The Event Safety Podcast

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we shift from the tennis court to the basketball court, with a look at the issue of "court storming" featuring Duke University Assistant Director of Athletics/Game Operations (and friend of the Pod) Becca Wilusz! We discuss what motivates attendees to take such actions, whether they are reasonably foreseeable, the impact of social media, how to plan for the possibility, and so much more. There's a takeaway for events of all types, so sports fan or not you'll want to give this one a listen.

It's so much more than tennis! In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve head down under (virtually) for a chat with Lee Ross and Martin Luders, members of the highly skilled safety and compliance team for the Australian Open. Discussion includes what goes into producing an event of this scale, weather planning, compliance, and how they prepared to manage this year's record-breaking attendance.

It may be cold outside, but the latest edition of The Event Safety Podcast is RED HOT. In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Kevin Kloesel for an update on what's happening in the event weather space. Discussion includes how planning for one risk can introduce new ones, the importance of deeply understanding your venue, emergency messaging, new lightning guidance, and boatloads (or should we say snow shovels full) more. Link: National Center for Spectator Sports Safety & Security (NCS4) Grab your shovel! Bills mafia digs in with snow removal before high stakes Buffalo-K.C. playoff game (NBC News) ANSI ES1.7 - 2021, Event Safety Requirements - Weather Preparedness

With the new year just days away, we're looking back at some of the most important, impactful, or undercovered stories of 2023. From guest issues to climate impacts, it's been an eventful 12 months in the safety world, so grab another cup of cocoa, put your feet up, and join Danielle and Steve as they close out the year. From all of us at The Event Safety Podcast, have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. We'll see you in 2024! Link: ANSI ES1.40 – 2023 Event Safety - Event Security

What did YOU think of the 2023 Event Safety Summit? In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we recap some highlights of this year's Summit with two attendees, Francesca Ghizzoni (Production Manager, SXSW) and Emily Jeu (Director of Production, Columbus Association for the Performing Arts). They share their views on what drove them to attend the Summit, why they believe it's important for event professionals to take part, what they found most compelling, and what they'd like to see at future events.

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve discuss the creation of the newly released ANSI ES1.40-2003 Event Security Standard with two contributing members of the standard's working group, Dave Ellis and Manny Marquez. Topics include an overview of the standard’s development, its "modern" approach to event security, what it addresses and what it does not, and why becoming involved in the standard-writing process is both professionally and personally worthwhile. Links: ANSI ES1.40 - 2023 Event Security (Download)

It's a Powerpalooza! In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, we get deep and nerdy on the subject of sustainable power in event applications with the team at Overdrive Energy Solutions. We discuss the safety benefits and challenges of portable battery technology, integrating it into your site plans, and their experience powering the guest package of a major artist at this year's Lollapalooza. This episode is brought to you by Event Safety Alliance Canada Links: Overdrive Energy Solutions Reverb Billie Eilish, REVERB Partner Up To Deliver Solar-Powered Lollapalooza Set

What do you get when you mix a giant hill, thousands of students, and the last day of classes? A fantastic case study for The Event Safety Podcast! In this episode, Danielle and Steve are joined by Joseph Scaffido, Director of University Events, Conference & Event Services at Cornell, for a look at the University's annual Slope Day event. From weather to crowds to infrastructure challenges, there's a lot to learn from this nearly 120-year-old gathering. Links: Slope Day (Cornell University)

In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve delve into the psychological phenomenon of inattentional blindness and its potential impact on safety at live events. Topics covered include the illusion of attention, the science behind the phenomenon, strategies for overcoming it, and more. Links: The Monkey Business Illusion The Invisible Gorilla (Book)

In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, we talk electrical safety with author, ETCP-recognized instructor, and self-described "lighting guy" Richard Cadena. Join us as we discuss common electrical hazards in the entertainment space, why bypassing or altering equipment is a recipe for disaster, a few must-have tools for your safety toolkit, and the upcoming release of Richard's latest book. Links: Academy of Production Technology Electricity for the Entertainment Electrician & Technician: A Practical Guide for Power Distribution in Live Event Production (3rd Edition)

