What will the world of corporate events look like?

Our clients reveal their opinion

Q1: What trends do you see emerging in the post-corona era in the field of business events and business travel in your industry / field?

"I think we need to differentiate the immediate post-crisis de-escalation, and what everyone refers to as the “new normal”. For some time, I expect a few months, many of the protective schemes (social distancing, face masks, hand wash etc) will still be front and center of physical events, or the physical part of events for hybrid ones. It will be a condition to attend.

However in the longer run, I do not think that some of the most constraining aspects of fighting corona will survive: face masks, even when mandatory, are already being less used, many of the restrictions in workspace are simply impossible to keep – and many of these rules do not survive longer than a few days of practice. When people get used to again being in a meeting room together, flying 10 hours next to a stranger again, be packed in public transport, provided there is no resurgence of the epidemy, I think the new normal will visually resemble the old normal" (International automotive corporation)

"Live is really indispensable. The need for live meetings remains. Of course, sports already require a reduction of the current physical barrier. (One of the values of NOC*NSF = together). If you as, an organization, are now able to offer / organize a - naturally corona-proof - live event, that gives extra value! It will be especially appreciated." (NOC * NSF)

Q2: What consequences does corona have for your "business critical" and / or fun events in the short, medium and long term?

"As soon as it is safe, it will "go loose: and then the events / live moments will be even more important. It is really appreciated to see each other again. Possibly smaller and more qualitative in terms of format? With more time for mutual contact?" (Ingram Micro)

"We like to bring all employees around the world to one location for the team feeling and mutual bonding. Since there is now no flying (editorial: end of May 2020), physical meeting of people is impossible. We certainly hope that this will in the longer term can happen again. We would like to make plans, but do not know where we stand and that makes it difficult. The expectation is that as soon as we can justify it, we will bring the teams back together 'live'." (One of the fastest growing tech companies in The Netherlands)

Q3: New technologies are developing rapidly. To what extent do you think these technologies or other event formats are also relevant to you?

"Completely relevant. The auto industry was already going through a fundamental shift in the way it sees its events (motor shows, car reveals, corporate events etc) prior to corona. The pandemic I believe only accelerated these trends. Events are a way to provide a specific experience to a designated target group – these technological tools will be critical to support / define what that experience looks and feels like.

Events are a way to provide a specific experience to a designated target group

I think that new industry is still in its infancy – the online share of events will only increase in the future, but I also think events will need to find the right balance of live vs. online, and especially what part of the experience can be digitally enhanced vs. what needs to remain a sensory experience." (International automotive corporation)

Q4: Perhaps you have already come up with a new way or creative idea to organize traditional live meetings (partly) differently? What idea are you most proud of?

"I am most proud of the speed with which the organization has switched. The online tools, formats and possibilities were devised in week 2 'since Covid-19 broke out' and applied in week 3. Decisions are now also taken faster, because of the crisis and being 'remote'. Our team 'corporate events' is really the source of information for all virtual moments, for both meetings and events." (Leading fashion & lifestyle company)

"As an organization, you should try to take a pioneering role in this changed society. As an advisor, based on your own expertise. By drawing up and publishing FAQs, or Q&As, for example. Create a 'quality mark', new solutions. What we at NOC*NSF, for example, have already done quite quickly after 'lock down', is actively coming out with big names from the sport (TeamNL), with tips & tricks about 'how to keep yourself fit at home.' Or the recent release of the Sports protocol." (NOC * NSF)