Towards the end of each calendar year, I spend some time looking back on the last 12 months to reflect on and learn from all that has happened. Looking back helps me look forward, as I work to prioritize my focus and goals for the following year. It really is true - hindsight is 20/20 - and there is no better time to take advantage of this than at year’s end. Similarly, reflecting on what has happened - whether it’s an incident or a success - is one of the most effective ways for event and venue safety managers to apply lessons learned and continue improving. As the year draws to a close, it’s worth pausing to examine key moments from 2024, including a few standout victories, and consider how they can shape a safer future.
Terrorism/Attack:
1. Crocus City Hall Attack - Moscow
In March, a terrorist attack targeted Crocus City Hall during a high-profile concert, leading to 145 fatalities and over 550 injuries. The perpetrators exploited weak points in the venue’s security system, entering with concealed weapons and creating chaos in a crowded environment.
Why It Matters: This tragedy emphasizes the ongoing risk of terrorism at large public events.
What You Can Do Now: To prevent such incidents, prioritize comprehensive safety audits, use advanced surveillance technology when possible, and train staff to identify potential threats.
2. Foiled Terror Plot at Taylor Swift Concerts - Vienna
Austrian police uncovered an ISIS-linked plot to target Taylor Swift’s concerts. The planned attack forced the cancellation of several shows, even though suspects were apprehended before they could act.
Why It Matters: It underscores the elevated risks faced by globally renowned artists and their fans.
What You Can Do Now: Conduct extensive pre-event threat assessments, maintain direct communication with law enforcement, and have backup plans for disruptions.
3. Arson Attack on Fight Night Venue - Melbourne, Australia
A venue scheduled to host a controversial boxing match was intentionally set ablaze, forcing the cancellation of the event. Investigators cited the venue’s decision to proceed with a high-risk booking as a contributing factor to the arson.
Why It Matters: Hosting events with controversial figures or topics increases the risk of targeted disruptions.
What You Can Do Now: Conduct reputational risk assessments and establish communication with local authorities when planning potentially contentious events.
Security Breach & Crowd Management:
4. Security Breach at Copa America Final - Miami
During the Copa America final at Hard Rock Stadium, hundreds of ticketless fans overwhelmed entry gates, breaching security and delaying the match by over an hour. The incident revealed poor crowd control and insufficient access management.
Why It Matters: It highlights vulnerabilities in managing high-profile, high-attendance events.
What You Can Do Now: Ensure robust ticket scanning and access control technologies, hire adequate security personnel, and prepare for contingencies like crowd surges.
5. Reopening of Brixton Academy - London
After a fatal crowd crush at Brixton Academy in 2022, the venue reopened in April 2024 with enhanced safety measures. These included upgraded CCTV systems, body-worn cameras for staff, and changes to crowd flow management protocols.
Why It Matters: This case represents how to successfully learn from past incidents and adapt safety protocols.
What You Can Do Now: Regularly evaluate your safety systems and ensure that appropriate changes and advancements are made when incidents occur.
6. Evacuation at Tate McRae Concert - Brisbane, Australia
Severe weather at an outdoor concert in Brisbane led to the sudden evacuation of thousands of attendees. Poor communication and inadequate evacuation procedures resulted in confusion and dissatisfaction among ticket holders.
Why It Matters: Emergencies demand clear communication and efficient evacuation plans.
What You Can Do Now: Develop and rehearse weather-specific emergency response and evacuation procedures, keeping an eye on how to keep communication systems operating efficiently.
Wins/Best Practices:
7. 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony Security - Paris
Expecting millions of spectators, the Paris 2024 Olympics featured a groundbreaking opening ceremony along the Seine River. Over 45,000 law enforcement and security professionals were deployed to secure the venue, which spanned several kilometers. The operation included drones, facial recognition technology, and extensive perimeter controls.
Why It Matters: Securing large, open spaces for international events requires unparalleled coordination and novel uses of emerging technology.
What You Can Do Now: Collaborate early with security agencies and explore tech as a way to address unique challenges posed by unconventional venues.
8. New Safety Protocols for Event Management
Industry-wide guidelines were introduced in 2024, setting updated standards for crowd management, emergency response, and venue safety. These protocols are designed to address evolving risks for cyber threats to physical security, as well as address gaps in safety regulations for temporary structures.
Why It Matters: Creating global standards for event management is not an easy task, but this a significant step forward.
What You Can Do Now: Regularly review your safety protocols against industry benchmarks, investing in staff training and assessments to stay aligned with emerging risks.
9. “Martyn’s Law” - United Kingdom
Named in memory of a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, “Martyn’s Law” was passed to mandate that venues have counter-terrorism plans. The law requires risk assessments, staff training, and collaboration with law enforcement for venues of varying sizes.
Why It Matters: It establishes a legal framework for venue safety that could become a global standard.
What You Can Do Now: Review and strengthen your venue’s emergency plans, and consider using “Martyn’s Law” as a template to address gaps in counter-terrorism preparedness.
By understanding these events and applying the lessons they offer, managers can create safer, more secure environments for their attendees while building trust and resilience in their operations. At Joffe we are here to be your thought partner when it comes to all things event and venue safety. Reach out to us today to discuss what the roadmap to preparedness might look like for your venue!