Major event planning skills you need in a post-COVID world
In the last year we witnessed devastating effects of the pandemic on the hospitality and event management industry. Award functions moved online, wedding planners had to deal with tiny guest lists; and virtual conferences picked up momentum.
The post-COVID world is certainly a digital one which brings different concepts for event management. Therefore, it’s important to take a step back and look at the effects of the pandemic on the industry with a critical eye. Doing so can help you recognise essential skills that will help you sustain the success of your event management company in 2021.
Whether you are an event management student or currently working, it is important to understand how to repackage your event planning skills for the current scenario. So, read ahead to explore the most critical event management skills you would need as an event manager in the coming future.
- Up-to-date knowledge on local and national quarantine restrictions
Local and national lockdowns imposed to flatten the infection rates is an integral part of ‘the new normal’. Therefore, you need to be aware of all possible guidelines and quarantine restrictions in an area before you plan an event in the vicinity.
Governments are providing different community guidelines to ensure the people’s safety. Therefore, you should go through all the available documentation to ensure your event plans comply with government regulations.
- Expertise in operating and troubleshooting digital technology and platforms
Let’s accept it—virtual events and conferencing platforms are here to stay. Therefore, a significant part of your event management career can involve determining which conferencing platform is the right fit for your digital event.
The best way forward is to do your homework now. Familiarize yourself with how to operate and navigate different platforms and what kind of technical issues can arise. If you are a freelancer or have a small team, it would also be your responsibility to troubleshoot should a technical issue arise.
- Thorough knowledge of virtual content’s accessibility
Just like an in-person event, you must ensure that your virtual event is easily accessible by your target audience. For example, if you are arranging a virtual talk by a guest speaker, it is your responsibility to ensure that all the attendees can access the live feed.
That’s not enough. There are plenty of free and paid resources that can teach you how to make your virtual events more inclusive and welcoming. In addition, improving the accessibility of your online events can also provide your company marketing benefits.
- Expert communication skills
With lockdown regulations quite dynamic in many places, you should always be ready to encounter stressed customers, vendors, or government officials. While preparing contingency plans for crisis communications can solve most hiccups, you might still have to brace yourself for minor communications scuffles.
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That’s why excellent written and oral communication skills are an absolute must for an event manager. These skills can help you provide good customer service even in unexpected scenarios and maintain your market reputation.
- Working knowledge of social media marketing techniques
The post-COVID world is witnessing increased competition in the virtual event space. Effective social media marketing can be a great way to cut through the noise and have a real connection with your target audience.
If you are just starting out in the event management industry, you might have to act as your own social media team. Therefore, a working understanding of social media strategies and planning can help grow your event management practice.
Apart from these skills, you would also need the flexibility and creativity to make new plans or adjust the old ones if your current strategies are bust considering the pandemic. Patience and empathy to deal with frustrated customers or affected stakeholders are other good qualities to have when running an event management company.
Consider investing in some good event management courses today to boost your career prospects in this domain.
This article is written by Sweha Hazari.