Resources for Meeting Planners During COVID-19
ORANGE COUNTY UPDATES
Orange County Business Council Reopening Guidance
https://www.ocbc.orgOrange County case counts & testing figures
https://occovid19healthinfo.comCOSTA MESA UPDATES
Travel Costa Mesa’s Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak
https://travelcostamesa.com/costa-mesa-coronavirus-informationGuidance on Closure of sectors in Response to COVID-19
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Guidance-on-closure-of-sectors-in-response-to-COVID-19.aspxCity of Costa Mesa mandate regarding facial coverings
https://www.cityofcostamesanews.com/city-of-costa-mesa-mandates-facial-coverings-in-public-and-for-essential-businesses/Costa Mesa Business Updates
https://www.travelcostamesa.com/costa-mesa-business-updatesEvents in Costa Mesa
https://www.travelcostamesa.com/calendar/upcoming-eventsCity of Costa Mesa’s coronavirus information page
https://www.costamesaca.gov/hot-topics/coronavirusOTHER COVID-19 UPDATES
State of California
https://covid19.ca.govCalifornia Department of Public Health – https://www.cdph.ca.gov
Orange County Health Care Agency
https://www.ochealthinfo.comCenters for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.govWorld Health Organization
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirusCal Travel
https://www.caltravel.orgDestinations International
https://www.destinationsinternational.orgVisit California
https://www.visitcalifornia.comU.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consumer Affairs
https://travel.state.govU.S. Travel Association
https://www.ustravel.orgMEETINGS & EVENTS
Getting to Costa Mesa – Air Lift
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
https://www.ocair.comLos Angeles International Airport (LAX)
https://www.flylax.com/travelsafelyOntario International Airport (ONT)
https://www.flyontario.com/covid19Long Beach Airport (LGB)
https://www.longbeach.gov/lgb/news/coronavirus-information/Flying Private
These days, safety and reassurance in travel comes at a premium. A study conducted by Austrian-based jet operator GlobeAir in March reported a 30-times lower risk of contagionwhen using business, or private, aviation. The study identified 700 touchpoints which could expose passengers on commercial flights and only 20 that would expose passengers on more private flights.
Smart Meetings consulted former White House Travel Director Gregg Brunson-Pitts, CEO and founder of Advanced Aviation Team, an on-demand private charter brokerage in Washington, DC, for more information regarding sanitation and crew procedures aboard private jets.
“Crews are wearing masks and adhering to social distancing rules. Surfaces are sanitized frequently, and we offer aircrafts with HEPA filters and air ionization,” he said. “If requested, crew and passengers can also get tested for COVID-19 prior to departure.”
Here are some suggestions on how to get to Orange County, privately:
Condor Airlines
https://www.condor.com/flights/usSTAjets
https://www.stajets.comWest Coast Aviation Services
https://www.wcas.aeroHotels in Costa Mesa – Safety First
Our Costa Mesa hotels have a commitment to doing whatever they can to keep guests safe through additional cleaning measures and installation of hand sanitizing stations throughout their buildings. Costa Mesa hotels are currently still open and accepting business; however, social distance practicing is a county directive, at this time. The County of Orange recommends all visits to public businesses wear a mask or face covering.
To learn more about Costa Mesa’s hotel’s Safety and Cleanliness Procedures for COVID-19 visit:
https://www.travelcostamesa.com/costa-mesa-hotel-safety-cleanliness-covid-19To learn more about social distancing and for a complete Physical Distancing Meeting Space Calculator go to the Expo Group’s Crowd Density Calculator at:
https://www.theexpogroup.com/crowd-density-calculator/Banquet Tables Pro also offers its own Social Distancing Room Space Calculator at:
https://www.banquettablespro.com/social-distancing-room-space-calculatorHybrid Events
Many groups and organizations are turning to hybrid events. Here are some good resources for planning your next hybrid event:
ASAE: How to Moderate an Engaging Virtual Panel:
https://www.asaecenter.org/resources/articles/an_plus/2020/july/how-to-moderate-an-engaging-virtual-panel/Event Manager Blog: Managing the Virtual Experience:
https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/managing-the-virtual-experience/PSAV Virtual Events:
https://www.virtual.psav.liveTIPS, TRICKS AND OTHER IDEAS FOR YOUR NEXT MEETING
Food & Beverage
- Stagger food & beverage delivery
- Segment space through setup of barricades
- Contactless payment
- Visit Pinterest for unique ways to package up single-serving and multi-course meals
- Be transparent about kitchen and servicing practices
- For hybrid events, consider partnering with GrubHub, UberEats, Postmates, Cocktail Couriers or similar to provide gift cards for attendees
Tradeshow Logistics
- One-way aisles
- Develop an appointment model
- Extend show hours
- Eight-foot tall side rails between booths
Networking/Receptions
- Seating arrangement and furnishings that automatically create distance
- Different zones for different levels of distancing comfort
- Outside Events
- Conduct scavenger hunts to encourage participants to visit booths
KEY CONTACTS
City of Costa Mesa
John Stephens, Mayor
John.Stephens@costamesaca.govCosta Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Carla Valenzuela, President & CEO
cvalenzuela@costamesachamber.comReStore Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa Business Assistance Collaborative
costamesabac@costamesaca.govAdditional Resources
U.S. Travel Association
https://www.ustravel.orgDestination Analysts
https://www.destinationanalysts.comeHotelier – Professional Development Hospitality
https://www.ehotelier.comEvents Industry Council
https://www.eventscouncil.org