Can you remember the joy of attending special events before COVID-19? We were able to socialize with our friends and event goers without physically distancing or wearing masks. We didn’t have to worry or consider the risks of hosting and attending events. The world of event planning and attending was different, and it has drastically changed over the past year.
You might have been looking forward to concerts, weddings or conventions that have unfortunately been postponed or cancelled due to the pandemic. It has truly become a touch and go system as the CDC makes changes to recommendations for events and gatherings. Though regulations have been preventing us from gathering together in normal capacities, this hasn’t stopped the event world from moving into a new normal.
Though we are currently practicing physical distancing, there are still things you can do to acknowledge and support special events and occasions that are important to you. One of the easiest ways to do this is through hosting or joining a virtual event. For example, the performing group, AJR, put on a virtual concert for their fans as the pandemic cancelled their touring plans. This interactive experience allowed access to different camera angles that guests could control during the concert. Though it’s not the same, virtual events like this one give us back some enjoyment in attending special events during a pandemic, while also trying to keep people safe.
Some organizations are pushing their creativity and bringing back events from the past to support important causes. Some organizations have gotten back into virtual radiothon events. Radiothons are on-the-air radio campaigns that often last 24 hours or more, designed to raise money for non-profit organizations. For example, Key 103, and 106.9 The Eagle have joined together to sponsor an event supporting cancer research. All proceeds from the event benefit the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. It’s important that organizations continue to come up with these types of events, especially to raise money for important causes.
It’s important that when planning events during a national pandemic, you keep the CDC’s regulations and best practices in mind. Though we can’t participate in large special events like we once had, there are opportunities to still try to make the most out of uniting together, physically distanced in-person. Event planners should especially consider implementing strategies to maintain healthy environments in the following areas of events:
- Cleaning and disinfection
- Ventilation
- Water systems
- Modified layouts
- Physical Barriers and guides
- Food services
Overall, it’s important that we have event planners and attendees pushing for the success of both online and physically distanced events. We want everyone to be able to enjoy special events regardless of their format. One day we hope that things can return to normal, but for now, we need to put our support in all events affected by COVID-19.
Next week, we will start to dive into how public relations effects different industries, particularly the Fine Arts.