Meeting procedure in the absence of the moderator.

[Guest Levale]

In the absence of the moderator, how is the meeting conducted and who conducts it? I have been informed that the body secretary would temporarily conduct the meeting in order to elect a temporary moderator. Please advise.

[Hieu H. Huynh]

 

In the absence of the moderator, how is the meeting conducted and who conducts it? 

 

... the body secretary would temporarily conduct the meeting in order to elect a temporary moderator.

 

I would agree with that procedure.

[Josh Martin]

In the absence of the moderator, how is the meeting conducted and who conducts it? I have been informed that the body secretary would temporarily conduct the meeting in order to elect a temporary moderator. Please advise.

 

If you have a "Vice Moderator," this person would preside, but if you do not, or if this person is also absent, the procedure you describe is absolutely correct. See RONR, 11th ed., pg. 453.

[Richard Brown]

Mr. Huynh is correct.  This is what RONR says on page 453 to do in the absence of the chairman:

 

"If neither the president nor any vice-president is present, the secretary—or in the secretary's absence some other member—should call the meeting to order, and the assembly should immediately elect a chairman pro tem to preside during that session. Such office is terminated by the entrance of the president or a vice-president . . . ."