With all that is going on in the world, many of us are spending more time at home while we wait out the pandemic. By now, you’ve likely caught up on some must-watch shows and tried your hand at a few new recipes. This has also been an important time for reflection and, as we anticipate the restart of the special events industry, many of us are finding more time on our hands to work on our business instead of in it.
If you’re taking advantage of virtual education opportunities to make improvements on your business during this ‘break,’ you will come out of this time with a head start on those who didn’t. Most of us would do well to spend more energy on education, but the big question is “where?” One of the biggest challenges to virtual education is finding the resources that you need amidst a noisy internet filled with distractions.
Where to look for virtual education
If you are part of an industry association, start with their resources to see what is available. At WIPA, we’ve been building up our webinar library to support event pros through these challenging times. It is open to all and can be accessed online, both at the international and local levels. We’re covering all of the relevant issues, including marketing, legal advice, sales, and navigating times of uncertainty. NACE and ILEA also have their own virtual education platforms, so tune into the topics that will help you grow your business.
I also recommend checking out your favorite speakers or educators on social media to see what they’re up to during these times. Many of them, like Rachel Sheerin, have been offering education over Facebook and Instagram Live. They’re also joining webinar panels to discuss hot topics surrounding the pandemic and what to expect in the future of the industry. There are tons of options out there on all sorts of topics — you just need to do your research to find it!
Getting involved with virtual education
Perhaps you’ve soaked in plenty of knowledge and are inspired to make a difference through your own platforms. If you are inclined to provide education, I recommend starting by reflecting on your strengths and how you can fill a gap in the market. Do some market research to see where your voice can be heard. An easy way to start is to go live on your own Facebook or Instagram pages and see what kind of feedback you receive. In today’s world, we are all given a platform with our social media accounts and you can choose to use them in whatever way you see fit.
Here, I’d also recommend going back to those industry associations to see if they have any upcoming events for you to contribute. Reach out to the organizers and share a bit about your expertise and the topics you’re interested in teaching. There may be opportunities to join a panel or even submit your own webinar presentation
Virtual education should always play a role in our professional growth, but now is an especially great time to dive into the educational scene and make it a regular habit to learn new concepts that will support your business.
Kevin Dennis is the editor of WeddingIQ and the owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services, a full-service event company based in Livermore, California. Dennis is the current international president for WIPA.