While we gradually begin to see the light at the end of this dark pandemic tunnel, and as the business world is in chaos, it is clear that things will not be the same shortly. In reality, they might never be the same thing. Staying clear of gloom and doom forecasts, this might be the best time to anticipate what this future world could look like.

So, What’s the current situation?

Before delving further into the six trends that will shape up the new norms of this business world, let us have a look at what is the current situation. Here are few important things compiled by our AP LBC experts that sums up the current situation.

• Meeting in person is not currently an option, although certain limitations could be in effect for some time to come.
• If or when we can meet in person, many people might not be comfortable travelling or in large groups, especially the elderly or those with underlying health issues.
• With most borders shut, it is not actually possible to book international travel. We still may not know when or how international travel is going to resume.
• The number of online events has doubled; not all of them are of high quality, but there are plenty to choose from.
• Our level of comfort with online meeting technology has also increased.
• Relations between online activities, webinars and live streams are blurring.
• To “Zoom” could soon be a known verb, much like to “Google.”

The latest GMID Goes Digital online event was attended by 12,500 event professionals. Of the participants, 62 per cent said they expected hybrid events to increase in the post-coronavirus environment, while just 8 per cent said they expected events to revert to the way they were before.

This may not be shocking, but major changes are expected. At present, the only choice is to meet online, so our well-documented desire for in-person activities and face-to-face meetings is clearly off the table.

So, when live events be a choice again, even if they are small, what does that mean? There’s no way to tell for sure, but here are top 6 trends gathered by our AP LBC events and managers which may or may not be generally exclusive:

1. Events with a smaller capacity / only small events allowed

Until a vaccine or significant improvements in testing and screening, the capacity of the venue will be reduced, especially when it comes to tight fits in the keynote, theatre-style inspired seats. This situation does not require significant adjustments in the event design, but it definitely has a profound effect on the total figures and thus on the revenue of the event.

2. Strong security settings

Some form of testing or at least screening will likely be required. The consequence is a very different check-in process. Although long queues can at least be counteracted with good preparation, this screening will still add time for visitors. It may not be that distinct from the flight and airport security checks that we are all that used to, so essentially the impact may be slight.

3. Big events combine or co-locate

With a tight budget and a lot of activities shifting from the spring and summer to the fall of 2020, many businesses may have to make decisions on which activities to spend. It may not be possible to participate in all planned activities, whether as a sponsor, an exhibitor or a participant. It could mean that certain big events would need to be co-located or even combined with others.

4. Hybrid pod event

There is a strong change towards hybrid events, both with a face-to-face and an online element. So, several potential constraints on event ability and international travel, one choice is to attach smaller pod events as part of a larger event. It will also make it possible to have a sense of belonging and common experience with others taking part in the same “pod” and a wide overall audience engaging in key sessions. Cross-pollination of ideas by combining foreign audiences may not be the same, but there could be ways to link participants to various pods remotely.

5. Preference for online distribution of content

There is a strong case for delivering content online, especially in academic circles. Dense lectures conducted in dark halls using information-filled slides are not suitable as opposed to viewing information comfortably in front of your personal computer at home or your office. Online distribution makes content easy to access, translate when appropriate, and take immediate action.

No, you can’t smell the coffee, or you can easily start a private conversation with a person sitting next to you. These are some of the aspects that make a face-to-face encounter so enjoyable and unforgettable.

However, when it comes to true content sharing and knowledge retention, the online world wins. As far as live events are concerned, this may lead to a focus on hybrid aspects for certain industries, including interactive elements that in-person participants often opt for.

6. More routine company-wide or regional team meetings to manage remote work

With remote work being widely adopted by businesses around the world, there could be a greater need for daily team-ups, whether with the whole organization or only with regional parts. This may range from basic catch-ups to team-building exercises or even opportunities for carefully designed organizational communication, although on a smaller scale. They are likely to be fairly limited in scale, but they may be very regular and scheduled well in advance.

Although many of these possibilities have been less than ideal for the industry as it stands, they are important to consider. We must seek to anticipate what truly matters so that the event industry can collaborate with governments and health authorities to influence what happens in the post-coronavirus world.

About APLBC

About Partners – Luxury Brands Collection has been set up to help bridge the gap for independent hotels and chains in the global space ​and give independent hospitality businesses a global voice​by applying APLBC’s commercial methodologies and utilising its contacts and expertise in the key segments. It provides global sales and marketing representation services along with outsourced sales, marketing, revenue, and talent solutions to a growing number of independent and branded hospitality businesses worldwide.