06.19.20
By Lisa Major
With each passing day, it seems like we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s refreshing to see that in most parts of the country, businesses are open, outdoor events scheduled, and small venues have been given the go-ahead for in-person events. For experiential and event marketers, this is a reason to celebrate – little victories are happening all around us, and we can only hope that this is just the tip of the iceberg to an epic comeback.
In this week’s Happy Hour, we’ll look at event safety tips, design considerations, and experiential ideas that will prepare you for the new wave of experiential marketing campaigns.
Last week, the CDC presented guidelines surrounding safety at gatherings and events. As event marketers prepare for the return of live events, the health and safety of event attendees, vendors, and event staff will be a top priority. With that said, a detailed on-site safety plan will need to be in place, complete with protocols and procedures for all involved. Here, Event Marketer shares five tips for developing an effective plan.
Some states are giving the green light on conferences, and trade shows, albeit strict requirements that include limiting attendees, increased sanitation, and promoting social distancing. For seasoned event professionals, navigating this uncharted territory may seem overwhelming, but it is the ticket to getting the live event industry moving again. In this article, we’ll take a look at how event profs can strategically design events with physical distancing in mind while keeping the space cozy and inviting for attendees.
Planning a live event amid COVID-19 is one thing, but getting attendees to participate is another story. To bring attendees back to live events, event marketers will need to carefully consider the timing of events and how to market them to ensure that attendees feel comfortable and safe. As this article states, “there will be people who feel confident and can’t wait; others waiting to see who else is going; and others in the way back, who are very nervous.” Organizers will need to empathize with all mindsets to build trust amongst attendees. Here, event professional Tamara Beck shares her tips on how event marketers can successfully market their live events to build trust and drive attendance.
Experiential marketing thrives on face-to-face interaction and the lack of in-person experiences has been devasting for brands, marketing agencies, vendors and suppliers, and brand ambassadors. But there is hope. We’re starting to see more businesses reopen, and some states are relaxing requirements on large gatherings and events, in fact, several states have announced that live music venues can reopen as long as safety measures are in place. With that said, now is the time to get ahead of the game (and the competition) and start preparing for your next brand activation. As consumers begin heading out into the world again, these experiential marketing ideas will get your brand noticed.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to safely host an event. The guide includes expert tips and recommendations, checklists for attendees and event staff, templates, and risk assessments.
Each week, ATN’s Happy Hour brings you a roundup of the latest tips, trends, and news in experiential and event marketing. Join us again next week and be sure to subscribe to our monthly blog while you’re here!