COVID-19 - How to protect your venue and your event clients during a global pandemic
Luca Fiorini
TEMPORARY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
This is certainly an unprecedented time for all of us in the event industry. We might not want to think of or deal with it, but none of us are escaping the clutches of coronavirus right now. Governments all around the world have imposed national lockdowns resulting in the closure of all event venues, from bars and restaurants to ballrooms, warehouses and private spaces. For the first time in our lifetime the success of our business does not depend on our marketing strategies and sales skills, but on the decision the Government will make on if and when to reopen our cities, our restaurants and our venues. The worst part is that we can base the future of our business on assumptions as no solution besides social distancing has beed found yet.
THE ADVANTAGE OF EVENT POSTPONEMENTS VS CANCELLATIONS
Since the beginning of the pandemic and the city lockdown, private event spaces and wedding venues in Los Angeles as well as event planners, caterers, rental companies and many other event professionals have spent most of their time dealing with event postponements and cancellations requests. The effects of a large number of cancellations can be devastating for venues, especially during such a challenging time. For that reason, postponing events seems to be the most recommended solution to allow each venue to get through this crisis and still be able to host and execute each client’s event.
HOW TO TAKE POSITIVE ACTIONS AS A VENUE OWNER OR VENUE MANAGER
Our team of venue consultants has been working closely with our event venues and their management and sales teams in Los Angeles with one main goal in mind: limiting the number of cancellations and assist each client in finding a new date for their event. Here are some actions each venue owner/venue manager should take when communicating with affected clients:
Make sure your client knows you are there for them;
Be sure to respond to any client email or phone call in a timely manner;
Start a dialogue with empathy in mind;
Explore solutions that can create a win/win situation for you and your client
Contact future clients with the reassurance that you and your team are intending to carry on hosting their event (unless Government advice indicates otherwise)
Share the actions you are taking to prevent the spread of the virus once you will be given the green light to reopen.
A POSITIVE MINDSET IS KEY
It is easy to fall into a negative mindset during such an uncertain and scary time. Someone is talking about a “new normal” and that social life will never be the same. Truth is, events are a very important part of our lives and a virus will not be able to take that from us.
Our agency has helped hundreds of clients finding the perfect venue for memorable life events such as baby showers, bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, birthday parties. We have helped companies sourcing venues and producing their corporate event, product launches and annual holiday parties. Once the government will lift the restrictions currently imposed, people will want to get together and they will appreciate the experience we are able to put together for them even more.
Stay positive. Stay together. We will come out of this stronger.
Once this is over we will all go back to do what we do best. EVENTS.