The fifth in a series by Stress Matters who have been asking those across the events industry – how are you doing?
Laura Bazile, communications officer for an events agency ad founder of Social Event Labo, on the positives that have come out of the pandemic.
I have been working in the events industry for over fifteen years. I am doing well right now and am feeling confident and positive about the future. That being said, seeing the impact of the pandemic on the events industry this year has been heartbreaking. I’ve been trying to do what I can to take positive steps forward for my agency in an uncertain environment.
I was so glad to already be well versed in online events and used this to my advantage to host a series of events earlier this year. It was so great to reconnect with experts and to share the highs and lows of our pandemic experiences. I was very impressed to see how so many individuals and businesses have been able to adapt, and even transform, themselves to most effectively deal with what’s been thrown at them. I think this has now become a day to day reality for us all and filters down into everything we do.
I’ve really enjoyed being embroiled in the debate as to whether you should wave at each other on zoom or not! I love how it became a real debate and quite a hot topic. For me, the answer was ‘why not?’ I actually think it’s friendly and a nice alternative to a handshake or a peck on the cheek.
One of the things I have learnt during this period is that being honest with myself and authentic in the way I interact with people is really important to me. Even if it is only online rather than face to face, that real human connection is vital for me. I believe that others value that, and will support and empathise with you more during the challenging times.
Staying connected to my friends and family has been really challenging but I’ve made sure I’ve kept this a priority. I’ve made sure I have plenty of useful self care routines and coping strategies. Staying physically healthy by working out, walking and eating healthily has really helped. For me it’s also been really helpful to journal, read and meditate to keep my mind clear and stress under control. I also like to meditate and stretch just before bed and turn all screens off at least twenty minutes before bedtime.
If I could go back and give myself some advice at the beginning of the pandemic, it would be to be true to myself and believe in my values. I would also say to be aware of who the people are in my life who really care. And finally, I would say make sure you give back.
I think 2021 is going to be an exciting year for the events industry. I strongly believe that events are made by people, for people and that there is so much opportunity for us to use digital and virtual platforms in ever more innovative ways to create interaction and value for brands and consumers. With that said, I don’t believe digital will ever fully replace the value that can be derived from live events.
Next year is going to look like a new beginning for me, trying to work out what this all means to me and how I can integrate into this new world. So much has changed and I need to work out how I can continue to adapt. I’ve already started to see really positive changes taking place in businesses and communities such as increased inclusion, more sensitive human interaction with the environment and a greater sense of community. I sincerely hope that continues.
