18 Jun Saying Yes! to Events in a Post-Covid World
Yes! Live, in-person events are returning in many forms. Yes! We’re excited to be planning these long-awaited gatherings with clients again. Yes! There are still many questions we all have about changes and what needs to happen to keep everyone safe.
In this newsletter, I’m addressing some of the top comments and questions we are being asked:
Will virtual events remain?
I believe that hybrid events will be the path forward. Meaning that there will be part in-person elements with virtual elements integrated into them. It’s interesting that pre-Covid, virtual experiences weren’t even considered. They were thought to be too expensive and too much work. That has all changed! Today, many of our clients find that hybrid events check many boxes and we’ve been able to create exciting, engaging virtual experiences for them!
What type of events are being produced in-person?
The in-person events we are working on are smaller in guest count and adhere to strict safety precautions. Yet they are combined with virtual elements which enable guests who 1) aren’t comfortable being in groups yet 2) can’t travel yet or 3) aren’t vaccinated yet to participate. Be sure to check in on all regulations and guidelines. They differ from one county to the next. We are happy to help if you are unable to easily find them. (Here, for example are for LA County)
What virtual elements will most likely continue?
Group activities such as cooking, and mixology classes continue to be a popular addition to programs. Also, adding a speaker that might have been more expensive pre-Covid due to travel is now much more available for many budgets. We also see conferences offering a more content-based program as a virtual option. Of course, we still miss the fun and social aspect of events, but a hybrid event will alweays be a good low-cost option.
What does it take to make these virtual elements happen?
Technology plays a vital role yet, as you might have guessed, there is a lot more to it than plugging in a webcam. Overall, audio is one of the most overlooked, yet important components to a successful virtual experience. Laptop and webcam microphones are not intended to pick up sound from more than a few feet away from the device which means that everyone who is speaking will need microphones. Next, choosing the correct camera setup and platform is key to a great attendee experience. Finally, a high-quality virtual event is not a one-technician job. Your event producer can help you determine the correct number of crew to produce an experience that is memorable and professional.
And if you are wondering what the bigger picture is for live events in general, here is what some of my professional colleagues and I said in a recent white paper.
“The key is not to adopt to the circumstances, but to adapt to them…. Look for creative solutions, ways to adapt to come out on top and still accomplish what needs to happen. History shows that those who weather these storms are stronger and better in the long run.”
– Roy Porter, Activities Director, Engage Works
“To maintain team synergy, budgets previously dedicated to traditional models of operation may now be unallocated dollars that will need to be leveraged toward company events and team building.”
– Kristin Banta, Creative Director, Kristin Banta Event
“People will still need to come together and with more remote workers, we expect team-building events and remote meeting capabilities will be in high demand.”
– Kris Reinhard, Partner, Fifth Group Restaurants and General Manager, Bold Catering & Design
Making a Connection
“Whatever it is that we are faced with, and however it is we need to communicate – we are a smart and adaptable race – and we will figure it out. We move forward, we persevere, we survive, and we prosper.”
– Ryan Zynger, Zynger Events
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