UNAIR NEWS – The COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost all lines of human life, including the event and entertainment industry. Event planners and vendors think hard about how to run events with strict regulations related to COVID-19. Finally, a lot of events are held online.
A lecturer of MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition) Universitas Airlangga, Rani Sukma Ayu Suteja SIKom., M.Sc said that planning and implementing events during a pandemic is quite challenging. She pointed out many planning details that require coordination. “It should be done offline so it is easier to achieve mutual understanding, and the event can run smoothly,” she said.
When interviewed by UNAIRNEWS, she did not deny the monotonous impression that occurs from many online events. To avoid this impression and attract audience interest in participating in online events, she emphasized the importance of making participants feel involved in the event. “For example, online quizzes and virtual photoshoot competitions, so participants can participate and also feel involved directly even though they are at home,” she concluded.
The problem of getting sponsors is also an obstacle during a pandemic. Companies’ limited budget for sponsorship, time constraints, and difficulties in communicating online are the causes.
It is difficult, but it does not mean it cannot be done. The lecturer at the Department of Communication, FISIP UNAIR, offers a solution to attract sponsors. Raising interesting topics related to the pandemic and providing promotional slots can be a strategy to attract sponsors to join events to be held. “We can offer slots such as a talk show, a quiz, a competition, or an event that makes sponsors interested in joining,” she added.
UNAIR, as one of the best universities in Indonesia, supports the entire academic community to contribute to the wider community.
Author: Stefanny Elly
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia