GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. & DULUTH, Ga. - Marylandian -- Events and Social Media

As a result of lockdowns and social distancing, consumers and professionals have found new ways to meaningfully engage online. Several social media platforms launched and/or improved new features to assist event planners, says Ismail Sirdah.

Facebook

While Facebook unveiled little to no changes for event promoters, Facebook Groups grew to prominence among promoters wanting to nurture online communities before, during, and after an event. In these groups, administrators could introduce discussion topics, promote solutions/events, and offer exclusive discounts to members.

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Instagram

Instagram has its own Live feature and it integrates seamlessly with Facebook. But Instagram also has a few more video tools to enhance the event for virtual attendees.

YouTube

Downloaded video coverage of an event can generate additional views on YouTube. This platform is one of the leading social channels for long-form video and educational content.

Hospitality and Venues

Full-service in-person events are returning as the population receives the new vaccine and the COVID-19 threat subsides. But there remains uncertainty about the hospitality industry's ability to bounce back, notes Ismail Sirdah. Promoting events in 2021 could look very different than they did in 2019.

Supply and Demand

Event venue supply and demand will become more clear as the country eases out of danger status. There will be new entrants to take their place and it is not yet clear how those new enterprises will operate, says Ismail Sirdah.

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In-Person Event Promotion

Despite COVID-19 dangers and restrictions, many in-person events still took place in 2020, though they embraced safety precautions to prevent infections, says Ismail Sirdah. As the hospitality and event marketing industries emerge from the current pandemic, corporate events are bound to look much different.

Ismail Sirdah Shares Pandemic-Proof Best Practices

Pandemic-proofing events might mean more space between chairs and tables. Attendees are likely to wash their hands more often or decline to shake hands.

Pandemic-proofing also has an economic impact.  Promoters may need to keep events local to reduce travel. These considerations and more may still be critical in a post-COVID world, says Ismail Sirdah.