This week we executed a virtual international conference for the Asian market. It feels like we have been doing this for years and this is our normal. Nevertheless, if all goes well, we will be shaken up again very soon. You can hear the excitement already buzzing in the sky.
A couple of weeks ago we were at the Apollo Hotel in Amsterdam on a site inspection to find out if this hotel would be suitable for one of our conferences. Both super excited, my colleague and I drove to Amsterdam on a beautiful sunny Monday morning. It felt almost unbelievable and yet so familiar to do this. We were welcomed warmly in the lobby by the sales executive and floor manager, and it really showed that they were as excited as we were.
While we were listening to what the hotel could offer to our delegates, we were gazing at the wonderful, decorated, clean conference rooms and super nice atmosphere. The hotel had like many other hotels spent the last year with updating the interior and all necessary maintenance and cleaning had been done. All the rooms were freshly painted, everything was polished up, and the staff was ready to welcome guests.
After the tour we ended up on the outside terrace, which is directly attached to the Amsterdam canals. The sun was still shining, and we were sitting at the waterfront with a cup of coffee to finalize and negotiate the last details of the event, and I was thinking “god I love my job”. And there it was, the bee landing on the table.
As an industry we have learned this past year that some meetings can easily be done online. This is more efficient, greener, and cleaner. We have learned also how to operate smarter, and our creativity and versatility button is on full speed.
What also has been proven by this situation is that really nothing in the world will replace the power of live events. The finish line is in sight and people are ready to go out. I can see it and, more important, feel it. The venues but also the program committee members and delegates are ready to create new memories. It’s like the bees buzzing in the spring sky.
I’m ready for take-off, especially with all these freshly updated venues and recharged people to work with. Are you as well?
PS: Plant some flowers to keep the bees buzzing.
