Live events were the first industry to get halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and they were the last ones to make a return. While this had a massive impact on comedians, performers, athletes, and sound technicians, the pandemic also affected the sanitation industry – BIG TIME. Large-scale events heavily rely on the sanitation industry to operate at full capacity. Now, vaccine passports may have further effect on these events
Acquiring customers in a socially distant world became a challenge for many portable restroom operations. Businesses had to get creative and adapt to the changing world, which was a fantastic skill to acquire. The COVID-19 pandemic will likely impact business operations in the future, so businesses need to be flexible.
With live events making a slow but steady return, the sanitation industry is seeing an increase in demand for portable hygiene essentials, but circumstances haven’t immediately returned to “normal.” Read on to explore how the Coronavirus pandemic changed the special events industry.
1. Virtual Is the New Standard
There probably aren’t many business professionals in the United States that haven’t used, or at least heard of, platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype. In March of 2020, virtual video chatting platforms became the means for conducting work meetings, entertainment events, and even school.
Since virtual platforms are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, they aren’t showing signs of disappearing. While many people got tired of looking at their computer screen, many others were grateful to experience events that they usually wouldn’t get to access in person.
Virtual content has also worked its way into effective marketing strategies for all industries, including the sanitation industry. Sanitation operations must focus on creating digital content to reach potential customers and maintain existing customers. Examples of compelling digital content are:
- Informational videos
- Updated infographics and photos
- Live chat features
- “Going live” on social media channels
- Blog posts
- Email marketing blasts
2. Hybrid Events Are Popular
As some live events begin to return to stages and stadiums around the country, many people still have reservations about attending events in person. While virtual events are unlikely to replace live experiences completely, there are many helpful ways in which virtual access can enhance live events.
The most popular and beneficial way to incorporate virtual technology into live events is with streaming. Streaming has been the standard for the sports industry for many years. It is incredibly common to see football, basketball, and soccer games broadcast on television.
Live video streaming allows people across the country or world to tune into a live event that they couldn’t attend in person. The COVID-19 pandemic has made streaming a popular resource for events beyond live sports. Some uses for streaming that relate to sanitation include:
- Product Demos
- Client Meetings
- Open Houses
- Digital Service Calls
- Educational forums
3. Outdoor Is Preferred
Studies have shown that gathering outdoors poses less of a risk for COVID-19 infection compared to indoor gatherings. Due to these preferred levels of safety, outdoor events like music festivals are making a faster return.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges people to consider the following factors before planning a live event:
- How many COVID-19 cases are in the community?
- How much travel is required?
- Is the event indoors or outdoors?
- How long is the event?
- How many people will attend?
For the sanitation industry, large outdoor events provide fantastic business. Portable restroom providers should prepare for a rush of orders for portable restrooms as more outdoor events come back. If outdoor events prove to be safe and successful, more indoor events are likely to follow suit.
4. Hygiene Is Essential
New standard levels of hygiene and social distancing have impacted the 2021 event industry. This is good news for the sanitation industry, but businesses must be prepared to follow through with supply and demand.
As indoor and outdoor entertainment venues begin to welcome guests, there is likely to be a high demand for portable restrooms and handwashing stations. Mobile handwashing stations are vital for keeping people safe and healthy at live events of all kinds.
Doctors and scientists have preached the importance of handwashing to kill viruses like COVID-19. Soap molecules break down the viral coat, rendering the virus unable to function. At live events where people are cheering, talking, or standing close to one another, access to hand hygiene is paramount.
When soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer is the next best resource for hand hygiene. Special event coordinators should secure many hand sanitizer stations for easy access around the event location. Ideal places for hand sanitizer stations at events include:
- Outside of portable restrooms
- Near concession stands
- By ticket counters
- At entrances and exits
5. Attendees May Need Proof of Vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccine is to thank for reduced hospital cases and businesses opening their doors. While vaccine passports are not yet a federal requirement anywhere globally, some private events or venues have required attendees to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry. Make sure you’re reading up on specific events and/or locations that may require your staff to use additional PPE.
These requirements allow attendees, entertainers, and staff members to feel safe and comfortable attending a crowded live event. As more and more people across the United States get vaccinated, things like social distancing and mask-wearing will likely become optional.
The Coronavirus vaccine gives event planners peace of mind knowing that their industry is less likely to cause an outbreak compared to the time before the vaccine was available. Eventually, special events will look a lot like how they used to, but there will be better safety and hygiene measures.
Special Events Require New Safety Measures
Since the COVID-19 pandemic halted live events in the United States, it will take time for the industry to return at total capacity. Some events are already returning, and others are remaining virtual or hybrid. The live events that are taking place require increased safety measures such as outdoor venues, ample handwashing stations, and even vaccine passports.
Portable restroom operations must be prepared to respond to the demand when special events return. In the meantime, sanitation businesses should take advantage of the thriving digital landscape. If you have any questions about supplying products for live events, contact Satellite Industries today.
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