Post-Lockdown Events: Building your reputation around health and safety
In-person events are definitely back
The event planning industry is showing signs that it's on the rise again. This 11th annual report from American Express Meetings & Events shows how confident planners feel about going forward, with high anticipation for in-person events to resume sooner than later.
“67% of respondents believe in-person meeting levels will return to their pre-pandemic numbers within one to two years.”
Event professionals are also increasing budget investments as 64% anticipate an increase at some point next year, too - so get ready because it's going to be a great few months ahead!
What have we learned so far?
There's no such thing as being too cautious when it comes to health and safety. We've learned a lot over the past year about keeping people—including your team—safe from COVID. One of the best ways to do this is to require COVID testing for all event participants. This will help to ensure that everyone who attends your event is healthy and not infected with the virus.
Outdoor venues are still the ideal spaces for events; however, if you are to hold your event in an enclosed area, you should take every possible precaution to ensure that your event space is clean and sanitized. This will help to prevent the spread of any potential diseases or illnesses.
What can you do to make sure your events are safe for all participants?
With the possibility of the continued spread of the virus, planning and preparations are incredibly crucial. From what we’ve learned from our recently organized events, here are a few things you can do to help ensure your event is COVID-safe:
First and foremost, we cannot emphasize the importance of establishing a clear and constant communication system with your team and vendors.
Have a clear understanding of the COVID guidelines for your area, and make sure your event complies. This will give attendees confidence that you're taking the necessary precautions.
Make sure seating is arranged in a way that allows for social distancing. If possible, consider virtual or hybrid options to avoid overcrowding the venue and limit contact.
Make sure all surfaces are clean and sanitized before the participants arrive. This includes door handles, countertops, chairs, and other areas where people will touch surfaces.
Encourage the participants to wear masks and wash their hands before entering the event space.
Provide hand sanitizer stations throughout the venue for the participants to use.
If your event is indoors, you may also want to consider opening up windows or doors to improve ventilation.
If you're serving food, offer individually packaged items or a buffet-style if possible so that participants can serve themselves without coming into contact with others.
By taking these precautions, you can help give your participants the confidence they need to enjoy your event while staying safe and healthy.
Ultimately, clients trust event planners who have built their reputation around health and safety
In today's uncertain climate, an essential quality an event planner must have is a proven track record of safe practices and reliable service. By focusing on safety as a cornerstone of their services, event planners can turn repeat clients into loyal supporters and stay ahead of the competition for years to come. Ultimately, clients will only work with event planners who they believe can give their participants peace of mind and ensure that their events run smoothly.
We hope you find this blog post helpful. If you have more questions about this topic, you can email us at hello@erinleonardevents.com. Also, follow us on social media for more tips, best practices, and industry updates!