The whole events industry is no doubt delighted that the Government guidelines for indoor events has proceeded to deliver Step 3 of the roadmap. After several weeks of shivering and dodging April showers, it’s been so great to see people back enjoying some indoor hospitality.
Whilst corporate events are now permitted, the social distancing and capacity guidelines (see below for more detail) are likely to limit the number and type of events taking place over the next 5 weeks. Keeping gaps of 1 metre between guests or delegates (whether seated or standing), is not conducive to a great live event experience.
So, to our thinking, this milestone is not that important to event planners in its own right, but it does give us increased confidence in the all-important date on June 21st, when all restrictions are hopefully to be removed, being hit in full and on time. While there is still ongoing uncertainty around the easing of restrictions and the implications of external factors and variants, we are still feeling very positive with the amounts of enquiries we are receiving, with people wanting to hold dates and discuss briefs in further detail, getting ready to press ‘Go’ as soon as we are given the green light.
The key trend that we are seeing across our business is a strong desire to book social corporate events in July, September and December. We have also found that most planners are choosing to stay with virtual events for conferences and other communication-based events, where the reach has been higher and the costs to deliver have been lower.
There has been a strong increase in demand for Christmas parties, which is already putting pressure on key dates at the best venues. We encourage planners to start checking availability and budgets soon to ensure that you have a decent set of venue options for any live end of year celebrations.
Whether you are looking for a long-awaited live summer or Christmas party, or a virtual or hybrid conference, our team of free venue finders and creative event designers are ready and waiting to help you with your 2021 event programmes, so please do send us an email or call us on 0207 870 9303.
We all look forward to a safe return to live events and look forward to meeting many of our clients in a face-to-face environment very soon!
Corporate event guidelines from May 17th:
Business events such as conferences, tradeshows, exhibitions, charity auctions, and private dining events such as charity or gala dinners and awards ceremonies, and corporate hospitality are all permitted.
From May 17th, indoor events for up 1,000 people or 50% venue capacity, not including staff, contractors or exhibitors, will reopen. Outdoor events for up to 4,000 (or 50% capacity) may also resume, and special dispensation will be given to seated stadiums.
The Government has also made a special provision for large, outdoor seated venues where crowds can be distributed around the venue, allowing up to 10,000 people or 25% of total seated capacity, whichever is lower.
