Etiquette for Meetings

[senua]

I receive an e-mail telling me when the next Board Meeting is. I'm not a Board member, just an attendee.
Should I respond to say that I am coming to the meeting. Or is it assumed that if I don't send apologies then I am coming.
What's the etiquette these days?

You just turn up. You only send apologies if you aren't attending

Thanks. That's what I thought, but was sensing vibes the other way.
I was worrying that office etiquette had moved on and I had missed the memo.

If it's an email, the polite thing to do is respond with a thanks and confirm attendance (as with any meeting).

If it's formal invite with agenda and board papers, it will be assumed you are attending unless you say otherwise.

I would reply back to ask if I was the right recipient of this invitiation and in case if what I need to bring.

If it's an email, the polite thing to do is respond with a thanks and confirm attendance (as with any meeting).

You see, this was my worry. Has e-mail changed the rules? Do I RSVP, as per Olly, or not, as per Farely.

Maybe it's essentially a 'save the date' email, giving you a heads-up before they issue a meeting invitation via Outlook. If so, you just 'accept' the meeting and that's your response - no need for a separate email unless you have a query.

It's really not a big deal, just reply something like 'Thank you. I'm looking forward to attending. senua'.

I don't think it's a huge etiquette problem, but perhaps they've had a lot of problems with non-attendance and are trying to pin down numbers.

Personally I always RSVP yes/no or tentative to an email or outlook meeting invite, because I know the organiser will be aware that people don't always read their emails and I like to be helpful. If I am setting one up and need to know (and sometimes you do as an organiser for a variety of reasons) if particular people are coming, I will chase them down until I get an answer if I don't hear from them!

However in your case you're not a Board member so unless you have any special role in the meeting I doubt they'll be too concerned if you don't reply.

I tend to acknowledge receipt along the lines of "many thanks, see you then"

If you're a required attendee then yes, confirm.

I would just email back "noted with thanks" or "noted- in diary"

When I send out board papers and agendas I only expect responses from those who are sending apologies.

When I send out board papers and agendas I only expect responses from those who are sending apologies

When I first became a director I was told in no uncertain terms that the only valid reason for missing a board meeting is death. (That chairman was a bit of a stickler!) I've always worked on the basis that board members are assumed to be attending unless they notify otherwise.

I think it's useful for the organiser to know who else might be attending in order to distribute additional papers, ensure there are enough chairs, sandwiches etc. Therefore, if a non director is invited it is only polite they confirm attendance.