Challenge

Hybrid meetings were a persistent challenge for King's Group Academies. When using traditional meeting solutions - like webcams, microphones, individual laptops, etc. - they struggled with poor image quality, complex setups, and audio feedback. These inefficiencies hindered the effectiveness of their online and hybrid meetings, creating frustration among staff and reducing overall productivity.

Solution

To better their meeting experiences, King's Group Academy adopted the Meeting Owl 4+, our next-gen 360° smart video conferencing camera. Luke Mulhall, the Digital Strategy Lead at King’s Group Academies, spearheaded the initiative.

“The Meeting Owl is about as simple as it can be. We tried one Owl and have since purchased others to enable into school meetings,” Mulhall said.

The key reasons why King’s Group Academy chose the Meeting Owl include:

• Simple plug-and-play setup

• Seamless Ultra HD video + audio capabilities

• Engaging, collaborative experience between in-room and remote participants

• Consistent performance with minimal technical issues

Deploying the Meeting Owl 4+ required minimal effort. The device was plugged in, and staff were shown how to use it. No formal training was necessary, as the device’s intuitive design ensured a smooth learning curve. 

What’s even better is that Mulhall is seeing adoption across the Academies. “People that experience [the Meeting Owl 4+] want to use it for all hybrid meetings.”

Over the past three years, the Meeting Owl has significantly improved hybrid meetings within King's Group Academies. They’ve seen:

• Increased Engagement: The 360° camera dynamically focuses on the active speaker, enabling remote attendees to feel more connected to the room.

• Enhanced Efficiency: Staff can focus on meeting content without worrying about technology.

• Reduced Travel: By providing a near in-person experience, the Owl has cut down unnecessary travel time.

• Seamless Integration: The Owl aligns with the trust’s vision for IT solutions that “just work.”

The Meeting Owl will remain integral to its operations as King's Group Academies expands geographically. The device supports their hybrid-first approach to meetings, fostering effective communication without the need for frequent travel.

For organisations looking to enhance their hybrid meeting experiences, the Meeting Owl offers a comprehensive, user-friendly solution. As Luke advises, “Just buy one and try it. It’s a worthwhile investment for any team striving for effective hybrid collaboration.”

Explore more about the Meeting Owl at owllabs.co.uk.