The event industry like many other businesses has been disrupted by the COVID-19 coronavirus. Event organizers around the globe have been forced to cancel or postpone their meetings, in order to contain the spread of the disease. Despite this difficult time, it only looks appropriate to predict how events will look after COVID-19. We will have to come to terms with unprecedented risks associated with events and take precautionary measures to stay on course.

Here are 5 trends we expect to see post the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Take up virtual meetings

Human to human interactions is key in expanding knowledge and providing networking opportunities among other benefits. However, in the wake of coronavirus, which is highly transmittable, event organizers will have to rethink solely relying on physical meetings.  Virtual events offer a safe alternative for convergence while still safeguarding the attendee’s wellbeing. Tools like video conferencing and live stream challenge physical barriers and enable you to carry on with events in case of cancellations.

2. Consider bulk communication tools

You will need to adapt communication models that make it easy to pass information during a crisis. Take up channels that enable two-way communication in order to address emergencies as they spring up.  The attendees should also be made aware of safety guidelines so they can protect themselves. There will also be a need to increase awareness about hygiene, especially in relation to transmitting diseases. This can be done by creating signage around the event venue to remind them to wash their hands. Bulk emails and SMS can also be used to pass this information.

3. Need for crowd control

 Large crowds make it easy to transmit viruses. Moving forward, we will need to redesign event spaces to ensure attendees can keep a safe distance between each other. Make use of onsite registration tools that are fast and efficient in reducing queues during check-in.  When selecting venues, choose locations that are low risk and can allow attendees to stay 6 feet apart if need be.

4. Onsite health care team

Not all event planners take into consideration having a medical team on site. However, with the risk of infections, it will be necessary to have medical personnel present at the venue. It will also be wise to consider health scanning on entry, providing sanitary items like masks and sanitizers, educating audiences in identifying signs and symptoms of infections and creating isolation facilities.

5. Adapt mobile applications

Mobile apps have several inbuilt features that help reduce physical human contact without sacrificing engagement. Attendees can make use of chat rooms to network, share photos of the event, participate in polls, Q&A’s and surveys, access conference information etc. The event organizer can also make use of this tool to send push notifications for attendees to be in the know on any important information.

This is a difficult time for all those in the event industry. We would like to remind you that we are in this together and we will continue to provide support. Remember that this will pass and we will be able to stand if we make decisions that will safeguard the future of the event industry.

Tags

COVID-19, Coronavirus, event planning, event future, event trends, event post coronavirus, mobile applications, live streams, video conferencing

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