In this post: the challenges in finding festival and event sponsors, hyper local events, non-profit and charitable community support, targeted strategies, sponsorships and why volunteers will be difficult to find.
I project that consumer event sponsorships will dry up in the near term and will be the last to return unless the event is hyper local and the dollars are given more as a show of community support. Businesses that are open and operating may be directing any extra revenue to help non-profit and charitable agencies meet basic survival needs such as food banks and homeless shelters. This would seem only natural as a surge in demand for these services will grow exponentially as homeowners and renters, loose jobs and employment benefits and are evicted.
Trade or industry specific marketing in the form of event sponsorships will allow a business to be in front of those that can potentially net the largest return and fastest recovery – be they wholesalers, sporting events or meeting planners. This very targeted strategy is long recognized as a way to grow market share during a down economy.
Who wants to hold an in-person festival and deal with altercations between those who will and won’t wear a mask? For many volunteers that’s above their pay grade and a photo of such an altercation is not the social media post or video any event organizer wants associated with his or her event.
Until the world can all be marching in the same direction with respect to safety, mask wearing, social distancing, vaccines and their deployment, festivals and events will mostly face headwinds. Stabilizing the economy will involve right-kind job creation, consumer confidence within our own communities, and government all working together.
Cancelling a Festival or an Event – What’s Involved
How Long Before Festivals and Events Can Return?
The Role of Travel Research in Recovery
Obstacles Lie in The Road Ahead
A Line Clearly Divides Indoor and Outdoor Events
Indoor Events Will Face the Biggest Challenges
Meetings & Conventions … the Last to Recover
Visit Indy Accepts the Event Challenge Head On
How Long Before Events Can Return?
To learn more about event and festival management, check out “Secrets to Successful Events: How to Organize, Promote and Manage Exceptional Events and Festivals.” For those with event planning experience, consider, “Secrets to Successful Events Resource Guide: 42+ Easy-to-Use Tools and Resources.” Both are written by internationally known author and speaker Lynn Fuhler and are available on Amazon and at major booksellers.
To obtain a copy of The Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide, click here.