Risk Management in Public Event Planning

I led teams responsible for launching the 2020 and 2022 Olympic games across Europe. For Paris 2024, here are 3 specific ways to prepare for a no mistakes event. ⬇️ Before every significant event, these are three of the ways I prepare: 🔹 Consider everything that has changed since the last major event. 🔹 Ensure all teams, stakeholders, and partners are aware of and ready for the event. 🔹 Identify how issues during the event will be handled. When I consider everything that has changed, I am not just looking at my team. I want to know about every system that has been altered, every system that has been replaced, and any change in partners or stakeholders that are participating in the event. The reason that this is so important is that events like this are not solo tasks. There are many moving pieces, and the best option is to have everyone involved thinking about what has changed. If you have a truly useful program manager, they are always looking for these changes. But your product people and engineers should be thinking about it as well. ✅ We hear “See something, Say something” all the times regarding public safety, but you could use a similar phrase to keep your event safe. If anyone working on the event sees something that is not being considered, they must be encouraged to say something so the organization can sort it out. Ensuring everyone is aware seems obvious, but it is not to be overlooked. It could be one team that is unaware that brings the whole process down. Perhaps the systems that team owns are considered rock solid and fully tested, so nobody bothers to loop them in. Here are some example considerations: 🔸 Are you sure the billing system, that has never failed before, can handle the traffic from your event? 🔸 Does it work in all applicable territories and with all applicable payment methods? Assumptions of “yes” on questions like these can definitely bite you when you least expect it. Your goal should be to be so diligent that nothing could possibly go wrong, and then acknowledge that it will. Part of your diligence is to determine how it will be identified and handled when it does. During any big events, the entire organization must be prepared for a period of “hypercare,” Where active eyes are on all systems and metrics during the event. There should be one assigned leader (per shift, if it is 24 hours or more) who ensures that issues are triaged and dealt with correctly. If you cover these 3 areas well, your major events will not have mistakes. There may be issues, but the mistake would be not being prepared to discover and deal with them swiftly. What else do you do to avoid mistakes? 💡 Olympic Countdown - Day 5: How can you be sure you are ready? Follow along for my countdown posts leading up to the launch of the Paris Olympics! I will share insights on launching large-scale events from my 30+ year career. Disclaimer: These insights represent my perspective, not that of any current or former employer.

The State of Sports Security: Operational Readiness in Times of Global Disruption: In today’s increasingly volatile global landscape, sports venue risk managers, both domestic and international, must understand how geopolitical divisiveness can directly impact sport event security operations. This becomes pivotal when planning and overseeing mega-events that draw large, diverse crowds situated in densely populated spaces. Proactive risk mitigation strategies are key to reduce risk and safeguard every patron, performer, and participant. Strategic Priorities for Today's Venue Safety & Security Professionals: When navigating today’s complex threat environment, venue security leaders must focus on the following priorities: 🔹 1. Maintain Personal Situational Awareness: From frontline security/guest services staff to executive leadership, every team member must stay alert and aware. Situational awareness enables real-time, informed decisions when threats evolve. 🔹 2. Prioritize Intelligence-Led Operations: Effectively monitor and analyze threats in real time. Intelligence lead strategies are key for staying ahead of nefarious bad actors while maintaining operational continuity. 🔹 3. Leverage Advanced Security Technologies: AI, CCTV, biometrics, iris scans, license plate recognition (LPR), responsible social media monitoring, errant drone detection systems, and cybersecurity/IT solutions bodes well from a comprehensive approach in both physical and cybersecurity environments. 🔹 4. Bolster Venue Staff Training: Your team’s performance when confronted with a crisis will reflect their levle of preparation. Scenario-based learning, computer simulations, tabletops, red teams and evacuation drills instill confidence, competence, and coordination of efforts. 🔹 5. Conduct Ongoing Risk Assessments & Scenario Based Learning: Tailor enterprise risk assessments to the unique risks associated with your venue. Regularly review after-action reports-AAR's and case studies to inform your operational planning and close any potential threats, gaps, vulnerabilities. 🔹 6. Enhance Multi-Agency Collaboration: Develop robust relationships with local, state, and federal partners. Shared intelligence and coordinated efforts are key to successful crisis response. 🔹 7. Implement Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM) Take a holistic approach to risk—integrating physical, cyber, and operational domains. Incorporate Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) into new construction and renovation projects for smarter, safer venues. Emerging Threats to Consider Moving Forward: Crowd Management Domestic & International Terrorism (including lone-wolf actors) Drone Intrusions Cybersecurity Challenges Venue's must stay ahead of the threats facing the space. Does this resonate with your experience? Let’s continue the conversation. Share your comments below. Thank you. #linkedin #socialmedia #sportssecurity #highereducation

