Event Safety, but make it cool
When you hear the words event safety, you might imagine high visibility, fluorescent vests, fire exits, and long checklists. All, totally necessary, but not as exciting.
We agree, it’s not the most exciting part of event planning, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Some of the coolest, most innovative events are the safest, because safety and creativity can (and should) go hand in hand.
We like to think about event safety in a way that feels less like a rulebook or checklist and more like an experience and part of the overall guest experience. Here are 4 of our favourite considerations…
1. Safety as design
Forget clunky, ugly barriers and awkward signage.
Look for stylish crowd barriers as an alternative. Sleek, branded barricades or boarding that double as photo backdrops.
Integrate creative signage by considering LED wayfinding that feels futuristic rather than functional.
2. Tech that protects
Technology can transform safety from an invisible measure into a wow factor with a chunk of branding opportunities too!
Wearable tech is part our everyday, so make it part of the event. RFID wristbands that not only manage access but also help locate lost guests or apps that work on smartwatches make it really simple!
Avoid the weighty event print with detail that can be out of date the moment the schedule shifts and consider using real-time apps. Personalised messages, push notifications for weather updates, schedule changes, or even hydration reminders, really add value to the guest experience.
New technologies are allowing us to make customer experiences more streamlined than ever before.
3. Training with a twist
Safety training for staff or guests doesn’t have to be a yawn-fest and instant vibe killer.
Turn emergency practice into team challenges with points and rewards. Gamified drills is a great way to engage, especially if it’s necessary to repeat the message daily.
Setting scenario simulations provides a much more interactive way of explaining vital detail. VR or role-playing that makes training both memorable and practical can be way more effective.
Designing a space that people can navigate and move through at their leisure
4. Wellness is safety too
Modern event safety isn’t just about avoiding accidents; it’s about caring for the whole guest experience.
Chill-out zones are a valuable addition to any content or vibe heavy event. Providing considered, quiet, sensory-friendly spaces that help guests recharge avoid burnout and tiredness.
We’re finally in a culture of re-useable water bottles, so add dedicated hydration stations to your event. Water refill points designed as eye-catching installations can be a life (and money) saver!
Safety plans that prioritise all bodies and abilities are vital. Pointing to inclusive accessibility throughout the planning stages speaks volumes to your guests and stakeholders.
Outakes:
Event safety doesn’t have to kill the vibe, in fact, it can enhance it. By weaving safety into design, tech, training and wellness, planners can create experiences where guests feel secure and inspired. The coolest events aren’t just the ones people talk about, they’re the ones people remember for all the right reasons!