Coronavirus, Cancelled Meetings and Podcasts

In episode 540 of “Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do” Thom Singer talks about the business of speaking and the meetings industry in the face of the spread of the Coronavirus. While live meetings bring people together, in the face of a possible pandemic, many companies and associations are canceling their conferences.  This impacts more than the hosts and the attendees.  There are many types of vendors (maybe about 50 per event) that earn their living from serving live events. Cancelled meetings and podcasts is just one idea he is sharing with clients to stay connected with attendees.

Speakers, hotels, transportation, meeting planning companies, catering, bars, restaurants, bands, DJs, sign makers, etc… are all part of what makes a meeting amazing. When meetings cancel the economic impact can have a giant ripple effect. Cancelled meetings have a huge impact on many, many people.

But this virus can impact all kinds of business, and Thom encourages entrepreneurs to be thinking about what this means.  Entrepreneurs are problem solvers…. and this virus could become a big problem that will impact the whole world.  Not just in getting people sick, but in hurting the global economy.

Thom shares and idea he had in a brainstorming call with a client who is worried about their association annual meeting being canceled or having low attendance.  His idea is for her to create a branded podcast and interview all 50 speakers (keynote speakers and breakout speakers) to create individual episodes.  Not just webinar data dumps, but in-depth interviews and conversations on their important topics.

He also shares a couple of emails he has received this week about the virus and how one company he knows, BigSpeak, sent a wonderful reminder to speakers to not panic.  That the meetings industry and speaking business have faced health and other disruptive events in the past.  They also provided simple things to pay attention to for health and business.  Thom sees a lot of “hype” out there, but appreciates companies and people who are providing value in a noisy Coronavirus world.

Check out this episode of his podcast and share it with a friend if they need an upbeat message in a scary time. Cancelled meetings and podcasts is just one thought. Do you have more ideas? Share them  with Thom on social media or by email.

http://coolthings.libsyn.com/coronavirus-canceled-meetings-business-creativity-and-adding-value

Thom Singer is a keynote speaker and professional master of ceremonies.