WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER
In this time of crisis, Gold Coast businesses are thinking on their feet and finding ways to keep on keeping on. Today, we shine a light on their tenacity
GOLD Coast businesses are rising to the challenge and finding new ways to deliver. Kids Events & Co owner Kristen Bortoni (pictured) said the coronavirus crisis had, like many others, forced her to think outside the box.
KIDS are devastated as birthday parties have been cancelled around Australia but thanks to technology “out of the box” parties are still going ahead.
Parents have been in a spin in the last week due to the spread of COVID-19 and new social distancing restrictions.
But Kids Events & Co event planner Kristen Bortoni said there was no reason to give up on celebrating your child’s birthday in style.
“Virtual birthday parties are the next best thing and they are pretty cool,” Mrs Bortoni said.
The small business owner said party entertainers and event planners are changing the way they do business.
“We have started using Zoom conferencing technology to connect the birthday king or queen with their friends to virtually dance, play games and feel special,” she said.
“The industry has taken a massive blow with the new social distancing laws but we are learning to adapt.
“It is so sad to see so many businesses close their doors but coronavirus has made us think outside the box on how we can still operate.
“We were all born to be creative so we are thriving off it and thinking of new ways to do birthday parties.”
Rather than a fairy party in the backyard with friends, the mum-of-two is organising events via computer, laptop, iPhone or iPad or tablet.
A range of her entertainment suppliers are now getting dressed up in extravagant costumes and hosting parties via live web conferencing. With a screen and help from mum and dad, kids can participate in a range of hands-on workshops including flower crown making, dancing, LEGO challenges, treasure hunts, plaster making, slime workshops, jewellery making, cooking and much more.
Ms Bortoni said with the help of her entertainment suppliers, Birthday Fairy and Fly By Fun, she thought virtual parties would be the next big trend.
Kids Event & Co party packages start from $80. A range of virtual school holiday workshops or live online meet and greet opportunities with fictional characters, like Emma Wiggle and Elsa, are available too.