National Mall Special Event Permit Update

EVENT INDUSTRY, VENUES

It turns out that it took about a year for the new special event rules and regulations for permitting the National Mall to sink in and really get noticed. The National Mall has been host to a number of small to mid sized events over the last year, but no events to the scale that the National Mall has seen in the past. This week, a number of people have sent us this Petition by the group Save the Festival. It seems as if this is a group of concerned volunteers who want to save this event, by allowing for a permanent special event space within the renovation of the National Mall. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is one of the great annual events that we enjoy in DC and on the National Mall, and it seems that they are having the same issues working in the NPS Event rules as other large-scale events.

After 47 years, they are looking for a new location in the DC area. In fact, this is the forth large-scale event forced to exit the National Mall under these new regulations. So far, the National Book Festival, Black Family Reunion and the Solar Decathlon have found new venues. The letter from Save the Festival can be seen in its entirety below, and if it so moves you, follow this link to sign their petition.

We have also included an infographic of the new rules and regulations for any special events on National Mall grounds. This shows specifically where tents and event infrastructure can be placed, along with the attendee size and seasonal rules that are enforced. While there are a number of new rules and restrictions- there are also some tricks and tips to successfully plan and produce your event. Click here to view and download the full size version.

6 Must-Follow Tips For Selecting an Event Venue

EVENT PRODUCTION INSPIRATION

Finding just the right venue for your event has often been compared to buying a house, given the methodical preparation needed. Hopefully though, finding a venue involves fewer encounters with realtors and solicitors. Here are a few tips to follow that should make the selection process easier.

Specifics, specifics

Check the venue s ability to display advertising and banners. Verify prime advertising spots around local roads. Can venue staff work your event for catering and security or do you need to bring people in? Will the business center stay open a little later to accommodate guests should your event run long? Don t hesitate a second to run these venues ragged with questions, that s what they re there for.

The right hours: putting the space through its paces

Be sure to check out your venue at the same time of day (and ideally, time of year) that your event is scheduled to take place. Little things that go unnoticed during an ill-timed inspection can turn round and bite you during your event. Visiting a venue at 2pm, for example, will not give you an accurate idea of how much outside noise will filter in at rush hour. Visiting in the evening will not tell you how well the curtains will block out daylight. Countless little details that can thoroughly disrupt an otherwise meticulously planned conference can be done away with early on.

Ahead of time

Conference centers are usually fielding inquiries from a dozen companies at a time, all of them looking to book floor space. The closer you are to the date of your event, the less TLC you ll receive from any venues you have chosen to scout. Starting your search a year or more ahead of time is not something that most people do (and not always possible), but it is very effective in securing prime locations at excellent prices.

Bargain

This hardly needs to be said. Venues are not put off by those seeking to drive a fair bargain, especially a long way out from the event as mentioned above. Entire package deals are the best option but negotiation on single pricier elements are more common. And don t forget, play venues off against each other to drive that bill lower.

Layout and supporting spaces

The actual area in which the main event is being held is not the only consideration when it comes to layout and floor plan, and it s likely that you ll need more space than you think. Trade shows, for example, will require one large open space, like an easily converted ballroom, to place tables that s the easy bit. But you ll also need to ensure the venue you select has space for guest registration, a first-aid area, and potentially a press room. Wedding reception venues may need separate changing or storage areas for the bridal party.

To ensure your venue has all the facilities you need, go through your event itinerary from the perspectives of all comers guests, clients, event staff and venue staff. Mentally plot out what each attendee type may need to do during the course of the event.

Event Organizing blog: How to choose the perfect event venue
Graphing out the layout might help ensure you ve got the space you need

Best Way To Get There

Much as a soon-to-be father practices the drive to the hospital to find the best route for his wife, make sure you know the best ways to access your venue by car, bus and subway. This is particularly important for out-of-town participants if you cannot put them up on site.

9 Weird Themed Venues for Events Big and Small

VENUES

It isn t all staid business hotels and conference centers in the event management scene. Check out this list of fun, unique and downright odd event venues.

