Can we still talk about events during a pandemic?

At a time when the whole planet is dealing with what seems to be the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, like many other sectors and areas of business, the events industry has undoubtedly been hit hard.

Nonetheless, no one can predict with certainty how the relevant market will look like in the post-covid era and what exactly the future holds for the sector. Therefore, an unbridled pessimism on the matter would be just as hasty as, on the contrary, an excessive optimism; virtual events may have covered up to some extent the “gap” that was brought about by the coronavirus pandemic and the global need that arose, however both event planners and other professionals of the industry know quite well that such alternatives cannot completely replace -once and for all- the physical events and the authentic human contact which can only be achieved through them. The relevant digital platforms, which have been greatly benefiting from the outbreak of the virus (besides, the recent case of Hopin and the Series B round of funding it raised, is truly remarkable) still lack the unique value of face-to-face contact when it comes to important discussions and effective networking during a physical participation in events, conferences, etc.

The relevant progress in the development of effective vaccines and treatments is already significant and therefore, event planners and all those who do business in this particular sector should prepare themselves to respond to the emerging needs, by optimizing their internal procedures and services. In an attempt to shed some light on this issue, the CapsuleT team turned to Events in Greece and Weddin, 2 startups that have already completed our Acceleration Program and provide technological solutions in the events industry. The co-founders of the two companies shared with us how they tried to adapt to the new circumstances, as well as some useful tips for other companies operating in the same sector.

⇒ How did you manage to adapt to the new circumstances brought about by the Covid-19 outbreak?

Weddin: As a team, we had already launched our main website, through which everyone could find wedding professionals for all categories and separate phases of a wedding, from the church selection to the wedding reception. We are currently preparing our new website, complementary to the first one, through which we intend to help couples organize their wedding, giving more importance to the destination wedding, namely the wedding in Greece for couples from abroad. Moreover, we are also getting our e-shop ready, through which couples are able to find everything they need regarding their wedding. Our two websites will be interconnected, so that a successful wedding can be organized perfectly via the Internet.

Events in Greece: Until the second lockdown, we had enriched our content with all necessary information regarding cultural events taking place during Covid-19, such as whether it is mandatory for the audience to use a mask, whether there is a maximum number of people who can attend or not, and much more details.

⇒ From your perspective, which are some of the useful, key “ingredients” any company out there that specializes in event planning or event promotion should have from now on?

Weddin: Right now, we believe that the most important “ingredient” for a successful business, in whichever sector it may specialize, should be the flexibility, due to the continuous changes that occur, both socially and at an entrepreneurial level. Moreover, adaptability is also a key skill since we are all led to constantly adapt to new and unforeseen circumstances. Internet should be the primary tool for every company out there. Nowadays, there is nothing more important than that; the key for any business that wants to grow and survive is to learn to rely almost exclusively on the Internet.

Εvents in Greece: A useful “ingredient” is the development of a sense of safety and hygiene in the public, so that people are sure they will not be surprised and that there is always someone who will take care of their needs. Another priority is the constant updating of the content and the information related to the audience’s safety. Last but not least, we strongly recommend that all companies operating in the events sector create synergies and work in cooperation.

A few words about the 2 startups

Events in Greece is an innovative and customized service that offers detailed and timely information to hotel guests about events, museums, archaeological sites’ schedules, notifications about last-minute changes and strikes, transportation options, as well as other information necessary to the visitors, even prior to their arrival or during their stay at a hotel.

Weddin is a platform that helps couples organize their wedding in Greece easily, quickly, and safely. Thanks to the application, each couple can organize their wedding, find wedding professionals, based on their budget, and all the above from their home and through their smartphone. Weddin’s ultimate goal is to develop wedding tourism in Greece.