Sometimes it is like a curse – even if well prepared, an event has to be cancelled because the circumstances require it (e.g. because of the absence of the top act, a dangerous situation like the Corona pandemic or unfavorable weather conditions, especially for outdoor events). If tickets have already been sold, a cancellation of the event hurts most. To limit disappointment among visitors and partners, there are a number of things you can do as an organizer.
One (recent) example of a cancelled top event, whose organizers had to show sensitivity when canceling it, is the GP ICE RACE. The legendary motor racing on ice was scheduled to take place in Zell am See (Austria) from January 27 to 29, 2023. Due to the ongoing and exceptional warm weather conditions in the Austrian Alps, the event has now been cancelled. This was decided by the organizers in consultation with partners and sponsors. Sold tickets will be fully refunded.
Ferdi Porsche, managing director and organizer of GP ICE RACE, stated towards the press: "The GP ICE RACE is a great experience for all fans. Therefore, it is very difficult for us to have to cancel this traditional ice event. Unfortunately, the current warm weather situation leaves us no other choice. I would like to thank our fans and partners. These have been really tough weeks, but we are now looking ahead and looking forward to seeing you again at the montain Grossglockner."
Clearly communicating the reasons for canceling an event, as shown above, is an important part of professional crisis management. As an event organizer, you should always think about how to deal with such crises well in advance of the event date. At the moment when it is clear that your public or business event cannot take place, there is usually so much hectic and emotional distress that it is difficult to initiate all the important measures while keeping cool.
So, as an event organizer, give some serious thought during the planning phase about how to behave properly towards visitors, partners and sponsors in the unfortunate case of an event cancellation. 5 tips will help you to do so:
- fix a cancellation deadline; communicate the cancellation in time
- rely on transparency
- avoid drama!
- be generous!
- invest some time in planning risk-preventive measures
Read more about each tip in detail (in the original German version) at: https://eventmasterbook.de | 5 tips to manage an Event Cancellation
Cover image: Screenshot 14 Jan. 2023 | GP ICE RACE 2023 (Website https://gpicerace.com/)
Related topics:
Event Cancellation, Event Psychology, Events, Event Crisis Management, Event Organization, Event Management Tips, Transparency, Communication, Fairness, Event Sponsors, Event Service Providers, Risk Analysis, Sports Event, Outdoor Event, Motorsports Event, motor racing, Car Racing, Ice Racing, GP ICE RACE, Austria
