Safety first: conference for 500 people during pandemic
Several measures were taken to ensure that all guidelines and rules were followed at a conference for 500 people. Making sure that all participants could enjoy the conference feeling safe despite the pandemic.
The Danish industry organisation for restaurants, hotels and tourism, HORESTA, were in November 2020 able to open the doors in Bella Center Copenhagen for 500 people at the one-day conference THE NEXT NORMAL.
“More than ever it is important for us to meet, as an industry, but also for businesses in general. We can meet, we must remember that. We can meet up to 500 people.” Says Kirsten Munch Andersen, Political Director for HORESTA
Several measures were taken by Bella Center Copenhagen and HORESTA to make sure all guidelines and rules were followed – and more importantly, that all participants could enjoy the conference feeling safe.
Photo:Wonderful Copenhagen
What did the participants think?
“We were 500 people gathered today and it has been great to meet again – it has been a while. I think splitting us up in different zones was a good idea. There were so many measures in place making sure that we could keep the right distance. I think it is essential to our industry to do this and show that we do not need to be afraid of meeting each other.”
Michael Sørensen, Sales-, Marketing- and Booking manager, Bernstorff Palace
“It has been great getting to meet people on the other side of the screen. To be able to feel each other, feel the magic and the energy. The set up for today has been extraordinary with quick tests, clear signage, hand sanitizer everywhere and pre-packaged food. Then you can only feel safe and it has been a great experience. I am going home feeling high on new inspiration and hope.”
Didde Hedebo Steinmann, CEO, OUT OF OFFICE Copenhagen
”Wow, it was amazing to be reunited with colleagues and competitors. There is nothing like meeting live. Sure, we had to wear a face mask, keep our distance and “hug” from a safe distance. HORESTA and Bella Center created some really good surroundings that made me feel safe.”
Ken Brix Andersen, Customer Development Executive, CPH Conference