How are things going? … Pretty damned good!

The appetite for returning to a pre-Covid life is super strong. The pic is from my February program at the King’s Gate Country Club in Punta Gorda FL. 47 attended…

February is in the rear view mirror and it’s time to evaluate my participation in PUBLIC GATHERING EVENTS. In the face of Covid, answering questions about safety, peoples willingness to attend, and their desire for more…they’re critical. The ‘report card’ for February (my observations) is shared below. Are the venues holding events establishing Covid safety rules? — YES. One hundred percent of the events I attended in February had Covid safety requirements for presenters/vendors and attendees. Were the rules adequate to ensure safety? — Yes. Standard requirements for masks, spacing, hand sanitizers, etc. were required at every event I attended. Were the rules ENFORCED?  — Yes. With one exception, all rigorously enforced the rules.

Mixon’s art show where I meet and greet readers. Masks are required.

Are people willing to venture into public gatherings at this point? — Yes, with qualifications. 1) That safety procedures are in place and observed. 2) That the event has a strong “draw.” Organizations sponsoring the events have told me I qualify as the later. My primary reading demographic are readers 40 and up. It is gratifying and humbling to realize my ‘audience’ is willing to take some risk to hear what I have to say. However, we are in Florida and many of my audience have had the vaccine. How is attendance? — Good! I originally had 9 events scheduled. Three were excellent! Three were average to good. Two were below average. One was canceled.   Note: My book sales were excellent even at subpar attendance events…people who have read my novels in the past came specifically to get additional books.

 

Speaking about Florida’s contribution to WWII. Note the level of safety rule compliance. 100%

What is the outlook for public gathering events going forward? — Excellent! People long for a return to social interaction. I think one side benefit of the accommodations made to provide programs during Covid will be the use of Zoom and other programs to allow simultaneous home and meeting room events.

Back at Master the Possibilities twice in March. Virtual and In-house classes are available to everyone.

March is a loaded month. I have 16 presentations/appearances scheduled on 13 days. I’ve had to decline requests or postpone them. At this point, I have some dates booked as far ahead as April 2022. Visit my web page (DLHavlin — the link is to the right of this post) and click into “Calendar” for my detailed schedule. You can also use the “Contact” button to inquire about my speaking to your organization, get info on my books, etc. It’s exciting! My literary agent is in the act of finalized a contract for my new three book mystery series! I’ll release info as soon as it is complete.Hope to see you soon in person…or in one of my books!

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