Events and press trips in the time of delta
Here's where I am right now.
I’ve seen a lot of discussion swirling on the various boards around the topic of press trips and events amid *all this* so I’ll weigh in with a few brain-dump considerations in case its useful for publicists or brand folks in the midst of planning:
Bring back the Zooms! I actually miss all the cooking and cocktail demos, and the bingo games, and the crafts. It was a great way to connect with brands, connect with industry friends, and have fun. I am totally down with your creative Zoom programs! (And now seems like a good time for them.)
At this moment in the pandemic, I would not be likely to consider an indoor event of any kind. Exceptions might include masked one-on-one events, experiences, or demonstrations that can’t happen virtually.
I would consider outdoor events that enforce mask compliance.
I would not consider an indoor seated meal at this time, but I might consider an outdoor seated meal.
I’m on the fence about press travel (without my unvaccinated kids). I would consider flying by myself or with my spouse to a destination where activities and meals happen almost entirely outdoors.
Wheels Up x Wine Access press trip to Napa on July 13, a gloriously low-risk moment
I prefer individual travel (as is always the case for most of us) not just for the social-distancing aspect, but as a way to get exposed to unique story ideas and explore my own angles. But I’d consider a small group press trip (two or three perhaps) as long as everyone is vaccinated, no one denies science, and ideally, if I have a personal relationship with the other journos as a foundation for trust. (H/t Aly Walansky, who vocally espouses this strategy as a win-win press-trip-organizing principle.)
I have previously scheduled wellness-focused press travel on my calendar for late this month. I’m still somewhat optimistic I can make that happen. But the organizer has already presented alternate dates a month further out in case the curve looks too dicey. This is an A+ move that makes all the difference: offer flexibility, acknowledge the reality of a fast-changing landscape, and you will win enormous trust and gratitude.
The number of times I refresh various COVID stat graphs is pathological. But I’m watching every single day where things are going, and changes in the right direction can evolve swiftly. So I expect that my feelings on all of these specifics could radically change within two weeks. I’m optimistic!
Open Press Opportunities
I’m rounding up the best hotels in California’s Napa Valley.
I’m working on a variety of roundups featuring new venues in each of the following three regions: Las Vegas, Scottsdale/Phoenix, and San Diego. These venues should be new within the last six months and available for event booking (hotels, restaurants, lounges, activity venues, spas, and more). Please include with your pitch a link to interior photos as well as capacity information for full or partial buyout of the space.
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