@SolWaveHouse, Mallorca

Event Organizing Blog: Interesting Event Venues Worldwide Image Source Huffpost No other venue would have been fit to head up this list. The living dream of any tech-savvy event organizer, the world s first Twitter-themed hotel offers a range of social media activities, with its own community and crowd-sourced parties while also being in prime position along the beach at Magaluf.

Noah s Ark, Dordrecht, the Netherlands

Event Planner Blog: Unique Corporate Event Venues Image Source: bizbash This gigantic wooden boat faced a tough time at first, with some dismissing it as a poor modern art job. Founder Johan Huibers vision had now been vindicated, though, as the conference center is regularly filled and 3,000 visitors a day crowd into its bilges.

Alcatraz E.R., Tokyo

Event Management Blog: Weird Event Venues Image Source: bizbash Japan had to make it to this list somehow. The Alcatraz E.R., styled after a prison hospital, oddly stood out as one of the least disturbing alternatives. The restaurant may serve dishes themed on the human anatomy but has proven popular with Japanese businessmen. Who doesn t want their CEO knock back a brain buster cocktail from a mannequin head?

Yellow Submarine Hotel, Liverpool

Organize events blog: Neat event venues Image Source: bizbash It may likely be cramped inside, but come on, organizing an event around this hotel would be an experience to remember for any child of the 60s. Just hope it doesn t sink, we wouldn t recommend a swim in Liverpool waterways.

Big Brother House, London

Event Planning Blog: Weird places to hold events Image Source: corporateevenuesuk.com Most contestants who enter the Big Brother House do their best not to leave it. This bodes well for any long events or conferences requiring patience of their attendees.

Ninja Restaurant, New York

Image source 4.bp.blogspot.com For some reason, whenever we write something about this mysterious NYC nightspot, the words vanish off the page. The staff member who did the research for Ninja Restaurant said he loved the Oriental atmosphere but then suddenly disappeared mid-sentence. We have no idea what happ .

Ganja Gourmet, Denver

Event Organizer Blog: Strangest places to hold an event Image source: darkroom.baltimoresun.com Far from us to pick sides in the marijuana legalization debate. But Colorado s first marijuana restaurant has long based its reputation on its medicinal marijuana. And from the reviews, the food is pretty good.

Universal Studios, Hollywood, USA

Unique event ideas for corporate event managers Image source universalhollywoodevents.com Nobody said themed event venues had to be obscure to make it on this list. More than just a theme park, the Universal Studios park offers a full range of event services, conference locations, stages and other unique offerings ideal for large groups.

Dinner in the Sky, Worldwide

Extreme event ideas for event organizers Image source luxurylifedesign.blogspot.com Able to be organized anywhere in the world and at varying heights for varying levels of bravery, this will definitely leave a select guest list with their heads in the clouds.

10by10: New Startup Will Connect Vendors & Venues

VENUES

We re excited about an up-and-coming concept we heard about over on the Event Manager Blog Event Startup Pinterest feed (and if you ve never been over there, check it out, it s invaluable).

Events Activations Event Production Best Washington DC

In the words of founder Christa Huntley:

I own a business and frequently I attend expo events to reach a broader audience. I ve attended very successful events where I was able to generate significant leads and I ve attended others that have been time wasters. The results vary but really I just want good results, more leads, and increased sales.

I also want to be able to find events, valuable events, without having to Google them, search 15 online calendars, call countless venues, and speak with every friend who has ever attended an event in my local area.

I don t want to miss events. I beat myself up when I didn t know about them, didn t hear about them until too late, or made the decision not to go because the event sounded lame.

And so 10 10, named after the average size of your basic expo booth, was born to solve these problems.

The Skinny

10by10 hasn t fully gotten off the ground yet, and their database isn t rocking a full roster of items at the moment, but they re on the upswing, and adding new events to their listings as we speak. Potential exhibitors will be able to search events by date or category, knowing that those events are actively seeking participants, then book event space directly through the website.

Event listing and browsing is free 10by10 makes their moolah by charging the event host a percentage fee for each vendor registrant.

Keep an eye on this one, folks: it would be a pleasant game changer.

