Blog
How the Fair Industry Is Faring Through COVID-19
There’s no doubt the fair industry is suffering during the coronavirus pandemic, as social distancing requirements are causing event organizers around the world to cancel events through the summer and even into the fall. But the fair industry is resilient and many fair organizers have responded to forced cancellations with creative solutions to provide fans—and vendors—with alternative fair experiences. Below, we’ve compiled just a few of the outside-the-box ideas some fairs have come up with. The Ingham County Fairgrounds in [...]
6 Tips for Hosting a Virtual Event
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, few industries are feeling the effects of social distancing as strongly as the events industry. These tough times are forcing organizers to get creative in how their events are hosted and some are turning to virtual events. The following six tips will help you make the most of your event, even when it can’t be held in person. 1. Consider what your event can bring to the web First, evaluate if and how [...]
Does Event Cancellation Insurance Cover Pandemics?
It has been a busy, chaotic few weeks for us, the event industry and the world, as we all navigate the new reality of life and business during a pandemic. With thousands of event cancellations—some initially as a precaution, followed by others as required by local ordinances—we’ve had a lot of clients reaching out to see if cancellations related to coronavirus are covered under their event cancellation policies. Fortunately for some, the answer is yes…if their policy was purchased prior [...]
3 Ways to Take Your 2023 Event Up a Notch
No matter how much you try to plan ahead and delegate, organizing an event is a huge undertaking. But with a lot of preparation and a little luck, your event will be the best yet! Follow the three tips below to help make your event a huge success. Socialize Social media is a cost-effective way to promote your event to the masses. It’s also a great way to reach your target audience where they already are and interact with [...]
Does Customer Service Still Matter?
How to Please Customers in the Digital Age In the Digital Age, when many people prefer to do business online, does customer service really matter anymore? We’re here to tell you that not only is customer service still important, but it may be the most important aspect of your business. We understand that some people want a seamless, human-free experience, which is why we offer instant online quotes and even allow customers to purchase their rain insurance coverage online. BUT [...]
Keep Your Cool With Heat Index Insurance
Climate change is contributing to more extreme weather events, including extreme heat. While it may look like a pleasant day, extreme heat is extremely dangerous. According to the National Center for Environmental Health, extreme heat causes more than 600 deaths per year, more than hurricanes, flooding, lightning and tornadoes combined. To help protect organizers from reduced attendance due to stifling heat and humidity—or in worst-case scenarios, to allow them to cancel outdoor events rather than putting attendees and vendors [...]
Event Cancellation Insurance: Why Buying Early Is Important
One of the most important features of an event cancellation policy is that it begins as soon as the policy is bound. While you may purchase coverage as late as 10 days before your event, we recommend getting coverage at least 90 days prior to an outdoor event. If you’re really on top of it, you can purchase coverage up to one year in advance. Telling a client their event cancellation isn’t covered because they sought coverage too late is [...]
4 Tips to Make the Most of Your Trade Show Experience
Whether it’s your first time on the trade show floor or you’re a seasoned attendee, you can always pick up new tips to make the most of your time at an event. Below are four of our favorite bits of advice that will have you returning home from a trade show feeling refreshed, full of knowledge and ready to hit the ground running when you get back to the office. Preview the exhibitor list and come up with questions Your [...]
The 6 Weather Insurance Policy Variables Snow Contractors Need to Understand
When it comes to weather insurance, no two policies and claims are the same. There are six basic building blocks to weather insurance policies. In this article, we break down these building blocks to help snow contractors understand how these variables affect their coverage and claim options.
5 Things to Think About Before Joining a Fair or Festival Board
Joining the board of a fair or festival—most of which are governed by boards—can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, it is no small undertaking, and if the organization finds itself in hot water, you could be held personally responsible. That’s because nonprofit organizations, like many of those that put on local fairs and festivals, are still susceptible to some of the same threats as for-profit businesses, including the potential for lawsuits. If the organization is sued and doesn’t [...]
How Listening to Our Clients Has Led to Innovation
If there’s one thing we have learned is key to the success of our clients, and ultimately our success, is listening. It’s not just about hearing what our clients have to say, but actively listening to them. Sales reps are often too busy talking to listen. Even if they are tuned in to what a customer or potential customer, they’re often just listening for a specific cue or challenge that gives them a jumping off point to pitch their [...]
How to Cope With the Salt Shortage This Winter
If you’re in the business of snow and ice removal, you’ve more than likely heard about the salt shortage plaguing the Midwest and Northeast. An unexpected late season ice storm last spring, a labor strike at the world’s largest salt mine, and issues surrounding a large mining operation in Ohio have resulted in a deficit in a salt deficit as plow companies begin stocking their supplies for winter. Since municipalities typically get first dibs on road salt, private plow companies [...]
Top 5 Reasons We Attend Industry Conferences and Conventions
If you’ve been to a conference or convention in the event or snow removal industries, you’ve probably seen Spectrum President, Robert Holmes. Rob strongly believes that there is no true replacement for face-to-face interaction and, therefore, racks up quite a few frequent flyer miles attending as many industry events as possible. While networking and meeting new business prospects are obvious reasons to attend these types of events, we also see it as an opportunity to better serve our clients. These [...]
Hurricane Season Starts June 1: Here’s What to Expect
We should start out by saying you should always expect the unexpected. We cannot control the weather, nor predict it with 100 percent certainty, so always be prepared for the worst. That’s why we advise our clients, especially those planning events in coastal areas during hurricane season, to hope for the best, but plan for the worst. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released their 2018 Atlantic hurricane season outlook—which extends from June 1 to November 30, typically peaking [...]
Are You Using the Correct Broker for Your Rain Insurance?
There are several insurance brokers that offer rain and other weather insurance products, but how do you know which one is the best choice for your needs? There are a few potential pitfalls you should be aware of to help you choose the best insurance broker for your needs. Beware of brokers who offer rain insurance only on a surplus lines policy If your insurance broker is only able to offer rain insurance on a Lloyd’s or other non-admitted insurance [...]
