Pollstar (11/12/21) Gensler, Andy
Pollstar Executive Editor Andy Gensler writes that the Astroworld concert tragedy in Houston is highly distressing given the live events industry is in the midst of a resurgence from the COVID-19 pandemic, especially since the security, safety and communications gaps that led to the tragedy were easily correctable. The last time such anguish was felt was the shooting spree at Las Vegas' Route 91 Harvest festival four years ago, which prompted the live industry to devise new strategies and best practices to ensure safety. But the fatal crowd surge at Astroworld is not a new issue, and has persisted for decades. Fortunately, many crowd control solutions are well established, and the sector has organizations to help inform, standardize and advance best live event practices. Event Safety Alliance (ESA) Vice President Steve Adelman cited the American National Standards Institute document ES1.9-2020, in which crowd management standards are under continual review and updating by ESA, the Entertainment Services and Technology Association, the International Association of Venue Managers and other live industry professionals. Meanwhile, ScoreMore, Live Nation and NRG Park are fully cooperating with incident investigators, who should turn up significant findings. The live business will undoubtedly make adaptations and implement new safety procedures, Gensler predicts. "We must and will do better," he concludes.
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