TAKING PRECAUTIONS
As we continue to navigate uncertain times during the global coronavirus pandemic, we wanted to share several ways to hold a corporate event while keeping the safety and health of your guests at the forefront.
From how to serve your food to creating sanitation stations, read five of our favorite tips below!
Set Guidelines
First and foremost, set some guidelines ahead of your event. Will masks be required? Will social distancing be enforced? Will proof of vaccination or a negative test be required? Decide what kinds of policies you want in place, if any, and make sure your employees and guests know beforehand so they can come prepared.
“Social bracelets” have been a popular way for attendees to share how comfortable they are with contact. You could set out color-coded options at the entrance of your event and ask each guest to take one. The most common colors are green (good to go), yellow (feeling cautious), and red (no contact).
Sanitize
You can’t go wrong with a couple sanitization stations—two or three small tables around your event with hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes, disposable masks, or anything else you think guests might want or need.
Put hand sanitizer on the corner of bars, food service tables, or anywhere else people might be reaching for something. Noticeable signage for bathrooms and hand-washing is a must!
Solo Meals & Drinks
As much as we love a good buffet or self-serve beverage stations, sharing isn’t always caring— at least not these days! If you plan to include food and drinks at your event, there are a few ways to keep things safe and keep everybody’s hands out of the way.
For appetizers, go for single-serve options instead of large table spreads or interactive stations. For dinner, forgo the buffet and plan for a plated or seated meal. Have your heart set on stations? Chef-manned stations will be your best bet. This prevents multiple people from touching the same utensils throughout the event. And for drinks, opt for serving them from the bar instead of any self-serve stations.
Say No to Handouts
Corporate events usually include some kind of handout, whether it’s a gift, freebie, or simply a program outlining the event’s timeline. However, with safety top of mind, it’s best to keep these things digital right now.
For event programs and information, set up a QR code and put small signs around your event for them to scan with their phones and receive the documents they need.
As for gifts, there are more digital options than you think! From e-gift cards, coupons, and free trials, there is something out there that will fit your brand and still excite your attendees. And those who opt to stay at home can be a part of the fun, too!
Go Digital
Have some employees or guests who are hesitant to attend or not ready to travel? Add a digital element to your event to keep them engaged. Nashville Lighting & Production can handle any audio, visual, and digital technology you may need. From a planned Zoom conference call or livestream of the event, there are several ways guests from far and wide can be included. This way, they’ll be able to enjoy any speeches, seminars, or live music from the comfort of their homes.
Photos by Sara Bill, Details Nashville, and Joe & Jen Photography