Extreme weather, shootings, new laws, objects thrown at artists...a lot can happen in just a few short weeks. In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we welcome Steve back from a much-needed vacation and examine the lessons from the MANY safety-related incidents that occurred while he was away. NOTES: ANSI ES1.7 - 2021 Event Safety Requirements - Weather Preparedness Global Crowd Management Alliance 2023 Event Safety Summit

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we put on our red shoes and hit the floor to discuss dance recitals and other events involving large numbers of children and families. Featuring the fantastic trio of Josh Webb (Coker University), Pamela Sturrock (Riverside Convention Center), and Devin Vanaman (Riverside Convention Center), discussion includes the unique risks presented by these events, protocols for production crews, the concept of the attractive nuisance, dealing with prop dads, and the correct way to pronounce "Worcester."

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve sit down with new USITT Executive Director Laura Lee Everett for a wide-ranging conversation about her background, USITT's safety programming, current initiatives, a sneak peek at their 2024 conference in Seattle, and selling a career in events to the toughest skeptics around...your parents. Notes: USITT Southeastern Theater Conference (SETC) Performing Arts Alliance White Space (FCC) Event Safety Podcast Episode 52 - BACKStage Exam

How did you learn a career in live events was a thing? How did you end up in your profession? In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we chat with Erin Grabe (ESTA) and Boxer Hardison (Bigger Hammer Production Services) about how they got their start and how we can make our industry enticing for those considering joining our "island of misfit toys." Notes: Notes: Event Safety Podcast Episode 52 - BACKStage Exam

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we welcome back ESA Board Member and ESA Canada Executive Director Janet Sellery for a conversation on assessing risk. Topics of discussion include organizing risks factors, benefits & shortcoming of various assessment models, prioritizing process over specific tools, and more. They also drop some info on several upcoming events and ESA’s new student membership program. Check it out! Notes: Notes: Triangle: The Fire That Changed America (Book) The Checklist Manifesto (Book) ESA Canada

Time to talk about training! In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve welcome back the extremely knowledgeable and always entertaining Phil Van Hest, Rigging and Safety Manager at Bigger Hammer Production Services. Topics of discussion include identifying who and what needs to be taught, training program development, hazard reporting, managing new crew members, the power of “openness”, and loads more. Notes: Event Safety Access Training Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Bigger Hammer Online Training Courses

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we're chatting about the business of festivals and events with Steve Schmader, President and CEO of International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA). Conversation includes the origins of IFEA, focus areas, thoughts on the status of the events industry post-COVID, and more. Notes: International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA)

In this edition of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve continue their conversation from last episode with a closer look at the concept of the normalization of deviance, including its origins, why it happens, and most importantly how to avoid it. They also revisit the idea of the “Swiss cheese model” of risk mitigation and lessons from John Barylick’s excellent book on the Station Nightclub fire Killer Show. Notes: Killer Show Swiss Cheese Model The Normalization of Deviance The Challenger Launch Decision

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve recount a recent exchange an ESA associate had with a reporter regarding crowd crushes, and why the reporter was focused on the wrong issue. Discussion includes prioritizing root causes, the hierarchy of controls, human factors engineering, black swan events, and loads more. Notes: Event Safety Podcast Episode 60: Crowd Science Hierarchy of Controls The Normalization of Deviance The Challenger Launch Decision The Black Swan

We're back with the first Event Safety Podcast of 2023! In this episode, we discuss communications planning with Derrec Becker, Chief of Public Information & External Affairs at the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. Topics include incident communication planning, creative messaging, the importance of tone, platform selection, and loads more (and if you’re not following their Facebook Page, it’s HIGHLY recommended). Notes: South Carolina Emergency Management Division FEMA Independant Study Courses