1 WHAT TYPE OF EVENT ARE YOU PLANNING? Is it a classical recital or a rock concert? Both events require similar infrastructure, but the intensity of the input varies greatly. You will not necessarily need the same crowd control infrastructure at a classical concert as you would at a rock show, as the audiences you attract to each of these events are vastly different.
2 WILL THERE BE ANY VIPS PRESENT? By knowing what level of artist or dignitary is involved in the event, you can have the correct safety in place.
3 HOW OPEN IS THE VENUE? Is it in a stadium, an open field, or in a building that has been modified to accommodate the event? Points 2 to 4 all impact on how you treat security for the event.
4 HOW MUCH EQUIPMENT IS INVOLVED? If there is a lot of equipment needed for the event, do you have enough security to take care of it when there is nobody there?
DOWNLOAD: 8 WAYS TO ENSURE YOU HAVE THE EVENTS ACT COVERED
5 HOW IS ACCESS TO THE VENUE DESIGNED? If it is an open field, you have to consider how access to the event is to be controlled. Do you fence the whole area so no one can get in without a ticket? If access is free, how do you plan for security and the safety of the audience? You plan for the worst-case scenario. Nelson Mandela’s inauguration is a perfect example – every hospital and medical facility in Pretoria, and surrounds, was put on standby, although nothing happened. But, if the worst-case scenario had taken place, the medical cover and backup would have been there.