4 Super Creepy Event Venues for your Halloween Party Planning

VENUES

Looking for the perfect location to throw a Halloween chills-and-thrills bash? We ve selected four of America s lesser-known event venues, all of which come complete with real-life ghost stories.

Event Planning Blog: Scary Event Locations

Sloss Furnace, Alabama

Once a functioning blast furnace, Sloss is said to be haunted by the spirits of the laborers who died there. These days, Sloss Furnace is a national landmark and modern metallurgy handicraft center. Its industrial aesthetic make it a perfect location for spooky corporate events and parties.

Event Planning Blog: Halloween Event Locations

The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida

According to Wikipedia, the Coral Gables Biltmore is reportedly haunted by the ghost of Thomas Fatty Walsh, a mobster who was murdered there on September 7, 1929 during a gambling dispute. Claims include that his ghost haunts the hotel elevator. Claims also include that of a woman who was said to have jumped out of a window to save her child and a woman in white clothing in their rooms. The Biltmore has dozens of event venue spaces, from 3,744-square foot areas (with capacity for 300-500, depending on space usage) to much smaller areas for more intimate occasions or break-out sessions.

Event Planning Blog: Spooky Event Venues

Redstone Castle (Osgood Castle), Colorado

Redstone Castle, a gorgeous Tudor-style mansion built in the late 1800 s, is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of John Osgood, the castle s builder and a famous American coal magnate. The curator of the grounds has spoken of ghostly cigar smoke in the passageways, and manor guests have reported strange incidents. Redstone is currently undergoing renovations, but sign up for their mailing list to be the first in the know when they re-open for events.

Event Management Blog: Haunted Venues Fort Delaware

Fort Delaware

Fort Delaware, a Civil-War era detention facility for Confederate prisoners and federal detainees, is said to be haunted by imprisoned Confederate soldiers who died there. Managed by Delaware State Parks, the location hosts several yearly outdoor activities and festivals, including paranormal ghost tours.

Fort Delaware photo from Wikipedia. Biltmore photo from the Biltmore website. Sloss Furnace photo from Wikipedia.

Valentines, shmalentines: the World s 7 Least Romantic Event Venues

LOL, VENUES

Hey, don t give us that face. We don t have anything against romance. Romance is great. It s the chocolate sprinkles on the cupcake of life. But every other blog on earth has that one covered, so in preparation for that special day of the year when single event professionals eat grocery store sushi and ruminate on dying alone, here are seven libido-killing locations for your next event.

Event Production Blog: Event Management Blog

Costa Rica: Fuselage 727

Hey, I know. Why don t you throw a party in the body of a downed airliner that looks like it just finished doing an impression of your last relationship?

In fairness, Fuselage 727 wasn t built inside a crashed plane, it was restored from an out-of-use chassis that was dragged through miles of jungle, gutted, and refurbished into the unique monument to making your own fun that you see here today. Still, though.

This fully outfitted, meticulously detailed, two bedroom, Boeing 727 fuselage suite jets out from the jungle canopy, affording you views that will make you feel like you re flying. We salvaged this airframe from its San Jose airport-resting place. We carefully transported the pieces on five, big-rig trucks to the jungles of Manuel Antonio where they have been resurrected into a unique jumbo hotel suite.

Book it

Event Management Blog: Unromantic event venues

Latvia: Karosta Prison

Housed in a real soviet naval port prison, Karosta Exuberant TripAdvisor guest reviews crow, Scary place! and Most awkward museum I ve ever been to . Venue staff can organize activities including an Escape from the USSR game, in which teams dress up like emaciated prisoners and scrabble to freedom through a series of dirt tunnels (no, really). Plus, catering s available:

In our authentic prison buffet we have warm pies and aromatic coffee, also rich hot food. And do not forget to try our special refreshments! You will be served by a real soviet-time buffet-lady.

Oh, man, special refreshements . Book it

Event Production Blog: Worlds Weirdest Event Venues

New York: Ripley s Believe it or Not

18,000 square feed of shrunken head collections, cockroach attack simulations and albino giraffes. Ladies be goin crazy, amirite? Event planners can book either of two theaters, the largest with a max capacity of 150. Book it

Event Production Blog: Least Romantic Places for Valentines Day Events 2016

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

Once a poorly-managed house of horros, now an event planner s dream locale for cocktail parties and team building retreats.

