Has Event Safety come of age in India?

The global events industry generated $1,100 billion in 2019, and is projected to reach $2,330 Billion by 2026, registering a CAGR of 10.3% from 2019 to 2026. On the other side the Indian events and activation industry is expected to reach Rs. 10,000 Crore by 2020-2021.

The rise in the number of sponsors, enhanced reach among youth population, and increase in inclination towards entrepreneurship among youth drive the growth of the global events market. 

With big revenues involved, there is an increase in the risk of operations and uncertainties that event organisers face at the events.  In the past couple of years, incidents involving contingencies to deal with mishaps and situations as varied as an entertainment act canceling at short notice, severe weather, or the unavailability of key personnel of the core team has presented a major challenge in front of event organisers. This heightened threat has led to the development of new safety programmes and updated event safety plans.

Safety at events has emerged to become a major conversation among event planners across the country today. Safety protocols have now become  a top priority for event planners and marketers. Nowadays, event agencies have plans in place to respond effectively to any incidents and other emergencies that might occur at an event. Among other factors, creating a well thought and elaborate safety plan is a prerequisite for having a successful event now. The audiences and other stakeholders at an event need to feel safe so that they can take home the best experience.

Speaking about the importance of safety at events, Nanni Singh, Chief Executive, Showcase Events said, “ The size of the events has grown in the last few years in terms of the expanse, venue, location and the overall dynamics involved, so the safety at events has become an issue. Earlier it was not even important to have a fire tender at your event, however in the last three years, the amount of electronics we have started using at an event is immense. And even one little spark can trigger a situation which might need attention.”

Underlining the fact that successful event planners should work closely with the hotel / convention centres to implement a crisis management plan in place for every event, Valay Lakdavala, Co-founder and Director, NeoNiche, said, "An ideal crisis management plan would include a clearly defined plan that outlines a security protocol, a detailed checklist that addresses emergency procedures, a master evacuation plan and adequate provision of trained security professionals. Additionally, with tech playing a larger role in event planning and production these days, event managers are now preparing themselves to not just be on top of physical threats, but cybersecurity concerns as well which includes thorough online background checks of attendees too."

Compared to event safety standards globally, the Indian events industry has still a long way to go. Now top insurance agencies have spotted a big opportunity in the sector and are coming up with special, tailor-made offers catering to events industry. Event organisations like EEMA has also come up with its safety initiative by launching its Health and Safety Handbook authored by Khushroo Kekobad.

“We need to stop using our ‘Juggad’ and shortcuts in doing events. Using proper safety precautions is the key. You also need to check if your technical Event Partner is using branded equipment and following the brands Safety standards,” stated Khushroo Kekobad, Live on Stage Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.