Event planning since March of 2020 has been quite a challenge.
Whether you’re in the business of planning weddings or networking events, finding ways to engage your customers through in person events has been largely out of the question.
With the CDC and Governor Hogan changing numerous mandates regarding gatherings and masks over the course of the past few weeks, we can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Here, at the Chamber, we are so excited to welcome our members back to in person events. And, while we aren’t ready to open the flood gates and host the indoor, 250 member events we’ve been known for in the past, we can say that we are ready to say adios to the virtual mixers for now.
Have you registered for our upcoming morning mixer at Dublin Roasters Coffee?
If events are part of your business model (or you really just want to have a big welcome back to normal extravaganza at your space) and you’re thinking about getting back to business, here are a few things to keep in mind.
5 Things You Should Do for a Successful Post-Pandemic In Person Event
Know the mandates in and out.
While the gathering limits have been lifted and masks can come off under certain circumstances, it’s important that your business adheres to whatever local and state guidelines you’re subjected to.
Not only does it mean your business stays out of trouble and possibly avoids causing an unfortunate superspreader event, it also makes your customers feel better about doing business with you.
Be clear about your expectations.
The CDC released guidance for fully vaccinated individuals in mid May of 2021 allowing for them to cease masking and distancing in certain situations. The state of Maryland and Frederick County have decided to adhere to this recommendation and have also removed many local masking mandates, but how each business chooses to enforce this is still up to their discretion.
Some businesses grappling with the need to keep their unvaccinated employees and customers safe as well as the idea that it’s pretty impossible to actually know who is and who isn’t vaccinated, have already announced that they will continue to require masking in their locations.
With all of this variance of behavior, it’s more important than ever that you’re clear about expectations for masking, distancing and other COVID related behaviors when you plan your event.
If it will be masked, say it, and enforce it and if it won’t be, let people know in advance so they can plan accordingly.
Keep an accurate guest list and headcount.
While we are all feeling like the worst of the pandemic is behind us, there are still numerous members of our population who remain unvaccinated and, therefore, at risk of contracting and spreading the virus.
Businesses hosting events should continue to be vigilant about monitoring their guest lists accurately to know who attends an event in case there is an exposure that results in spread. Business owners will still be expected to provide contact tracing support to the Department of Health as needed in these situations.
Note, if you’re planning an event where the general public is expected to attend, Frederick County Board of Health continues to require the following: A responsible person(s) must be designated by the organizer for social gatherings (including parades, festivals, and fundraisers) where the general public is likely to attend and in which 100 or more persons are expected or likely to be in attendance. This person is responsible for ensuring compliance at the gathering with face covering and physical distancing requirements, occupancy limits, and other infection transmission mitigation actions, and must remain on-site during the gathering.
Read more about Frederick County Health’s mandates here: https://frederickcountymd.gov/8071/Coronavirus—COVID-19-Resources
Maintain cleaning regimens and sanitation stations.
There are countless studies and articles discussing the post-pandemic world as we imagine it will be and, while some predict we’ll all be ready to kick COVID to the curb, dressing fancy and partying it up (see the Roaring 20s) in celebration of our rediscovered freedom, others have shown that there are quite a few COVID behaviors we’d also be happy to have stick around.
When it comes to events and large gatherings, things like general cleanliness, individual serving options, fist bumps over handshakes, fewer crowds, shorter lines and the like have received few complaints from the average person.
Cleanliness is a standard all will benefit from so consider keeping those hand sanitizers filled and those surfaces disinfected for the foreseeable future.
You customers (and probably your staff), will likely appreciate your extra effort.
Provide virtual options and social media updates.
The fact of the matter is that many, many people aren’t going to be comfortable rushing out to a 500 person, maskless event any time soon.
The reasons why aren’t super important and whether it’s their personal safety due to lack of vaccination or underlying factors or their personal comfort with the onslaught of humanity after being relatively separated from it over the last year and a half, if you’d like to keep those people as your customers, finding ways to make them comfortable while keeping them engaged will be important.
Consider adding virtual participation options where possible, make sure your social media coverage stays up to par and think of creative ways to provide exclusive opportunities (for a fee even) to entice and engage those people who just aren’t ready to strap on their party pants to attend your large scale events and gatherings like they once were.
For more information on the current CDC guidance regarding events, visit this link: Considerations for Events and Gatherings
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.