The Event Safety Podcast

What is an ANSI Standard? How are they created? Why are they vital to the safety of our industry? In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, we pose these questions and more to ESTA Executive Director Erin Grabe and Assistant Technical Standards Manager Richard Nix. Additionally, hosts Danielle Hernandez and Steven Adelman kick things off with an attempt to capture the zeitgeist of the current C...

In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, we start our series on core safety practices with a look at risk assessment with Certified Safety Professional and “Beast of Safety” (per his Twitter handle) Ken Keberle. Hosted by Danielle Hernandez and Steven Adelman.

What exactly is an Infection Mitigation Coordinator? Can you be held responsible if someone becomes infected with COVID-19 at your event? Does the size of your event REALLY matter? In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, Danielle Hernandez and Steven Adelman discuss the response thus far to the ESA’s reopening guidance, tackle a few reoccurring questions folks have had, and preview some upcom...

In this special edition of the Event Safety Podcast, host Danielle Hernandez welcomes ESA President Jim Digby and Vice President Steven Adelman to provide an overview of the ESA's newly-released reopening guide.

In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, we continue our discussion on theater rigging with a look at safe offloading, arbor design, motorized rigging, and more, Featuring Rick Boychuk ( Grid Well Inc ), Ethan Gilson ( Entertainment Rigging Services ), and Danielle Hernandez ( Furman University ).

In this episode, we address the issue of creating safe and harassment-free event spaces for attendees and workers. Areas of discussion include mitigation, policy development, securing buy-in from your team, and more. Featuring Virginia Schmitt ( Friends of the LA River ), Kim Warnick ( Calling all Crows ), Danielle Hernandez ( Furman University ), and Steven Adelman ( Adelman Law Group / Event Saf...

One for the theatre pros (and theatre curious)! In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, we go deep on the history, safe operation, and inspection of counterweight rigging systems. Featuring Rick Boychuk ( Grid Well Inc ), Ethan Gilson ( Entertainment Rigging Services ), and Danielle Hernandez ( Furman University ). Show notes: Nobody Looks Up: The History of the Counterweight Rigging System:...

In this special dispatch, we offer some ideas and resources to make productive use of the unexpected free time most of us are currently experiencing to ensure we’re primed and ready (personally and professionally) for when the wheels start turning again. Featuring Steven Adelman ( Adelman Law Group / Event Safety Alliance ), Anna Glover ( Yale University ) and Danielle Hernandez ( Furman Universit...

In this episode, we share our first two “safety origin stories” from Bob Ross ( Pyrotechnico ) and Brian Osborne ( Live! Technologies ), recorded live at the 2019 Event Safety Summit. We also revisit the issue of event cancellation in response to COVID-19, with an update on the Event Safety Alliance Canada Conference and the landscape of challenges faced when you decide to postpone. Featuring Stev...

The headlines about major event cancellations are a poor guide for decisions about most events. This Event Safety Podcast will provide rational, factual information so you understand the force majeure language in your contracts, the scope of your event cancellation insurance coverage, and how to think through the risks and concerns even if you have an event coming up in the next few weeks. Featuri...

What, if anything, can be done to make general admission shows safe for attendees? In our first-ever live taping of the Event Safety Podcast, ESA Vice President Steven Adelman discusses this issue with two leading voices in crowd safety planning, Emma Parkinson (Coventry University) and Eric Stuart (Gentian Events). Presented by Reel Media as part of the 2019 Event Safety Summit.

After a brief hiatus to prepare for the Event Safety Summit, the Event Safety Podcast is BACK! In this episode, we dive into the subject of safety training with a look at how people learn, how to gain buy-in, documentation, and more. Featuring Anna Glover (Yale School of Drama), Danielle Hernandez (Furman University) and Janet Sellery (Sellery Health and Safety).

In this episode we continue our conversation on accessibility at live events by addressing several specific issues, including service animals, emergency procedures for those with mobility devices, and what you can legally ask of a guest requesting special assistance. Featuring Nanette Odell (Disability Services Manager/ADA Coordinator, Talking Stick Resort Arena and Chase Field ), Betty Siegel (Di...

In this episode we look at the difficult and often confusing issue of accessibility and providing safe accommodation at live events. Featuring Nanette Odell (Disability Services Manager/ADA Coordinator, Talking Stick Resort Arena and Chase Field ), Betty Siegel (Director of VSA & Accessibility, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ), Danielle Hernandez (Director, McAlister Auditorium at...

In part two of our podcast series on severe weather planning we take a look at the history, components, and construction of severe weather trigger charts and how they factor into your overall safety plan. Featuring Dr. Kevin Kloesel (University of Oklahoma), Dax Cochran (DTN WeatherOps), Jim Digby (Event Safety Alliance), and Steven Adelman (Event Safety Alliance). RESOURCES Weather Decision Matri...

In this episode we look at several aspects of severe weather planning, including the limitations of consumer weather apps, the importance of meteorological support, and when it’s ok to diverge from your carefully-developed weather action plans. Featuring Dr. Kevin Kloesel (University of Oklahoma), Dax Cochran (DTN WeatherOps), Jim Digby (Event Safety Alliance), and Steven Adelman (Event Safety All...

In this episode we look at the art and science of crowd safety with Eric Stuart, Director of Gentian Events , newly-appointed Chair of the UK Crowd Managers Association , and instructor of the ESA’s Crowd Safety Symposium.

In this episode, we look at internal and external options for reporting unsafe conditions or behaviors, as wellas the concept of an internal responsibility system. Featuring Dr. Donald Cooper (Event Safety Alliance), Janet Sellery ( Sellery Health and Safety / ESA Canada ), and Tim Roberts ( The Event Safety Shop ).

In this episode, ESA President Jim Digby joins Janet Sellery (Sellery Health and Safety/ESA Canada), Ethan Gilson (Entertainment Rigging Services), and ESA Vice President Steve Adelman for a discussion on the coroner’s inquest into the 2012 Toronto stage roof collapse, the recent fatal fall on the Coachella event site, and the ESA’s evolving approach to safety advocacy in the face of continued los...

In our first episode, Danielle Hernandez (Furman University), Eric Colby (Metropolitan Opera House) and ESA Vice President Steve Adelman discuss a crowd panic situation at a recent performance of Hamilton in San Francisco, and what venue professionals can do to prevent and respond to similar situations.