The Board Meeting

A Tradition of Connection and Relaxation Since the Late 1970s

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, as a young businessman navigating the pressures of the professional world, I noticed a concerning pattern. Every Friday afternoon, as the workweek drew to a close, my colleagues, staff, and clients were leaving the office tense, stressed, and carrying the weight of the week’s challenges into their weekends.

It struck me that this stress was not only affecting their personal lives but also their productivity and morale as they returned to work on Monday. There had to be a way to interrupt this pattern, to create a space where people could unwind before heading home.

The Birth of an Idea
With this in mind, I began inviting folks to the local pub at 4:00 pm on Fridays. The concept was simple: have a drink, engage in casual conversation, and let go of the week’s stress before heading into the weekend. What started as a small gathering quickly gained momentum. People stayed for about an hour, enjoying the chance to relax and socialize. Over time, it became clear that this brief period of decompression had a profound effect.

Participants went home in a better frame of mind, and by the time Monday rolled around, they returned to work more refreshed and relaxed. As the weeks turned into months, the gatherings grew. There were regular attendees who showed up every Friday, and word spread organically—this was before the days of email and social media. It became a ritual, an end-of-week tradition that people looked forward to.

The Naming of “The Board Meeting”
By 1984, with the advent of mobile phones, email, and the early stages of social media, I realized it was time to perhaps formalize this evolving tradition. People were asking to be reminded of the Friday afternoon event, and I knew it needed a name.

Drawing on my sardonic sense of humor, I dubbed it “The Board Meeting.” The idea was that if someone needed an excuse to leave the office early on a Friday, they could simply say they had to attend a Board Meeting. The name stuck, and it added an element of playful irony to the gathering.

The Evolution and Expansion of The Board Meeting
What began as a local initiative quickly evolved into something much larger. As I moved to different locations over the years, I brought The Board Meeting tradition with me, and wherever I went, the concept resonated. By the mid-1980s, The Board Meeting had become a recognized weekly event in several communities, and by the 2000s, with the proliferation of digital communication, it had spread even further.

Today, The Board Meeting is a global phenomenon. There are numerous groups around the world that hold Board Meetings on Friday afternoons, each with its own unique flavor but all sharing the same core purpose: to provide a space for relaxation, connection, and transition from the workweek to the weekend.

The Features of The Board Meeting
The beauty of The Board Meeting lies in its simplicity and flexibility. There are no formal agendas, no required readings, and no strict protocols. It’s a gathering that thrives on spontaneity and the natural flow of conversation. Here are some of the key features that have contributed to its enduring success:

A Casual Environment:
The Board Meeting is held in a relaxed, informal setting—usually a local pub or café. The atmosphere is conducive to unwinding, with participants encouraged to leave work talk at the door and focus on more personal and light-hearted conversations.

Inclusivity:
The event is open to anyone who wishes to join, regardless of their professional background or position. This inclusivity fosters diverse interactions and the opportunity to meet people from different walks of life.

Networking and Relationships:
Over the years, The Board Meeting has become more than just a place to relax. It’s a networking hub where relationships are built, both professional and personal. Many attendees have found new opportunities, partnerships, and friendships through these gatherings. And get this, I’ve been fortunate to attend the nuptials of some great couples that originally met at a Board Meeting.

Consistency:
The event’s regularity—every Friday at 4:00 pm—(or where and when individual groups gather) provides a sense of continuity and dependability. Participants know they can count on this time to decompress and connect with others, making it a staple in their weekly routines.

Adaptability:
While the core concept remains the same, each Board Meeting group has the flexibility to adapt the event to their local culture and preferences. This adaptability has allowed the tradition to thrive in diverse environments.

The Benefits of The Board Meeting

The impact of The Board Meeting goes far beyond just providing a space to unwind. Over the past four decades, it has contributed to the well-being of countless individuals and communities. Here are some of the key benefits that I have observed emerging.

Improved Work-Life Balance:
By offering a buffer between the workweek and the weekend, The Board Meeting helps participants transition from professional responsibilities to personal time more smoothly. This has led to improved work-life balance and overall well-being.

Reduced Stress and Burnout:
Regular attendance at The Board Meeting has been shown to reduce stress levels and prevent burnout. Participants report feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated after attending, which positively impacts their mental health and productivity.

Enhanced Social Connections:
The event fosters a sense of community and belonging. In today’s fast-paced world, where social isolation can be a concern, The Board Meeting provides a valuable opportunity for face-to-face interaction and the strengthening of social ties.

Opportunities for Professional Growth:
The networking aspect of The Board Meeting has opened doors for many participants. It’s a space where ideas are exchanged, collaborations are formed, and new career opportunities are discovered.

A Legacy of Positive Impact:
Perhaps the most significant benefit is the lasting legacy of The Board Meeting. What started as a small, local initiative has grown into a global tradition that continues to positively impact the lives of people around the world.

Looking Ahead
As The Board Meeting continues to thrive in 2025, I am both humbled and proud to see the tradition carry on. It’s a testament to the power of simple ideas, human connection, and the importance of creating spaces where people can relax, reflect, and recharge.

As we move forward, I am excited to see how The Board Meeting will continue to evolve and adapt, touching the lives of future generations just as it has for the past forty years.