Post-COVID Emerging Trends in the Events Industry

Rewind to approximately one year ago and we all thought the events industry was a goner. At least for the foreseeable future, anyway. Yet, here we are twelve months later, and it feels like a long time coming, but the world is finally opening up again and inching its way back to some level of normality – and just in time for summer! 

But before we all get too excited, let’s be honest with ourselves. We’re not quite out of the woods yet, are we?

What we are having to do is familiarise ourselves with what’s being dubbed ‘the new normal’. Although let’s be fair, none of us really know what exactly constitutes the ‘new normal’, since the locky D rules keep changing or being pushed back. But that’s another story… 

 

So, what are thefacts? Well, for starters, we’re kind of over having to wear masks and certainly won’t miss them when the time comes to hang them up for good. But can we start planning or organising events? The answer is yes. Hell yes, actually.

While we’re all adapting to the ‘new normal’, we’re also getting ready to dust off our glad rags and get out there and resume our lives again. Albeit with a few mandatory rules in place. But that’s no biggie – we’re an adaptable, ever-evolving species! Consider it similar to waking up from a long nap: we’re a little groggy and confused, and have absolutely no idea what day it is, but we eventually come around.

Of all the industries affected by the pandemic, the events sector probably took one of the hardest hits. It’s no secret that social distancing and extra hygiene etiquette will be around long after the worst of the pandemic has been and gone. This doesn’t mean the events industry will need to brace itself for declining numbers though. No, ma’am. Quite the opposite. It just goes back to the whole “adapting and evolving” thing we’re so good at. 

Welcoming in the ‘new normal’

The key to navigating it is to simply play by the rules. Right down to the very last one. If you’re thinking of organising a big event, nothing will be more catastrophic than a COVID health breach that could be detrimental for all the attendees’ health – not to mention may also result in a nice hefty fine. Just play by the rules and you’ll be fine.

The good news is there are plenty of measures that will help organisers create a fun, successful, and safe event.

Here are just a few ways to manage your live event during COVID-era times:

 

1. 1. Capacity management. Consider stretching your event out a further day or so to allow for the same number of punters as you’d normally get, but in fewer waves. Time and budget will need to be taken into consideration.
   2. Space. As previously mentioned, social distancing isn’t something we’ll be waving goodbye to any time soon. If you’ve not done so before, consider going al fresco with your event for extra safety measures.
   3. Waste disposal. Another thing we’re not going to see the back of in the immediate future will be tighter rules regarding disposal methods. To avoid putting your punters and stewards at risk, visit the HMRC.gov website to keep up to date with disposing of waste in the safest and ethical manner.
   4. Saying ciao to the tent. Consider using a shipping container company for a more hygienic (not to mention weather friendly) option for your event. They are particularly ideal during festival season. They come in a range of sizes and can be used as sanitation stations, pop-up cafés, stalls, and anything in between.
   5. Contactless hand sanitiser stations. Self-explanatory really. The only way to keep on top of hand hygiene is thoroughly implementing regular sanitising protocol by all attendees. 
   6. Getting techy. Temperature screening thermographic cameras are about to take the events industry by storm. COVID-tech is ever enhancing to ensure the survival of the industry, and the latest source is a camera set-up designed to measure body heat on entry, as well as observing crowds for anyone exhibiting a high temperature. Nifty, huh?

It’s not going to be a walk in the park, I’m afraid. This new norm will be a tad more costly and a bit, well, faffy. But we gotta do what we gotta do. Let’s welcome in the new norm with open (albeit socially distanced) arms. We can do this.