Hybrid Meeting Spaces: Trend or Just Another Label?

In a recent webinar by rAVe PUBS, a term popped up that made us do a double take: hybrid meeting spaces.

Not in the usual sense of “some people in the room, some on screen” — but instead, as a label for meeting rooms certified across multiple unified communications (UC) platforms. Think Teams, Zoom, Google Meet — all natively supported in one room.

It’s an interesting shift in language. For a while, hybrid has been the catch-all term for modern meetings. Now, it’s being applied to the rooms themselves — spaces built to jump between platforms as needed.

Is Multi-Platform Certification the Future?

Maybe. But right now? We’re not seeing a groundswell of demand for it — at least not here. Most of our clients have picked a lane, usually Microsoft Teams, and they’re more focused on stability, consistency, and support than swapping platforms mid-week.

That said, the idea of multi-certified spaces does make sense in larger, more public-facing environments: think universities, event venues, or international offices where meeting diversity is the norm.

Still, for most organisations, it’s not about ticking every compatibility box. It’s about creating a seamless user experience.

AVIaaS: It’s Not About the Logo on the Screen

Here’s where AVIaaS (AV Infrastructure as a Service) shines. Whether the room runs Teams, Zoom, or some bespoke VC solution under the hood — users shouldn’t need to care. If it works, it works.

That’s the goal: invisible complexity, visible reliability. The real value isn’t in buying the most multi-certified gear on the market. It’s in designing spaces that just work, supporting them proactively, and freeing users from having to troubleshoot or overthink.

Beyond Video Calls: The Rise of Facilities Data

One of the more interesting nuggets from the seminar was the rise of AI-driven reporting tools that blend meeting room data with broader facilities insights — energy usage, occupancy trends, room utilisation, etc.

We’re already starting to see this with platforms like Crestron XiO Cloud, which surfaces exactly this kind of data — and it’s exactly the sort of thing that resonates at the C-level. Not just “Did the camera work?” but “Is the space being used effectively? What’s the energy footprint? Where’s the ROI?”

As the conversation shifts from tech in the room to insight from the room, this could be the start of something bigger.

A Quick Note on TAA/BAA

For those of us outside the U.S., the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) and Buy American Act (BAA) might feel like distant policies — but they’re clearly starting to influence procurement decisions. If any of our global suppliers begin to factor those certifications into their product lines, it could be something we need to keep an eye on.

Final Thoughts

We’re all for new labels, as long as they’re useful — not just rebrands of old ideas.

“Hybrid meeting space” might stick. Or it might fade. But the real trend we’re seeing isn’t about having every certification under the sun. It’s about delivering consistency, usability, and visibility — and building meeting spaces that empower teams, not frustrate them.

Because whether it’s Zoom, Teams, or something else entirely — if the tech fades into the background and the room just works, that’s the win.

Want to talk to someone about which solution is right for your business needs?  Reach out to our friendly team of experts.  They are happy to help. Ph 09 377 3778 or email advice@aa.net.nz

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