What COVID-19 Is Teaching Event Planners
As an event planner, I long for the day when the biggest uncertainties affecting plans are a snowstorm, road construction, or a featured speaker who needs to cancel.
For someone who is used to successfully managing outcomes through goal setting, well-thought-out strategies, and hard work, the COVID-19 teacher has challenged me to stretch in areas of faith, flexibility, and creativity.
In working with our nonprofit clients and vendor partners to make the best possible plans during this unprecedented time, these are the practices the Ann Plans team is embracing:
Practicing Fluidity
The advice we gave in mid-March when COVID-19 first began impacting our local events industry has continued to evolve by the week and by the day. For all of us involved in producing and hosting large events, the most challenging factor is the uncertainty of when it will once again be safe for large groups of people to gather.
We have updated our FAQs resource document to reflect what we consider to be current best practices in light of today’s COVID-19 climate and the projected reality over the next several months. Click here to download this resource.
Reimagining in the Virtual Space
“Virtual event” is a term that quickly became a part of our daily vocabulary. A virtual event is simply using today’s technologies to bring an event to “guests” via the internet and social media. We are teaming up with our vendor partners in helping clients to reimagine and plan events in the virtual space.
The focus of this planning is creating an inspiring program and successful giving strategies that translate well to a living room environment. Later this month we will be sharing a virtual event resource guide. Click here to be added to the list to be among the first to receive this resource.
Reaching Out
We need each other more than ever. Overwhelmed, self-doubt, and fear are very common feelings. A simple call or text to someone in your network may be the ray of sunshine they need to help shake off a funk or feel a renewed sense of focus and purpose. Reminding a friend or colleague what you admire about them and asking if there’s anything you can do to help are true acts of kindness.
