It seems many things were put on hold when COVID-19 caused the University of Wyoming to move online. However, 7220 Entertainment did not let the setback stop them from offering events to students and having a successful semester.
Student Activities Coordinator Amanda Kuster said that the organization was super disappointed that their in-person events were canceled because members had already spent so much time organizing them.
One of the big events that was planned for right after spring break was the second annual CowboyCon, which was inevitably canceled due to COVID-19. Kuster said that the planning for CowboyCon started in October.
“That one was the biggest upset,” said Kuster.
That did not stop 7220 Entertainment from finding inventive ways to keep students connected through fun interactive virtual events.
Kuster said that the student coordinators of 7220 took everything in stride and made a point to juggle their 7220 duties with everything else a UW student was hit with after going completely virtual.
“I just am super proud of each of my coordinators stepping up in this time of uncertainty, and they continue to persevere,” said Kuster.
Volunteers are also a huge part of making 7220 Entertainment so successful, and there was a significant decline in participation after COVID-19. However, Kuster said she is thankful to the people who helped out during the transition.
“There was never any pressure to be like you have to do this, it was more of like hey we want to provide these offerings,” said Kuster.
Just like with any new situation, there was a learning curve for 7220 Entertainment to figure out how to move forward with events.
Kuster said that learning to use social media to the best possible extent was a big lesson for 7220, as the organizations had not looked at all the possibilities that came from social media before going only online.
Also, with everyone moving to online platforms for everything, 7220 had to navigate, offering events that did not give way to digital fatigue.
Kuster said that away the organization combatted digital fatigue was to offer mail-out packages that allowed students to participate in hands-on crafts such as bamboo kits and paint kits.
“The challenge was making sure that folks were just not tired of looking at the screen and offering up some other elements that could help reenergize them,” said Kuster.
Online events also allowed for 7220 Entertainment to get a lot of student and participant feedback.
“The intentionality of virtual programs is pretty unique,” said Kuster. “We learned a lot. We’re taking away a lot of like, okay this is what, University of Wyoming students like, this is what they don’t like.”
One of 7220 Entertainment’s most successful events was the virtual trivia nights.
“They were by far the best offering, and I think the most interactive way to engage and so personable,” said Kuster.
Trivia nights were such a hit, Kuster said 7220 Entertainment will be using them for summer orientation sessions coming up, which have also gone online.
7220 Entertainment learned many things after going online, but the organization always kept their eyes focused on the goal.
“The goal for 7220, whether we’re in person or virtual, is to just keep connected,” said Kuster.
No matter how difficult and stressful moving to online offerings was, 7220 Entertainment met and exceeded expectations. The spring 2020 semester can definitely be put down as a success for 7220 Entertainment.
