Event professionals thrive in an environment that requires both careful preparation and the ability to adapt to frequently changing circumstances. But as history has repeatedly shown, severe weather can disrupt even the best-laid plans. With COVID-19 driving most events outdoors for the foreseeable future, weather preparedness is more important than ever.
For these reasons, the Event Safety Alliance is happy to announce the return of the Severe Weather Summit, an experience-driven and science-backed workshop designed to help event and venue professionals prepare for and respond to dangerous weather conditions. Subject matter experts in the fields of meteorology, structural engineering, event production, and crowd safety will explore topics such as:
Severe weather phenomena that can threaten all types of events and facilities;
Why playing “amateur meteorologist” can be dangerous;
Public and private-sector resources that can assist in weather preparedness;
Technologies that can provide advanced warning of threatening weather;
Impacts of severe weather on event infrastructure; and
How to develop an actionable severe weather plan.
New Challenges, New Format
In recognition of our industry’s current challenges, we have made the 2021 Severe Weather Summit as accessible as possible, with a new virtual format, delivery schedule, and pricing structure. The program has been divided into four 90-minute sections to be delivered each week this April. Each session will feature Q&A with presenters and be available to stream on demand after its initial broadcast for those who can’t make it due to work, school, or other life demands (trust us, we get it).
ESA Member? You’re in!
Best of all, access to the 2021 Severe Weather Summit is absolutely free for ESA members. Registration is required, and viewing links will be distributed 48 hours in advance of each session (Note: There will be a different link for each session).
If you’re not a member, you can sign up now for just $25/annual. You’ll gain access to the Severe Weather Summit and host of other benefits throughout 2021.
Registration Fee
Zip. Zilch. Nada. Nothing. The 2021 Virtual Severe Weather Summit is free for ESA members.
Not a member? You can sign up now for just $25/annual. Join Now.
Sponsored By:
Program Schedule
WEEK 1: SEVERE WEATHER BOOT CAMP
Presenter: Dr. Kevin Kloesel, University of Oklahoma
Date: April 6, 2021 @ 11:00AM PST
The basics of wind, rain, lightning, and other weather hazards, and our abilities to forecast them; What information to look for to be more situationally aware of impending weather threats and hazards; When it’s time to stop an event due to severe weather, and when it’s safe to resume; Available weather resources, and why you should not rely on consumer-level weather apps as your sole means of decision making.
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WEEK 2: IF YOU BUILD IT, WIND WILL COME! WEATHER IMPACTS ON EVENT STRUCTURES
Presenter: Jeff Reder, Clark Reder Engineering
Date: April 13, 2021 @ 11:00AM PST
Overview of wind loading on structures; Understanding engineering documentation; What to look for when selecting/erecting structures; When and why to call in an expert.
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WEEK 3: THE WISDOM OF CROWDS
Presenter: Steven Adelman, Event Safety Alliance and Adelman Law Group, PLLC
Date: April 20, 2021 @ 11:00AM PST
Meet the new year; still looks a lot like the old year. We all have a legal duty to behave reasonably "under the circumstances." But it’s hard to know what’s reasonable about reopening events during the long wind-down of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic will force event professionals to balance weather preparedness versus life safety in ways we never considered before. This session will help you think through some of the new perils arising from old severe weather risks, and then provide a framework so you can make reasonable decisions that you can defend even if something does go wrong.
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WEEK 4: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER - DEVELOPING A SEVERE WEATHER ACTION PLAN
Presenter: Hadden Hippsley, Lambda Productions
Date: April 27, 2021 @ 11:00AM PST
What is a Weather Action Plan? How do you develop one? What should they contain? What development resources are available?
The program will conclude with an online exam, successful completion of which will result in a Certificate of Completion and the knowledge that you’re prepared to face down most weather challenges.