Our Grand Prep meeting, which takes place in Spring and brings together key people from past and upcoming events teams, was due to take place in Slovenia from 1-6 April. We had planned to have a full programme to prepare for events in 2020. However, due to the ongoing Covid19 situation, we had to adapt accordingly and instead we held our first ever virtual Grand Prep meeting. The wonders of modern technology!
Our wonderful staff, Jenni and Eelin, got creative and used online platforms and tools to deliver an engaging and informative programme via Zoom. The meeting began with introductions, catching up with new and familiar faces and, of course, an energiser. Zoom allowed us to split into groups where members of last year’s Prep teams shared their experiences and expertise with representatives from organisations hosting events in 2020 and 2021. We also brainstormed and shared our knowledge via Jamboard; an interactive virtual flipchart, before regrouping and presenting our work. Despite some changes to our events this year, preparations will continue to take place and we endeavour to deliver as much of our programme as planned.
At the weekend we also had a virtual board meeting via Zoom. Although we couldn’t be together in person, it was great to see each other via video camera and discuss our full agenda. While the ongoing pandemic has altered our plans and gave us some additional points to discuss and consider, we remain committed to delivering on our aims and objectives. We will continue to collaborate with our Member Organisations and share information as soon as possible. We may be separated but we remain united during this uncertain time