BIGGEST COVID-19 MYTHS EVENT PLANNERS NEED TO IGNORE

As humans, we love great stories. The more sensational they may be, the more we’d want to talk about those. But these sensational pieces are often factually incorrect. And as event organizers, you need to be a lot more responsible when it comes to the COVID-19 rumor mill. So here are the top 5 misconceptions you must be wary of:

1. People don’t want to attend virtual events

Live events have always been a mainstay and virtual didn’t hit the stride until 2020. Not that people didn’t want to attend virtual events, it was just an untried market. When I was forced to take a break – look at what happened!

This year’s small scale to big shot events all pivoted to being entirely online. Virtual events are, in fact, less expensive, less complicated, and have relatively less work compared to organizing a physical event. The focus for event planners merely shifts from physical venues to online platforms – and that’s about it.

2. Virtual events don’t have a staying power

Due to the need for social distancing and other precautions, virtual has seen a surge in 2020. Sure this scenario won’t last long since it cannot compete with the unique spectacle of in-person events, but for now, COVID-19 has pushed it all to happen.

Virtual events are here to stay – these are just different from live gatherings, but are in no way inferior from the in-person counterparts. There are data collection and monetization opportunities in addition to convenience, which means these are part of the next big step of the event industry. So future events would see a hybrid approach benefiting from the best of both the worlds. 

3. Attendees at in-person events can choose their own socializing rules

If the circumstances allow, and you opt to organize a physical event, don’t let the COVID rules be inventive. Wearing a mask, social distancing, and sanitizing cannot be optional – the rules must be mandatory.

For event planners, it’s imperative to enforce the necessary rules for holding a safe and successful event. Nothing should be an either/or option. Attendees who’re willing to take the risk for themselves contribute to multiple other ways for making the environment less safe.

4. Deep cleaning would eliminate transmission

Event organizers must keep in mind that deep cleaning isn’t a sure-shot solution. It merely reduces the risk of transmission but doesn’t eliminate it thoroughly. Coming in close contact with infected persons is by far the biggest factor that may spread the virus. The airborne transmission also has the potential to intensify the dangers.

But to reduce the hazard, the event management company must ensure the venue’s ventilation system works well. Wherever possible, hold the event outdoors, and combat the risk of contaminated air. 

5. Thermal scanners work 100% effectively

No matter what, the event management company must ensure meticulous health and safety procedures to make sure the event remains safe. Thermal screening is a useful tool in fighting against the virus, but don’t rely 100% on it.

Asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases don’t even show up any signs of the illness. So, many times, it’s inaccurate, and fevers can easily be masked with painkillers, leaving you with nothing close to a failsafe screening method. As organizers, it’s essential to keep a close watch on other safety measures to make the needed difference. 

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, the list of COVID-19 myths event management companies must ignore is endless. With so much uncertainty going around, myths spread like wildfire making the already scary world a lot scarier. The misconceptions may be a little tricky to navigate, but you must understand how to differentiate the facts from fiction. So stay up-to-date and seek qualified advice to make your event safe.