Eventbrite’s Events Industry Report is designed to keep event creators like you informed about the shifting landscape of events during the COVID-19 pandemic. Making sense of what’s allowed, and where, can be complex for event organizers as regulations for in-person events are constantly changing.

To help, we’re highlighting some of the most novel and noteworthy events industry reopening updates throughout the country (and the globe) — along with tips from our blog. The monthly report will be updated again on Feb. 10.

This report is provided for general information only and is not medical, legal, or professional advice. Consult your specific state and local government sources for the most up-to-date guidance to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and orders before hosting in-person events.

Jan. 13, 2022:

Managing COVID-19 event restrictions

Here’s how venues and creators in the events industry are safely operating their businesses.

  • All guests, staff and volunteers inside the Seattle Night Market must be fully vaccinated, or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test that was taken within 72 hours of attending. Masks are required at all times when not eating or drinking, and food and beverage must be consumed outdoors. There will be expanded open space to accommodate social distancing. Plus, hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the event site, and there will be capacity controls with ticket session models to help prevent overcrowding.
  • The Full Moon Sound Bath event in Rochester, N.Y., is making things flexible for patrons who get sick: “Tickets transferable in the event of illness or exposure to anyone who has fallen ill,” the organizers note. Plus, for those who do attend, masks will be required.
  • At an upcoming Art Deco Walking Tour by the Miami Design Preservation League, all patrons will be required to wear a facial covering; masks will be for sale at the gift shop. Those who attend the tour will be provided with a sanitized wireless receiver and headphones, which will help them hear what the tour guide is saying while remaining socially distant.

Regional events industry regulations

Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening with events industry reopening rules and restrictions in different regions across America:

Oregon

  • Many venues state-wide have canceled their events for the rest of the winter season. “Most artists have canceled their events. At Revolution Hall, we had every concert except for two cancel for the month of January and a lot of February is canceling. So, where we feel we can put on events safely, the confidence is just not there,” Jim Brunberg, who owns Revolution Hall in Portland, told KCBY. Meanwhile, The Liberty Theater in Astoria decided to close for January after facing 15 cancellations. “Overwhelmingly, it feels like our patrons don’t feel comfortable coming out. Our performers maybe don’t feel comfortable. But it’s challenging because no matter what decision you make, you’re going to anger somebody,” director Jennifer Crockett said.

Hawaii

  • Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi responded to the ongoing Omicron wave by cutting capacity at large indoor events. Effective this week, all indoor gatherings with more than 1,000 attendees will be capped at 50% capacity. “There’s no magic to this thing and it’s not all that complicated. Make good decisions. Get a booster,” Blangiardi said during a news conference.
  • In Maui County, indoor social gatherings are capped at 10 people, though there are no limits on outdoor gatherings.

California

  • Indoor events in Sacramento County with more than 500 attendees and outdoor events that draw more than 5,000 people will need to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Previously, that had only been required for indoor events with more than 1,000 people and outdoor events with 10,000.
  • Los Angeles County officials expect to hold the Super Bowl at full capacity next month. “We are working closely with the NFL to welcome the Super Bowl to L.A. County,” the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health told Yahoo Sports in a statement. “And while we cannot provide certainty for the future, we do not anticipate capacity limits at sporting events.” That reassurance came shortly after reports that the NFL was considering backup plans if SoFi Stadium in LA could no longer host the event.

Puerto Rico

  • A concert by Bad Bunny last month in San Juan proved to be a superspreader event: Although patrons were required to show proof of vaccination and wear masks — or face a $100 fine — “there wasn’t much enforcement of the mask mandate, and many attendees took them off once they got to their seats,” Vox reports. As a result, about 2,000 people ended up testing positive for COVID-19 afterwards, which contributed to a 4,600% jump in Puerto Rico’s December cases. Now, those attending large-scale events in Puerto Rico must show proof of vaccination AND a negative test that was taken within 48 hours of the event. Among other island restrictions: All passengers on flights to Puerto Rico must show a negative test to enter, and businesses must close between midnight and 5 a.m. to encourage people to stay home.

International events industry insights

Here’s a look at what’s happening with events industry reopening rules — and pandemic developments — worldwide.

Italy

  • Italy is clamping down on what those who are unvaccinated are allowed to do. New restrictions effective this week forbid those who are not inoculated from entering bars and restaurants and using domestic public transport. Showing evidence of a negative test will no longer suffice. “Most of the problems we are experiencing today are due to the fact that there are unvaccinated people” who “are much more likely to develop severe forms of the disease” and “put hospitals under pressure,” Italian prime minister Mario Draghi said during a press conference.

China

  • China is preparing to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, which are slated to open Feb. 4 in Beijing. Officials have promised it will be a “safe, streamlined and splendid” event. But as The Washington Post recently reported, that will be a challenge, especially as Omicron continues to spread. More than 3,000 athletes, plus thousands of trainers, staff, media and spectators, are expected to gather over 19 days. Participants will need to stay within a “closed loop,” and those who break the rules could be disqualified. In addition to being vaccinated, everyone inside the loop must be tested daily and wear a mask at all times. Only spectators from China will be permitted, and cheering and shouting have been banned.

Events industry inspiration and further reading

 

Egg LDN DJ performing for a crowd

Eventbrite’s blog is full of resources and tips that can help event creators like you navigate the return to in-person events — or master your approach to online events. Here’s what’s new:

For more resources on staging in-person events during the pandemic, consult Eventbrite’s COVID-19 Safety Playbook for Events.

For previous versions of this report, read the archives here