Every industry took a hit in 2020, the entertainment world took some of the worst hits. Authorities canceled concerts and live events, not just in a few isolated communities but around the world. If it weren't for YouTube and Tiktok, many artists may not have survived.
However, with the advent of vaccines, the pandemic has finally begun to subside. Local authorities continue to ease restrictions and coordinators are preparing for a busy season of getting back to normal. These are the events industry trends to expect in 2021.
1. Outdoor Venues Are the New Normal
Even before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued their new suggestions for vaccinated folks, they considered revising outdoor guidelines based on transmission trends. After noting that few to no cases of COVID occurred from casual passersby on roadways and trails, they determined that it was probably safe to unmask when outside.
Expect the shift to open-air events to continue for some time. Even after people recover from their initial hesitancy to go out in a crowd, they might shun indoor events. After all, they can’t inspect the HVAC system of every building they enter.
If you are responsible for coordinating such affairs, you have more work to do when reserving facilities. Many locations will not have onsite restrooms, meaning that you’ll need to arrange for rentals. Fortunately, there’s no need to opt for smelly portable toilets alone. Today, you can find trailers that even come equipped with showers and provide a far more pleasant experience for VIP guests.
You’ll also need to consider crowd control. Outdoor venues pose more of a risk of non-paying individuals gaining entry — you’ll need to use armbands or some other method to indicate who should be onsite. You may also require more burly bouncers to escort unsavory types from where they should not be.
2. Exclusive May Become a Buzzword
Expect indoor events to remain small for now, as various locations ease restrictions at different times. As a result, "exclusive" may become the new industry buzzword.
Coordinators can prepare by keeping a check on ticket prices. Expect many indoor venues to raise rates slightly to compensate for the lower seating capacity. Even when restrictions are lifted, you might consider booking some VIP events, using less cramped rooms as a point of sale.
3. Get ready for these events industry trends in 2021
The novel coronavirus pandemic indelibly changed many industries, and event one was not unscathed. As things gear up for the upcoming season, expect to see past trends.