The events industry is undoubtedly experiencing its biggest challenge to date, and working from home is the new normal for many professionals in the sector.

However, you can still be proactive during this time by building personal skills, improving work processes and boosting team morale.

Level up: Upskill (or learn a new skill) during downtime

With the events industry currently taking an extended siesta, event professionals from all over Australia may have been experiencing reduced hours and changes to their work environment. Undoubtedly, the current climate is proving difficult, but there are still ways to maximise this newly available time.

This could include filling in any gaps in skills for your existing role, developing new work-related skills and engaging in a passion project that could help elevate your business.

A great option to consider is a Business Chicks event called All Stars. The organisation usually holds face-to-face conferences and Q&As with industry leaders, but has taken its show online with an impressive line-up, including New York Times bestselling author Mark Manson. The event talks about how to cope, upskill and thrive during these uncertain times – certainly one to look into.

Review (and revamp) processes

Take the time to review your workplace’s current processes, so that when you do go back into work (physically), you’re as prepared as possible to tackle what’s ahead.

Begin by mind-mapping each task procedure based on what’s working, what’s not and what can be built-on or improved upon. For my team, we’re using this time to review our databases, update sales CRM activities and improve our system processes.

We’re also looking at how we can revamp meeting procedures to apply them to virtual meetings, as individual ideas can often be missed without a structured format. To improve this, we’ve developed a framework for our Zoom and Google Hangout brainstorm sessions. We set up by having one staff member lead as the organiser to guide the virtual meeting and discussion, allowing us to creatively ideate in an orderly manner.

Update marketing collateral and social content

Now is a perfect time to review your online presence and marketing collateral.

For my team, we’re looking at updating our website copy, reviewing and updating our SEO and revamping our e-newsletters for a more engaging customer experience. Whether it’s online content, staff biographies or business cards, spend time reviewing and looking at how you can update and improve areas that you might not get to tackle during your usual day.

Now is also prime time to update your social media pages and to get creative. Spend time looking at your industry counterparts and what they’re doing well, analyse the trends of today and explore new ways to boost your page engagement. Whether this is done sitting on the couch or watching Netflix, immerse yourself in social media to get inspired!

Research and innovate

Research, research, research.

There are so many available source providers that can open windows of opportunity to learn about new ideas, projects and production techniques.

Whether it’s learnings from a key opinion leader or innovations inside or outside your industry, consider how you can incorporate these ideas into your events, venues, businesses, or products.

Particularly now, it’s really interesting to see so many brands launch innovative products to adapt and support the local market. A couple of good examples that come to mind are Melbourne-based florists Flowers Vasette and Victoria Whitelaw Florists. Once strictly specialising in flowers, they are now extending their services to create flower deliveries with fresh produce, dropped off at your doorstep. This is the time to start thinking differently and innovating.

When we come out the other end of all this, so many industries will be congested and you will need something new that sets your business apart from the rest.

Check in on your team – and industry partners

Physical and social distancing does not have to mean complete isolation. Check in on your team regularly – whether professionally or personally. This could include a direct team member, industry colleague or event partner. Remember that this is a unique and challenging time for most, especially those in the events and hospitality industry.

Stay connected by arranging regular team catch-ups via video calls, put a call in to a supplier or arrange an open chat forum via Zoom for your industry colleagues to drop in to say ‘hi’. Also, keep close to business events industry professionals for advice and updates, such as BEA Australia, the PCOA, the EEAA, MEA, and your local bureau.

On a deeper level, checking in with your team is also important for mental health. For those doing it tough, make sure there are resources available, such as Beyond Blue. Subscriptions to mindful apps like Headspace or Breethe will assist you in learning how to take a moment for yourself and separate your work from personal life, when your home is now the location for both.

To the business events community, I’d also like to extend that our lines are also always open, to discuss any challenges or just to have a chat or a check-in.

Lara Burnes is the general manager of premier events and experiences at Melbourne & Olympic Parks.

Featured image: iStock/Fabio Principe