camera on (or built into) the display.

But this is not ideal for training or interactive meetings. If the trainer or speaker stands at the front, facing those seated at the table, the camera points at his or her back. In particular, trainers need a hybrid solution that is portable, flexible and works anywhere, anytime.

At NUJ Training Wales, we tested a variety of cameras and room set-ups before running our first hybrid training in 2021. This was our aim:

Local and remote learners can see/hear the trainer and presentations.
Trainer can see, hear and speak to local and remote learners.
Local and remote learners can see, hear and speak to each other.
In this half day workshop, we’ll pass on our experience to other trainers.
What do you need to bring?

Your laptop (Mac or PC) with Zoom software installed.

To test the hybrid set-up, trainers will be invited to lead an informal, five-minute session on any training topic of your choice to participants in the room and on Zoom. You will need to bring a few slides on your laptop (created with Powerpoint, Keynote or preferred platform) to accompany your presentation.

Other equipment, including hybrid camera and monitor will be provided.

Note: After testing several cameras, we opted for the Kandao Meeting Pro, which combines 360 camera, microphones and speakers. This is the camera we will use during the workshop.

What will you learn?

The opportunities and challenges of leading hybrid training
Camera, audio and room set-up options
What it’s like to lead a hybrid training session using the Kandao Meeting Pro.
A PDF guide will be shared on the day.

Format

This is a face-to-face course. Please note our courses are not recorded. See our full terms and conditions at www.nujtrainingwales.org for more information about our booking procedures, cancellation policy and more.