One of the most disturbing common lines of these attacks is that often events have been the target. Sometimes the security infrastructure of an event has been able to reduce the impact of the brutality, saving lives.
Friday, September 09, 2016
Terrorism and Events: What Event Planners Need to Know
One of the most disturbing common lines of these attacks is that often events have been the target. Sometimes the security infrastructure of an event has been able to reduce the impact of the brutality, saving lives.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
16 comments:
This is something I considered quite a bit after the initial Paris attacks. I had read an article on how lighting designers in concert venues should have a plan in place to help people see exits in the case of an active shooting. That got me to thinking about event planners and management, and how they are crucial in helping evacuate people in emergencies. Few people know the venue, the security, and the procedure better than event planners. It’s their job to ensure plans are in place for worst case scenarios. Articles like this take the first step in enabling event planners to have guidelines when creating an emergency evacuation route. I really do think in larger events, someone on the event planning team should be required to take a class in active shooter safety. They should also require staff working the event floor to undergo some basic crowd management training. This article made a very good point that if police show up, their focus is going to be on taking down the threat. They are going to need help and expertise to safely evacuate everyone. Hopefully event planners are preparing to be that help if it ever comes down to it.
This is honestly the most terrifying thought in the world. Working an event/show/whatever, and being subject to a terrorist attack. I hate that this is even an acceptable fear, worthy even of an article on how to prepare for it. What a shitty world we're living in, to have to take measures against a terrorist attack. That said, I think the author is right in stating that we need to understand that these attacks, if they come, are unpreventable. It's really tough to accept, but I think being a part of a good management team means facing the hard facts and making sure that everyone is prepared no matter what may happen. I personally always feel some anxiety when at a large event or gathering of any kind, so seeing some security presence always calms me down a good deal. It's a terrible feeling, to want to enjoy something fun and exciting, but constantly have a nagging in the back of your head that you could be the next headline or the next temporary profile picture filter on Facebook. I'm not sure that I'm really able to propose any kind of solution to these problems, so really all I have is agreement with the opinion that we should always be prepared for anything.
One of the speakers at our community gathering this week spoke of a friend she has from Syria who had become so use to things being blown up that when he saw it happen all he was was annoyed that it delayed his light. And that is heart breathing to hear because no one should have to live in such a violent reality. But, even though this is nothing like what he has been through, it seems like accepting violence is becoming everyone’s reality. This is a hard pill to swallow, but this author is right. A plan is better than no plan especially with so many tensions rising across the entire globe. With big enough venues I definitely see how it is worth even involving authority’s in that plan, because these things are happening now, and we can do something about it. We can be ready, even if we cannot stop the treat entirely, we can slow them down and save lives. But for any of that to happen we have to have the conversation first.
I liked some of the examples in the article of practices that were either already being carried out (such as identification in order to purchase tickets) and which could be also be applied to other emergency situations (such as discussing possible exit routes). It’s frightening to think about, and while I don’t want to encourage inaction because I’d like to think it will never happen to me, I don’t want our society to slip into full paranoia either. I hadn’t considered that people working at an event might not know the term active shooter, one of the examples from the article. Event organizers can’t plan for every possible scenario, but having an informed security team (and staff I suppose, since they would likely know the location better than the patrons) and trying to figure out ways to communicate in an emergency situation allows a more flexible response. My main takeaway from the article was that a possible terrorist attack isn’t like encouraging people to “duck and cover” if there is a nuclear bomb, there are actual precautions here that could make a difference. Still, I wouldn’t want to be in an event organizer’s shoes right now.
It's depressing to see that we now treat terrorist attack the same as flood, tornado and earthquake to come up with an emergency plan. It's like there's a line that's been crosses but to be awfully honest, it's a necessary cross.
I do remember, when taking the Introduction to Stage Management, there's a series of emergency plan and announcement, including active shooters. And active shooters, IMHO, are no difference than terrorists. Theatres should have a plan, no matter what, for situations like patrons carrying guns. This is a routine "what if", not a new one. So we already have a usable plan for massive shooting, we just need to adjust our mindset that we need to be alert for that cuz the stakes are higher now. Enhancing effective communications, upgrading exiting measures... - these are all the necessary things to do anyway. They will also be tremendously helpful in the event of natural disasters.
Asking patrons to provide detailed personal info is an effective way to decrease the chance of terrorist attack. Upgrading safeguard at all exits in theatre is also helpful. In China, security check is required in major theatres, libraries, galleries and museums (even subway stations). These measures all seem to have a counter-effect on the ticket sales but even managers and venue owners may have to start thinking about it.
