Eventbrite Preps In-Person Group Organizers for the Post-Pandemic Period

After a year of social distancing, the world is on the brink of returning to safe in-person gatherings. To get ready for that pent-up demand, Eventbrite is hosting a virtual conference to give its event organizers preparation and insight for the return of mass meetings in-person. The aptly titled Reconvene summit will be held May 20 and 21. The free event brings together independent event creators, artists, authors, producers and entrepreneurs, as well as major names in health, equity and wellness to discuss how best to restart in-person gatherings. Featured speakers include Priya Parker, the best-selling author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters, and Bob Wachter, chair of the Department of Medicine at UCSF and guest host of the In the Bubble podcast. "As we navigate the return to in-person experiences, our goal at Eventbrite is to be the best partner to event creators and our Reconvene summit is a reflection of our commitment to supporting and empowering creators now, as they reimagine and rebuild a new live events industry, and into the future," said Tamara Mendelsohn, Eventbrite's CMO. Virtual remains strong as in-person planning opens "Emerging from the pandemic, attendees will have new expectations and creators will face new challenges," said Mendelsohn. "Reconvene is designed to help navigate this new landscape, providing a space for event creators around the world to share knowledge and experiences, listen, and learn from each other so they feel equipped to reopen their doors." The level of readiness among consumers for in-person events is marked by a desire to get back to "normal." But there's a hesitancy to define exactly what "normal" activities mean. Lastly, as the most recent wave of the Harris Poll Covid-19 tracker finds, when is also a question that hangs over the decision to join a large gathering in person. According to Harris Poll's findings, 55% of Americans said they’re planning to travel or go on vacation once things “return to normal,” and 26% said they’re planning to attend a large concert or sporting event. Among Gen Z, 42% of respondents say they’re planning to travel or go on vacation, and 25% say they’re planning to attend a concert or sporting event. Among millennials, 47% say they’re planning to travel or go on vacation, and 32% say they’re planning to attend a concert or sporting event. Meanwhile, 56% of Gen Xers say they’re planning to travel or go on vacation, and 25% say they’re planning to attend a concert or sporting event, while 69% of baby boomers say they’re planning to travel or go on vacation, and 19% say they’re planning to attend a concert or sporting event. Given the differing stats, Mendelsohn said that Eventbrite is gearing up for a cautious approach to live events. For now, virtual remains a safe option that is not going away any time soon. Preparing for reentry "We anticipate there will be a role for both in-person and online events post-pandemic, making way for a new live experiences economy," Mendelsohn said. "While we can’t predict the future exactly, we can provide our event creators with the tools and resources they need to successfully reopen their doors for live events, host a blend of hybrid events, or stay virtual. Eventbrite’s Reconvene summit is an example of that. During this virtual summit we will come together to share practical, hands-on knowledge that will prepare us for the new world of live experiences." For Eventbrite, Reconvene summit also represents a chance to fire up its own restart, and a way reengage with its community of event organizers. "Eventbrite was founded with the mission to bring the world together through live experiences," she said. "By nature, event creators are at the center of everything we do." How to Create Successful—and Meaningful—Experiential Marketing Events, According to Eventbrite and Giant Spoon