The current global situation surrounding COVID-19 has many people questioning their safety while going out just about anywhere. Events such as weddings, showers, and graduations have been cancelled all over the country. Now, with the pandemic under better control, many restaurants, churches, parks, etc. are starting to open back up at a limited capacity. No one is certain how long these places will stay open. Many businesses are at risk of being closed down again with no notice. In the meantime, you need to learn to adjust events post-pandemic.
With all this uncertainty, no one can be positive what hosting events will look like in the present and future.
M&O Marketing offers an extensive guide on how to host events related to the financial industry. Included are guides on hosting Dinner Seminars and Educational Workshops. These resources have guidelines with links to safety materials that can be purchases. Additionally, there are phone scripts that explain how to handle conversations about COVID-19 with potential attendees.
If interested in our COVID-19 Resources Guide, email [email protected].
To check out the latest protocols, check out the CDC’s website.
Safety Essentials
To start off, there are quite a few essentials for keeping everyone safe as you adjust events post-pandemic. These include providing face masks for everyone in attendance. It may seem like everyone has a “new norm” of always wearing masks, but providing them is still a good idea.
Another essential is disinfecting wipes. There are small packages of these wipes that can be given to each person in attendance, or, if these smaller packages are all sold out, having a few of the larger cans of wipes can also be used.
Lastly, and most importantly, there needs to be ample hand sanitizer in the room. Similar to disinfecting wipes, you could provide every person their own individual sand-sanitizers. If you are struggling to find individual hand-sanitizers, invest in a few pumps.
Make sure that all areas of the event that you presume to be high-traffic areas have a sanitizing station.
Offering a small “goodie bag” with a face mask, disinfecting wipes, and a hand sanitizer seems personal and kind. I’d feel much more assured knowing that my safety is a priority at the event.
Preparing for Anything
Working with your venue is of the utmost importance while you adjust events post-pandemic. Almost every single venue will have an updated, smaller capacity and restrictions for what is acceptable and what is not. All staff at the venue will likely be wearing a mask/face covering of some sort, and many of them will be ensuring that they social distance properly. Make sure any employees or volunteers that are helping you run your event are wearing masks and social distancing. You and your staff will set the precedent for how others at the event should act.
The venue will likely have specific guidelines about where people can sit and stand to ensure social distancing. Your venue may have rules about doing certain specific activities; make sure to ask if all aspects of the event you are envisioning for your company will be doable at the venue. Another huge change is how venues can serve food. Most locations are no longer allowing buffet style meals, instead having employees serve meals or using a boxed system to ensure cleanliness and help stop the spread of bacteria to the best of their abilities.
In addition, as the situation evolves and changes everyday, there may be unforeseen changes throughout the event planning process, it is important to have backup plans and keep in contact with attendees about any changes that may arise. Attendees need to make sure that they feel comfortable with every aspect of the event in order to make a decision on whether or not they plan to attend. Call all of your RSVP’s guests to update them on significant changes in the event, as anything could make or break their attendance.
Being Open and Understanding
The last point is crucial. Some people are simply more worried than others about the spread of COVID-19 for a multitude of different reasons. There are many people who are immuno-compromised or have family members that are immuno-compromised. These people will likely be more nervous than others. There are others who may have travel plans in the future and want to ensure the safety of their family and friends, and more who are just less comfortable going out than others. One way to help combat worries is to have a clear outline of how the event will be safe, while another idea is to also stream the event on a meeting call, such as Zoom.
Understanding that each person’s situation is different from the next is a great first step here. No matter the reasoning, if anyone decides to not attend, make sure to direct them towards a virtual event, or a virtual option for this event.
There may be less people in attendance due to the current situation. It is good to note that these leads will likely be stronger. The people who come to your events will be more serious about your company than others. Good luck with hosting and remember to keep yourself safe during this time! It’s a more beneficial to adjust events post-pandemic than to cancel all events.
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