Events and the Need for Human Connection

"It goes without saying that these are unprecedented times." I started my last bulletin with this sentence. Being cooped up for weeks on end has me ready to get out and connect with people. Twice this week I've had in depth conversations with Allie our dog. While she's a great listener, it's time for me to talk with other humans. :)

So now what? We at CFX have tried to keep our eyes on the horizon. We're in the darkest part of the tunnel now, but the light seems to be coming soon. We know that the event industry will not be the same coming out of this situation. There are a few things we're working on operationally, financially and in our marketing to help our industry recover.  

I have always believed that show managers need to be partners with our exhibiting and sponsoring companies. I've always been honest about numbers and goals and will continue to be when registration opens in May. (exact date tbd - based on the virus concerns). I have suggested and received the support from management to update our contract terms to reflect the current environment.

• If the CFX event is canceled for any reason, exhibiting companies will be offered their money back or the option to move their deposits to the 2021 event.
• Initial down payments will be due at the end of June to accommodate cash flow restrictions during this difficult time.

I've spoken with other show organizers and said that we need to minimize the risk in participating in events to help make the decision feasible to get out and meet customers again. Events by their nature are risky propositions; although never did I think a virus would be so impactful. So now it's our job to not only offer the opportunity to connect, but reassure people that it's safe to do so this fall.

This week I reached out to Shepard Exposition Services who is our General Services Contractor. I asked them to come up with some plans for addressing our event production in the new reality. Sanitation has never been so prevalent. They are working on new standard operating procedures for their teams. We're looking at every possibility we can implement to make sure everyone feels safe when coming to an event. We'll be posting all the changes throughout the year. You'll also see new content specifically around this crisis at the conference. We not only need to recover, but need to learn from these events.

The reality is that this economic situation we're facing isn't based on markets collapsing like in 2009 or internal issues. It's external factors that have created unemployment and restrictions on budgets. My hope is that when the coast is clear jobs will return and eventually purchasing will resume. I'm dying to visit my favorite restaurants again. It's our anticipation that attendees will want to connect as well. People will need church more than ever; and the church's need to grow and get their message out will be even more critical. There may be a lag in air travel from those afraid to get on a plane. I can understand that. Airplanes do feel like flying petri dishes. So maybe our event will have a more local focus than previously anticipated. We will adjust and pivot as the data tells us we should.

I'll be honest (yet again), with the other spring industry events unable to produce, we're expecting and hoping that companies will need to meet new and existing customers this fall. Those pipelines need to be replenished. I know that budget may have shifted somewhat to cover salaries; but I also know how expensive those other larger events in the industry can be which should have substantial savings to marketing budgets. We want to be part of the plan to help see a strong 3rd and 4th quarters for our exhibitors, sponsors and churches.

We at CFX are intending on creating the best possible event and hope to be part of your plans to grow and see success in 2020.

Ron Procopio

General Manager

And Allie the listening partner