October 14, 2020 What Will the Events Industry Look Like Post-Pandemic?

We can expect big changes post-pandemic in the events industry. Here we take a look at what it might look like in the future.

The pandemic of 2020 has changed many industries, with the events industry getting hit extremely hard. Weddings, exhibitions, movie premieres and so many more events have been cancelled and postponed throughout the year.

While events won’t cease to exist, we can expect to see some big changes post-pandemic. And with that in mind, we’re going to take a look at what the events industry could look like in the future.

Increase in technology

We’ve become more aware of how viruses can spread, so we can expect a reduction in human face-to-face interaction at close proximity – expect screen protectors on registration and information desks. With that being said, it’s possible that tickets will most likely be predominantly digital, as will event timetables and maps.

Event organisers may look at having interactive apps to support the event. An app can provide visitors with all of the essential information they need, but if your event doesn’t have the budget to create an app, having an up-to-date, informative and mobile-friendly website can work just as well.

Food and drink

Coronavirus could spell the end of buffet lunches and shared sugar cube pots at coffee stations. Events will need to consider their food options and find the safest way to offer refreshments because, while this might be post-pandemic, people will be more cautious than ever about sharing things.

Hand washing stations

That brings us to our next point: Hand washing stations. Washing your hands before eating has always been advised, but now more than ever is it being encouraged regularly (not just before tucking into a tasty sandwich). We can expect this to stick around for a while.

Portable hand-washing stations may still be regularly encouraged to reduce the spread of flu and other infections. As well as promoting regular hand washing, rather than giving out free lanyards to hold your pass, people may be provided with face masks.

A digital future?

One of the biggest changes we could see in the post-pandemic events industry is the creation of more virtual events. We have already seen an increase in virtual conferences and meetings due to lockdown.

Some of the advantages of a virtual event include:

• More affordable thanks to not needing to rent a space
• Can get more attendees as you’re not limited to one specific venue location
• People wouldn’t mind paying for a ticket still as they will save on travel costs
• You can still make money through advertisements and sponsorships
• You can still have exhibitors and speakers.

While we don’t know exactly what a post-pandemic world will look like, we know that the events industry is an adaptable and resilient one which can think innovatively to suit everyone’s needs. We look forward to seeing what events will look like in the near future.

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