Two key focuses of my blog are Current Events and Technology. The stark reality is that our world may be considerably different than what it used to be post-Covid. We will likely see a world that has a greater digital presence. The following contributed post is entitled, What Will Post-Covid Events Look Like?
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We are not going back to the safety of our pre-COVID lifestyle any time soon. Admittedly, it’s hard to imagine that the current pandemic will turn into a permanent health threat. However, businesses will likely face more than one COVID wave, so it’s essential to start thinking outside the box.
We can’t arrange for life events in the way we used to anymore – at some point in the future, it will be safe again. Therefore, businesses need to create health-conscious events that are engaging, exciting, and safe for the time being. For marketers, making health a strategic priority at the same level than any other objective requires a change of mindset. As useful as Zoom meetings have been since March 2020 – they’ve virtually rescued many companies from bankruptcy –, you need to think above and beyond the simple webcam trick.
A digital event only
Of course, video conferences and workshops remain a safe option for participants and guests. However, Zoom meetings and other popular video alternatives can lack engagement on a large scale. Turning a digital event into a platform for exchange can rely on smart and cost-effective social media strategies. Indeed, you can use social media to build a digital presence for your brand, ensuring that the event gets sufficient buzz online ahead of schedule. You can prepare your platform with event-related content. Uniqlo is a brand that has relied heavily on social media events to reach out to new audience groups.
A safe-distancing show
Can you be COVID-safe without going online? As the current restrictions are easing, you can arrange for an open event as long as your guests are social-distancing accordingly. A VIP event with a reduced number of guests can be the perfect answer to your problems. You can even record video material using a drone and a camera – if you’re not sure where to start, check online articles such as the RC Hobby Review. Once edited, the recording videos can be put together into a sum-up of the event. You can also add light features – LEDs are ideal for branding messaging on social-distancing venues!
A video community
Have you ever considered organizing an event when participants are in different places? You can encourage participants to send their videos on a specific topic, which can be edited to be played as part of branding films, for instance. Depending on your participants’ reputations, you can turn the events into a live-tweeting contest as you release the film.
Alternatively, you can also consider lifestreaming videos. While the effect may seem more real and engaging, streaming technology focuses on one venue only, which reduces the number of guests.
Storytelling via a mic
Everybody loves a good story, which is why podcasts are so popular. Podcasts are not life events; however, you can set up a recording studio with a streaming service. You can record guests via an online connection, running your podcasts on a communication tool such as Skype or Whatsapp calls. There may be a few microseconds delay due to broadband facilities, but you can ask in real-time questions that auditors are sending.
Are life events going to disappear? The answer is no. However, we need to adapt and transform our strategies to keep businesses and people safe. COVID-friendly events do not have to feel like another work Zoom meeting. On the contrary, you can get creative and design exciting arrangements for all.
