As the events industry prepares to restart, it’s crucial to research which suppliers are best equipped for reducing COVID-19 risks at events. Therefore, with the growing focus on safety, Liveforce has compiled a top 10 list of suppliers reducing COVID-19 risk at events, ensuring safer and more successful gatherings in the post-pandemic landscape.
#1 Thermal Image Temperature Screening from Noba
Thermal screening identifies guests at risk, as many people fail to realize they’ve been infected with the COVID-19 virus.
Speaking with Gary at Noba I was quickly blown away by the possibilities. The example that stood out most was their speed lane solution. A system that can simultaneously use facial recognition to check the delegates have actually registered and a thermal scan to check for signs of fever. If the delegate passes both checks then the speed lane opens and allows the guest to enter the venue. Gary also added that the system detects whether a guest is wearing a face mask. Useful if attendance at the event requires guests to use one.
Taken directly from their website Noba describes the solution as:
“Noba’s thermal camera body temperature solutions are capable of highly accurate temperature measurement, to within ±0.3 °C. The built in AI algorithm enables multi person, contactless measurement of up to 3 meters and with over 95% accuracy for face mask detection, offering guests and staff complete confidence”.
For more info check out: https://noba.co.uk/preventative-measures-for-covid-19.
#2 Branded sanitation units from Disinfect
A recent poll shows that 67% of Brits feel uncomfortable attending public gatherings after the lockdown lifts. Disinfect are looking to help reduce people’s concerns by providing on-site sanitisation units and in their own words “helping to speed up the time for us to be together again”.
The company offers units in a full range of sizes and custom-builds them to suit any event. They also provide an exciting sponsorship opportunity, as clients can fully brand them.
For more info: http://disinfectgroup.com.
#3 Monitor Capacity and control numbers onsite with we Are Insite
When events resume, organizers will likely restrict the number of guests attending. This is how they’ve started to roll out in other countries, so the UK will likely follow suit.
With this in mind it’s more than important than ever to have rock solid systems in place to have an overview of exactly how many guests you have on-site at anyone time.
Whilst I’m sure they’ll be a surge of new apps and products appearing over the coming months looking to solve this problem, you may want to use a long standing supplier within this space.
Check out: https://www.weareinsite.com/crowd-safety-and-capacity-management.
#4 Use Duelbox for Team Building and icebreakers that allow delegates to use their own devices
After working in corporate team building, I knew that COVID-19 would challenge the delivery of traditional team-building activities for delegates. Mostly because they involve sharing equipment and at times human contact. Both of which are off the cards for now.
However, racking my brains I remember coming across Duelbox at Event Tech Live in 2019.
Duelbox is a cloud-based competition platform for education, team building, and events. The best thing is that delegates use their own devices, without the need to download anything. With a whole host of digital activities to choose from there’s definitely something for everyone.
My favourite was their “Roll-a-ball” game which allowed upto 1000 delegates to compete as 2 teams of 500 in collaboratively steering a ball through an obstacle course as quickly as possible.
With pricing that won’t break the budget this could definitely be a source of entertainment to lighten the mood. For more info and to claim their very generous Covid-19 offer: https://www.duelbox.com.
#5 Communicate clearly with digital signage from eventIgnite
After working in corporate team building, I knew that COVID-19 would challenge the delivery of traditional team-building activities for delegates. Along with all the usual benefits of using digital signage on events, with Covid-19 in mind I’d imagine this solution would prove effective in reminding delegates about the precautionary measures to take, eg. washing hands, and keeping distance.
For more info: https://eventignite.com/
#6 Keep the element of fun with some creative catering from Lick me I’m delicious
Even with tighter budgets in the aftermath of COVID-19 and clients focusing on the essentials, I recommend checking out Lick Me I’m Delicious for a creative touch to engage and excite attendees.
I’ve seen their installations at several events and have always been impressed by the buzz they create. After speaking with Rhys from Lick Me I’m Delicious, I learned they are already preparing to comply with government guidelines on food service at events.
If I had to pick just one of their incredible event inventions I’d go with their “Nitro Ice Cream Parlour”.
Check out this one and many more here: https://www.lickmeimdelicious.com.
#7 Use Streeem to give guests the option to watch from home
The recent survey revealed that 67% of Brits feel uncomfortable attending public gatherings after the lockdown, making live-streaming an increasingly vital part of events.
Whilst there’s a wide range of traditional suppliers to choose from – I’d recommend checking out Streeem. They’ve approached live streaming in a revolutionary way by exclusively using iPhones to deliver their service.
Their approach not only reduces costs, saves space, and increases portability but also helps attendees feel more comfortable when an iPhone films them rather than a cameraman with a bulky camera. I know which one I’d prefer.
For more good reasons to use Streeem check out: http://www.streeem.com/why.
#8 Use SE Medical to give event attendees peace of mind
As event attendees increasingly need medical assistance or reassurance that organizers are prepared, event planners must prioritize budgeting for professionally trained medical staff on-site.
One that comes highly recommended by many is SE Medical: http://www.semedical.co.uk/event-medical-cover.
#9 Allow event attendees to queue… digitally with OrderX
To eliminate the need for guests to stand in physical queues OrderX have recently launched their Smart Queue Solution. A web based solution that allows guests to register themselves in the queue using their smartphones. After receiving SMS confirmation that they have a spot, they can then easily track online to see when it’s their turn.
With strict policies on event capacity and the continuation of social distancing, organizers could find this option extremely useful for pop-up events and branded experiences.
For more info check out: https://www.orderx.no/smartko.
#10 If you do need guests to queue make sure you’ve got someone like yahire on speed dial
With demand for queue-related services increasing, reach out to suppliers to ensure you’re always fully prepared. Yahire is one worth building a relationship with.
From bar caddy hire to banquet chairs and everything in between: https://www.yahire.com/barrier-hire.
Whilst it may seem premature reaching out to suppliers without a specific brief, everyone I spoke with would welcome the opportunity to chat about what they can offer. Now is the ideal time to update your black book of suppliers. Finally, if you know of any suppliers that should be included in this guide, feel free to comment below or let us know.
