What do we think events will look like after lockdown?

Covid-19 has not only changed how we live, but how we work, socialise and all events. The event industry has been hit very hard.

As people have been looking more for experiences, this means the events industry had been increasing by a nice 8% per year.

Events are used for businesses to show and sell their wares, get their brands noticed and bringing people together.

Events bring joy to people when they see their favourite band or visit a show or craft fair. They raise profiles for businesses and can be essential for their survival. They can also educate and inspire.

With all the above being said it is unfortunately true that events are very damaging to the environment. Billions of tonnes of waste going to landfill and the same with CO2. So thinking about this and how the planet is healing, could the industry shift and be more sustainable? You have heard and seen the stories of how water is now clear in Venice, pollution and gas emissions have fallen across every continent. Is this just a fleeting change?

Could events be done more ‘virtually’? Some businesses and brands have already changed their events into virtual experiences. Speaking to their customers through Zoom, Facetime, Skype.

Coming out of this pandemic could this be a new way of doing things and enabling to connect with a wider audience?

How could we be travelling to events?

Until a vaccine has been found it is likely travel bans and strict quarantine rules will be in place. It will be difficult and likely expensive to travel. So the likelihood that virtual events will be the new norm for some time to come.

Event Equipment

The price for shipping goods will substantially increase. Plus there will be a delay in equipment getting to you. There could be restrictions on what you can buy from other countries. The positive is that businesses may shop more locally but a lot of thought will have to go into how we can even deliver an event.

Event Attendees Safety

Attending a live event will be limited. There will be lots of extra planning and logistics to think about. New systems will need to be put into place with the publics safety and health as the number one consideration. There are lots of ‘ideas’ being discussed such as on site heat testing, proof of vaccine, etc. Government guidance is changing daily so plans will need to be adapted regularly.

Events Industry Moving forward

We have to look at new working practices that encompass health and environmental concerns more than ever. Businesses need to look ahead to see how they can drive innovation and look at new business models

Whilst staff are furloughed, investigate what training can be done. How this can be useful for the businesses future.

Now whilst we all have extra time on our hands we should be perhaps looking at the way we work and our company values and how we do business.