Don't Let the Virus Win

I have never formally penned an open letter, but I continue to watch the impact this global pandemic is ravaging on the meetings and event industry.  It is remarkable to think that entire lives, careers, and in some cases, futures have been decimated globally by an invisible force.

Well, I pen this to every company out there that is facing the choice to cancel a meeting or event; step back for a moment and consider why did you have the meeting planned and do you want to lose that chance to connect totally with your audience and let the virus win?  Maybe it’s time to ask is it time to find a new way forward?  

I along with countless meeting planners, event organizers, and production teams are waiting for the chance to get back to supporting events globally, which means an event, of any type right now.  Companies that pick a one-day inspiration meeting are winners.  Those that host a 3-day conference filled program that reaches a global audience, those are game-changers.  Leaders do not wait for things to drop in their lap, the forge into the unknown, carve a path forward and watch how others will follow.  We need leaders in the meeting industry more now than ever.

How do you hold a meeting today and do it safely?   It depends on your company structure.  Do you own a local company?  Consider hosting a small socially distant meeting.  Hotels have plenty of available space and nearly every property out there has a new way to host a meeting safe with social distance and cleaning policies that can provide a great way to connect yet remain safe.

For the larger companies with a national profile, with offices in various cities, consider a regional hybrid model?  Have small satellite meetings and connect them virtually.  Find a virtual stage and produce a keynote message that looks exactly like it does on that keynote stage in the ballroom.  The message you have is just an important today as it was pre-COVID.  Let’s get creative, let’s think outside the box.  Stop hiding, stop letting the virus win.  

For the global company or those simply not wanting to risk coming together in person, go totally virtual.  No, we are not talking about the boring every day online meeting.  We are talking about engagement, we are talking about inspiring, we are talking about bringing your message into the heart and minds of your audience.  It’s about finding a new way to connect, a new way to inspire, and not letting a virus stop your message, to stop connect and engaging.

One day we will get back to meeting face to face, but today is the day to stand up and say, No More.  No more are we going to sit back and let the virus win, no more are we going to not connect with those important to us.  Your meeting 6 months ago was very important, and nothing was going to stop you from meeting, why stop now.

Today is the day!  Join others who have seen how successful events will continue.  Find a partner who can coach you, who can lead you, who can support your dreams, your visions, and guide you into a new 2021 and beyond.

Humbly,

Bret Fendt ~ Hybrid & Virtual Engagement Guru