COVID-19 Events & Brand Experience Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

May 2021: Exciting times for events and hospitality venues as restrictions are eased again in NSW and Australia. The New South Wales Government has announced a major rolling back of COVID-19 restrictions, including removing the capacity limit for corporate events.

As of May 17 February 2021, maximum capacity limits for corporate events will only be determined by the one person per two square metres rule.

Other venues and gatherings, including hospitality venues, regional agricultural shows, weddings, funerals and retail, will also move to the one person per two square metres rule.

There are no restrictions on dancing and singing at venues and events including nightclubs, weddings, funerals and memorial services.

Organisers of venues and event must continue to be COVID safe.

Up to 200 people can gather in an outdoor public place such as a park, reserve, beach, garden or public space.

Learn more about gatherings of more than 200 people.

Some of the requirements to be addressed in your COVID-19 safety plan include:

The wellbeing of staff and attendees
Physical distancing
Hygiene and cleaning
Record keeping

We encourage you to involve us early in your project’s planning phase so we can help you navigate the new COVID-19 protocols and recommend the best format for your event - e.g. hybrid, online or face-to-face event.

Please also refer to your local State websites for the latest updates.

NSW:

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules\

VICTORIA:

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/entertainment-and-culture

QLD:

https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/covid-safe-events

WA:

https://www.wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/covid-19-coronavirus-events

SA:

https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restrictions-and-responsibilities/activities-and-gatherings

NT:

https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/business-and-work/business/guidelines-for-events-and-gatherings

TASMANIA:

https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/families-community/gatherings-density-and-physical-distancing

From our observations mostly! People are craving to get back out away from their computers and video meetings and have human contact again. There is certainly some reluctance in the corporate sector but most larger organisations are easing their way back into the office, we expect this to flow on more and more into corporate gatherings.

There are already opportunities for brands to communicate with their audiences face-to-face. However, previous behaviours may no longer be applicable so it’s important to find out what’s changed and review your engagement strategy before engaging with your audience.

We are lucky to live in a society where technological advances are enabling us to stay connected whilst not physically being connected. Social media and technology have become an important source of our daily lives that provides context as all communities are forced to move online.

So what are the ways in which we can ensure attendees feel connected whilst physically distancing? As stated above, the obvious is connection through technology, examples of this include:

Create more personalised one on one interactions at your events
Deliver a hybrid experience consisting of a physical and digital component - e.g. virtual events via live stream or group chats and forums, providing a hybrid solution so those uncomfortable attending a face-to-face event still have the opportunity to engage
Digital games to remove personal contact but still keep attendees engaged
Social media and other online forums for attendees to share their experience
Create a playlist to stream, inviting guests to simultaneously listen to the same music on their devices during your event
Share ecomaps to attendees to provide information - e.g. who can help you? Where can I source this information? Etc.

Consider your objectives and whether or not a face-to-face event is suitable right now.

The same rules apply to your content and key messaging for events as they always have, now, there is simply more precaution. You can find out more about persevering event strategies that continue to stay ahead of the curb in The New Experience 2020 Report.

This is a guide our team has curated with expert opinions, analytic insights, and our own professional experiences. Download a copy and see for yourself.

Safety has always been a top priority at Sense. Our projects are assessed individually with advice from our go-to safety manager, Momo Vassilev as well as other expert stakeholders when required.

There will be a lot more to consider during the planning and delivery of future events to adhere to the new COVID-19 safety protocols and health & safety regulations.

Checking these boxes will be important to ensure everyone's safety, but it doesn’t stop there. The design of the space can also contribute to creating an environment where the audience feels safe, can immerse themselves in the experience, and engage with the content.

Sense is committed to taking all necessary precautions as recommended by relevant state and federal authorities to protect businesses and people coming together.

The organiser must have and comply with a COVID-19 Safety Plan, and electronic entry recording is compulsory.

Our advice is to talk to us first and to get us involved in the planning phase. We are closely monitoring brands and market activity in Australia and around the world. We’re working on new formats, processes and designs to help our clients navigate through this and return to business sooner. Get in touch with us to arrange a workshop to discuss alternative ways to engage your audience and achieve your key objectives.

The New Experience Report

What's inside?

Key societal shifts and trends taking place around the globe
A new experience framework for delivering successful brand experiences
‘Best in Class’ examples of experience design
The necessary experience tactics to succeed

Download your copy

COVID-19 Podcast Learning Series

Sense’s 'Behind The Experience' podcast, hosted by co-founder and director Mark Bennedick, puts the spotlight on our industry's best talent and interviews forward-thinking leaders of innovative, purpose-driven brands making an impact with brand experiences.

In our COVID-19 learning series, we’ve curated some of the best business minds from companies like Adobe and Atlassian to understand how they’re handling business, as well as globally renowned experts in behavioural science, innovation and creativity. See our recent episodes below.

COVID-19 Events & Brand Experience Hub

So what is the COVID-19 Events & Brand Experience Hub?

Frequently Asked Questions

The New Experience Report

COVID-19 Podcast Learning Series

Sense Blog Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

The New Experience Report

What's inside?

COVID-19 Podcast Learning Series

Sense Blog Articles

Get in touch about your next project