Not Being Able To Interact With The Audience Is The Biggest Challenge Of Virtual Events: Pritee Kathpal

How have the past months of the pandemic been for you?

The months of being isolated from friends, family and colleagues have altered us in a big way, my life was all about travelling for events, living out of bags and now suddenly being home and having to adapt to a sedentary lifestyle was very difficult. However, I saw it as a welcome opportunity to slow down, go for walks and relax enjoy quality time with family and my pet dog and thanks to technology being able to stay connected with friends on social media made it easier. A lot of time for introspection, meditation, yoga, learning to cook, reading books that I never had the time to take up most of my time.

With everything happening online, the live events industry went through a big transformation as well. How did you adapt to this change?

Virtual events have been a lot of fun for me though I miss being on stage and the high energy atmosphere that a live event has is something I am eagerly waiting to experience again. However, adapting to change is the only way to survive and thrive.

I set up my virtual hosting stage where instead of the usually led background on stage has been mostly a blank wall to be able to add the virtual background and instead of stage lights and spotlight it is the handy ring light that I am so much in love with.

Tell us about some of your recent events.

I have hosted plenty of corporate and social events. To name a few- 'Ambuja ke sitare Musical night with singer Shaan', 'Realty+ Conclave Excellence Awards, 'Navi Mumbai Mahanagar Palika Musical night with Shankar Mahadevan', 'Zimmer Biomet Awards Night with Comedian Angad Singh Ranyal.' And a few virtual family gatherings like anniversary events and birthdays.

Has the online transition made your job easy? Tell us some of the positives of hosting events online?

The online transition hasn’t made the job easy however they do have some positives for sure. There is no need to wear heels, can wear a pretty outfit paired with pyjamas and flip-flops. All from the comfort of my home, no early morning flights and no travelling in traffic. Also being seated throughout the event is a different experience.

Tell us some of the challenges that you have faced while hosting virtual events.

Not being able to interact with the audience is the biggest challenge, not getting any response as the medium is one way on zoom, interactive activities and games where the audience has to participate and respond is impossible.

Also at times, the internet connection becomes unstable which I must say is the most dreaded one. During the event background noises like construction sounds, dog barking etc disturbances.

How is the rest of 2021 looking & what are you looking forward to?

I certainly have positive expectations for the rest of 2021 as I have plenty of events lined up June onwards, I am thrilled to be hosting on a real stage again also. I am looking forward to making international trips for events and with friends.

I cannot wait to enjoy the regular life, social gatherings, parties concerts.. now I miss the hustle and bustle that at one point I used to find annoying. Being able to eat out at restaurants, go to clubs, coffee shops, I miss working out at the gym the most.

Hopefully, life will be back to routine soon and yes one thing for sure we all will be much more grateful for the basics that now we are deprived of in this pandemic situation.

EE News Desk

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