Event solution companies in Singapore have been busy revving up and adjusting their business models in accordance with the predicted future of smaller gatherings and hybrid events in a post-Covid-19 business landscape.
Ian Cummings, vice president of commercial, CWT Meetings & Events, expressed: “It is likely group sizes will be much smaller, with more local events, less travel, shorter lengths of meetings and hopefully wider audience reach via digital. Customers should use this opportunity to finally pivot to virtual and hybrid.”
Cummings added it was important to adapt to the hybrid-heavy future, and look into solutions such as live-streaming to reach a wider audience. Not to mention this was also a cost-effective solution in the mid- and longer terms.
While countries such like New Zealand have gradually allowed business events up to a 100, the Singapore government has indicated that only Phase Three: Safe Nation will see the return of business gatherings with imposed capacity caps; Singapore is currently in Phase One.
Sino Elite M.I.C.E. Services estimates that the country will enter Phase Three in end-August or early-September this year, and as such, has taken steps to overhaul its products.
For instance, Sino Elite will emphasise on safe meeting measures in its proposals and continue to promote live broadcast products to reduce “unnecessary in-person gatherings”, shared Sean Xiao, the comapny’s director and president.
“We will adopt more intelligent elements as soon as possible to create real digital conference products and make the existing business conference model more efficient,” he said.
Meanwhile, Congress Rental Singapore has found unexpected success in a previously unused product. Its remote interpretation platform has garnered interest as online events are the only way to move forward now. The company will also look into offering virus screenings once physical gatherings return.
Meanwhile, Chab Events is looking into combining live events with “at-home experiences”, particularly for brands with more targeted audiences like the luxury sector, said Alexis Lhoyer, its chief business officer.
He continued: “Every touchpoint and contract-signing for an event will have to take into account the new standards of hygiene. Registration might become contactless with health screenings, and you can forgo buffets or cramped spaces for networking. Live experiences will become the new luxury, as both brands and people will be cash- and environmentally conscious.”
Moving forward, the company has pivoted to train its staff into digital product experts in order to drive the growth of its digital platforms under Chab LAB.
