Managing Risk

Event managers ignore event safety, security at their peril.

With the ongoing threat of terror attacks and political instability, safety and security are two areas regularly topping event managers’ agendas. In today’s climate, experts say, it is more important than ever to write a risk assessment for each event, considering every possible threat or problem that could arise during an event.

Carrying out a risk assessment at hotels via pre-event inspection trips cannot be taken lightly. Besides inspecting the quality of hotel rooms, food, and service, knowing and testing the hotel’s capability in handling possible emergency situations is essential.

Anna Lim, senior events project manager of BI Worldwide APCA, indicated that even international five-star hotel in Bali could have expired fire extinguishers, so it is important to know the venues’ capacity to accommodate groups — it becomes extremely dangerous when a venue exceeds its capacity & weight limit.

it is also vital to install security and access control for events, attentive staff or team members who are aware of emergency escape routes and exits may help to guide the crowd out of the venue in a calm manner.

it is also vital to install security and access control for events, attentive staff or team members who are aware of emergency escape routes and exits may help to guide the crowd out of the venue in a calm manner.

Planner must be able to access information about the overall floor plan with exit points, emergency routes, and emergency contact numbers at any time.

Depending on the destination, event planners could also use specialized consultants alongside third-party suppliers, to work out detailed proposals for locations and venues.

In terms of personal safety, delegates should be responsible and understand their limit when it comes to alcoholic beverages and should never drink and drive.

If delegates identify any suspicious items or bags within the venue, or if they witness anyone engaged in a brawl or fight which will endanger the overall crowd or public, they should notify the organizer or security personnel as soon as possible.