Helping People Engage People…

There’s no doubt the event industry has been severely affected by current events surrounding COVID-19. We’ve seen many cancelations and postponements; however, we’re now starting to see plans for things to come back.

I’ve taken the mindset of calling these times B.C. (Before COVID) and A.C. (After COVID), which I borrowed from our CEO.

B.C. saw our economy at an all-time high, companies spending left and right and my 401K skyrocketing. Everyone was full steam ahead and going like crazy. Our industry boomed.

Then; it all came to a halt. What to do? Where to go? How do we survive? What do we plan if there are no in-person events? So many questions. What do we do?

We pivot; prepare, plan and begin to execute for A.C.

I’ve seen a huge jump for virtual meetings and events as well as the need for changes in how we interact in/out of the office and our day to day goings-on. People have the inherent need to engage with other people. Whether that is for an event, grocery shopping, going back to work or just sharing a cocktail with neighbors and friends. It’s human nature and we need to maintain engaging with each other. It’s just what we do.

I will not be calling this a new normal, because it’s not normal. Instead, I’ll be referring to this as new opportunity for connecting and engaging people to people. Will things be different? Absolutely. Will we adjust and prevail? Of course.

Instead of looking at our current state from a negative perspective, as the media so much wants us to; I would encourage my colleagues, clients, friends and family to look at this as an opportunity to see how we can help each other.

Can I offer a virtual solution for a canceled event to a client? Sure. Can I offer groceries or help to a neighbor? Without a doubt. Look for those new opportunities we never had the time to stop, breathe and realize were there because of our ‘busy lives’. You might just meet someone new, listen to a good story or simply put a smile on someone’s face who’s having a difficult day.

Now, more than ever, we need to encourage and support each other in our professional and personal lives. I would challenge everyone reading this to pick up the phone and make a call, text or email to the first person you think of that you might not have talked with in a while. I’ll bet you’ll be happy you did.

Stay strong out there and know this is only temporary and that if dealt with in the right way, can be of great benefit to each and every one of us professionally and personally. If there’s anything I can offer to help you as a person engage with other people, please feel free to let me know. I’m always here for a virtual happy hour at the end of the day. Anyone up for an old fashioned?

You can always reach me here: [email protected]