Right now, the world is a rapidly changing place; we’re all feeling uncertain, and the typical lifestyles we lead are now no longer the ‘norm’. Across every industry, the need to adapt is taking place, with a lot of businesses shifting to online operations and working from home.
But beyond this, how we connect to those around us and interact with communities, is also now one big changing tide. With strict government regulations in place on social distancing, we need to find new (temporary) ways to socialise with our inner circles, professional networks and family.
If you’re one of those people with a key date locked into your calendar for a big event you’ve been preparing for, it’s still not the end of the world. There are ways you can negate the effects of the pandemic on your special occasion, and create positive outcomes. Here are a few simple tips to help you along the way.
Entertaining during social distancing
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) labelled the coronavirus outbreak (also known as COVID-19) as a ‘pandemic’. This status has had enormous consequences for most sectors, including the entertainment industry. But to support positive health outcomes and flatten the curve, we must shift our lifestyles and business operations to suit regulations around the disease.
Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind, if you need to alter the date of your event or cancel it altogether:
- We know it’s a difficult decision to make if you’re looking at postponing or cancelling your event. We recommend viewing your local and state regulations for public health and inform yourself of the current rules that apply to you, before making a decision.
- If you would like to hold your event still regardless, consider shifting to virtual formats through apps like Zoom, FaceTime or Houseparty. You can even use Facebook and LinkedIn’s live stream features.
- Any changes you make need to be communicated effectively to your guests. Send emails, make phone calls or send out SMS notifications to let them know what to expect.
You may not even need to cancel
While there are some ways you can adapt your event to suit the nature of current social distancing, there may not necessarily be a need for you to cancel or postpone it altogether.
If you have selected a venue or provider to host your event, we recommend that you get in touch with them to have a discussion around their current policies for this.
A majority of these are allowing clients to reschedule their occasion without any fees charged. You’ll find that your entertainment choice – be it a band, venue, gig or artist – will be flexible during these tough times. All you have to do is have a transparent conversation.
Helpful resources to keep in mind*:
- Mass gatherings and coronavirus (WHO)
- Social distancing for coronavirus (COVID-19) from the Australian Government Department of Health.
- COVID-19 (coronavirus) information for consumers
*Note that these resources are subject to change according to the current status of the COVID-19 outbreak.
