What is an "executive session" in the context of a meeting?

An "executive session" refers to a closed portion of a meeting specifically designed for discussing sensitive or confidential matters. In this context, only members are allowed to attend, ensuring that discussions remain private and that sensitive topics, such as personnel issues or legal matters, can be addressed without outside interference or exposure. This practice is vital for maintaining confidentiality and fostering an environment where members can speak freely about delicate subjects.

This session contrasts with the open meetings, where all members and guests participate in discussions around routine agenda items, making it necessary to have a distinct area for matters that require a higher level of privacy. Other options do not capture this critical aspect; for instance, a session where all members are involved in every discussion would not facilitate the confidentiality needed in sensitive discussions. Similarly, brainstorming sessions and those specifically designed for voting are different in scope and purpose, lacking the privacy characteristic of an executive session.