Meeting Tips and Trends 2023
Meeting for the sake of meeting—we’ve all been there. You’ve probably asked yourself during a meeting, “Why am I here?” Now that in-person gatherings are possible again, and we crave genuine connection, the number of meetings has risen sharply. That’s why our first piece of advice is simple: only meet when it’s necessary and meaningful. And when you do, make it effective.
Here are several tips for efficient and results-oriented meetings.
1. Less is more
The saying “the more, the merrier” doesn’t apply to meetings. Keep the group small—ideally 8 to 10 people. Larger groups reduce the quality of discussion, as research shows. Always ask yourself who truly adds value throughout the meeting and who might only need to join for a specific part.
2. Prepare thoroughly
Create a clear agenda with defined objectives and expectations. Share it with participants in advance and ensure everyone has read it, along with any relevant materials. Paperless meetings are more efficient—and better for the environment. Choose your chairperson carefully: effective meetings require strong facilitation, and the leader of the organization isn’t always the best choice. Don’t be afraid to rotate this role.
3. Set a time limit and stick to it
Meetings should rarely exceed one hour. Allocate a set amount of time for each agenda item and stay on track. For longer sessions—like strategic meetings or annual planning—divide the time into one-hour blocks with proper breaks. A good break allows participants to reset completely before the next session. External venues, such as Toussainthuis in The Hague, are ideal for extended meetings as they take people out of their everyday routine.
4. Encourage active participation
Ensure everyone contributes. Ask open-ended questions and give each person the chance to speak. A sense of psychological safety is essential—can participants be their authentic selves? Start the meeting with something unexpected or inspiring to set a positive tone. Standing meetings are gaining popularity: research shows they enhance creativity, collaboration, and focus. Plus, they typically end 34% faster than seated ones.
5. Emphasize results
Conclude with a summary of key decisions and action items, then follow up. Send the summary to all attendees and monitor progress to ensure actions are completed. This keeps meetings purposeful and productive.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to running effective, engaging meetings. To make them even more memorable, consider ending with a shared lunch—it’s a pleasant, social way to close. Be creative, and choose something that fits your team’s style and interests.
6. How Toussainthuis can help
The right venue has a major impact on the success of your meeting. Choose a space where participants feel comfortable and inspired. A fresh environment stimulates new ideas. Toussainthuis offers complete privacy, as the venue is exclusively reserved for one group at a time. This ensures a peaceful setting, free from outside distractions.
Our historic property adds unique character and atmosphere to your meeting, while offering modern amenities: large screens, advanced IT facilities, and high-speed internet for hybrid participation. For larger sessions, multiple breakout spaces are available for smaller discussions. Need a break? Step into the nearby Palace Gardens or enjoy a walk through The Hague’s charming city center. You can even bring in a private chef to prepare a meal with or for your team—an excellent way to end the day and strengthen connections.
Toussaint House in The Hague is the ideal venue for all your business gatherings—whether for meetings, conferences, training sessions, or private dining. Our elegant rooms are fully equipped, and our professional staff ensures everything runs seamlessly. Conveniently located and easily accessible, Toussainthuis combines heritage, style, and service to make your event a success.
Meeting venue The Hague, Conference venue The Hague, Trainings location The Hague
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For more information or to schedule a tour, contact us at info@toussainthuis.nl.