Plenary setups with 1.5 meters of distance, multiple entrances, and lines on the floors. In the "new normal," a 1.5-meter economy is the norm. The events industry, which normally revolves around physical gatherings of groups of people, now faces a challenge. Event location SugarFactory, in collaboration with partner Bazelmans AV, has visualized what such a '1.5-meter event' could look like in the future. One-and-a-half-meter economy
Whereas before the coronavirus pandemic, the old CSM sugar factory could accommodate no fewer than 10,000 visitors, the one-and-a-half-meter distance rule means that there is now room for significantly fewer visitors. However, the size of the rooms means that a lot is still possible. A client's question about what a conference might look like on location prompted SugarFactory to join forces with Bazelmans AV. This resulted in an interesting collaboration that looked at future possibilities for events, with safety first, when the current measures are relaxed and we transition to a 1.5-meter society.
Creative collaboration
Thinking in terms of solutions is something SugarFactory excels at. Denise Schimmel of SugarFactory explains: "Flexibility and creativity are our top priorities, and we always like to contribute ideas to the client. We immediately started brainstorming with the team about what a 1.5-meter event could look like at our location. We asked our regular partner Bazelmans AV to help us come up with ideas." In doing so, SugarFactory is responding to the government's call to actively consider what measures companies can take themselves.
Bazelmans AV, which specializes in sound, lighting, and visuals, has collaborated successfully with SugarFactory on many occasions. They were immediately enthusiastic about this new challenge. Dennie Tenniglo of Bazelmans AV: "When we heard about the idea, we were immediately intrigued
. What does a 'corona-responsible' event look like? We immediately started sketching and worked this out together with SugarFactory."
This creates a talking point where possibilities are explored together with the client. Depending on the client's wishes, the possibilities of a 1.5-meter event (based on the new measures) are visualized in this way.
"It's not yet a reflection of reality, but a glimpse of what the future of events could look like." – Bazelmans AV
Future possibilities
A well-thought-out event concept is an important aspect of a successful 1.5-meter event, but there is much more to it than that. Product launches, conferences, and award shows are normally well-attended events. Is that now a thing of the past? And, importantly, how can you, as an event venue, further guarantee safety? Fewer guests on site is now clear. But that doesn't mean an event can't have an audience. Denise Schimmel: "Together with Bazelmans AV, we are exploring the possibilities of creating large-scale, professional livestreams. This would be ideal for launching a new car model. Our venue also has the advantage of multiple entrances, a toilet area with entrances on both sides, and ample parking."
It will take some time before things return to how they used to be, but standing still is not an option either. Together with society as a whole, SugarFactory is looking at how to implement a 1.5-meter economy.
Curious about what your event could look like? Feel free to contact SugarFactory to discuss the possibilities.
