You’ve been tasked with planning the next work event or company meeting, but things just aren’t as simple today as they were even months ago. With the spread of the coronavirus, governments have put into effect various stay at home orders to help flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19. So, just how do coronavirus stay at home orders affect groups and meetings?

Should you Reschedule Events or Go Virtual?

Due to the ever-changing situation, many organizations are faced with the difficult decision of whether to reschedule their events or go virtual. Since the coronavirus outbreak, many organizations have transitioned to a work from home environment. Almost overnight the interest in virtual events has more than doubled from January to March.  The good thing is that the keys to virtual event success are not a far departure from in person events.

1. Clearly Identify your objective and takeaways
2. Ensure that you are engaging your audience
3. Check your technology and AV prior to going live
4. Have a strong follow up plan

While phone and even video conferencing can create an easy solution for a short-term fix, it’s simply no substitute for face-to-face interaction. Rescheduling meetings or an event is often the better of the two solutions, making personal interaction with potential clients and coworkers a priority, helping build stronger relationships and more lasting impressions. It’s also important to understand any contracts and financial commitments that you might have before you pull the trigger to cancel.  This is why some organizations are opting to reschedule.   This is where working with a trusted partner for meeting management can really make a difference.  They might be able to help understand your contracts and assist in negotiations with vendors, which can be a weight off your shoulders during these stressful times.

In uncertain times such as these where we are facing difficult decisions every day, it is more important than ever to work closely with a partner whose expertise can support your employees and meeting attendees.

These new guidelines, by no doubt, require a change in how we work and how we live. As for meeting planners, event coordinators and business travelers, this means new rules of engagement.

If you have any questions about how to go about rescheduling your meetings, we would be more than happy to help provide facts and information to help you make the best decisions going forward!