events on campus because the safety and wellbeing of students came first .
While venues have coped in a variety of ways with different circumstances , one issue they have all faced , like so many organisations in the industry , is the huge impact on people .
Meanwhile , many have kept sustainability high on their agendas . Wyboston Lakes Resort , for example , implemented a series of energy-saving initiatives to significantly reduce its costs and achieve its targets .
Tech investments Many venues and hotels used the time to upgrade and diversify their business offering to remain competitive by investing in new technology , particularly hybrid event solutions . In-house broadcast quality studios have been built and new partnerships have been formed with event tech platforms and agencies with technical expertise . ExCeL London , for example , has invested in a broadcast quality hybrid studio and De Vere has introduced Multispace Meetings that allows 1,000 delegates to stage live meetings and run syndicate events across multiple locations using new , fully encrypted video conferencing technology . Lime Venue Portfolio has also upscaled its hybrid and video conferencing technology across its venues and invested in full media suites and studios .
Safety first Venues have also gone above and beyond to implement Covid-safety policies to help minimise the spread of the virus and reassure guests . Many have gained accreditations for health , hygiene and safety standards relating to Covid-19 .
De Vere , for instance , created its ‘ Your Wellbeing at Heart ’ programme , which ensures a healthy and safe visit for guests and meeting delegates , and a safe working environment for its team members . With the support of ChemEco , De Vere crafted a range of new measures , from enhancing its deep cleaning to physical distancing measures . It also includes regularly sanitising public areas using jet action ‘ misting ’ technology . Wyboston Lakes Resort , meanwhile , introduced technology to check the temperature of everyone as they entered its buildings .
The recovery phase : challenges and solutions Looking ahead , as the industry begins to reopen , and the recovery phase gets underway , new challenges are emerging . Building the confidence of planners within major corporations , especially those that have restrictive business travel policies , is a key hurdle for the industry . HBAA ’ s Meet Safe , Meet Smart campaign is specifically designed to address this vital need .
As people are returning to work and recruitment is picking up , teams are being rebuilt and restructured . They must also be re-trained and re-skilled to ensure they are fully conversant with managing their operations under Covid-19 protocols and can deliver both live and hybrid events . Mental health and wellbeing are key considerations for staff , guests and delegates during this transitionary time , too . De Vere , for example , has ensured that its general managers have completed a Mental Health First Aid training course and , for the wellbeing of guests and delegates , ensured that its menus are nutrient rich . It also introduced complimentary daily wellbeing sessions such including yoga and Pilates .
Business outlook As the lockdown continues to ease , enquiries are turning into confirmed business .
Crucially , consumer confidence appears to be shifting in the right direction , and in line with the national mood , there are signs of positivity in the meeting and events sector ; hopefully this will continue throughout the sector as the nation begins to unlock .
9 Association comment
Above : Louisa Watson , director of marketing at Wyboston Lakes Resort , and Gareth Warnock , group sales director at De Vere
Hybrid events are likely to continue , and event venues must have the facilities to offer them so corporates can stay in touch with delegates and clients that cannot attend in person . However , many people are greatly looking forward to the return of face-to-face meetings .
The partnership between a venue , an organiser and a delegate has never been so important , and it is vital the industry works together to bring events back safely . This will breed confidence and ensure the industry bounces back .
The disruption of the last year has undeniably been a tough experience , but it has also created an opportunity for the venue sector to rethink , redefine and transform , paving the way for it to push through the recovery phase and emerge much stronger than ever before .
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