Another week of interesting sessions and engagement with the Strength In Numbers session. See highlights below:
- More positive news in US as “a slow thaw in the freeze” continues with events confirmed and more councils starting to consider permit applications.
- Still much discussion around guidelines and inconsistencies of tracking and analysis of proof of vaccines, negative COVID tests and type of tests that are acceptable. Recognition that it’s impossible for staff and volunteers on the frontline to be experts in certificate authentication so important to have clear responsibility for participants in the language of terms and conditions and waivers.
- There does not seem to be an option for a universal software solution so most events now seem to be looking at a manual checking system which may range from sighting a paper certificate to a QR code and multiple options in between as proof of vaccination or testing.
- One event did a survey of participants with 90% indicating that they intend to be vaccinated by event day – very useful in event operational planning and staffing.
- More information on COVID Canine sniffer dogs with indications that each dog can “process” 600 people per hour by simply sniffing the palm of their hand with 98% accuracy. Challenge now is that there are not enough trained dogs to meet demand.
- Indications in a number of markets that lack of supply chain or increased costs as a result of limited suppliers is severely impacting commercial viability of some events.
- Grandma’s Marathon next weekend will be the first significant sized event in US with “all eyes” looking towards it as a case study (10,000 participants which is 50% of usual field) In another example of the wonderful industry collaboration their COVID-safe event plans can be viewed here Similar models are being included in plans for other events such as Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
- Some progress in Canada with 74% of eligible adults now having received their first vaccine but life not really expected to return to normal until Sept 11.
- Ongoing inconsistencies between rules for the likes of stadiums with tens of thousands of spectators whilst running events still having to plan for limited wave starts over many hours
21 June Monday
10am London
1pm Dubai
5pm Singapore
7pm Sydney
7pm Sydney
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22 June Tuesday
Monday
6pm Los Angeles
9pm New York
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[…] Valuable Strength in Numbers is an “open mic” fortnightly Zoom room to connect, ask for help with any challenge you may be facing, share ideas and lessons or just listen. This week, we heard valuable insights from organisers who are getting close to staging in-person events. See highlights here. […]