Originally designed to house 250 patients in solitude, the hospital held 717 patients by 1880; 1,661 in 1938; over 1,800 in 1949; and, at its peak, 2,600 in the 1950s in overcrowded conditions. A 1938 report by a survey committee organized by a group of North American medical organizations found that the hospital housed epileptics, alcoholics, drug addicts and non-educable mental defectives among its population. A series of reports by The Charleston Gazette in 1949 found poor sanitation and insufficient furniture, lighting, and heating in much of the complex . By the 1980s, the hospital had a reduced population due to changes in the treatment of mental illness. Those patients that could not be controlled were often locked in cages.

Book it

201602-least-romantic-hotels-frying-pan-tower

The Ocean: Frying Pan Tower

Frying Pan Tower, formerly the U.S. Coastguard Frying Pan Light Station, is a lighthouse situated at the end of the Frying Pan Shoals, 32 miles south of Bald Head Island N.C. This is the southernmost end of the feared Graveyard of the Atlantic which stretches up to the northern end of the Outer Banks of N.C.

Tower organizers can arrange for guests to be flown in by helicopter or shipped in by boat, and can tailor your event to include team building activities like deep sea fishing or diving, skeet shooting and golfing contests with biodegradable targets and golf balls! Hey, man, nobody said these weren t cool. We just said no one s getting laid afterwards. Book it

Event Production Blog: Scariest Hotels in Taiwan

Taiwan: Grand Hyatt Taipei

I envy the no-nonsense, fate-tempting practicality of whoever decided to build this place on a former World War II execution ground. According to Vogue

During its design phase, feng shui experts were hired to place sacred scrolls and various chimes throughout the lobby to ward off evil spirits. Rumor has it that actor Jackie Chan abruptly left the hotel after seeing a ghost.

Book it

Event Production Blog: Event Venues for Singles on Valentines DAy

Myrtle s Plantation

No. No burial grounds. Burial grounds are a guaranteed sexytime boner-killer. Thrillist reports:

This stately home is said to have been built on an ancient Native American burial ground, which pretty much never works out. And apparently 10 murders were committed within the hotel s walls since the 1700s, the most well-known of which was William Drew Winter, who was shot on the porch and managed to crawl up 17 stairs before dying. He can occasionally still be seen doing today, according to legend.

Book it

Winter is Coming: Best Indoor Venues for Winter Events

VENUES

Winter is coming. In the event management business, it s in our nature to be two seasons ahead. As consumers are enjoying those outdoor summer brand activations, our heads are down planning. We ve scoped out the best venues for your upcoming winter meetings and events in major east coast cities.

moonlight studios
Moonlight Studios 

Chicago, IL
Located in West Loop neighborhood in Chicago, Moonlight Studios is a repurposed factory providing an urban chic feel. Since there are several gallery rooms that can be transformed into just about anything, Moonlight s event track record includes a wide variety of corporate and social events: galas, fashion shows, conferences, art galleries, the whole nine yards. Previous clients of Moonlight include UNICEF, LG, and Vevo. Oh, and the venue was named Top 50 Chicago Venues by Party Slate this year. With all that buzz, it ll fill up fast, so schedule a tour and get to booking.

Screen Shot 2017-08-22 at 5.30.36 PM

Kogod Courtyard
Washington, DC
Kogod Courtyard in downtown D.C. was appropriately named one of the seven architectural wonders by Cond  Nast Traveler back in 2008. (Kudos to world-renowned architects Foster + Partners for this stunning design). Its iconic curved roof made of glass and steel gives the venue an elegant feel with natural light for events like lectures, performances, and corporate events. The venue can accommodate a seated dinner for 850 or a reception for 1,200.

spin new york city

Spin
New York City, NY
If you re looking for a laid back and lively event space in the city, Spin is your go to. The venue is a ping pong social club in the Flatiron District, and yes, you read that right. Spin was recently renovated by Rockwell Group and now includes 19 ping pong tables and wall installations done by local graffiti artists. The 12,0000 square foot venue is perfect for social events, fundraisers, wrap parties, you name it. Also, an event planner s dream: it has on-site catering.

castle at the park

The Castle at Park Plaza
Boston, MA
This National Historic Landmark doubles as a versatile event venue with 14,000 square feet, high ceilings, and a classy feel. This expansive one room venue is ideal for trade shows, expositions, galas, receptions, and banquets, and can accommodate 530 seated and 1,000 standing. Save this spot for when it gets warmer their outdoor space is another top-notch Boston venue.

