At the Institute for Educational Advancement (IEA), collaboration is core to the organization's mission of supporting bright young minds across the country. With students, team members, and partner organizations spread throughout the United States, as well as a globally distributed board of directors, IEA President Deborah Monroe needed the tools to create seamless, high-impact hybrid meetings regardless of participant location.
From strategic board sessions and remote planning meetings to impromptu check-ins while on the road, the Meeting Owl 4+ ensures everyone has a voice, no matter where they're connecting from.
"I was first introduced to the Meeting Owl during the pandemic, when the independent K–12 school where I worked had to quickly pivot to deliver classes virtually," says Monroe.
"Once students and teachers began returning to campus, the Meeting Owl was invaluable for making remote students and faculty feel connected and fully part of the classroom."
As many educational institutions struggled to adapt to hybrid learning environments, Monroe witnessed firsthand how the Meeting Owl's smart camera and 360-degree audio helped bridge the gap between in-person and virtual participants, keeping lessons dynamic and inclusive even as classrooms fluctuated between remote and on-site attendance.
That experience left a lasting impression. "We continued to use our Meeting Owls for hybrid meetings with our global board members, which is also how we use our Meeting Owl at IEA," Monroe explains.
At the Institute for Educational Advancement, adaptability is essential. The team regularly travels to deliver programming, build partnerships, and engage with communities nationwide. With such a mobile, mission-driven organization, the need for consistent, high-quality communication is paramount.
"With students and events across the country that involve frequent travel for our team, as well as a distributed board, it's essential that our meetings remain productive even when we aren't all together in person," says Monroe. "The Meeting Owl helps us maintain that level of cohesion and momentum."
Because the device is portable and simple to set up, it transitions easily from the boardroom to hotel rooms, remote offices, and event spaces.
"It's truly plug-and-play, and the fact that it automatically adjusts to whoever's speaking means no one has to be a tech expert to run a great hybrid meeting," Monroe adds.
IEA's work focuses on nurturing the potential of gifted youth—offering scholarships, mentorships, and immersive learning experiences. Whether the team is coordinating a summer program across multiple states or preparing a grant proposal with a partner institution, the Meeting Owl helps streamline collaboration and decision-making.
With the Meeting Owl 4+, Monroe and her team don't worry about uneven sound quality, awkward camera angles, or disengaged remote participants. Instead, all eyes and voices are naturally included, fostering more dynamic conversations and stronger alignment across their initiatives.
"Our board meetings feel more human," Monroe concludes. "Everyone feels seen and heard—literally."