Constraints in the event industry
How did the Covid 19 crisis propel digital into events and make it indispensable?
Postponements, cancellations, the events sector has undergone a turning point due to the health crisis that hit the world in 2020 and has continued into 2021. Leaving concert halls, cinemas and other event venues empty, organisers have had to adapt quickly and meet the demand for entertainment.
To cope with the crisis, digital has become the inevitable solution. Present for several years in the world of events (especially BtoB and trade shows), it has been democratized this year and has conquered new sectors, especially that of culture.
Indeed, to compensate for the constant postponements and cancellations, a large number of organisers have turned to digital technology as a miracle solution. In hybrid or 100% remote format, the result is convincing, and spectators are delighted to find their events accessible in complete safety.
The digital scene includes major cultural festivals such as Filmoramax, Lockdown and even Tomorrowland. These are highly anticipated festivals with big names, which have bounced back despite the difficulties linked to the health crisis.
Smaller, more local events such as the Mountain Film Festival, the Annecy Festival and the Toronto Festival have also chosen to hold an entirely digital event to avoid cancellation.
Nevertheless, this solution is not without consequences. Loss of revenue due to the fact that the event is free of charge, fewer partners and sponsors to support the event, loss of visibility and always the lack of a meeting place for the spectators.
These solutions, which allow the safeguarding of the event, will continue to be adopted for the following years, as they represent a great saving in material costs for the organisers.
The balance between digital and face-to-face is fragile, and tends to focus on hybrid formats, leaving the choice to participants, for the years to come.