COVID19 updates and restrictions
lockdown inspiration and planning beyond COVID

live events / business groups – current regulations

2.2.3 Business meetings and events

Business meetings and events of up to 30 people indoors are allowed in permitted venues if social distancing can be maintained and the venue can demonstrate it has followed the COVID-19 guidance. The rule of six does not apply to work, education and training activities.
Exhibition and conference centres are permitted venues, if they have small, separate and directly accessible meeting facilities as part of the site, and the venue can demonstrate it has followed the COVID-19 secure guidance.
Business meetings and events of over 30 people should not currently take place in any venue. Banqueting and private dining events should not currently take place in any venue.

refer to gov.uk, section 2.2.3

MIA best practice / safety standard

COVID venue protocols

Hotels and venues are having to conform to new, rigorous regulations to be deemed COVID secure. Typically, at high end meeting, conference and incentive grade venues, new procedures include:

Staff training – in new health and hygiene procedures
Staff – face masks, disinfectant, and disposable gloves for both staff and guests generally available. Hand sanitiser stations.
Enhanced cleanliness – in cleaning guest rooms, event spaces and public areas.
Social distancing – public spaces, drinking and dining venues are adapted to allow adequate space for distancing regulations
Touch-free – many are introducing touch-free technology for check-in and out, ordering and payment.

travel gift cards

With group travel restricted at the moment, gift cards offer an alternative reward for an outstanding performance with the added benefit of flexibility allowing the recipient to redeem at a suitable time and choice of destination.

Many key brands are offering financial incentives based on spend such as Rosewood.

Iconic Luxury Hotels

Iconic Luxury Hotels includes Cliveden, Chewton Glen & Lygon Arms.

The group are offering in partnership with eveology a bespoke voucher to an agreed value for either a one or two night stay. Each voucher will include dinner, accommodation and breakfast for two guests at their choice of hotel. Plus an activity choice. Depending on hotel - examples include:

Sailing adventure on the Solent with an Olympic medallist
Learn-to-play polo experience at a private polo ground with one of the world’s top players
Supercar motoring and gourmet picnic – ½ day Morgan, ½ day Aston Martin

GDP – Virtual Christmas Party Experiences

a virtual xmas!

Parties may be out this year, we know how important it is to stay connected, especially while many people are working from home this holiday season. Global DMC Partners have created a series of live virtual experiences so that no matter where your employees or clients are celebrating, everyone can join in on the fun – including families and kids!

raymond blanc

Whether a group virtual team experience or an individual reward, a chance to have a personal session with one of the UKs leading cooking schools headed by Raymond Blanc

xmas is coming

Another idea from Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.

A perfect thank you for a team or an individual award to get in the Christmas spirit.

performance recognition / staff morale / incentives

The corporate sector values the importance of performance, recognition and morale especially in this difficult business period. The travel and events industry have risen to the challenge to fill the gap of non-live event experiences with a fun, creative range of virtual communication experiences to interact and bring a smile.

In addition, and in lieu of group incentive travel, smart businesses are offering individual ‘gift card’ awards to allow flexibility and freedom whilst recognising their outstanding performances. These can be travel or retail brand based with favourable business terms and discounts depending on final spend.

fun & creative virtual demonstrations – food, cocktails, crafts
gift cards – travel, goods, brand specific awards
celebrity virtual experiences – eg. comedy, educational, motivational speakers

full weekend virtual programmes with celebrity guests, online demonstrations, activities, educational with opt-in options – and cooking kits, cocktail boxes home delivered to each guest

digital, virtual & hybrid solutions

Live events are happening with small numbers but mixed with a digital/virtual element to reach a wider audience. It is essential that they fall within regulations and professional technical expertise recommended for the more larger, more complex projects. Many UK companies along with event management and digital specialists are effectively delivering hybrid meetings which conform to the safety regulations whilst delivery professional virtual online experiences to their staff or client base.

From product launches to staff conferencing to customer marketing & communication experiences, eveology is partnering with specialist digital talent to deliver seamless experiences whilst ensuring safety is at the forefront of every initiative and project.

creative communications eg. pre-event teasers, post-event feedback
fully virtual or hybrid events
professional digital production collaborations
live broadcasts, audience engagement
VR/AR partners, event website design, apps and intranet

images courtesy of Hawthorn & Faber AV

2021 & beyond – plan now

The 2020 cancellations, postponements and rescheduled events have shifted to 2021 and availability in looking increasingly limited in key venue types – especially the upscale, rural luxury venues which appeal to the leisure, family and wedding market.

UK programmes and venues are replacing international events in the short – mid term ie Q1 & Q2 2021.

Hotels and venues have responded positively to the fragility of the market and the need to support event planners and the corporate sector whilst protecting their own business interests.

Flexible terms with favourable cancellations policies if COVID restrictions continue and prevent the event from taking place.

We are seeing favourable rates and terms from the UK and international travel industry to stimulate booking during the pandemic.

It is recommended you consider your 2021 plans now and secure tentative options with full cancellation rights if pandemic prevents event delivery.

more virtual ideas

Bombay Sapphire Distillery Teambuilding

Take an iconic gin. Delivered to your door, direct from the distillery.

Bombay Sapphire plus a talented mixologist and premium cocktail kits to keep

Enjoy facilitated team building session where you learn the skills of making perfect cocktails and take part in interactive games.

Social / Fun / Teambuilding / ideally between 6 – 30 persons

Virtual Pampering

Self care is more important than ever at the moment. The compulsory wearing of masks in shops and on public transport (as well as at work for some people) can play havoc with your skin.

Tropic skincare range, the fastest growing UK skincare company for the last 3 years running, is made from 100% natural, plant based ingredients with no nasty chemicals or toxins. So good you could eat it!

A live pamper demo to understand the best way to use the products and make the most of your skin and how to avoid spots or dry sore skin from face coverings. Combined with a gift box.

Virtual Weekend Fun & Recognition

25 Couples / 50 persons – a two day programme of virtual fun and engagement.

A bespoke online weekend with Joe Wickes, yoga, virtual dinners, pamper sessions, optional activities, escape rooms. Live guest speakers and host slots.

Branded home deliveries arranged so every detail taken care of. Fun competitions and challenges with a prize for the winning couple. Excellent engagement and feedback. Exceeded all expectations.

Gav Quiz

Having hosted for the world’s most prestigious companies, and resident quiz master at Soho House, GavQuiz is sought after for corporate quizzes. Whether for private social parties, FTSE 100s companies or boutique startups; these can be delivered both remotely with a virtual quiz and in-person at live events (post COVID). This of course includes your work virtual Christmas party!