As you probably know, a good portion of my work involves events. While it also consists of smaller gatherings for training and workshops, as well as virtual meetings, I’m often working with clients planning global conferences for thousands.
Last Friday started out normal but around lunchtime things began to change. That’s when I got the first call to postpone a confirmed event where my brother would be presenting. Books had already been shipped from our warehouse to the event venue – who would receive them? What does this mean insofar as compensation and how should we move forward?
Navigating this situation is difficult in our industry. It may be difficult in yours, as well. I’m guessing we all feel like our position is one of the worst insofar as COVID-19 disruptions, but of course, it’s probably not. Like everything else… others likely have it much worse.
I’m grateful that:
- So far, we’ve only had events postpone while colleagues
have had actual cancellations.
- A cancellation means a review of speaker contracts and force majeure clauses –basically speakers want to be paid if an event cancels because a client is “afraid” – not because of a CDC level 3 event.
- A postponement means you’ll get paid and the event will be rescheduled – but the question of additional compensation for the change (the additional date that will be removed from the calendar that another event might acquire) is the next hurdle.
- I can tell clients we understand and we’re happy to work with them to reschedule without making them pay more money. It’s generous and clients are thrilled and so very appreciative. We sleep better at night.
For some reason, even though events were postponing I felt like my life outside of work would go on as normal since I’m in little ole’ Seymour, IN. Then, IU and Purdue announced students would not be returning to class after spring break but would instead be offered online coursework until April 4. That translates to “shit just got real” in my book. I wonder what will come next.