How do we prepare a social physically distant meeting in 2021? Meetings & events will be on the rise again in Q3 & Q4 of 2021 but they may look a little different. As companies and organizations prepare for the rebirth of live events, we’re going to see a number of restrictions that will continue to limit the social and creative aspect of live meetings & events that we’ve all be longing for over the past year. Let’s take a look at some of those COVID precautions and ways in which you can make your meeting feel more comfortable and personal.

Meeting Room Capacities & Distanced Seating

Think about renting furniture like cushioned chairs with a desk-height side table for taking notes or to rest your computer. Visually, the room will be more inviting and will have the same comfort of working from home that we have all become accustomed to!

Boxed Meals vs Buffet

We don’t need to dread the boxed meal! Buffets are incredibly excessive and produce a lot of waste. Though many hotels and venues have partnerships with local food banks or homeless organizations to try to reduce waste, a plated or boxed meal is much more eco-friendly. We can spice up (pun intended) a boxed meal by planning themed menus. Start with just one protein or main dish and then allow guests to select their additions or sides from single serving sized containers. Dress up the station and tables with runners, centerpieces or small knick-knacks to add some color and pizzaz. Who says a boxed meal can’t be fun?

Meals on Own

Mealtime is traditionally social time and it still can be! Who doesn’t love to talk about good food? In your meeting registration, ask attendees what their favorite restaurants are near your meeting venue and let them provide recommendations from the menu too! In your pre-meeting or arrival packet, provide these suggestions. Just because the group may not be dining together, they can still talk about their favorite dishes or share their experience when they are together.

Mask Requirements

Not seeing facial expressions can make discussions difficult, especially if you’re speaking with someone you don’t know or don’t know well. To help tackle this problem, you can have a “best mask” competition which may encourage participants to come with a mask that fits their personality or that would be a great conversation starter!

These are just a few of our favorites as we return to live meetings but there are many ways in which to add that personal touch to any meeting and event, no matter the circumstances!

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