Our update on COVID-19
A message from our founder re: COVID-19
To our valued clients, friends and industry partners:
As everyone is exceedingly aware, we are in some very unprecedented times amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The event industry is directly impacted by the federal and provincial government orders announced this week to keep everyone safe and healthy. Within the industry, we are all doing our best to navigate the circumstances, adhere to all government directives and adapt our business operations accordingly.
At Spotlight Events, our top priority right now is doing our part to "flatten the curve" and keep our families, friends, neighbours, colleagues and clients safe and healthy. This is the same priority we've heard embraced by all our fellow industry professionals and vendors.
What this means for our team and operations:
Our studio hours remain on a "by appointment only" basis.
All in studio workshops and events have been indefinitely postponed.
We are only conducting meetings and consultations by phone or video call for the time being.
Our team is continuing to work remotely from home.
What this means for our clients and fellow industry professionals:
As per the Provincial Health Officer's orders, we are officially advising that any events scheduled before May 30, 2020 postpone or adapt plans to meet the current federal and provincial health guidelines. Adapting plans could mean changing events to an online or digital experience.
For reference, here is a link to the Provincial Health Officer's Class Order (mass gatherings) re: COVID-19.For events scheduled after May 30, 2020, we're cautiously advising a "wait and see" approach. As the situation is evolving, we'll do our best to update you on this advice.
For our clients facing event postponement, your contract and deposit can be transferred to a new date. Event rescheduling is subject to our team's availability on the new date.
If we do not have availability on your new event date and you decide to end your contract, your deposit is non-refundable but will be held as a credit for any event services or rentals within the next 2 years, or transferred to someone else of your choosing for any event services or rentals within the next 2 years.
What this means for our inquiries and future clients:
For the time being, we will continue to accept new bookings for events scheduled in July 2020 or later.
We are also temporarily amending our contract to offer refundable deposits up to one month prior to the event date for new event bookings scheduled between July 1, 2020 and August 31, 2020. We'll continue to monitor the situation and review this policy as necessary.
The reason we're not able to offer deposit refunds for current clients is that those non-refundable deposits are collected to secure the resources, staff and supplies required to maintain our business capacity and carry out our ongoing operations effectively. Regretfully, we do not have the ability to amend payment terms on previously generated invoices. This is why we're implementing the option to hold non-refundable deposits as a credit for 2 years or transfer the deposit to someone else for services or rentals within that same period.
Most importantly, Spotlight Events was founded on a passion and love for gathering together, building connections and creating unforgettable experiences to share. In a time when we MUST practice social distancing and isolation, we are committed to remaining connected to our community. We're endlessly grateful for technology, social media and the digital world allowing us to come together and support one another, even when we cannot gather in person.
We love you. We support you. We're grateful for you.
Stay safe and stay kind.
Much love,
Founder & CEO, Spotlight Events