Event Safety Alliance announces the next edition of the Crowd Safety Symposium, taking place November 5-6, 2023 in Houston, Texas. This two-day workshop aims to provide an understanding of the four aspects of basic crowd safety and to provide techniques to plan and manage safe pedestrian flows in crowded places during all phases of an event.
ABOUT THE CROWD SAFETY SYMPOSIUM
Festivals, concerts, conferences, graduations, and athletic events all share one common characteristic – they all feature crowds. 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. The course aims to provide an understanding of the four aspects of basic crowd safety and to provide techniques to plan and manage safe pedestrian flows in crowded places during all phases of an event including emergencies.
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
By the end of the workshop you should be able to:
• Understand the main risks in managing crowds.
• Understand the differences between crowd management and crowd control.
• Describe the phases of crowds and their psychology.
• Conduct calculations for flow rates and density for people in crowded places.
• Identify crowd behaviors in emergency situations and how to manage them.
• Understand how to use non-computer models to plan for crowds.
• Understand human behaviors that affect crowds: Route modeling, Normalcy Bias, Dread Theory, De-individuation and the RAS.
COURSE REVIEWS
“Eric went above and beyond with the information. With all the Special Events we approve in the City of Los Angeles his teaching will certainly be used where needed during the approval process.”
Chief John Benn, Los Angeles Fire Department
“This was a fantastic event. I’m taking a lot of what I learned and applying it immediately to my future events. I only hope you all keep doing this so more people can benefit.”
Mike Hanley, Festival Director
“I have been a road security guy since 1992. I started like most as personal protection and moved into security management , and quite frankly have all but given up on the industry . I feel rejuvenated . Eric and this Symposium was amazing.”
Steve 'Sully' Sullivan, Security Director
About the Instructor
Engaged in Crowd Safety Management for 15 years and working with crowds since 1980, Eric’s 33-year police career in London culminated in a planning role for 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.
Eric 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.
He holds a BA (Hon) degree in Crowd Safety Management and, in addition to training others undergoing the same degree at Buckinghamshire New University, teaches courses in the UK, US, and Canada for emergency services, local authorities and private companies where crowded places require careful crowd management in both normal and emergency situations. Eric is keen to ensure there is a better balance between the mathematics, physics and human behaviors when planning for crowds.
WORKSHOP FEE
Registration for each workshop is $250 for ESA members/$300 for non-members. Capacity for each training is extremely limited to ensure an optimal learning experience, so interested persons are encouraged to register early.
LOCATION
C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton
400 Dallas St
Houston, TX 77002
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations requests received two (2) weeks prior to the start of the course are eligible for a full refund of the course fee or credit for a future course.
Cancellations requests received one (1) week prior to the start of the course are eligible for a 50% refund of the course fee, or a 100% credit for a future course.
Cancellations requests received less than one (1) week prior to the start of the course are ineligible for a refund, but will receive a 100% credit for a future course.