Have you ever been in a position where you needed to combine two separate Zoom meetings? Maybe you were organizing a big conference with multiple breakout sessions, or maybe you just wanted to connect with friends who were in different meetings. Whatever your situation may be, I am here to help you smoothly merge two Zoom meetings together.
Before we delve into the details, it’s important to note that connecting two Zoom meetings can only be done by the host or co-hosts of both meetings. Participants do not have the ability to connect meetings on their own.
Step 1: Obtain the Meeting IDs
The first step in connecting two Zoom meetings is to obtain the Meeting IDs of both meetings. You can find the Meeting ID for a Zoom meeting by either checking the invitation email or by asking the host directly. Once you have the Meeting IDs, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Join the First Meeting
As the host or co-host, start by joining the first Zoom meeting using the Zoom application or web browser. Once you are in the meeting, make sure all the necessary participants are present and ready.
Step 3: Enable the Waiting Room
In order to maintain control and prevent any unwanted participants from entering the meeting, it is recommended to enable the Waiting Room feature. This feature allows you to review and admit participants before they join the meeting. To enable the Waiting Room, go to your Zoom settings and select “Waiting Room” under the “Meeting” tab.
Step 4: Admit Participants from the Second Meeting
Now that the Waiting Room is enabled, ask the participants from the second Zoom meeting to join the first meeting by providing them with the Meeting ID. As the host or co-host, you will receive a notification whenever someone is in the Waiting Room. Review each participant and admit them into the meeting.
Step 5: Communicate with Both Meetings
With participants from both meetings now present in the first meeting, it’s important to establish clear communication. Give a brief introduction of why the meetings are being connected and provide any necessary instructions or ground rules. Encourage participants to engage and ask questions, ensuring that everyone feels included.
Step 6: Manage Breakout Rooms (Optional)
If your intention is to host breakout sessions within the connected meetings, Zoom offers a convenient Breakout Rooms feature. This feature allows you to divide participants into smaller groups for more focused discussions. As the host or co-host, you can assign participants to breakout rooms manually or automatically.
During the breakout sessions, make sure to provide prompts or discussion topics for each group. Keep track of the time and remind participants when it’s time to reconvene as a whole group.
Step 7: End the Meetings
Once the meetings have served their purpose and it’s time to wrap up, thank all the participants for their participation and contribution. Provide any necessary follow-up information or next steps.
Conclusion
Connecting two Zoom meetings may seem like a daunting task at first, but by following these steps, you can seamlessly bring participants from different meetings together. Whether you’re hosting a large conference or connecting with friends, this method allows for collaboration and connection. Remember to communicate clearly, manage breakout rooms if needed, and end the meetings on a positive note. Happy Zooming!