Type of Event: Video Filming 

Date: Summer 2020

Venue: Granta Centre

Background

Metrion Biosciences is a UK-based Contract Research Organisation focussed on delivering a range of high-quality ion channel drug discovery services. Since moving to Granta Park in 2016, the company has regularly held small meetings at the Granta Centre, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
One of these involved the recording of a company video for a conference in Summer 2020. Ahead of the day, those attending were sent detailed information regarding the safety and cleaning measures in place and asked to complete Track and Trace documentation

Safe and secure 

Sophie Rose, Sales & Marketing Manager at Metrion Biosciences says: “Everything was explained in advance and again on arrival so we could see how the event would run and we all felt very safe and secure. As we had visited the Granta Centre many times before and know the layout well, a special pre-event visit was not necessary. It was clear that the staff had been well trained.
“We noticed plenty of additional safety measures in place. For example, there were multiple hand-gel stations around communal areas and in the meeting rooms and a one-way system to avoid contact with other visitors. Masks were worn in communal areas and the staff wore visors. Entry to the facility was monitored to ensure everybody accessing the building was noted and contact details were taken for Track and Trace purposes. When it came to catering, the food was served plated individually rather than the usual buffet style. I also noticed a staff member wiping down door handles regularly during the course of our event, which lasted most of the day. 

Meeting format

“COVID-19 restrictions meant that we had to change a few aspects of the meeting. For instance we booked a larger room than we would otherwise have done to ensure that social distancing was possible. We also pre-ordered individual plated lunches and we ensured that our hands were sanitized regularly and used the one-way system at all times when walking around the building. 
“In terms of attendees, everybody commented that they felt safe and secure and that it was nice to get together, as by this point people had been working from home for some time and only interacted via Teams or on the phone. 

Goal achieved

 “It was very good to have a face-to-face event and we would have really struggled to have filmed a video ourselves either on our phones or using a computer. The room we used was light and airy and much bigger than the space available at the Metrion office. The videographer was excellent, enabling us to achieve our goal and we have used the finished product on numerous occasions now. I’d definitely feel confident to hold another meeting on the same lines.”

Andrew Bell, Conference Centre Manager at the Granta Centre added: “As a venue we always do everything we can to make our guests feel welcome and comfortable. The arrival of COVID-19 hasn’t changed this objective, although of course we have had to adhere to the guidelines in terms of social distancing, more in-depth and frequent cleaning and changing what we can offer in terms of catering.

“One thing we felt very strongly about was welcoming our guests with a smile which is why we opted for clear face visors rather than masks.

 “Sophie’s comments were fantastic to hear and reassured us that we had not only looked after our guests’ safety but also made everyone feel welcome and provided the right environment for them to carry out their business.”