A Year of Pandemic Lessons
Thursday March 18, 2021 | Filed under:
It’s been about a year since we sent the majority of ASI employees home, thinking they’d work remotely for a few weeks at best. This week, we surveyed those same employees to learn how many want to return to our office, under what circumstances and safety protocols. I’m sure many of you are having the same conversations.
Our world has changed in an abundance of ways since March 2020 (click here for a new video with my thoughts). When I walk around our largely empty office building today, I still see calendars with that month hanging on cubicle walls, along with a sign that gives me continued hope: “Smile and have faith. We’ve survived 100% of our worst days so far.”
COVID’s been very real for ASI and we’re lucky we left our office when we did. To date, 37 ASI employees – including one diagnosed just this week – of all ages have contracted the virus, which sometimes spread to their families. Months later, some colleagues are still experiencing serious lingering effects, proving this virus remains very real.
The good news is that three safe, highly effective vaccines are now available, and businesses and restaurants are continuing to reopen across the country in a big way (with continued safety protocols at many). We’re also seeing fans in sports arenas and there are even some smaller trade shows popping up.
I remain very bullish on our industry, confident that the second half of 2021 and 2022 will see more robust sales. ASI will continue to be here for the industry, sharing breaking news, sales strategies and market advice and, starting this June, live, in-person events like the fASI 500. Registration is also open for ASI Chicago and we’re hopeful state and local regulations will allow those larger gatherings. Plus, we’re continuing to host online events like the Digital Expo, August 25-26, with details coming soon.
Yes, COVID-19 was one for the history books. Today, my chief takeaway is this: We made it, thanks to our industry’s flexibility, creativity and ingenuity. Better, stronger days lie ahead.
