TASTE

Good Life knew that they could supply the part that still makes an impact. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Pennsylvania-based creative agency has been ideating, creating, and mailing branded swag and gifts across the country to the homes of virtual events attendees and more.

“It must have struck a chord, because it has really kept us very busy, luckily… I think you still have to connect with people, and the only way to right now is through mailers. I’m sure that will change again soon—well hopefully, in some way—but we can always be thinking one step ahead,” says Turnock.

Although Gifts for the Good Life makes all kinds of swag items for specialty corporate clients, they pivoted to focus on mailers and kits throughout the pandemic. As of September, Gifts for the Good Life was sending out close to 500 boxes per week. Each client’s box is extremely tailored to the brand and occasion, whether it is for a company empowering work-fromhome employees with phone holders and lights for livestreaming on Zoom calls, or sending virtual events attendees notebooks and engraved pencils to help engage them in the day’s programming.

Whether boxes are sent out for virtual events or to encourage attendees during extended work-from-home policies, Gifts for the Good Life delivers—literally and creatively.

“We’re just an extension of the brand and take it seriously. And that’s something we’re well-versed in doing,” says Turnock.

These thoughtful mailers can serve as a tactile reminder to virtual events attendees and work-from-home employees during the pandemic that they’re valued and appreciated. —By Lauren Pahmeier

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GIFTS FOR THE GOOD LIFE giftsforthegoodlife.com

TASTE» Unexpected Benefits for an Unexpected Situation

Tastings 2.0’s catering program for virtual events provides some added options for attendees.

WHEN EVENTS went virtual, sharing a meal with coworkers and fellow industry professionals at in-person meetings and events became a realized luxury. The opportunity to connect with others over food disappeared for a while, but catering companies like Tastings in New York and Miami worked to keep it around by launching its new service, Tastings 2.0, in April.

“Sharing a meal together brought a sense of normalcy that we were all looking forward to,” says Giovanna Mansi, events and PR director at Tastings SoFlo.

Tastings 2.0 prepares and brings meals to virtual events attendees in NYC, the Hamptons, and Miami. The catering company still serves a “modern twist on French-American and reinvented classic cuisines of the world” amid the pivot, although a few considerations have been put in place due to the nature of delivery and the pandemic. Raw meat or fish are no longer served for safety reasons, and employees wear masks and gloves and take temperatures daily so that planners and attendees can have confidence in the safety of the food. This way, professionals don’t have to sacrifice sharing a meal and settling for a happy hour instead.

“People were already used to Zoom happy hours and celebrations. But they were only sharing a screen and a drink. We brought a meal to their houses that can be shared with all the attendees simultaneously, whether in New York, the Hamptons or Miami.”

Meals arrive in disposable, eco-friendly packaging, or collectable ceramic dishes. Tastings 2.0 also works with rental companies to provide stylized tabletop packages, so attendees can choose between several themes such as rustic, neutral, beachy and more for their plates, glasses and linens. When it comes to customization, that’s not all: Attendees can request cake, flowers, and even a waiter to serve them in their home throughout the virtual event if they choose.

While attendees wouldn’t normally get to customize so much at in-person events, Tastings 2.0 creates the opportunity at virtual events. Eating with others over Zoom isn’t the same as sharing a tablecloth and an in-person conversation, but this kind of service and personalization is a newly added benefit to an unexpected scenario within the meetings and events industry. tastingsnyc.com —Lauren Pahmeier