Crowd management is more than just ropes and stanchions. “There are a lot of different dimensions to understanding crowds,” explains Janet Sellery, chair of the Event Safety Alliance Canada (ESAC). “Some of it is math relating to densities and flow rates—how crowds move through space during ingress when they are arriving, circulation at the event and egress when they are leaving. Crowd psychology is also important: how people behave when they are in a crowd and how it changes depending on the event, venue, weather, age and other demographic factors.” Outdoor events and non-traditional LEARN MORE Photo: Techne Events venues may present hazards involving fire, weather and terrain. For remote incentives, pre-planning is crucial for accessing emergency shelter, health care, drinkable water and interpreters, should they be required. “When you go to another country, are their standards going to be a good match for the expectations of your group?” Get more information, including safety guides, at esacanada.ca UPCOMING EVENT ALERT: ESAC’s 2024 Conference, Vancouver, B.C., October 20-25, 2024 esacanada.ca STAFF UP From security teams and venue personnel to client employees and volunteers, think hard on roles and placement. “Communication between teams is very key,” says Dolnik. “On an aircraft carrier with 800 guests, we would bring in four or five event managers, and with multiple risk locations, we would add eight to 10 security.” KNOW WHO YOUR BFFS ARE “A venue security team is your best friend. You’re going into their house. They know their location inside and out,” says Dolnik. “Spend the money on security!” Fall 2024 | Ignitemag.ca | 57 At the Sheraton Laval, perfect harmony means providing versatile open spaces where business and pleasure intertwine. We offer everything to optimize your business vacation while always being open for leisure. The perfect harmony to be [email protected] marriott.com/yulls 1 800 667-2440
