4 Ways Event Professionals Can Reduce Personal Anxiety Over Coronavirus
March 11, 2020
The news cycle the past few weeks has been nearly non-stop about coronavirus (COVID-19), and it seems like the virus is the only thing people are talking about right now. The global outbreak of this virus, and the uncertainty behind how it’s being spread, is disruptive and frightening, and can lead to feelings that the world is less secure or somehow out of control. On top of that, experts promoting “social distancing” — or maintaining a bubble of personal space to help stop the spread of COVID-19 — feels threatening, at the very least, for the meetings and events world that thrives on face-to-face connections.
During this time of feeling powerless, the one thing you can control is your own actions and reactions. It’s possible to maintain a sense of wellness in your own life and handle news calmly and with a level head without feeling anxious about things you cannot control. We spoke with Dana Dorfman, a psychotherapist in New York, who offered these four tips for mitigating your anxiety over coronavirus.
Set parameters for the times that you’re going to take in information.
Even though things are changing moment to moment surrounding the coronavirus, there is only so much news one person can take in during a day. Set boundaries for yourself by deciding what times you’re going to read, watch or listen to the news — perhaps in the morning and then at dinner time — and then don’t tune in again until the following day.
Prioritize sleep.
If you’re not staying up late watching the news, you can get to bed earlier. Studies show you’re better able to problem solve when you’re well rested, and when you’re not constantly inundated with new information, you have more time to manage your own processing of situations. Taking care of yourself — physically and emotionally — will equip you to make better decisions and come up with more creative solutions to problems that coronavirus is causing within your events.
Take things day to day.
Anxiety is all about anticipating the future. Many times, what you’re anticipating for the future is not necessarily accurate, because anxiety — instead of facts — is fueling those feelings. The more you can stay in the moment and be grounded in what’s happening here and now, the better your decisions will be.
Have compassion and patience.
When we become anxious, there’s a tendency to become more short-tempered and blame others. No matter what is happening with your events during this time, it’s likely people have criticized the way you’re dealing with the situation — but this is happening to everyone in the industry. Sure, every person out there (attendee, stakeholder or bystander) might have a different perspective on what the solution should be, but practicing patience and having trust in people who are making these big decisions (including trust in yourself and your teams!) is important. The meetings and events world has a common enemy in coronavirus right now, but we will get through it better with support from one another as opposed to criticizing and perpetuating anxiety.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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