was broadcast on a large movie screen , equipped with speakers and professional video camera to view the room . Each table had its own microphone to allow the class to be interactive ,” says Reddington . Tables were limited to pairs of guests ( if they registered together ) and individuals ( for solo registrants ), Reddington notes , and the spa ’ s service providers were on hand to assist . “ Products were personally dispensed to each guest by an esthetician — wearing PPE — for each step of the facial , and each station had its own mirror , headband , hot water bowl , hand towel , disposable sponges , four-by-fours , disposable product scoops and regimen cards .”
The events were kept small — there was a ten-person maximum for each session — and the intimate environment allowed the education guests received to have a more personal feel . The spa ’ s estheticians even stuck around following the virtual portion of the event for an additional Q & A on the tips and techniques they had learned .
That personalized approach was key to the success of a similar series of events hosted by St . Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton , Florida . Dawn MacLellan , director of spa and salon , organized two virtual facial events , each focused on a different home skin care routine , led by FarmHouse Fresh educator Beck Beall . Each participant
Each guest at Montage Palmetto Bluff ' s virtual facial event participated from an individualized station , and products were dispensed by the spa ' s estheticians .
received a kit comprised of three products specific to that event ’ s focus , as well as a gift bag tailored to each session . “ The interactive part with the educator was excellent ,” says MacLellan . “ She was fantastic and has contagious enthusiasm , which is a huge bonus on a Zoom event . Members were able to experience the product in the privacy of their own home with personalized instruction . They learned ingredient information in a fun way , and the event even motivated my salon team to want to learn more and do a staff spa party .”
Virtual Events , Real-Life Learning Opportunity
The descriptions of these events may make it seem like hosting a successful virtual event is a simple , seamless process for all involved , but accounting for logistical and operational challenges ahead of time is key to delivering virtual events that won ’ t have guests reaching for the Escape key .
Perhaps the most significant of those challenges concerns the technology itself . According to Rendy Nelson , clear communication and education about the technology involved and the steps guests would need to take to participate was crucial to the success of her spa ’ s events . “ It has involved constant education and tutorials ,” says Nelson . “ Previous to doing these virtual programs , we had a different system where members could register for in-person programs through our website . Now , it ’ s a two-part thing — they still have to register for the actual Zoom event . A lot of members were not finishing that second step .” The solution ? A video tutorial created by the club ’ s programs director and shared with members who had signed up for the virtual events . Though it may seem like , a year into the pandemic , everyone has mastered the basics of online platforms , it ’ s important to not make any assumptions and be patient
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