6 Amazing Event Venues for Book Nerds

VENUES

You know what lit nerds want? They want to dine in musty halls of learning. They want to sip cocktails on the porch of Hemingway s hideaway. The US is rich in event venues with a connection to literary history. Here are a few of our top picks:

Event Production Blog: Venues for Bookworms

Algonquin Hotel, New York

Back in 1919, the Algonquin Hotel was home to the Algonquin Round Table, a coalition of writers and other literary ne er-do-wells that included Dorothy Parker and Marc Connelly, who met in the dining room for luncheon and poker. The Library Boardroom, the hotel s meeting space, also houses the hotel s famous book collection.

Event Production Blog: Historical Event Locations New York 2016

The Rainbow Room, New York

Mentioned in a JD Salinger short story A Girl I knew , the Rainbow Room is a major fixture in New York s glitzy history. First opened on October 3, 1934, [The Rainbow Room] was originally conceived as a formal supper club, where the elite and influential of New York could gather to socialize over cocktails, dine on fine cuisine, and dance to the strains of legendary Barry Winton s Orchestra (Band) on a revolving floor. Today, the event space can accommodate around 300 guests.

Event Production Blog: Book Nerd Event Venues

Margaret Mitchell House, Atlanta

Listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, this is the very location where Margaret Mitchell penned Gone With the Wind. The three story Tudor revival home, which includes the apartment Margaret Mitchell wrote her best-selling novel, contains four intimate parlor rooms and one event room on two floors with covered porches and balconies, and is surrounded by manicured lawns.

Event Production Blog: Event Venues for Bookworms 2016

National Archives Museum, Washington DC

What it is about old scrolls that sets the literary heart thumping? The National Archives Musuem houses some of America s oldest documents, and in terms of event locations, if you re throwing a gala in DC, the National Archives Museum is pretty near the top of the list for Federalist chic. There are five event spaces in total, including a 290-seat theater, a series of smaller conference rooms, and the Rotunda galleries which boasts 75-foot vaulted ceilings, marble floors, and bronze accents and are just steps away from the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

The Catered Affair: Boston Public Library

The Catered Affair @ Boston Public Library, MA

The Catered Affair joins forces with the Boston Public Library to provide one of the most unique and historic event venues in the city. Ornately designed spaces in a variety of sizes offer businesses a unique opportunity for corporate events.

201602-book-nerd-venues-bookbindery

Bookbindery, Culver City, CA

Once the site of an actual book-binding shop, Bookbindery has now been transformed into two multi-purpose concrete and exposed brick event spaces totaling 19,000 square feet, plus a 2,500sqf prep kitchen.

201602-book-nerd-venues-hemingway

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, Key West, FL

Sip rum cocktails under the very eaves where Hemingway spent 10 years banging out brilliance? Yes, please.

The Hemingway home was built in 1851 in the Spanish Colonial style, and was constructed of native rock hewn from the grounds. The home was in great disrepair when it the Hemingways took ownership, but both Ernest and Pauline could see beyond the rubble and ruin, and appreciated the grand architecture and stateliness of the home. The massive restoration and remodeling they undertook in the early 1930 s turned the home into the National Historical Landmark that thousands of tourists visit and enjoy today.

