InTents December 2020/January 2021 - 36

business | tips and techniques

Reimagining event space design
Guidelines and trends to follow for events and meetings
in a post-pandemic world.
by Kevin Dana

ver the past few months event
professionals have pivoted quickly
to support the new landscape of our
industry. From virtual trade shows to
micro-weddings, we've seen a major
shift in how we approach meetings and
events as a result of COVID-19. Because of
the pandemic, it's important for planners
to design spaces with safety and social
distancing top-of-mind. Using technology,
modularity and creativity, planners
can develop thoughtful and trendy
designs that are safe and comfortable for
attendees. As we look toward a brighter
future, here are guidelines and trends to
follow for events and meetings in a postCOVID-19 world.

O
Top tips for event space design
* As a rule of thumb, be sure to
provide at least 500 square feet
for every 10 event attendees.
* To facilitate movement, consider
free-standing clear dividers,
stanchions and ﬂoor decals.
* For warmth and comfort, incorporate
drapes and greenery onto stages.
* Digitize physical assets such
as programs and ID cards to
minimize interactions.
* Utilize multiple food and drink
stations to limit lengthy lines.

Facilitate movement through design
To encourage attendance at in-person
events, planners should consider the
various comfort levels of all guests.
While some attendees are eager to
return to social events, others will
naturally have concerns. Designing
with safety top-of-mind allows planners
to meet the needs of each attendee.
Facilitating movement through the
venue can be achieved through design
with wayϐinding, using free-standing
clear dividers, stanchions and ϐloor
decals. Promoting socialization through
social distancing will be an obstacle for
planners, though not impossible.
When designing a safely spaced social
event, use a 6-by-6-foot grid to make
sure attendees have room to circulate

36 intents

1220IT_36_CV4.indd 36

with a 36-inch " halo " around them.
For reassurance, be sure to provide
at least 500 square feet for every 10
attendees. Consider using both physical
and mental cues for attendees to utilize
designated seating. By adding barriers,
such as C-shaped tables between
seats, guests will know where to sit,
allowing for a greater sense of safety.
Personalized signage cues will not
only assist attendees, but will also
strengthen your brand's presence. To
reinforce wellbeing, include plenty of
reminders for attendees to sanitize their
hands and practice social distancing.

Utilize technology
Technology is one of the most valuable
tools for a planner. In this new era,
expect future events and meetings to
be smaller, meaning fewer in-person
attendees (100 or less) and more virtual
attendees. Since speakers will be sitting
farther apart, consider designing with
drapes and greenery so stages have a
greater sense of warmth and comfort.
Integrate live chats and polls to ensure
speakers are engaging with remote
attendees. Pairing comfortable chairs
with individual power hubs will create
a truly owned space for each attendee.
Utilizing individual power hubs will
ensure attendees remain in one seat
for the entire event and reduce touches
on multiple surfaces. To avoid clusters
of attendees, incorporate additional
large monitors around the event space.

dec 2020-jan 2021

11/19/20 4:00 PM
InTents December 2020/January 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of InTents December 2020/January 2021