ART OF MANAGING MASSIVE CROWDS. Crowd control management is a complex field focused on managing large human gatherings safely and efficiently. One of the most common strategies is the use of barriers and fencing to guide crowd movement, creating controlled entry and exit points while minimizing potential bottlenecks or stampedes. The psychology of crowd behavior plays a significant role in planning. Engineers study how people tend to follow each other, move toward open spaces, and avoid obstructions, which influences the placement of paths and exits. Zoned areas or sections are designed to limit overcrowding in specific areas. This technique helps manage the density of people in different locations, such as splitting festival grounds into separate zones to prevent too many people gathering in one place. Surveillance technology, including drones and high-tech cameras, is increasingly used to monitor large crowds. This allows real-time analysis and can quickly alert authorities to emerging issues like congestion or aggressive behavior. Temporary structures like modular grandstands or elevated platforms provide organizers with flexible seating or viewing options while maintaining crowd safety and flow. Sound-based crowd control techniques, like using loudspeakers to provide clear instructions or warnings, can help prevent panic or direct people in case of emergencies. Crowd modeling and simulation software is often used to predict how people will move in different environments, allowing planners to design venues that minimize risks and improve evacuation routes. The concept of "herding" is often applied. By subtly influencing the movement of individuals, crowd managers can steer large groups toward safer areas without them realizing they are being guided. Visual signals, such as colored lights or flags, are commonly used at events to indicate designated areas or to guide crowds away from certain locations. The use of buffer zones or empty spaces between different crowd segments prevents the merging of groups, reducing pressure in critical areas. Tactile pathways or textured flooring are sometimes used to subtly guide crowds, as changes in texture can influence how people move or stand. Police and security personnel often employ non-invasive methods like horseback patrols or mounted units, which can have a calming effect on large crowds while also providing a commanding presence.

🚨OPERATIONAL SECURITY & EVENT PLANNING Proud to share this outstanding article, "Navigating the Line Between Events and Incidents: Key Insights for Operational Security," written by two exceptional professionals and former U.S. Secret Service colleagues, Michael Breslin and Michael Hartenstein. From Super Bowl security to Presidential Inaugurations, and local parades, event security planning requires unparalleled preparation, coordination, and adaptability. This article, featured in IADLIST's Standards & Training Director Magazine (March 2025), provides real-world best practices and insights from the United States Secret Service to help law enforcement, public safety officials, and event planners enhance their strategies. 🔹 Key Takeaways: ✅ The critical difference between events & incidents ✅ Importance of threat assessments, intelligence sharing, and cross-agency collaboration ✅ Unified Command & NIMS Principles for streamlined operations ✅ A 15-step best practices framework for securing events of any size ✅ The "failure to imagine" mindset and why it's crucial for preparedness With threats constantly evolving, proactive security measures and strong interagency cooperation remain essential for safeguarding public gatherings. This article is a must-read for those in law enforcement, security, and risk management who are dedicated to keeping events safe and secure. 💡 Read the full article and join the discussion! #SecurityLeadership #EventPlanning #OperationalSecurity #USSS #RiskManagement #PublicSafety #IADLEST #LawEnforcement #ThreatMitigation #EmergencyPreparedness

As a lifelong New Yorker, I have been immersed in crowd control -- active, passive, overt, and covert. I remember when nine New Yorkers were crushed to death trying to get in to a concert at CCNY, I have been to a concert with more than 1,000,000 in attendance in Central Park, and I have worked more event details than I can remember. Crowd control is vital, life-saving work that goes unnoticed if it is done well. As we saw at Hard Rock Stadium this week -- disorder and a crush is a constant threat. While #secuirty and #publicsafety professionals must always be mindful of things like #activeshooter, #IED, #CBRNE, and #drone threats; crushes have been some of the most deadly events at public gatherings and we must also constantly plan so we can avoid that threat. Let’s explore some best practices for effective crowd management: -Planning: Before any event, establish clear expectations for attendees. Make sure everyone is aware of the rules and regulations. Designate a team of staff members specifically for crowd management. -Crowd Monitoring: Utilize surveillance technology (such as CCTV cameras) and on-ground personnel to monitor crowd behavior. Early detection of disturbances helps manage potential issues before they escalate. -Communication: Establish a robust communication system among staff members. Quick and effective communication is crucial during emergencies or unexpected situations. Communication must not become overwhelmed or be siloed in an emergency. -Crowd Flow Management: Plan for efficient entry and exit points. Consider the layout of the venue to prevent bottlenecks and ensure smooth movement. -Crowd Control Barriers: Use physical barriers strategically to guide crowd flow. These can include fences, ropes, or barricades. -Crowd Engagement: Engage with attendees positively. Well-trained staff can help direct crowds and answer questions, reducing confusion. -Crowd Safety Measures: Prioritize safety protocols. Know evacuation routes, medical stations, and emergency exits. -Technology Integration: Leverage technology for real-time monitoring and communication. This includes crowd tracking apps and digital signage. -Staff Training: Regularly train your team on crowd management techniques. Prepared staff can handle situations effectively. -Post-Event Evaluation: After each event, evaluate what worked well and identify areas for improvement. Learn from past experiences to enhance future crowd management. #AARs are key, as is iterative learning/improvement Remember, effective crowd management not only prevents chaos but also enhances the overall experience for participants. Your expertise will undoubtedly contribute to safer and more enjoyable events! 😊👍 https://lnkd.in/e_fNVd-k