FO B ES C TU SP R A C T I C E
Conference and event organisers are constantly finding new and innovative ways in which to work. Meetings understands how the Covid-19 pandemic has changed planning and budgeting, providing some tips and tools you may want to consider.
TURNING ON A DIME
E
verything we do as planners and organisers is centred on both time and money. It is for this reason that planning and budgeting for an event should go hand in hand. The fact is that when it comes to planning an event, there is less time and even less money than prior to the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, so we need to act prudently with the precious resources we have available to us.
BUDGET BONUS From an event organiser’s perspective, events come about based on demand that is either identified on the part of the organiser, or a client who may also be the headline sponsor. With timelines and budgets for producing events significantly reduced, this immediately
impacts on sponsorship because it takes time to build relationships with potential sponsors who also need enough time to mull over proposals and make decisions. In an age where cash flow is so incredibly constrained, having any budget at all is like manna from heaven. Producing an event on behalf of a sponsor or client may need to happen on a very tight turnaround. This has been evidenced more so in lockdown, with the rapidly changing landscape meaning that planning for certain numbers can be affected by a single announcement. In South Africa, this usually starts with “My fellow South Africans”, as President Cyril Ramaphosa takes to the podium to address the nation. What this has resulted in is a ‘carpe diem’ mentality, where time is of the absolute essence; however, are
