COVID-19 and the Event Industry
Photographer Danielle Lopez is such a talent & delight. She took most all of the pictures on this site and within my instagram. She makes you feel at ease, brings joy, and directs you with confidence. There’s a lot of power in her work.
There is a lot of power in the work of anyone in the brand and community space.⠀
When I refer to “Brand and Community” in regards to industry, it simply means the work that happens at the intersection of your presence (your brand) and your community–how you come alive online, in your initiatives and communications, events, gifts, and so forth. A simpler term may be “marketing”, but that is more related to sales, with less relationship, or “community” behind it.
Events have, for a long time, been among the most powerful connectors at this intersection. For good reason–when gatherings are well done, they’re strategic and motivating.
More than that, though, I look at these pictures and I think of the joy, beauty, and connections that that happen during events. Coming together is powerful in so many ways. The container (room, space) sets a stage for expression. Serendipitous connections are built as we slow down and see each other. We’re inspired by dynamic content and conversations. Our relationship with food and flowers and the natural world changes, and we appreciate the talent who brings that all to us.
The creative talents that facilitate the magic of events are critical to our economy. Events are a nearly $200B industry built on the backs of boot-strap entrepreneurs (mostly women) and service industry professionals living paycheck to paycheck.
I feel heartbroken and helpless thinking of my industry peers and friends during this time. I’m scared for myself launching a company in this climate.
In a few shorts weeks, the world has changed even drastically. Events are cancelled, small businesses are closed, restaurants are struggling and relying on delivery services, there are mandatory “shelter in place” laws, and so much more. All of it is right to do–but it doesn’t help alleviate the financial, mental, and emotional effects this is having.
When we see glimmers of hope, they’re pretty bright. So many people are sharing their creativity and talents online, there’s online book readings, and communities are truly rallying around small businesses. Our earth is breathing better.
When I think optimistically, perhaps there will be a re-balancing where small businesses and creative folks will be valued more highly for their work. Perhaps not monetarily, but at least in the respect they’re shown and consistency of work they’re given.
In the meantime…..
All I can say to those in positions of relative power is: Please don’t forget about us.
Cancel events (as we should be), AND have financial compassion when cancelling. Reschedule. Be reassuring, it will mean a lot coming from you. Plan ahead by months if you can. Provide support and hope in your communications about rescheduling.
Event industry professionals aren’t just loyal, creative partners and friends–they’re clients and customers and neighbors. We all have to watch out for each other.
There are so many creative ways for clients who can spend $$$ on events in the first place to soften the blow of canceling on the teams that bring these special experiences to life. Service professionals will work with you to adjust contracts in order to feel mutually supported. ⠀
A couple of suggestions:⠀
Have a conversation. Your encouragement goes a long way, even if it’s just a conversation about how much you appreciate someone’s work, and look forward to working with them in the future.⠀
Canceling catering? Ask about a side hustle you can support instead, like lunch delivery to your employees while they work at home (delivered by gig economy jobs, those folks need our love). ⠀
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Canceling a photographer? Postpone, pay in full, and get a credit for the future event (or website, who knows!)
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Canceling flowers? DON’T! Send them to hospitals to those working on the front lines, and retirement homes where our elders may be scared and alone.