Event Operations

  • How Businesses are Rising to the Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic

    2020/08/05

    COVID-19 has dealt the events industry a blow that far surpasses any other occurrence in modern history. No business has been left untouched but while some have crippled under the coronavirus outbreak, others have pivoted in ways they wouldn’t have imagined months ago when the outlook for 2020 was so bright. “Prior to the pandemic my team was planning hybrid events, which combines live in-person and virtual components. Now our offerings are primarily virtual-only,” explains Alicia Jenelle of her self-named…

  • Six Considerations Before Hosting a Live Event in the Coronavirus World

    2020/08/04

    With Alberta greenlighting indoor trade shows and exhibiting events, and other provinces likely to soon follow-suit, you may be eager (and have the opportunity) to squeeze an event in before the year is out. And rightfully so! Since March, the events industry has made do with virtual options, which, although effective, do not compare to the magic of a live event. But much has changed since pre-COVID-19. Where do you start? Here’s what you should consider as you embark on…

  • How to Pull-off a Trade Show During the Pandemic

    2020/07/21

    With strong lockdown measures instituted in March to stymie the spread of COVID-19, the roller coaster of emotions that comes with executing an event came to a standstill. But in late June, I got the opportunity to get back on that ride for a two-day international trade show. Say what? How inappropriate during a pandemic! What was even more tasteless is I attended the event in my slippers, no makeup and hardly dressed for the business occasion. I am of…

  • Are Virtual Event Speakers the Ultimate Resource?

    2020/07/21

    With most conferences and trade shows cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies and associations have pivoted to online events. Organizers of these virtual options are eager to ensure they provide a premium educational offering that rivals their live in-person counterparts. But what role do speakers play? Here, Speakers’ Spotlight’s co-founder and president, Martin Perelmuter, answers this question among others to help you transform your next virtual event into an extraordinary experience. What value does a speaker add to a…

  • What to Charge for a Virtual Event

    2020/07/07

    Typically, the costs associated with producing a virtual event are much lower than that of an in-person one. Organizers may save on the venue, food and beverage, decor, signage, travel, accommodations and more. Pivoting online means the entire event format will change and, subsequently, a new pricing strategy is required. While many virtual events are offered for free, this doesn’t mean yours has to be. But what should you charge? The best way to determine a suitable pricing structure is…

  • New Event Centre to Energize, Revitalize Calgary Neighbourhood

    2020/07/07

    Calgary’s iconic yet ailing Scotiabank Saddledome is one step closer to meeting its demise with the naming of the team that will design and build a new event centre in one of the city’s oldest districts. Following a robust request for proposal process that began early this year, Calgary Municipal Land Corp. (CMLC), in conjunction with the City of Calgary and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corp. (CSEC), has selected local multi-disciplinary design firm, DIALOG, and global design, architecture, engineering and…

  • The Key to Unlocking a Compelling Online Event Experience

    2020/06/23

    Over the past few months, there has been major growth in the percentage of meetings, conferences and other events hosted virtually. The increase in demand for digital experiences shows consumers are willing to adapt in their quest for human connection during the COVID-19 public health crisis. But this doesn’t mean switching an in-person event online will guarantee success. Organizers still need to give attendees what they want and that’s good content. “There is a misconception that virtual events are simple…

  • Mobile Event Apps: How to Choose the Right One

    2020/06/22

    Mobile event apps are almost expected today and will become even more important as face-to-face exhibitions resume. But with so many offering similar features, how do you decide which is the best one? While research shows cost is the biggest determining factor for organizers when selecting an event app, it shouldn’t be the only one. Here’s what you need to consider. 1. Functionality. Establish what you require and then find out if the app provides it. What you need will…

  • Organizers, Venues take Meaningful Steps to Bring Events Industry Back

    2020/06/10

    The events industry is getting ready for a new landscape as provincial and local governments country-wide lift pandemic-related restrictions on businesses and group gatherings. Recognizing people may be uneasy and even anxious about attending larger exhibitions like conferences and trade shows when they are allowed to resume, organizers and venues are taking steps now to impart consumer confidence. “We have been preparing for a return of events by building a list of potential measures that sit under the cornerstones of…

  • Seven Tips to Set Up a Successful Online Event

    2020/06/09

    Online corporate meetings and conferences are becoming the norm for many businesses amid the coronavirus outbreak, and they’re likely here to stay post-COVID-19 because of their intrinsic value. These virtual events expand audience reach, provide evergreen content opportunities, allow for in-depth reporting on attendees and are more cost-effective than their on-site counterparts. They’re also not at the mercy of external factors like a major storm or global pandemic, as is the case today. While some organizations have already fully transitioned…

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