The BYOM Shift:
Smarter Meetings, Zero Compromise
Why “Bring Your Own Meeting” is changing the AV game—fast.
By Holli Hulett, Co-founder of Boom Collaboration
What Is BYOM and Why Now?
BYOM (Bring Your Own Meeting) is more than a trend—it’s a movement. Businesses are ditching rigid in-room systems and embracing a new standard: plug-and-play simplicity.
With BYOM, users launch meetings from their own laptops via a single cable—no hand-holding, no IT tickets. It’s ideal for hot desking, hybrid schedules, and reclaiming underused rooms that weren’t built for video collaboration.
Why BYOM Works
It’s not just about convenience. BYOM brings real advantages for teams and IT alike:
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Simplicity & Familiarity – Users connect using devices they already know and trust.
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Cost-Effective – BYOM setups are generally more affordable than full in-room systems.
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Flexibility Across Room Sizes – Scales easily from huddle rooms to large meeting spaces.
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Cross-Platform Compatibility – Works with Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, and more.
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Advanced Tech Integration– Pairs easily with AI-powered videobars, ePTZ cameras, and more.
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Time-Saving – Faster start-ups = fewer delays = happier teams.
The proof? Rooms equipped for BYOM get booked more often. It's what people want to use.
Remote Work Made it Non-Negotiable
Hybrid work didn’t just change how we meet—it changed where and why. Today, teams expect meeting equity, no matter where they’re dialing in from. BYOM delivers that balance.
Boom’s ZYGO hub and Meeting Room in a Box kits are answering the call—offering flexible, high-performance setups without complexity.
So... What Are People Plugging In?
Mostly laptops. Mac, PC, doesn’t matter. People want to run their meetings their way—on their platform of choice, with full control. And with the right infrastructure, IT still gets the visibility and security it needs.
How Does BYOM Influence AV System Design?
Many companies aren’t throwing out their in-room systems—they’re upgrading them. Hubs like Boom ARC make hybrid setups easy, enabling both BYOM and wireless content sharing in one slick unit.
BYOM-ready rooms aren’t just functional—they’re flexible, accessible, and futureproof. Yes. Futureproof.
What About the Downsides?
The main challenge? Security—with unmanaged or personal devices. But it’s manageable:
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Using hubs like ZYGO or ARC to connect via secure guest networks
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Deploying centralized IT infrastructure that pushes updates and security patches
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Encouraging personal responsibility for meeting etiquette and device hygiene
Is BYOM the Future—or Just a Phase?
BYOM isn’t one-size-fits-all, but it’s definitely here to stay. It’s not about replacing every AV system—it’s about meeting people where they are. The most successful BYOM rollouts:
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Are tailored to real room use
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Use the right mix of hardware (camera, speaker, hub)
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Have a clear rollout strategy and stick to it
Want smarter meetings without the mess? BYOM is already the answer.