Abstract
Almost overnight, the COVID-19 pandemic presented a host of new challenges for conducting business as usual for natural and cultural resource managers. As organizations strive to accomplish tasks in this time of uncertainty, most have had to turn to technological solutions for safely convening groups of people to share knowledge and deliberate decisions. Assembling subject-matter experts and stakeholders to participate in structured, interactive workshops to assist resource managers in their work has been a common approach in contemporary resource management. Can this technique effectively make the leap to the virtual world? What are some best practices meeting organizers can implement to replicate the most important features of in-person workshops and accomplish their goals? Lessons learned from a recent series of facilitated interagency meetings to discuss sediment management information needs for Gulf Islands National Seashore will be shared for the benefit of others who may be grappling with how to proceed with their own meetings using virtual platforms. Using this real-life illustration, the meeting’s organizers will offer their insights into effective tactics and strategies for all phases of workshop planning and execution. Numerous tips will be shared that are useful for any facilitated meeting, but planning considerations for successful virtual meetings will be emphasized. While virtual meetings are not ideal for some situations, with time and attention, many agendas can make the leap so that managers can meaningfully engage partners in their work.
