4 minute read
The move to online events
The Move to Online Events
2020 has been an extraordinary year for many organisations, including LVML. This year will be remembered as one where entire populations stayed home and did nothing, and yet so much was learned and achieved. By swiftly embracing remote working and online communication, LVML has been able to keep working as hard as ever to continue to provide a program of informative and fun events for our members. Like many other businesses, we have become heavy users of platforms like Zoom and Teams for our regular staff, Board and industry meetings.
It was way back in March that we received the very sad (but not entirely unexpected) news that MIFGS 2020 had been cancelled due to government restrictions prohibiting large scale public events. Shortly after, and still reeling from MIFGS, The Landscape Show 2020, LVML’s landscaping trade expo, was also cancelled and LVHQ made the move to working from home.
With some quick thinking and a desire to still deliver some kind of event for The Landscape Show’s exhibitors and attendees, we created The VIRTUAL Landscape Show – an online platform for landscaping suppliers to provide exclusive show specials directly to the trade. The VIRTUAL Landscape Show also gave us our first foray into webinars with the keynote panel discussion moving from real life, to online. We were fortunate enough to be joined by Performance Coach, Alan Rodway, Leanne Taylor from CBUS Superannuation Fund and Essendon Coach, John Worsfold who delivered a fascinating presentation on Recovery and Growth in the Post Pandemic Economy.
With our first webinar done and dusted, more were to follow including LVML partner myhronline providing an update on Covid related HR issues for employers; an update on Pool Safety Barrier regulations from SPASAVIC and the VBA; an overview of personal and business insurance protection by LVML partner Insurance House; and we even reached out to prospective new members with a webinar presented by existing LVML members and board members. One of our proudest achievements of 2020 also took the form of a webinar when This is a Conversation Starter were joined by LVML members Adam Hompas and Russ Sweetman to break the taboo and discuss mental health in the construction industry. The response and feedback from this webinar highlighted to us just how important this issue is, particularly this year. If you missed the webinar, we encourage you to visit our YouTube page to watch the recording and visit www.tiacs.org if you, or someone you know needs to start a conversation about mental health.
LVML’s usual industry nights became another victim of Covid gathering restrictions so we brought the industry directly to members screens with the Five Minute Field Trip – a series of short educational videos by LVML’s supplier members showcasing their products.
One of the greatest benefits of LVML membership is the opportunity to meet and build relationships with other members. With pubs shut, we began meeting members online in the The Virtual Beer Garden for an informal weekly catch up. The Virtual Beer Garden then evolved into the The Back Shed where guest speakers imparted words of wisdom to their fellow members (check out page 17 to read about Martin Semken’s guest spot in The Back Shed).
Our newest online initiative, The Front Garden podcast series, is the brainchild of LVML board members Chris Weiss and Tyson Owen. This podcast series provides a new way to bring LVML members and the industry together by featuring guest speakers sharing lessons learned with an array of stories from the trenches. Construction challenges, communicating effectively with clients, navigating VCAT and business tips for landscapers – it’s all on the table in the The Front Garden with a few laughs and a bit of banter along the way. Have a listen on your favourite streaming service the next time you are in the car!
The shift to online everything has provided LVHQ with many new avenues and opportunities to reach out and stay in touch with our members. 2020 may be a year to forget, but the laughter, frustrations and stories shared online this year will always be remembered by Team LV.
"Our newest online initiative, The Front Garden podcast series... brings LVML members and the industry together by featuring... stories from the trenches." "The VIRTUAL Landscape Show also gave us our first foray into webinars with the keynote panel discussion moving from real life, to online."
"One of our proudest achievements of 2020 also took the form of a webinar when This is a Conversation Starter were joined by LVML members Adam Hompas and Russ Sweetman to break the taboo and discuss mental health in the construction industry." "...we began meeting members online in the The Virtual Beer Garden for an informal weekly catch up. The Virtual Beer Garden then evolved into the The Back Shed where guest speakers imparted words of wisdom to their fellow members."
