In the world of work, few things have undergone as rapid a transformation as the meeting. What was once a static, in-person affair has become a dynamic, hybrid experience, blending physical and virtual attendance. Yet, for many organizations, the spaces where these meetings happen have lagged behind. Traditional meeting rooms are often built around a “room-centric” philosophy: a fixed set of technology, a rigid setup, and a one-size-fits-all approach. This model, however, is becoming a relic of the past. The future of collaboration lies in a “user-centric” approach, and the key to this evolution is the concept of Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM).

The shift to hybrid work has brought with it a complex web of communication, collaboration, and, unfortunately, a significant rise in meeting fatigue. What once felt like essential touchpoints can now feel like endless interruptions, draining productivity and leaving employees feeling overwhelmed. In this environment, the question “Is this meeting really necessary?” becomes more critical than ever. It’s not about eliminating connection; it’s about being more intentional and strategic about how we connect, ensuring that synchronous time is valuable and drives meaningful outcomes.