The Events Industry-Remaining Resilient To The Challenges Of COVID-19

Today, the global pandemic, COVID-19, has affected several industries around the world. It has swiftly spread from nation to nation and has transgressed the epidemics in the past both in the rate of infection as well as economic damage. As health authorities take decisive measures to combat the spread of the virus, businesses are compelled to secure stability. Amid the on-going health crisis, business leaders are facing a new reality while preparing for an uncertain future.

An Unprecedented Disruption

If there is one topic for discourse that event organizers, managers, and vendors can agree upon, it is the disruption that’s caused by the current crisis. In less than a year, it has made sweeping changes in the landscape of the events industry. This is evident from the massive number of events either put on hold or canceled. Ironically, social distancing has become the new norm, in contrast to social gatherings that events are basically created for.

In this time of uncertainty, it is the responsibility of event leaders to ensure they prioritize the health and safety of their staff, clients, sponsors, and most importantly, their guests and attendees. At the same time, they need to effectively manage and fulfill financial responsibilities and reduce any financial risks at the absolute minimum.

This year could not have been a more challenging time for the events industry. And the value of resilience has never been more significant.

Resilient Leadership

As companies are building the momentum for their round of scheduled events, they are suddenly faced with confronting the ongoing health crisis that has affected and continues to impact several other businesses every day.

Just as much as events organizers are affected, the same could be said for vendors that work with event managers such as transportation consultants. We talked to Global Logistics and Events Transportation consultant MOTUS | ONE about what it's like to be resilient amidst the current global pandemic. They recently provided the logistics and transportation support for the Drakar 2020, as well as teaming up with MUV, Inc. for the 5th WWE, events both held in KSA.

Dana Buchawiecki, CEO of MOTUS | ONE mentions,

“Heedless of the gravity of COVID-19’s implications on our business, we choose to live by a resilient leadership that we believe should be the same for any other logistics and event transportation companies. “

Part of resilient leadership is transparency, acknowledgment, and being able to write a business narrative. Creating a mindset of possible opportunities in the future inspires employees to persevere and become positive about what’s to come once businesses emerge from this crisis.

“I believe businesses should remain focused on their long term goals. Now is the perfect time to assess existing business models and anticipate new ones that definitely will come forth in the future.” Dana adds.

Responding To The Crisis

During this time of uncertainty, the initial response should be to recognize the effect of the crisis on the people that drive the success of the company. It is critical that businesses should have the empathy and compassion towards the human implications of this present circumstance.

Companies should then shift their focus on communicating with clients. It is essential to acknowledge that they are endeavoring for the crisis too. Clients expect the same level of empathy as well.

Furthermore, in the midst of the global pandemic, businesses have to remain steadfast for the interest of their employees, clients, partners, and investors. That’s why it is crucial to remain circumspect in securing a company’s financial performance. This can be achieved by simulating the projected financial impacts on revenue and profitability and developing solutions to address these.

Maintaining Business Continuity

Several companies remain positive and have their mindset of what the future can bring while remaining vigilant with inevitable changes in business structures.

Dana explains that it is crucial to maintain engagement with existing clients as well as everyone inside the event industry ecosystem- which includes suppliers, stakeholders, event managers, employees, and customers. Events companies should take the time to study and shift their focus on the capabilities they can offer- both in technology and innovation.

Therefore, event managers and organizers should look forward, with anticipation, to work back with clients and contribute to achieving their respective business objectives through events and conferences.

Recognizing The Crisis As A Catalyst For Innovation

Adversities are perfect opportunities to come up with innovative solutions and develop approaches that will improve existing strategies. While the future is uncertain, businesses can still anticipate what is to come by studying the current trends today.

Dana says that given the present social distancing, events are expected to become more impactful in the future.

“We see events having a more significant purpose in the future beyond just social gatherings and product launches, concerts, conferences, and private events. “

By recognizing this crisis as a driving force for event companies to innovate and improve their services, it helps them remain resilient and maintain the highest standard for their clients.

“Despite the challenges that COVID-19 has given us, we remain a company that always seeks to improve, and innovate. “ Dana Concludes.

About Motus One

MOTUS | ONE (The Event Transportation Company) is an event transportation company. They are the single-source provider of professional event, corporate and VIP transportation logistics and consulting services, with over 50 years of delivering world-class transportation solutions. The company provides transport event management services throughout the United Arab Emirates, MENA Region, GCC, and internationally. They also provide a total service and consulting practice, from feasibility and planning studies to traffic impact studies and the final commissioning of a project.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes