Several successful COVID-19 drug trials among pharma manufacturers have offered some hope that the pandemic is coming to an end.
We asked DJs: Can a vaccine save your business?
Paul Evans, Silver Sound DJ Entertainment, Frazer, Pennsylvania:
I think that 1st quarter weddings booking season will be strong on news of the vaccine and pent up demand. People should be excited to put down deposits on Summer 2021 through 2022 dates. My only concern is that the various Vaccines might not get distributed fast enough to save some some spring 2021 weddings from having to be re-scheduled.
David Trimmer:
I won’t be DJing again until at least late spring or summer.
Scott Favre
Just like the CD and computer revolutionized the way DJs play music, this year has changed the way people celebrate. With the vaccine distribution in the next 6 months or so, parties are not going to return right away. The transition will be slow and the situation will continue to be painful for those who have not been creative with the services they provide. I foresee hybrid events remaining the standard for the next 12-18 months — with most guests online. Then transitioning after that to where more guests are at the party and some still online.
Steve Owen
No, there’s still a lot of unknowns. How will it be administered? How effective will it be? How quickly can it be produced? It’ll go to the most at-risk first (elderly, existing conditions, frontline workers), so when will it be available to the public at large? Are there any supply chain challenges to work through (one of the vaccines needs to be stored at -70°)? And if people won’t even wear a piece of fabric on their face, you think they’ll willingly get a vaccine? It’s needed and I’m excited, but this isn’t like flipping a switch and going back to “normal.”
Mark E. Haggerty, Denon & Doyle Entertainment Group
In our local SF Bay Area, the Warriors have announced they may allow fans attend a game after a Covid quick test, before entering. Our Los Angeles market may take longer. Right now, our events have been online, which I feel, will possibly evolve into a mix of the two services, once large events are allowed again. It may take a while for people to feel comfortable getting on an airplane to attend a party north of 500 people. Most of our large, tech company events may be shy to start up company events. I think even with a vaccine, this may affect small events as well. But I do believe that small events, such as weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, will come back first, followed by school dances. Photo booths (open air or booth style), may be changed forever, in regards to using props. Guests will probably expect to get brand-new props, out of the wrapper, that they can keep. This will be good for party supply companies but will increase our overhead, which will be passed on to the consumer.
Alex Belmont
Two companies in the lead, Pfizer and Moderna, developed an mNRA vaccine—actually a form of software injected directing your cells on how to react to Covid19. Two doses about 30 days apart. The Pfizer vaccine needs to be stored at extreme cold -94 degrees and has shelf life of five days. Moderna can be stored at less-extreme -4 degrees with a 30-day shelf life. They’re still figuring out distribution methods and some priority recipients being discussed: (1) healthcare providers, first responders, etc., (2) nursing homes, prisons, etc. (3) teachers, etc. and also high-risk widely exposed persons. And so on down the ladder, it’s gonna be a while. Further, since trials have gone on for only about two months, there’s no data yet on longterm impact.
Edward Dunn
The vaccine won’t save the business. Our creativity to retain paid clients and find new ways to accommodate them will. But the gathering rules need to be lifted and venues have to reopen first.
Bob Carpenter
Yes, I think it’ll save our business. The problem nationally is not the virus—it’s fear. Even if you gave people a placebo and told them this will prevent you from getting the virus, the fear would go away. The virus is 99.9% survivable, even if you get the virus. To the vast majority it’s no worst than the common cold. What people need to do is stop fearing.
Craig Holden
Time will tell. Believe in it or not It effects all of us. Unless you make computer games, then you’re rocking.
