Effective meetings
A guide to hosting a great meeting
Meetings are a central part of working life, but all too often they are long, inefficient and a source of frustration. You may know the feeling of leaving a meeting without a clear direction or finding that the discussion went slightly off on a tangent. A good meeting, however, should be engaging, effective and value-adding - both for the participants and the organisation.
A strong meeting culture isn't just about saving time, it's also about strengthening collaboration, creating better decisions and motivating employees. When planned and executed well, meetings can be a driving force for innovation, strategy and progress.
In this guide, you'll get concrete advice on how to run effective and meaningful meetings - from planning to follow-up. We'll look at how to create a great meeting culture, ensure active participation and use creative ways to engage participants. Whether you're organising a board meeting, a team meeting or a workshop, you'll find tools to make your meetings more productive - and maybe even more fun!
The building blocks of a great meeting agenda
A good meeting is like a well-functioning LEGO® model - it takes the right bricks, a clear plan and a little creativity to hold it all together. When meetings don't work, it's often due to a lack of structure, unclear goals or a flat energy in the room.
Start with a clear plan - what do you want to achieve?
Every good meeting starts with a clear purpose: is there a decision to be made, ideas to be developed or information to be shared? A clear meeting agenda helps keep the meeting on track and should be sent out in advance so participants can prepare.
Effective meeting management - who steers the ship?
Just like a LEGO model needs building instructions, a meeting needs a good facilitator. The facilitator needs to keep the conversation on track, make sure everyone is heard, and handle any interruptions or digressions. A good facilitator is also aware of group dynamics and ensures the meeting is productive and engaging.
Engagement and participation - all the bricks need to come into play
Passive listening drains the energy in the room. Involve participants through questions, group work or methods like LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, where ideas are concretised through building. When the hands are active, so is the brain!
Time management - so the meeting doesn't fall over
Time is a scarce resource and nothing kills motivation like a meeting that drags on for no reason. Set a realistic timeframe for each agenda item and stick to it.
The right environment makes a difference
The environment has a big impact on the quality of the meeting. At LEGOLAND Hotel & Conference you get modern facilities, flexible rooms and an inspiring atmosphere that promotes creativity and collaboration.
Create a strong meeting culture
A good meeting culture is crucial for productivity. It's about respecting each other's time, sticking to the meeting agenda and making sure everyone feels heard. Start the meeting by clarifying the purpose and expectations: are we making a decision, developing ideas or sharing knowledge?
Stay focused and manage the discussions
Discussions are beneficial, but they need to be constructive. Keep track of speaking time, avoid repetition and make sure everyone has the opportunity to contribute. If the meeting gets off track, you can bring it back by referring to the agenda and asking specific questions. If a participant interrupts too often, you may want to set fixed times for input or use a ‘speaking time round’ where everyone gets to speak.
Use technology and visual aids
Presentations, interactive tools and digital whiteboards can make meetings more dynamic. However, be careful not to overdo it - long PowerPoints without dialogue can drain the energy in the room, while interactive whiteboards, live polls and hybrid meeting platforms can make your meeting more effective.
Think outside the box next time you organise your meeting
Meetings don't have to be long and static to be effective. On the contrary, research shows that shorter, dynamic meetings often produce better results. By thinking differently, you can increase productivity, boost engagement and make meetings something participants actually look forward to.
Try alternative meeting formats:
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Walk-and-talk meetings. That way you also get fresh air and oxygen for your brain
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Short videocheck-ins instead of long status meetings.
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Meetings in inspiring surroundings. Change the setting and gain new perspectives when organising long conferences, team building and other events.
LEGOLAND® Hotel & Conference: Where creativity meets professionalism
At LEGOLAND® Hotel & Conference, we believe that the best ideas happen when professionalism is combined with play and creativity. Our meeting rooms are designed to inspire, and we offer unique methods like LEGO® Business & Bricks to engage participants in a different and involving way. Whether you're planning a strategy day or an innovation workshop, we give you the perfect setting to think big - and build bigger.
