Event planning has changed.
As long as you haven’t been in a hole for the past several years, you know the world has been different since 2020. This is especially true for the event industry as in-person events of all shapes and sizes came to a screeching halt due to the pandemic. As event professionals with nearly three decades of experience, Absolute was able to shift to virtual events almost immediately. We spent months and months doing solely virtual events. While in-person events have come back, there are some things that are still different and need to be considered.
Staffing for Events
With the shift in the event industry, staffing has changed dramatically. Many people were forced to leave events simply because events weren’t happening for so long, others retired, and others simply found something else. No matter the reason, event staffing is different now. There are all sorts of new people in the industry as well as more freelance workers. It’s great to have the new additions, but with new people, comes additional training.
Make sure the people working your event have had proper training and shadowing experiences so your event goes off without a hitch. The other note about staff is that the cost has changed. Inflation, the great resignation, and our current economy are having a big impact on the cost of labor – and not just with unions. It’s important to understand how shortages and costs will effect your event so you can properly budget the time and money for it. This is where it’s that much more important to book early so you can lock in rates and know what to expect.
Here at Absolute, we vet every member of our team – whether freelance or direct hire – to make sure they will exceed our client’s expectations. Not only that, but working with union workers can be confusing and overwhelming. Know that with Absolute, whatever kind of labor management you need, we’ve got you covered. People are at the core of what we do, and they represent us as a company, so we never want to leave you disappointed.
Virtual and Hybrid Options
If you think virtual events are a thing of the past, you might be surprised . While nearly all events have gone back to in-person gathering, virtual and hybrid options are still happening as well. This may not be because of pandemic fears or health concerns, but simply for convenience. Virtual events have proven themselves to be effective in reaching larger audiences, getting others more involved., saving money, and providing evergreen, ongoing content. Even if your event is in-person, using virtual and hybrid options can expand your event even farther and provide upgrades and ongoing ways to connect that an in-person event may not. Virtual and hybrid options are here to stay in some compacity. They may not work for every event, but they can certainly expand your reach for many events.
Virtual and hybrid options can expand your event even farther…
As you’re planning your event, consider what the best option really is. While you’ll do an in-person event, it might be a good idea to have a virtual element as well. Absolute has worked with all sorts of companies for a variety of virtual and hybrid events. From stockholder meetings and annual board meetings to huge fundraisers and fancy galas, we help your event go further. See your options when it comes to virtual events.
Time and Budget
Lastly, let’s talk about timelines and budgets. Staffing isn’t the only shortage that’s happening. Events of the last several years were postponed or changed in some way. There are supply shortages and maybe some equipment on backorder. These things along with inflation and rising costs are changing the landscape of events. It used to be pretty easy to book something last minute and have equipment and crews readily available, but now you need to allow more time and money for your event.
Book as early as possible to guarantee your equipment needs are met. You’ll also be glad you booked early so no rush fees are added to your order. If you want to make sure your event needs are met be ready to sign as soon as you can confirm dates and specs.
At Absolute, we value engineer your timeline and budget to meet your needs. As the expert in events, we don’t expect you to know how to save yourself money. That’s what we’re here for. If there’s a way to save you time or money, we will find it.
Make sure you have an event team that you can trust to get the job done without all the overwhelm.
With all this change in the event world, it can seem overwhelming and extra challenging. Make sure you have an event team that you can trust to get the job done without all the overwhelm. Absolute has been around for nearly three decades. We’ve seen it all, and we’ve done it all. We can help you navigate this new landscape of events and make sure your event goes off without a hitch. As an extension of your team, we can help with the smallest jobs and the most extravagant affairs. No matter all the changes in the event world, we’re here to help.