How to host your Parent Talk in person and online

[.style-intro]At SFC, we know there’s nothing quite like gathering in person. But we also know family life is busy. With work, childcare and everything else, it’s hard to find a time that works for everyone. That’s why we recommend holding your Parent Talk both in person and online. It keeps the warmth and connection of meeting face to face, while opening the door to parents who might otherwise miss out.[.style-intro]

In our trials, simply adding an online option increased attendance five times. If we want to spread the word quickly and widely, this is one of the most effective tools we have.

What you need

The school or venue

• Reliable internet access – ask for wifi details in advance and test it. The number one technical challenge in school talks is logging onto the wifi!
  
  
• Screen or projector (usually via HDMI).
  
  
• Speakers (optional) – only needed if you’re playing a video with sound.
  
  

The presenter

• Laptop to present from – sometimes it’s easier for the school to run the slides from their machine. If so, make sure they also log into Zoom (or whichever platform you’re using).
  
  
• Meeting account – Zoom, Teams, Google Meet or similar.
  
  
• Second laptop (optional) – useful for monitoring chat and reading questions.
  
  
• Microphones – best is a plug-in mic that everyone uses for questions. Second best is a speaker-mic combo. If neither is available, use your laptop mic and remember to repeat questions from the room so online parents can hear them.
  
  
• Camera – a simple USB webcam works well (on a table, tripod, or clipped to a screen). If you don’t have one, use the laptop camera.
  
  
• Clicker (optional) – otherwise just advance slides from your laptop.
  
  
• Tripod (optional) – helps position the camera clearly.
  
  

Tips to make it work

• Advertise in-person first. Only make the hybrid option and the online link closer to the day. This encourages those who can attend in person to plan to do so, while still opening up access for others.
  
  
• Record the session and share quickly afterwards. We don’t suggest advertising this in advance (people are less likely to join live if they know a recording is coming). Sharing soon after works best – when people feel the FOMO of missing out.
  
  
• Online participation – keep it simple. Parents joining online can use the chat for questions, but won’t be able to speak. Have someone in the room keep an eye on the chat so online voices are included.
  
  
• Sound and video in the room – this set-up works for unamplified conversation, not for polished video playback or amplified sound. If you need amplification, ask if the venue has a PA system.
  
  
• If the tech fails – don’t worry. Use your laptop camera and mic, and repeat questions before answering. It’s not perfect, but it’s still better than leaving online parents out.
  
  

Support from SFC HQ

We’re piloting hybrid kits in 10 regions. Ask your Regional Leader if there’s one you can borrow. Once the trial proves successful, we plan to equip every region with a kit.

Why it matters

Hybrid meetings let us keep the heart of SFC – real-world community – while widening the circle for those who can’t be there in person. They’re practical, flexible, and one of the quickest ways to grow momentum.

If you can, give it a go.