Shining A Spotlight on the Event Industry & Event Partners

The events industry that we love so much has come to a complete stand still, we all know that. Unprecedented times, indeed. With everything going on, though, if you haven’t been watching how many of our colleagues have readjusted businesses to adapt to the circumstances we currently face, allow us to enlighten you!

Now is a time to give as much support as possible to one another, so we’ve gathered some examples of what event professionals and companies have been doing to re-adjust to the current situation that we are all experiencing.

Do you know of another innovative shift or idea that should be in this running list? Send us an email at info@soschargingsolutions.com.


Online Platforms & Virtual Solutions

  • Spotlight 1 (Connect Event Hub): Creative Twist Inc. has been consulting with clients on re-imagining their events for virtual since COVID hit. As an extension to that they have decided to launch a virtual event venue called Connect Event Hub. Powered by the Remo platform CEH will offer #eventprofs a turn-key virtual space to host client events from 30 to 800 and can be expanded for larger events. The venue is ideally suited for keynotes, galas, celebrations, team building and any event that needs a strong networking component. Planners can be confident in having the back-end supported by people who truly know events, but also who will stay in their “venue ops lane” unless you request them to put their planner hats on. We’ll update this page once their website goes live!

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  • Spotlight 2 (Canadian Event Industry Awards - BB Blanc & TK Events): This year one key pivot story was the Canadian Event Industry Awards. This essential event on the industry calendar was presented virtually for the first time in it’s 23 year history.  Key sponsors came together to create a unique and engaging event that not only celebrated the amazing accomplishments of the Canadian event industry but clearly demonstrated its resilience and agility. Kudos to all involved, and congratulations to all of the finalists and winners!

Safety Guidelines & Solutions

  • Spotlight 1 (Covid Safety Ambassadors - BBW International Inc.): National event staffing agency BBW had to take stock and adapt in a big way when live events ground to a halt. First they recognized the need for PPE and leveraged their talents and connections overseas to develop and import a line of face shields.  Next, they began training their hospitality staff as Safety Ambassadors so as we start to meet again event producers can access staff with the skills and knowledge to help with managing safety procedures and compliance.

  • Spotlight 2 (Decor & More - Safety Pois): Decor and More are now the exclusive Canadian licensee of an innovative product called Safety Pois. Large colored dots communicate to people what physical actions are appropriate for the space they are in. Green dots, appropriately spaced, indicate it’s ok to walk through the room. Yellow dots tell you it’s ok to pause and perform short functions like browsing clothing or looking at a painting. And lastly, Red dots tell people to stop and wait to be served or attended to.

  • Spotlight 3 (LockStream PPE - Coloured bracelets and Canadian approved medical grade single use masks): One of the top event rental companies in the lower mainland of British Columbia, Lonsdale Event Rentals repurposed part of their vast warehouse facilities to create a new partnering company called Lockstream PPE. They are now producing civilian and medical-grade single use masks for Canadian individuals and businesses. Although they are in global demand, they are prioritizing Canadians first. The best part? These single use masks are being made in black! And they haven’t forgotten their roots in events, as Lonsdale and Lockstream have teamed up to offer high-quality silicone, “red light, yellow light and green light” bracelets for events - for attendees to identify their comfort level as in-person events make a slow return. 

  • Business spotlight 4 (Lynn Fletcher Weddings - Masks/PPE): Some life events cannot be stopped or delayed by a pandemic. Ever a supporter of our industry, Lynn quickly put together an online shop and started selling quality face masks and filters (among other items). It’s apparent to the world, through the way that she works, that Lynn and her team care as much for the AV provider as she does for the bride. After all, it is better to come back right than to come back quickly and risk lives in the process.

Staying Relevant 

  • AV Providers: The move to provide virtual events can be quite the undertaking. Over the last few months, we’ve seen the experts in this field all adjust their offerings to help run virtual events in the background. Any of the ones we’ve attended have looked great with customizable stages and technicians working to ensure a smooth experience. They’ve also been doing virtual classes all about AV, it never hurts to know the basics and more when it comes to this technical side of our industry. Check out Proshow Audio Visual and FMAV: Presentation Stages.

As we gather more to throw the spotlight on, we’ll continue to update this page - so stay tuned for more!

Authors: Alisha, Ashley, Joel, Kim, Mike

Joel Olandesca