The Future of Hybrid Conference Rooms is Here

office with AV equipment set up

More and more businesses are using videoconferencing, but it can be tricky to serve all participants equally well. Here’s how Midwest Audio Visual is addressing that challenge.

Seamless integration of the physical and the digital

We are eliminating the divide between in-person and remote participants, using the following:

  • AI-powered cameras that auto-frame and track speakers
  • Beamforming microphones that isolate voices from background noise
  • Smart displays with built-in collaboration tools
  • Real-time transcription and translation using AI

Our goal is to make remote attendees feel present, and in-room attendees feel connected.

AI and automation enhancements

AI and automation are making conference spaces smarter and more intuitive:

  • AI meeting assistants can take notes, summarize discussions and assign action items.
  • Voice control and gesture recognition allow for hands-free operation.
  • Automated room setup (lighting, temperature, blinds) saves time and energy.

Each of these enhancements can help boost conference productivity.

Flexible and modular design

We work with each client to design a hybrid room that can adapt to changing team sizes and meeting types:

  • Modular furniture allows for easy layout changes.
  • Movable acoustic partitions aid sound control.
  • Wireless everything (microphones, content sharing) makes it easy to reconfigure quickly.

A space that flexes is simply more functional and efficient.

Acoustics and inclusivity

Remote participants depend on clear audio. We use

  • advanced acoustic treatments to ensure voice clarity,
  • personal audio zones and huddle booths for focused hybrid meetings and
  • inclusive design for hearing/vision-impaired participants.

We want everyone to be able to participate equally, regardless of how they join the meeting and what accommodations they need.

Sustainability and data-driven optimization

Because it reduces the need for physical travel, hybrid conferencing is by definition eco-friendly. But we are pushing to reduce the carbon footprint of our designs even more with

  • Energy-efficient AV systems and eco-friendly materials
  • Room usage analytics to optimize space, reduce waste and guide redesigns
  • Workplace management platform integration (room booking, occupancy sensors)

We all want to tread more lightly on the Earth. Smarter spaces align with both green and cost-saving goals.

What a cutting-edge hybrid conferencing system includes

  1. Integrated Platforms
    • Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex and Google Meet allow remote participants to join meetings, often with support for multiple devices.
  2. High-Quality Audio and Video
    • Advanced microphones, cameras and speakers ensure clear communication between in-room and remote attendees. Noise cancellation and beamforming microphones enhance the experience.
  3. Dual-Presentation Capabilities
    • Content can be shared simultaneously with in-person and remote participants.
  4. Interactivity
    • Tools for real-time polling, chat, whiteboarding and breakout rooms foster active participation.
  5. Room and Personal Device Integration
    • Combining conference room components with personal devices allows participants to join with their preferred tools.
  6. Scalability
    • We design to accommodate meetings of varying sizes.

Better videoconferencing starts with strategic hardware, software, infrastructure and control choices.

Each element of your Midwest hybrid conferencing system is optimized for effective collaboration between participants:

 Hardware

    • Cameras: High-definition (HD) or 4K cameras with PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) functionality
    • Microphones: Boundary, beamforming, or wireless microphones to ensure clear audio
    • Speakers: High-quality speakers or soundbars for in-room audio clarity
    • Displays: Large screens or projectors for in-room visibility

Software

    • Platforms that support video calls, content sharing and collaboration tools, often cloud-based for accessibility

Network Infrastructure

    • Reliable internet with sufficient bandwidth for video streaming
    • Wired and wireless connectivity for seamless integration with devices

Room Automation and Control

    • Using specific Beam forming or Beam tracking microphones allows Midwest to introduce conferencing cameras that can automatically switch presets and camera angle based upon where the strongest voice is located. Centralized control systems for managing cameras, audio, lighting and content sharing

Working with your timetable and budget, we design and install systems that make hybrid meetings more productive and inclusive. Reach out any time to learn more about all our conferencing options.