As the vaccination programme gathers pace and both cases and deaths continue to fall, it seems like the prospect of returning to something that resembles normality is on the cards. And not a moment too soon! As much as there’s light at the end of the tunnel, one of the big questions is what larger scale events such as sporting events, concerts and even conferences will look like…
The conference conundrum
Most coverage in the press suggests that even with the impending relaxing of certain restrictions, and larger parts of the economy being able to open up again, certain measures will need to remain in place for the time being. So focusing on the conference world specifically, the days of large gatherings of delegates milling around the entrance before all moving en masse into a hall and sitting in close proximity for hours are unlikely to be on the horizon.
So what will these events look like? And how can we be sure that they’re safe?
Testing 1 2 3!
Much has been learned since the naive days of March 2020 when the Cheltenham Festival and the Champions League football match between Liverpool and Athletico Madrid went ahead without any adjustment for the rising threat of covid-19. We simply didn’t know for sure what was coming.
But a year on, we’re sadly all too aware of how much of an impact these “superspreader” mass gatherings can have.
This is why the government plans to test the way forward before fully opening up these types of events to the general public again.
A number of options
There are a few options currently being considered…
One model put forward is a ‘Ticket and Test‘ approach where every ticket purchased would become valid only after a questionnaire was completed and a negative coronavirus test result confirmed. The customer would then receive a scannable certificate, such as a QR code, which would allow entry to an event.
These larger scale events and conferences will be tested with a number of pilot events to see how best to adapt them for real life. This will involve testing social distancing and even transport to ensure they can run safely.
So what’s on the cards?
Conferences will certainly look different!
- There’ll probably be much more of a mix and match approach in future. While some in person events will return, the virtual world has definitely earned a place at the table for the future. Hybrid events that pick the best of both are a very attractive offering for both event organisers and delegates alike.
- Capacity will no doubt be reduced. Minimising the number of people mixing together is one of the key ways to help reduce the risks.
- Practical measures need to be considered. For example, the one microphone at a lectern that’s used by multiple speakers may need to be replaced with hanging microphones, and all documentation from events being available online only.
- Masks are likely to feature for some time, especially as conferences are indoor events – we now know that the virus spreads much more easily indoors.
- Step away from the buffet…! The way food is served at larger scale events is unlikely to be a free for all. Perhaps boxed meals will be the way forward?
The relevance of a record of the event
As we’ve mentioned before, when these in person events return, having a record of what happened throughout it provides organisers with the opportunity to collect, archive, and potentially sell access to conference content long after the event has ended.
And this is where the services of FSTL neatly steps in! We have a vast amount of experience in recording an event and providing a transcript of proceedings, which really can help maximise the investment. If you’d like to know more about our conference services, please contact alex@fionashipley.com.