The ever-increasing presence of the COVID-19 virus has continued to wreak havoc with corporate events. As the omicron variant has surged and waned, plans have had to change and evolve, sometimes on a daily basis. How can corporate event planners NYC companies count on to deliver exceptional events manage this uncertainty? By continuing to be flexible, creative and resilient in their plans.
Here are a few things to consider when planning corporate events amid uncertainty in 2022.
Hybrid is Here to Stay
Over the past two years, corporate event planners have had to pivot quickly. In this time, event planners have learned that hybrid events are an excellent choice when planned and executed correctly.
Hybrid events have several advantages over in-person-only events. First, they allow your company to reach more people than it ever could with strictly live events. There’s also more behavioral data available to assess the behaviors, actions, responses and levels of engagement, all of which are measurable and can be analyzed for deeper insights. With more and richer attendee data, there is more opportunity for follow-up and better planning for future engagements.
The challenge is to create events in 2022 that deliver quality, personalized event experiences for in-person and virtual attendees. Those experiences may mean using ways to create interaction between virtual and in-person guests, hiring an experienced event manager, and using data to deliver experiences based on guest type.
Vaccination Status Emphasis
Attendees today are accustomed to showing physical or digital proof of vaccination status for entry into restaurants, hotels and event venues throughout the country, but especially in New York City.
In many cases, potential attendees want to know your policies on vaccination status, mask policies and even ventilation protocols before they will consider going. Event organizers will need to continue to do more, both at the events and in the communication about the event, to keep attendees, sponsors, performers and staffers safe.
Those protocols will likely continue to require proof, either onsite or via an app beforehand, of proof of vaccination status. It may even mean offering on-site rapid tests for attendees.
A Focus on Social
Climate issues, the ongoing complexities of social justice and equity, political division and the ongoing health crisis have created audiences that want companies to address these matters. Powerful corporate events that can entertain, educate and raise awareness are increasingly the norm, and with good reason.
Being sensitive to the various issues within communities, among your guests and within your organization can help to inform the kinds of events you present, from the words spoken to the speakers and performers hired.
Sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion are likely to remain as hot-button issues in 2022. That’s not a reason to shy away from incorporating messaging about those issues into your events. On the contrary, it’s even more reason to do so, and remain relevant and aware in the minds of your attendees.
NYC companies like Twenty Three Layers provide extensive corporate event planning experience to some of the world’s biggest brands. Hiring professional event planners will be key to a successful event in 2022, as the unpredictability of the industry continues.
Also read: Best Tips to a Successful Private Event
