Take1 Insurance and the Event Safety Alliance have announced that Gentian Events Director Eric Stuart, will lead a two-day Crowd Safety Symposium prior to the 2019 Event Safety Summit. This workshop will focus on the four aspects of basic crowd safety and the techniques required to plan and manage safe pedestrian flows during all phases of an event, underscoring the importance of considering crowd safety when developing comprehensive event plans.
According to Event Safety Alliance Chairman and President Jim Digby, the Crowd Safety Symposium workshop is just one of several supplementary paid learning opportunities to be offered prior to this year’s Event Safety Summit: “We are honored to have Eric Stuart join us at this year’s summit. His 33 years of experience in policing and crowd safety management is going to provide attendees with a deeper real-world understanding of what it takes to ensure safe pedestrian flows at today’s increasingly large and complicated events. He is keen to ensure there is a better balance between the mathematics, physics and human behaviors when planning for crowds.”
Engaged in Crowd Safety Management for over 15 years and working with crowds since 1980, Stuart’s 33-year police career in London culminated in a planning role for the Notting Hill Carnival and London New Year’s Eve (2005- 2010), with viewing audiences of 1 million and 450k respectively.
As Chief of Staff for the planning and delivery of the 70-day London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, he was involved with the selection of all members of the team and was the sole member engaged to see the event through from initial planning through delivery and debrief.
His recent work includes supporting clients with the crowd safety challenges caused by the recent spate of terror attacks, as well as working with the UK government’s National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) to provide an appropriate response and advice to those emerging threats.
Stuart writes and delivers crowd safety plans at events from major music festivals to motorsports and from large carnival processions to New Year’s Eve fireworks displays, working with private organizers, police, and local authorities to achieve mutual understanding of one another’s roles in keeping crowds safe.
According to Digby, festivals, concerts, conferences, graduations, and athletic events all share one common characteristic – crowds.
He said: “If your work involves planning to accommodate large groups of people, you need to know how to plan to mitigate these risks and keep your crowds safe.”
Registration for each optional paid workshop is $235 for ESA members/$260 for non-members. Capacity for each training is extremely limited to ensure an optimal learning experience, so interested persons are encouraged to register early.
The 2019 three-day event, presented by Take1 Insurance, will take place November 20-22, 2019 at Rock Lititz in Lititz, Pennsylvania, with pre-summit training courses also being offered on November 18-19 for those interested in delving deeper into specific subject areas.
The cost to attend the Event Safety Summit is $950 for ESA members, $1150 for non-members, and $900 for ESAT credential holders. The Event Safety Alliance and Bigger Hammer Production Services are offering a 50% discount for students currently enrolled in college, university, or trade programs.