It is so sad that we always need to be worried whether we are going to be under attack when at an event and having a good time. Attackers strike at times when most people are not expecting it so event planners need to always expect something bad to happen and be prepared to help the situation. This is an extremely difficult job because you never know when an attack will strike, where it will be, and how it will happen. There is a huge risk in these situations and there are usually a lot of people’s lives on the line. You can never be fully prepared to control a situation before it happens, which means that there needs to be a lot of different plans to fight against whatever may happen. It is horrible that there are people in this world that use other people’s celebrations and amusement time as a time to commit mass murders to random people. There really is not a lot that normal people can do to avoid an attack because as we have seen in the past, they can happen at any time and any location.
I remember writing about an article very similar to this one last spring, soon after the Paris attacks happened. That article was more theatre based, but it is important for theatre people to understand about safety in events as well, because it is so close to live entertainment in terms of structure. One thing I thought was interesting was the mention that the police would look to event management people to direct people where to go, but when thinking more on this, it makes sense. As the article stated, the police would be busy making sure the threat was over, and event management, and in general, management people know how to best direct and take charge. I think that it is really sad that we have to worry about terror on a day-to-day basis, but it is also good that we are trying to have a little control over the uncontrollable.
Unfortunately this is an article I felt obligated to read. I did not want to read it, I never do, but every time I see something about what to do in case of a mass shooting I always read them, just in case. This is fact, this part of my life, is disgusting. However, it is important to understand what to do if I was faced with this situation. Every time I walk into a movie theater, every time I go to a stadium I think about where the exits are and what I would do a someone with a gun walked into the room. I have thought about those situations in my social and personal life a lot, but I have never considered what I would do in a professional setting. My friend who is a stage manager at a large theater said she had to take a mini class on what to do if someone with a gun came into the theater. As the person with the ear of the whole team it was important that she knew and followed protocol. Again, I get why this is important but to think that as part of someones job to know what to do if a person just starts shooting is terrifying. There are better ways to combat this, than teach stage managers what to say over com. We have to fight for better gun laws, and we have to start standing up for our communities before they are all struck with tragedy.
It is so saddening that this article is extremely relevant in today's society. It was interesting to read this article with advice from European event managers. I feel like being in the US removes us from the fear and threats that exist in Europe. This summer I went to go see some family in Italy, and the security was terrifying. Around every beautiful church was a guard with a machine gun. Next to the Duomo in Florence there was a tank. It is alarming that today's art and culture are the main targets of atrocious attacks. One thing I did not like about this article was the fact that it was about the aftermath of terror and not preventive measures. I am definitely not a safety expert, but I feel like there must be something we can do. I think training for staff is extremely helpful, but does not solve the inherent problems we face. I do feel like the idea of "when not if" is sadly relavant now. It's a shame that gatherings and beauty are the targets of mass destruction.
The fact that this is even an article makes my heart hurt...The fact that the world we live in is shrouded in so much fear, hate and anger. Of course this isn't everywhere,everything or everyone, but it is very prominent, unfortunately. Stepping outside isn't as simple, or as safe. People are afraid. Afraid to be who they are, Afraid for their loved ones, and afraid of the outside world. This article is on the safety of events. Think about what that means; When you think of an event, one thinks of a joyous time. A celebration. A time to be happy, lay back and take a break. To relax. Instead, we have gotten to a point in our world where we must question, "should we? Can we? and how can we do it safely?" So many plans have been backed off of because of fear and distrust in public safety. This is insanity. In a time that should be lively, we must be worried about being safe, leaving those involved on edge instead of enjoying the event thoroughly. This saddens me. I don't think security is necessarily the issue, but more so the minds of the people who pray upon those in their happiest moments.
It’s unfortunate that this even has to be thought about but in today’s society- I’m glad someone is stepping forward with the facts. This will happen. At this point it is absolutely crucial that event planners know how to get the idea of safety into their guests heads while also telling them that if something happens- this is how you can protect yourself. Every time I walk into a new place whether it be just a restaurant or a large show or an event, I make absolutely sure that I know where at least 2 exits are. At restaurants I position myself so that I am sitting where I can see the front door. The article points out something interesting- it is not enough to just “remain alert, not alarmed.” You have to be on your toes at all times. They also make another good point that I like but it would be very difficult to keep up with. Know who is working for you and know who is attending your event. Get a name/ photo/ and address. After working at Diesel Night Club last year I am very concerned with safety in public areas. We had a ton of security of course but we did not have a plan of action if something were to happen. We also didn’t check for weapons at the door. It makes me wonder if they changed their system after Pulse. But we cannot wait until a tragedy to act on our fears or else it could be the next tragedy.
