Expos and events: what will they be like in the post Covid era?

Now that the global pandemic finally seems to be relenting, people have started to wonder what expos and events will be like in the post Covid-19 era. However, answering this question is complex, since the measures adopted by governments around the world vary from one country to another and are subject to constant change.

The reality is that, for the moment, we can only build a hypothesis based on what we have seen during the re-openings of the last few months. Many fairs and other events around the world have sought to embrace the recovery by holding in-person events together with digital panels, but these are still in an experimental phase, as organisations attempt to find the right balance.

How to organise post Covid expos and events

Any organiser of post Covid-19 expos and events must keep in mind many different regulations, designed to avoid large gatherings, long queues and over-crowding. Although it is plausible to expect that sooner or later, social distancing measures will be removed, the desire to continue to work towards a more efficient use of available spaces should remain a priority for future events.

So far, various strategies aimed at combatting the virus have been implemented, such as self-service check-in kiosks designed to reduce queues, areas with external chemical toilets or pathways lined with barriers, but finding other similar solutions for areas at risk of large crowds forming, such as near the checkouts, is indispensable.

In addition to all this, it remains crucial that the measures introduced should be tested well in advance, so as to identify any viability problems immediately. This will give organisers the chance to put in place alternative routes or more efficient systems, before the delegates arrive.

Catering and food safety during events

Another important aspect that could undergo significant changes during post Covid expos and events involves refreshment areas. During the pandemic, buffet style menus were almost completely removed, but this does not mean that they should be permanently banned from restaurants, just that current restrictions could provide managers with useful pointers to improve the service.

A common anti-Covid solution implemented by staff to avoid crowding and queues during food purchasing, which could also be used in the future, is the introduction of pre-packed, ready to eat foods. There are in fact kits available with the various foods served on single use plates and trays, designed to facilitate rapid distribution.

Digitalising events

During the long weeks of lockdown, some conventions were redesigned in a digital format. Internet turned out to be an extremely powerful tool for maintaining communication between guests, exhibitors and organisers from all over the world, without the need to physically attend the event.

Although it is clear that in-person expos provide a different kind of experience, it is still fascinating to see how this solution might be able to one day broaden the overall experience of visitors to an event. For this reason, it is likely that many fairs will continue to feature digital panels within their programmes.

This will provide the opportunity to communicate with a wider audience of people interested in the main themes of the events, who would not be able to visit in person. The other advantage of digitalisation is the drastic reduction in organisational costs, due to the fact that (at least in part) it might no longer be necessary to hire buildings to host meetings.

All in all, post Covid-19 expos and events will undoubtedly be different once the pandemic is completely over, but it is to be hoped that organisers will exploit some of the solutions implemented during these long months of uncertainty and restrictions.

Translated by Joanne Beckwith