5 Tips for Hosting a Safe Event
With fall underway and winter around the bend, clients have been asking: What can we do to host an event as safely as possible? Can we host? Should we host?
There’s no easy answer. These are hard times to plan ahead when so little is known about what will be open and what will be closed. Planning feels hard, and in some cases, not quite right. You need to trust your gut and know your guests, but if you decide to go ahead and attempt a gathering, here are 5 tips for ensuring attendees’ safety and comfort.
Tip 1: Get a (big) room
We’ve all heard the importance of “6 feet apart” but why not add a few more feet of breathing room? If you’re planning a gathering of 6, our rule of thumb is to allow at least 2 extra spaces between guests. Multiply your max guest count by 4 to get the space you need.
For a group of 6, you’ll want a space that seats 24. For a group of 15–20, you might go for a space that normally seats 70–80, like Il Gattopardo’s Atrium.
Pro tip: One great tool for understanding how many attendees to seat per table, and how much distance is needed between attendees, etc. is Cvent’s free event diagramming tool. The program also helps map out required safety objects, such as sanitization and temperature check stations.
Tip 2: Split into smaller groups
If last year’s holiday party had 30 guests, consider hosting 3–4 smaller groups. You can get creative with how to split the group. Who needs to see each other most? Who knows each other the least? There are all kinds of ways to segment your guest list to maximize your underlying goals.
Though max group size varies by city, it’s generally safe to think in groups of 6–10. Some cities and venues allow for higher guest counts. For now, it’s safe to say “see you soon” to 20-at-one-long boardroom style and opt for square and circular tables whenever possible.
Tip 3: Think “Outside” the box
Outdoor spaces may be getting chillier by the day, but some venues with outdoor seating have heat lamps to keep your group cozy and safe. Speaking of “thinking outside the box”, our DC Venue Partner, Fiola Mare and their sister properties are investing in heat lamps and will soon feature private outdoor igloo and yurt dining this winter! The Press Lounge rooftop in NYC has a breathtaking backdrop, heat lamps and fire pits to warm your guests. Tucked away in Cambridge, just outside Boston, Harvest has one of the most beautiful outdoor patios we’ve seen, complete with a fireplace, partial roof, heat lamps and socially distanced traditional tables for smaller parties. To secure a venue with outdoor space in Boston, NY, DC, SF or LA, submit free, non-binding Requests directly to venues through SixPlus, or try our free Concierge service.
Tip 4: Give yourself more…
More options and more time. Pre-COVID, it was standard to hear from 100% of venues in 24–48 hours. These days, with the amount of uncertainty and some restaurants in hibernation, response rates are around 25%. On average, clients are submitting between 10–15 non-binding Requests through SixPlus to gauge availability and start the conversation with venues.
Submitting a Request takes 1–2 minutes once you’re logged in. Find your favorite venues in Boston, NY, DC, SF or LA, and click “Get Started”.
Tip 5: Go Virtual
Have you tried hosting a virtual culinary experience? Our renowned Venue Partners’ Chefs, Sommeliers, Mixologists, and Private Dining Managers, have reconfigured their in-house offerings and created virtual “spaces” to share their love of food, beverage, and service. As an extension of their home, virtually, they’re excited to welcome you! To receive a complimentary curated list of virtual culinary experiences, submit this Virtual Experience Concierge Form and our team will guide you to the right experiences based on your needs.
To receive a complimentary curated list of virtual culinary experiences, submit this form and our team will guide you to the right experiences based on your needs.
To Satisfy your Cravings…
… browse our SixPlus recipe collections below and master your favorite venue’s recipes. Share photos with friends, family, and Instagram, and be sure to tag the venue!
● Coping Through Cooking: At Home with SixPlus Venue Partners Batch no. 1
● Coping Through Cooking: At Home with SixPlus Venue Partners Batch no. 2
● Coping Through Cooking: At Home with SixPlus Venue Partners Batch no. 3
… watch and listen
● 12 Culinary Films to Whet your Appetite
● 12 Culinary Series to Whet your Appetite
● 8 Culinary Podcasts to Whet your Appetite
Stay tuned for more recipes and other entertaining collections coming soon.
