On behalf of the team here at Validar, we hope you've found this page in good health.
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A virtual event solution from Validar and Crowdcast → Learn More
A virtual event solution from Validar and Crowdcast → Learn More
In the wake of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, marketers are left wondering how they should address the potential impact to their events. With public health in mind, many of you are making the difficult decision to cancel or postpone your events. However you're able to proceed, we're with you during this time and have collected some resources you may find helpful.
Below, we've compiled a list of some of the best resources we've seen for handling this at your company, including some key recommendations for managing your events amidst coronavirus concerns. We'll continue updating this resource as we come across new resources or information.
If you're a Validar customer planning an event that has been impacted by travel restrictions or otherwise, be sure to get in touch with your representative immediately (or ping us at hello@validar.com). We're here to help during what is proving to be a stressful and difficult time for those of us in the events world.
Below, we've compiled a list of some of the best resources we've seen for handling this at your company, including some key recommendations for managing your events amidst coronavirus concerns. We'll continue updating this resource as we come across new resources or information.
If you're a Validar customer planning an event that has been impacted by travel restrictions or otherwise, be sure to get in touch with your representative immediately (or ping us at hello@validar.com). We're here to help during what is proving to be a stressful and difficult time for those of us in the events world.
Please don't hesitate to leverage our team during this time. Enter your email to receive our latest set of Covid-19 related resources.
Core Resources
More resources:
- CDC Recommendations for Events, Mass Gatherings
- Trade Shows Network: How Major Shows This Spring Are Forging Ahead Amidst the Coronavirus Outbreak – Examples of companies that are not canceling – but adapting their event to alleviate health concerns
- PCMA: Events Industry Experts Weigh in on the Coronavirus – Highlighting key takeaways from a recent industry discussion hosted by the Events Industry Council (EIC)
- Gartner: Addressing Disruptions to Trade Shows & Event Marketing – What you can do as an exhibitor or host of an event affected by the Coronavirus
- The World Health Organization (WHO):
- Advice for the Public – Includes details on how to use masks, advice for health workers & common myths
- Rolling Updates – Daily updates on the status of the virus worldwide
- Q&A – Eliminating myths on commonly asked questions
- The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Information for Travelers – Ongoing updates on COVID-19 risk assessment by country and known travel bans
Fast Facts
- Symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever, coughing, shortness of breath
- The WHO states that 80% recover from the virus without needing any special treatment (WHO)
- The CDC recommends healthy individuals do not wear face masks unless they fall ill (CDC)
- Suggestions for prevention include: washing your hands frequently, maintaining a 3 foot distance from coughing or sneezing individuals and to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Key Recommendations If You're Moving Forward With Your Events
- Develop messaging to keep attendees informed of risks should an unusual event occur
- Print signage reminding attendees to wash their hands, avoid shaking hands, touching their face, etc.
- Follow CDC recommendations for cleaning and disinfection
- Provide hand sanitizer stations
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Consider adjustments to your event, such as breaking your large conference into a series of smaller, more intimate events. Your attendees will likely appreciate still being able to attend, but in a safer fashion.
→ EventHub makes this easy - Work to provide online options for those that cannot make it due to travel restrictions. A simple Periscope or YouTube livestream could be enough to let many participate online.
- Establish direct contact with local and national public health authorities
- Partner with public health authorities during the planning phase of your event to develop a risk assessment
- Create a specific action plan to mitigate all risks identified in the risk assessment
- Determine communication plan between event organizers and the public health authority during your event
- Establish health and safety rules during your event (consider hand washing stations, discouraging handshakes and visual screenings at arrival)
Key Recommendations When Cancelling or Postponing Events
- Contact any vendors you have as early as possible to make them aware of your plans, most have tiered cancellation policies so it benefits you to get in touch sooner than later
- Reflect on the language in your contract as it relates to postponement or cancellations
- Work with your booking or travel agents to cancel or reschedule flights, most airlines are providing flexibility with rebookings
- Consider making the event a virtual one. Get in touch if you need help trying this out
- Act quickly, it's likely that vendors and venues will be swarmed later this year as events reschedule later in 2020