In the recent years, every time I go to a concert, a large community event, or even a movie theater I think, if even in the back of my mind, about possible threats and where I could go if someone were to attack. And that's terrible, but that's just the reality of it. And it really gives me solace to know that yes, event planners, especially in large scale, big city events are thinking of this. And this article was both reassuring, but terrifying. After Paris, this is incredibly important. I believe whole-heartedly that we should not submit to fear when it comes to terrorism. I live in Dallas, and after the shootings with the policemen downtown this summer, my heart hurt, but also, my first inclination was to not want to leave or go anywhere for days. So I'm glad that events really are planning these things. However, my fear from the article is when the mentioned that they aren't trying to prevent no life loss, just keep as many people as possible safe. And that's sad but terribly true. That despite their best efforts, even if someone gets in, that if someone has an automatic weapon, its difficult to prevent them of going forth. That's such a terrifying concept to me. However, I suppose realizing that is pertinent on designing the rest of safety measures to keep everyone else safe.
It's so sad that this article needs to exist. Our society is so twisted these days that it feels like nowhere is safe. The recent attacks across the world are more than just attacks on innocent people; they're attacks on our freedoms and right to live in society. Large events are places of community gathering. The fact that these events are targeted by hateful and violent agendas is beyond inhumane. I've never actually thought about how these attacks have impacted the roles and responsibilities of the careers of people such as event planners. An event planners job is to make sure their attendees have an amazing time. It pains me to know that such a fun and positive job has to be shadowed by this cloud of doom. When it comes to terrorism and hateful attacks I'm not exactly sure what we all can really do to stop them, which is the most terrifying part. All I can say is we all need to continue to promote love and not hate, and remain hopeful that one day we can live on this earth in peace.
I hear a lot of people talk about what we should do to stop the imminent terrorist attack, and honestly, I have quite mixed feelings about it. On one hand, OF COURSE you don’t want to leave yourself or others at your event vulnerable to attach, but this article makes a great point saying that there is largely nothing you can do aside from planning out egress and escape for the patrons of the event. It’s an inherent logistical problem of having lots of people all in the same space, if something goes wrong at that particular space, all the people are centralized and vulnerable. Events particularly might be considered good targets for a terror attack specifically because of the media coverage it will get. However, I’m firmly against the “what if, in the back of my mind, someone with a gun got into the event and started shooting” mentality. That’s a continuation of the type of cold war “what if they drop the bomb” thinking that does nothing but brew hate and anger in a society, and not only is it unproductive and unhelpful, I believe it’s what the terrorists would want. That, coupled with the fact that you’re (much much much much) more likely to die in your car than in a terrorist attack, puts my mind at ease. If the much higher risk of dying in a car crash is one that culture can accept, I don’t see why terror is the same way. If we stop fearing it, it becomes less effective as a political tool.
While undoubtedly unpleasant to strive to counter the worst in humanity every time one seeks to plan an event, recent attacks have made this mode of thinking and planning ahead an imperative part of large planned public gatherings. I do however think there is - in addition to the weight of more advanced security planning placed on event organizers and venues - a large onus upon the public at large to educate themselves further. Though this may sound like a drastic measure, the public "educating themselves" can be as little as developing heightened skills of observation, or an increased awareness of what is happening around them. If everyone "chipped in" not only would emergency response be better, but there is a chance certain attacks might not be able to occur at all. In addition to expecting higher event security, there is an effective, relatively simple, and almost immediate partial solution to the problem posed by attacks at events.
Honestly, I agree with Antonio wholeheartedly. Events like these are organized for nothing more than for people to have a safe entertaining time, and it bothers me that that's now jeopardized because of terror threats. But we've seen attacks like that, and so much worse. We've seen mass shootings happen at elementary schools, and what really bothers me is after all these years these shootings almost seem like the norm. It's really terrifying that this is the world and nation in which we live, and I hope someday we can overcome this terror. Whether that is through increased gun laws, or through increased security everywhere, or through a change in culture throughout this entire nation, (which is what I think may need to happen), I hope some day the idea that event organizers don't have to worry about the safety of their patrons, and instead can focus on making their event enjoyable for everyone who attends.
Post a Comment