I don’t know much about quilting but at times, I have felt like we are stitching together a new kind of events quilt for the coronavirus age.
I know, everybody says this is the new thing, that virtual’s the state to be in for now because we have no choice and hybrid’s the way forward even when we can have a physical footprint for our events but I have to admit, it’s hard.
At times it’s felt like pushing a sand cart up a mountain but you know that feeling when you’re nearly at the summit and you’re all worn out but you just need to take those extra few steps?
Well, here we are – four days before we launch a new version of the WiT Singapore conference, one that will be part virtual, part physical, pure hybrid. For the first three days, September 28-30, our team will be ensconced in the SKAI Suite on Level 69 of Swissotel The Stamford.
From this elevation, it will give us a sense of place and occasion as we broadcast our three episodes virtually to the world.
On October 1, the final day, we will move to Marina Bay Sands where we will hold our event for up to 50 persons, the first travel event in Singapore to have a physical footprint. Singapore-based speakers will gather physically at MBS’ new Hybrid Broadcast Studio while others will appear virtually in hybrid sessions, watching will be a handful of local delegates.
It’s all new to us, this blended reality for events. My team has found it both thrilling and frightening – unlearning old practices, learning new skills, trying to create something tangible out of many intangible parts.
The best part of stitching this new quilt is you’re not doing it alone. WiT has always worked on the model of partnerships but I can honestly say that this takes partnerships to a whole new level.
You know how they say it takes a village to raise a child? Well, it takes a community to create a new kind of event – sponsors and partners, speakers and attendees, tour guides, chefs and DJs. Tech meets content meets venue meets experiences – stitched together to create one event.
I don’t know how long we will have to stay in this state of suspended animation. I am not one of those who believe everything will change forever, neither am I one of those who believe nothing will change.
This shows us there is a way to move forward and as hard as the first step is, the next step will become easier.
The virtual world is not where we want to live in forever. As Radiohead’s Thom Yorke was quoted in an article, “An online encounter is something that looks like direct contact, but it isn’t direct contact. It’s two shadows talking in a room.”
With the hybrid October 1 format, at least part of that shadow hanging over our travel and events industries will be lifted.
Wish us luck as we put the final stitches into our quilt.
Purchase your all-access ticket here. Full programme here
• Featured image credit: philipimage/Getty Images
