Event Planning: Post-Pandemic Predictions
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several industries have taken a hit, but nothing quite compares to how the event planning sector has been affected. Given the challenges of controlling the spread of the Coronavirus, there’s an overall mood of apprehension and concern that has led to the cancellation and postponement of various occasions and events. These decisions have created an uncertain environment for event planners. But, at the same time, it has led to the development of new event concepts.
If you’re wondering what this means for the future of event planning, the industry experts at Houston Event Planning have explained two possible outcomes based on current trends. We have been watching the market over the last few months and have noticed that people are changing their outlooks on events and celebrations. Based on our observations, we have shared two post-pandemic predictions related to the event planning industry.
1. Expect more ‘audienceless’ events
With the popularity of online videos and live chats during the pandemic, it won’t be surprising if we begin to see more ‘audienceless’ events across the globe. These celebrations will either be held via live stream or interactive online meeting spaces, especially the large types of events that cater to hundreds to thousands of people.
On account of this trend, event hosts must consider either pivoting entirely to an online event or offer people a way to join the event online. Event planners will have to evolve, as well. Besides working hard to ensure that events can still be held traditionally in face-to-face environments with safety precautions, they’ll also need to adapt to clients’ new requirements. Initially, while it may appear that online events can be handled by the host themselves, in time, people will see that moving entirely or partially to an online event is made easier with the help of an expert who understands the necessary logistics.
When it comes to moving events online, it shouldn’t be too challenging as the event planning industry has always been on the cutting edge of technology. Similarly, as new interactive features are released by different online software, it will be easy to make the attendee experience a seamless one for event planners. That said, planners and hosts can still expect the trend of online events to create some bumps in the road. To tackle the challenges that emerge along the way, event organizers and planners will need to assess their potential problems and find solutions to these issues. But overall, the events industry will create interactive and innovative ways to engage attendees, and these breakthroughs will create new types of events!
2. Prepare for hybrid-styled events
Those event organizers who choose to create hybrid-styled events, a mix of traditional and online events, will face many unique challenges. To overcome these obstacles, the support of an experienced planner will be essential. This is because the physical venue will need to be spaced to accommodate social distancing, a reduced occupancy, and other procedures or set-up requirements as per governmental guidelines.
Event planners will have the resources and skills to easily navigate the new requirements and layout the physical space based on the rules for precaution and safety. In addition, they will help the event host to adjust the audiovisual component for their online events.
From an industrial point of view, we expect to see more innovative use of video technology in these hybrid spaces. Also, unique cameras that incorporate online chat-infused experiences will be welcomed by professionals in this industry.
During the initial phases, large events may struggle as a result of the pivoting process. However, with new ideas and features, there will be many improvements that engage guests safely as well as attract online attendees.
If you’d like to know more about what to expect from the event planning industry post the pandemic, reach out to Houston Event Planning. We are professional event planners in Houston, TX, with nearly two decades of experience in event planning. We have planned and executed several events across the country, from weddings to large corporate events. Our goal is to help as many people as possible celebrate their milestones and bring together the people that matter to them.
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