Missing Live Events? Here is a Look Back at Six That Went off in 2021

BACKSTAGE, EVENT DESIGN, EVENT INDUSTRY, EVENT PRODUCTION INSPIRATION, LIVE EVENTS, PRODUCTION, VENUES, VIRTUAL EVENTS

Remember 2019? Back when there were large-scale events held. Maybe one that you had attended previously, maybe one that you hadn t ever attended before but you felt it was time to check it out. So, you d make plans to attend. You d buy tickets. You d make travel arrangements. You d book childcare. You d buy a new outfit. You d attend the event. You d take lots of pictures. You d have a great time. And then, you d wash, rinse, and repeat with another large-scale event a month or two later. Ah, good old 2019.

And then, remember 2020? COVID swept the nation and the world and all large-scale events were canceled or postponed. Some were held as virtual events. There were no travel arrangements to be made. No childcare required. Maybe some new pajamas or sweatpants were in order. You bought your first Zoom Shirt (yes, it s a thing). No photos taken, what s the point. It was a meh event. It was a meh year.

And then 2021 rolled around, and along with it a vaccine for COVID. Contraction rates improved. People felt cautiously optimistic about being around others again, with vaccine cards, hand sanitizer, and masks in tow. Some travel was booked. Babysitters began emerging from their COVID-induced exile. New outfits were acquired. And event attendance began to resume. 

Here we take a look at six of those large-scale events that went off in 2021. 

Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics

In a move that is sure to leave future generations scratching their heads in confusion, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) opted to keep the Toyko 2020 branding for the summer Olympics, despite the event being postponed by one year from 2020 to 2021. Tokyo 2020 was described as an unprecedented demonstration of unity and solidarity as the world came together for the first time following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic for an Olympic Games focused on the pure essentials: a celebration of athletes and sport.

From performance-enhancing drug use to boycotts to claims of corruption to participation restrictions, the Olympics are one of the more scandal-ridden large-scale events, and Tokyo 2020 was no exception. Controversies included:

  • Tokyo reporting record-breaking numbers of COVID cases days after the Olympics began, and only a quarter of eligible citizens being reported as fully vaccinated as the Olympics got underway;
  • Extreme heat which in itself isn t particularly controversial, but the fact that the Olympic bid lied about anticipated weather conditions, claiming mild and sunny weather and an ideal climate for athletes to perform their best made global headlines;
  • Beloved American gymnast Simone Biles withdrawing from multiple events due to mental health concerns; and
  • Reactions from competitors and the general public alike around the inclusion of the first openly transgender athlete, Laurel Hubbard.

The final price tag on the event? Officially, $15.4 billion, although estimates put the actual price tag at closer to $25 billion. 

Watch: The most emotional moments at Tokyo 2020

Superbowl LV

Tom Brady led his Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a decisive 31 9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in front of what can only be described as a one-of-a-kind audience that included 30,000 cardboard cut-outs, 7,500 comped health care workers, The Weeknd, a hologram of deceased NFL legend Vince Lombardi, a hairy male streaker in a hot pink thong, Miley Cyrus, and 14,500 football fans. This was an expensive party to attend with tickets starting at $8,000 and going as high as $40,000. It was an ever more expensive party to advertise at with a thirty second ad setting advertisers back by $5.6 million, equating to just over a nickel for each of the 96.4 million viewers. 

Watch: 10 Best Superbowl Commercials 2021

Met Gala 2021

Fashion s biggest night out was held on September 13. The Met Gala, which has also been affectionately referred to as an ATM for the Metropolitan Museum of Art was more scaled down this year after being canceled in 2020, for only it s third time in the events 73-year history. The theme for this year was American independence and Black Lives Matter protestors were congregated outside while attendees rocked can t-look-away outfits indoors including a 3D head horse bustier (Kim Petras), a gold suit of armor on top of a crystal-inspired bodysuit (Lil Nas X), and a map-patterned, ruffled-sleeved outfit portraying two men kissing (Dan Levy). 

Watch: The Met Gala 2021 Red Carpet Arrivals

Big Weekend 2021

Big Weekend, hosted by BBC Radio 1, is the United Kingdom s largest music festival. The 2021 iteration of the event was four days long (running from May 28 31) and featured a variety of popular artists who filmed their 100+ performances at a wide range of iconic backdrops. Like Coldplay, who played their set at Whitby Abbey. Or Ed Sheeran who performed with a lovely English countryside backdrop. Or Royal Blood who performed from a pier. Attendees took it all in online from the comfort of their home.

