Despite the relief it brings, monsoon can be a dampener for plans. The incessant rains that Ahmedabad has been witnessing since last week has made commute a nightmare. Schools and colleges have shut down to ensure that maximum numbers are safe indoors.
However, what does one do with events already planned and lined up months in advance? Here are some city-based event planners sharing tips on minimising monsoon’s toll on the entertainment and hospitality sector:
According to Ashna Sharma, Operations Head, 2Jokers Entertainment: “Weather does play spoilsport. We generally prepare for two out of every 10 shows to be cancelled during monsoon. Sometimes, the artistes themselves call off a show and sometimes, apprehending worsening of rains, we cancel. Such shows are usually shelved and the audience informed of the next date. Even with indoor events, we create an area where people can leave behind wet umbrellas or raincoats before entering the hall.”
When asked for his input, Prakash Jadawala, CMD, Praja Films and Events shared: “Indoor events are not affected, though a low turnout does happen. Over the years, we have learnt to avoid planning big scale open ground events during monsoon. Luckily, since I set up business, I have never had to cancel a planned event.”
Underscoring the practicality in booking indoor auditoriums for events during the rains, Devendra Mehta, Charter President Lions Club of Ahmedabad, informed: “Our annual Lion’s Rotary is a July-August fixture and we are careful about pre-booking closed spaces. Event managers themselves dissuade night shows or open-air performances given Ahmedabad’s extremes during certain months. The city has many newly constructed closed spaces with good capacity options and we go with these.” Mehta also shares his observation that the younger crowd generally goes ahead with minor alterations to the plan, though seniors are more likely to cancel the evening altogether.
For proprietor Rishi, Patang Open Mic: “Since I organise the event at my own platform/place, ChaBook Cafe, last minute alterations to the original plans are easier to accommodate. Yes, rains can obstruct people from coming to the show. But once in, the time is ours. As they say, the show must go on.”
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