Back when the GFC hit us in Sydney, the live event world slowed down. It certainly didn't shut down like it has now but events were cancelled or postponed, people were retrenched and it shook up our industry.
At the time, It was frustrating and demoralising to see the media slaughter some of the businesses that decided to still hold their events; including one particular bank who were publicly shamed for continuing with an EOY staff party.
One article I remember at the time was almost suggesting that the company in question had tossed it's cash into the harbour, over the side of the ferry that transferred the guests to the event on Cockatoo Island, but those in the event industry know it was far from the truth.
People unfamiliar with the operation of events, often have little understanding of the number of contractors and labour hours involved to make our magic happen. We recently worked with Delta Goodrem and the client's right hand man couldn't understand why a public space with a 2 hour window for set up wasn't a viable venue for a gala dinner for 400. No, we couldn't load in, set up tech and allow the required 1.5hr sound check/rehearsal...
Set up for an event like the one on Cockatoo Island starts days ahead... from the teaspoons that are counted at an inner west warehouse to the hi-ab barge operator delivering equipment, the chefs prepping canapes, to custom costumes for the stilt performers. There were probably a couple of hundred contractors relying on the income from the event and perhaps that's a good reason for it to have gone ahead!
Around the time of the GFC other unusual things also occurred... clients cancelled the elaborate events they had booked (with the associated cancellation fees) and then booked more modest events at an additional cost. Their overall spend was actually higher than if they'd gone ahead with the original event. Crazy really, but businesses wanted to be 'seen' to be doing the right thing... in one high end French restaurant the client changed the beverage package from French to Australian to look less 'flashy' despite the wines being in the same price bracket.
The Coronavirus has put a complete halt on live events for now due to the social distancing restrictions. It's really inspiring to see clients and suppliers move to online platforms to keep events moving and people connected and as much as I think this is part of the future, I firmly believe that overall event plans will necessarily incorporate live events when we come out at the other end.
Wouldn't it be a shame if our favourite event caterers were limited to providing boxes of takeaway dinners rather than some of the spectacular interactive food experiences we know or if talented actors, dancers and musicians didn't have the thrill of a live event gig.
And consider this. The end of the Spanish Flu pandemic led directly into the roaring 20’s with all its hedonistic social cohesion and FUN!
By Alexandra Cowie, Senior Event Producer, Workshop Events