Any time your venue hosts a concert, you run the risk of dealing with large crowds. The enthusiasm is to be expected, and it drives up the energy and helps push sales, too. But it’s important to manage those crowds for the security of everyone involved. Maintaining a sense of calm above the chaos is key, as are these tips to ensure that entertainers, staff, attendees, and even audio visual equipment remain safe.  

How to Prevent Overcrowding at Your Venue

1. Hire Extra Security

It’s not unusual for a popular artist to draw enormous crowds. Ticket sales can give you a good idea of what to expect, but issues such as stampeding, pushing, and shoving aren’t necessarily predictable. To prevent such occurrences, hire additional security detail to manage concertgoers. Be sure to designate them in key areas, such as at the gates, around will call lines, and near ticket windows.

2. Use Detailed Signs

Chaos may ensue if people aren’t sure where to go. Some may approach staging areas in their efforts to find their seats, or may disturb audio visual equipment if they accidentally enter an unauthorized area. Make sure to use signage wherever is appropriate to guide guests in the right direction. Point out nearby bathrooms, will call and ticket windows, smoking zones, and areas that are restricted to the general public.

3. Devise a Plan

Despite your best efforts, things don’t always go according to plan. Create a plan to protect the crowd should things get out of hand. For example, if there’s a stampede as groups attempt to rush the gates, make sure that you have emergency personnel nearby to tend to any injuries. If you run an outdoor venue, make sure that you’ve checked the forecast. If it rains, make sure you have sufficient protection for all staging materials and audio visual equipment.

As the leaders in quality audio visual equipment throughout western New York, the team at Audio Images Sound & Lighting is prepared to provide anything you need for your next production. They offer state-of-the-art concert lighting, quality backline and video equipment, and an assortment of reliable Stageline stages to support your big event. You can visit their website to find out more about these services, or call them at (585) 343-4050.