Necessary Safety Precautions for Your Events in 2021

Getting back into the groove of things and planning events for 2021 can seem a bit daunting. After all, the ongoing pandemic makes some event-goers wary and can greatly reduce their interest. By following all the necessary safety precautions and going to great lengths just to ensure your event is safe, you can improve attendance and help visitors feel more assured.

But what are these necessary precautions? Is it just about social distancing and wearing masks? Not quite. In fact, there are quite a few other precautions you should take. 

In order to safely plan an event in 2021, follow the guidelines here and incorporate as many safety habits into your routine as possible. 

1. Limited Attendance

When it comes to your attendance numbers this year, they’ll have to be lower. By lowering the number of allowed attendees, you lower the risks and are able to account for social distancing easier.

With this lowered attendance, you’ll also have to provide a wider distance between seats and groups. If you can’t physically remove chairs to allow for distancing, then tape them off to prevent people from crowding around each other.

2. COVID Compliance Officers

Some venues may have their own COVID compliance officers on site. These officers are in charge of making sure everyone is following COVID safety regulations. There may even be other employees around to ensure social distancing rules are being followed and face coverings remain in place.

Some venues may provide hand sanitizer, but expect to bring some yourself just in case.

3. Limited Food and Beverages

It’s understandable that you’ll want to provide refreshments for your guests, but it may not be possible. Self-serve buffets are an absolute no-go, but you may be limited even further. Depending on your state regulations, you may not be able to provide more than pre-packaged meals.

If you still want to provide refreshments or full meals at your event, talk to your venue and see what’s possible. With that in mind, try thinking of creative ways of presenting the food so that guests don’t feel like they’re getting ripped off. 

4. Post Signs and Messages

You’ll probably need to post signs throughout the event hall that remind your guests to follow COVID safety regulations. Rather than plain text on paper though, try to design fun graphics with the same message. If it’s possible, create these graphics to follow your event theme. 

In addition to posting signs at the event, send out messages well beforehand that remind attendees of the restrictions. Let them know ahead of time if masks will be required and how you are meeting safety requirements. 

Is hand sanitizer readily available? Let your attendees know. Will a negative COVID test be required to enter the venue? Make sure they know several weeks beforehand.

5. Touchless Set-Up

As much as possible, allow for contact-free options. Instead of requiring guests to check-in at the front doors, make arrangements for some guests to check-in at side doors or even earlier. You may want to assign check-in times for each group to prevent them from mixing.

Additionally, provide touchless payment options and mobile apps. If it’s possible to participate in an aspect of the event virtually, encourage your attendees to choose that option rather than following in person. This could be anything from a survey to a Q&A.

6. Thermal Scanning

At the front of your venue, consider setting up a thermal scanning device. Most devices don’t require someone to run them, so it’s possible to set one up and let it work on its own. Thermal scanning devices can warn you ahead of time if someone has a fever or could be a potential risk, but you should let your guests know about them ahead of time.

7. Larger Venue

Even though your attendance numbers will likely be lower, you should look into using a larger venue. With the extra space, you’re better capable of social distancing and providing ample space for separate groups. 

Conclusion

Events in 2021 are going to look different than before, but it’s important to follow specific event guidelines. By planning ahead of time and letting your attendees know what will be expected of them, you can run a COVID safe event without problems.  

*GSE AV is not recommending what you should, and should not do.  It is recommended that you should always follow the CDC, OSHA & the Venue guidelines to keep yourself and your guests as safe as possible during your event.