Introduction: Navigating Unprecedented Times
As we rewind the clocks back four years to the start of 2020, little did anyone in our industry (or anywhere else for that matter) anticipate the unprecedented events that were about to unfold. Having enjoyed a bumper year for events in 2019, I stepped into 2020 with high hopes for Park Lane Events – the diary was already filling with confirmed events, I had a trusty little black book of reliable contacts and I was super excited as to what the year ahead would bring.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Events Industry
We all know that the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on industries far and wide, but perhaps none felt it as severely as those of us who were working in the hospitality sector. Practically overnight all of my confirmed events and contracts were cancelled and like many others, I was left with no choice but to take a step back as circumstances spiraled out of mine (and most of our) control.
Our industry is ALL about people and suddenly the face-to-face connections that we all thrived on moved to little Zoom squares as we all tried our very best to support each other through what were for many (me included) pretty tough times, this wasn’t helped with the constant moving of hundreds of events that actually never materialised due to the variations and uncertainty of the restrictions.
Adapting to New Realities: A Personal and Professional Shift
Personally, my focus shifted during that time to be there for my two daughters who were having to attend online lessons at home and professionally, I decided to have a go at hosting a webinar as a way of keeping up-to-date with the ever changing landscape of events and hospitality. Little did I know then, that four years later I would still be regularly hosting my webinars and having upwards of 300 event professionals register to join me!
The Power of Community and Innovation
Looking at where Park Lane Events is now, I am so happy to be able to say that I and many other industry friends have managed to weather the storm and have come out on the other side. I’m delighted to share that our enquiry levels are well and truly back to 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels and are showing no signs of slowing. There’s still a fair amount of re-building to be done as venues adapt to new teams being in place, revised terms and conditions and the ever-changing landscape of events but if there’s one thing our industry embodies, it’s resilience, adaptability, and oodles of positivity!
A Look Ahead: Resilience, Growth, and Gratitude
I have worked hard over the last couple of years to build a team around me of trusted industry professionals that not only have a similar work ethic to myself but on whom I can rely 100% to support me through thick and thin. As we look ahead to our ‘new’ financial year starting, I’d like to take the opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey – let’s keep the momentum going and make 2024 a year to remember!