Event safety begins long before the doors open

Safe delivery starts at the planning stage

Once guests arrive, it is too late to begin discussing who is responsible for the entrance or how to handle a queue growing faster than expected. Event safety includes the decisions made beforehand as well as the staff visible on the day.

A safety plan must reflect the event’s specific circumstances. How many guests are expected? What kind of audience will attend? How are access routes arranged? Which activities could create pressure in particular areas? And who can make decisions if conditions change?

Three stages that need particular attention

Before arrival: Guests need to find the right entrance. Queuing areas, signage and access control need to work together. Unclear information can create unnecessary crowding before the event has even begun.

During the event: People move between stages, rooms, cloakrooms, toilets and catering areas. Bottlenecks and changes in crowd flow need ongoing attention.

At the end: Many guests will often leave at the same time. Exit arrangements, transport options and clear communication should be considered from the outset.

Security and hospitality need to understand each other’s roles

An event host may be the first to notice guests becoming confused or frustrated. A security team member may be responsible for a specific security function. The two roles can support one another, but they are not interchangeable.

A shared briefing is essential. Who observes what? Who should be contacted about deviations? When should a situation be escalated? How do we ensure guests receive calm, consistent information?

Five questions organisers should ask

Have entry and exit arrangements been reviewed against the size and nature of the event?
Are responsibilities and decision-making routes clear, including if things change?
Have all relevant staff received a shared briefing?
Is there a plan for communication, incidents and documentation?
Have tasks been assigned to staff with the skills and approvals those tasks require?

Mano Security: Safety in practice

Mano Security approaches safety as part of the overall event operation. The aim is to establish clear arrangements for organisers, staff and guests. The specific solution must always be assessed against the assignment, applicable rules and the staff actually available.

Next step: Include the safety discussion in the first production meeting, rather than leaving it until the final briefing.