Crowd control is a professional term used by event organizers and venue owners to reflect strategies that guide, comfort, serve and persuade crowds. The usage of signs and barriers at fairs and amusement parks helps influence attendees to learn their way around a venue so that they don’t get lost.
Another aspect of crowd control involves taking measures to maintain a safe and secure ambiance. Here’s a closer look at crowd control management and how it relates to the insurance of live music venues.
Benefits of Crowd Control
- Greater Safety – Event organizers must pay attention to public safety as a legal requirement. Setting up barriers that direct foot traffic is a form of crowd control that promotes uniformity and safety. These barriers can be effective at controlling traffic when placed between “no re-entry” signs. Without barriers and signs, an excited crowd of people squeezed together can cause bodily harm and other havoc.
- More Robust Security – Crowd control includes officers to enforce safety and protect assets. However, the number of officers required depends on the crowd size and local ordinances. Small crowds can be ordered without the presence of security agents. Temporary mobile fencing is a form of crowd control used around dangerous zones such as construction sites.
- Enhanced Organization – Applying crowd control to an event keeps the operation well-organized. A crowd management plan defines how to manage high-traffic areas to maintain public safety. It’s also useful for mapping out clutter-free pathways for disabled people in wheelchairs. The more organized a large crowd is, the lesser the chance of chaos or injuries.
- Additional Convenience – Displaying the right signage is a form of crowd control that ensures satisfaction and comfort. One of the first things many people want to know about a venue they’ve never visited before is where the restrooms and snack areas are. Placing signs with arrows in visible positions reduces stress by allowing people greater awareness of their surroundings.
- Supplementary Revenue – The more you practice crowd control, the more you increase your potential of earning revenue. Hanging big banners of sponsors at large events can bring in tremendous revenue. Signage creates awareness about brands and associates them with the event, which ties in with the local community. A well-organized event attracts interest from local businesses looking to promote their brands.
Crowd Control Misconceptions
Many people think of law enforcement controlling a protest rally when they hear the standard industry term “crowd control.” However, it’s a combination of various elements. A more appropriate term is “crowd control management.”
When event organizers talk about crowd control, they are talking about a myriad of strategies to keep a large group of people safe, informed, and happy. In many ways, background music has traditionally played a role in crowd control. Soft music can have a calming effect on a crowd, while loud music can get people screaming and jumping around.
Another dimension to crowd control is music venue liability insurance. Due to the possibility of injuries from people bumping into each other, the venue must carry a sufficient amount of liability coverage. Venue size and crowd capacity are significant factors that determine how much coverage a venue needs to protect against the high costs of litigation.
Partner with a Crowd Control Expert
If you run a live music venue, you will need to work with an experienced crowd control expert and secure appropriate live music venue insurance. Music is a vital resource for bringing communities together, as long as public safety is prioritized. Our agents at RMS Insurance Brokerage, LLC can answer insurance questions about your venue and help plan for crowd control. Contact us today to learn more!