Watch: Top Ten Big Weekend 2021 Sets

Library of Congress National Book Festival

With an incredibly timely theme of Open a Book, Open the World , the National Book Festival was jam-packed this year with a wide range of programs and formats. With an amazing vision from the Librarian of Congress and some great hosts including LaVar Burton and Dolly Parton, the event was flawless. From virtual live events to author interviews to a national television special to free in-person events, this year s festival nicely bridged the worlds of live, virtual, and on-demand events. This literary event, initially founded by Laura Bush in 2001, featured over 100 of the nation s best authors, poets, and illustrators.

Watch: 35 On-Demand Videos from the 2021 National Book Festival

93rd Academy Awards

And the Oscar went to well, lots of different movies, thespians, and supporting personnel, but Nomadland cleaned up quite nicely this year, taking the award for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress. Originally scheduled for February 28th, the event was moved up to April 25th due to COVID safety concerns, and only nominees and presenters were permitted to attend. The public response to this scaled back version of the Academy Awards was lukewarm at best. As Mike Hale from the New York Times described, it was more like a cross between the Golden Globes and the closing-night banquet of a long, exhausting convention. The trade-off whether because of the smaller crowd, the social distancing, or the sound quality in the cavernous space was what felt like a dead room, both acoustically and emotionally. There were powerful and moving speeches, but they didn t seem to be generating much excitement, and when the people in the room aren t excited, it s hard to get excited at home. As my cat would say, meow . 

Watch: Highlights from the 93rd Academy Awards

Well, there you have it. Six event staples that helped to pave the way for a live event return to pre-COVID times. If your organization is in the market for an event to mark the long-awaited return to pre-COVID times, Decibel Events has you covered!

David Sonntag Talks New Event Venue Outlook on LMG s The Road Ahead Podcast

COMPANY NEWS, EVENT INDUSTRY, EVENT RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, TIPS & TRICKS, VENUES

I recently had the pleasure of guesting on Les Goldberg s 39th episode of LMG s The Road Ahead podcast, alongside Lauren Chelf from AOAC International, and Diane Kovats from ISCB, to discuss negotiating and navigating event venues through the COVID-lens.

I d love for you to give our chat a listen, or keep scrolling for what you need to know when planning a post-pandemic event. 

  1. Pay attention to event size vs. event capacity. Just because a venue can

    accommodate 1,000 attendees, doesn t mean that the city or state will allow that many people to gather just yet.

  2. Review requirements and regulations. Safety measures and restrictions vary drastically from state to state, and city to city. The hotel, convention center, or event venue itself is also likely to have an additional set of rules. Ask upfront and get details in writing.
  3. Determine venue staffing needs. Hotels and event venues are just as excited to be back in action as we are, and welcome the opportunity to bring back furloughed team members. It s crucial that your event venue has enough experienced staff working now to handle your events needs. (Because we all know there s more to a flawless event than the event day itself.)
  4. Consistent, coordinated communication regarding COVID safety. Both the event venue staff and the event producers must be on the same page when it comes to communicating and executing COVID safety measures. These could include mask wearing, temperature checks, COVID tests, cleaning measures, and on. For example, a venue, city or state might not require temp checks, but the event producer and client does for all attendees and staff. Share safety requirements before the event takes place with all involved parties, in order to manage expectations and equal treatment across the board.
  5. Internet is essential. We ve encountered venues that are willing to improve Internet service and create hot spots, and others who are not. As Les says in the podcast, he d prefer Internet over air conditioning these days, it s just that important. Amen.
  6. Hotel room rates are often negotiable. Holding a large-scale company meeting or conference in a hotel? So far Team dB has found that there s a lot of wiggle room with room rates.
  7. Hybrid events are here to stay. Yeah, I said it. Not your jam? Think of it like this: hybrid activations allow for greater attendance. (And elastic waist bands.)

Those are a few helpful highlights from our fun discussion; listen to the full podcast for more, including our thoughts on specifically when I predict think 250+ attendees at an event will be the new (old) normal.

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