Dear Diary,
I have to admit that although I’ve been producing events for over 20 years, there are some undeniable benefits to hosting events on the web while under quarantine.
Danny Glover gets candid with Co-Founders Amy Baker and Katherine Winston during a Winston Baker Webcast on April 14, 2020. View the interview here.
Being able to work in my jammies or just wear a nice top with Lululemons
No wearing heels all day while running logistics (THIS IS HUGE)
Saving the earth in so many ways (talk about cutting back on carbon footprint – no planes, no hotels, no signage, no conference books, no venues, the list goes on…)
Which means saving tons of money too (BIG WIN!)
No traveling and dealing with customs
Reaching more attendees from even more parts of the world (even though we were already quite global)
More thought leaders are accessible and available to speak
And best of all…
Speakers are so much more candid because they’re in their jammies too. The unique part of it all is that when you’re on a video conference or in a Zoom meeting – you feel like you’re having an intimate group chat with friends or having a personal conversation on FaceTime. And most importantly – we’re all going through the same effed up thing. Hence all the candor.
You should check out our upcoming webinars and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
Top entertainment lawyers Marissa Román Griffith and Chris Spicer share valuable industry insight and have a little fun during a Winston Baker’s Webinar. Catch the re-play here.
But don’t get me wrong.
This doesn’t mean I won’t be going back to planning monthly conferences around the world as soon as it’s safe to do so. Being a part of the live event experience and fostering meaningful relationships have always been the best parts of my life.
There’s nothing better than a personal and authentic connection, which usually happens when you meet with someone in person for the first time — and not as much on the screen. There’s a certain way a visionary inspires us when we see them speak live – the kind that gives you goosebumps. There’s an energy that ignites between human beings when present in the same room. It’s chemistry.
And that will never change. What I’m trying to say is I miss you all dearly and hope that we all see each other very soon again – at a conference, a festival, a screening or even just over coffee. In the meantime, come check us out online.
Until then, stay safe and stay strong!
Yours truly,
Katherine
Katherine Winston has been at the forefront of event production, marketing and emerging trends for over twenty years. As co-founder and managing partner of WINSTON | BAKER, she oversees event production, marketing strategies, new initiatives and business operations. In her previous role as Director of Marketing for RealD, she was in charge of creative advertising, supervised public relations, and organized event participation, product launches, and screenings. Prior to RealD, Winston was Senior Marketing Manager for GoTV Networks, where she was responsible for all aspects of marketing strategy and execution, including corporate and consumer marketing, web-to-mobile advertising, print, online, and experiential marketing, public relations, and managing brand partnership deals. Before GoTV, Winston was Conference Producer for Strategic Research Institute where she was responsible for producing high profile investment conferences for various sectors, including e-commerce, nanotech, defense & aerospace, biotech, law, real estate, and entertainment, among others. Winston earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with honors from the University of Washington, is a Phi Beta Kappa and National Association of Professional Women member. As a fervent advocate of entrepreneurialism, Winston is dedicated to connecting innovators with seasoned professionals who can fuel development and growth.