“For hospitality and catering businesses in Connecticut, it’s been economically devastating,” said Jennings. For venues that book months and years in advance, planning is crucial. That’s why groups representing the event industry sent a letter to state leaders pleading for a specific date for the reopening of indoor events of at least 150 guests. Advocates point out New Jersey has already increased capacity for indoor gatherings and New York announced something similar starting in mid-March, with guidelines in place. “We don’t just want to open. We want to open safely,” said Jennings. “We want to create beautiful, fun, and safe environments for our employees, for our clients, and for their guests.”