After more than a year of virtual networking and other remote activities due to the state restrictions on gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Flint & Genesee Chamber and its members are getting back together – in person. On May 25, the Chamber unveiled a brand new event called Connect over Coffee, which was held on the rooftop patio of the Flint Farmers’ Market and hosted by DBI. The outdoor event hit like a breath of fresh air, with 76 attendees, said Chamber Executive Director Andrew Younger.
Inside Business spoke with Younger about the return of in-person events for the second-half of 2021 and some of the lessons of the past year.
Inside Business (IB): What does the return of in-person events mean for members and for the Flint & Genesee Chamber?
Andrew Younger (AY): Starting with our May 25 event, Connect over Coffee, the positive energy was fantastic and was a strong indicator that so many of us are ready to reconnect face-to-face. Being able to get back together in person is a huge deal. While our in-person meetings aren’t the only value our members receive, they are consistently ranked among the most popular offerings we provide. Our in-person meetings offer more than education and networking. They help create a sense of community among our businesses, helping them form partnerships and build relationships that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to make.
IB: Will there be any kind of restrictions or precautions going forward?
AY: The Chamber is committed to ensuring that everyone who attends our events is safe and healthy. To that end, we are closely following CDC and MIOSHA guidelines related to events and gatherings of people, both indoors and outdoors. We will ask all of our participants and hosts to follow these guidelines as well.
IB: How difficult was it to maintain engagement via remote activities?
AY: As you might expect, it became increasingly difficult to keep our members engaged through virtual events and meetings, as “Zoom fatigue” wore on and grew over the last year and a half. This was apparent in the attendance numbers, as well as the direct constructive feedback we received from members.
IB: What did we learn from hosting remote events?
AY: We learned that it is possible to keep things going virtually but that when it comes down to it, there is nothing that beats getting together in person. We will explore some hybrid events in the future, to allow people who can’t join in person to still participate. We also want to respect any health and safety concerns that members may have regarding gathering in groups, while still offering them the opportunity to participate.
IB: What has been the response from members?
AY: There has been a collective cheer from our members regarding the resumption of in person events! We have 120 people registered for our first After Hours Wine Down event of the year. These typically get around 70 to 80 participants, so the enthusiasm is quite clear!