In this episode Danielle and guest co-host Boxer Hardison had a conversation with Jeff Reder of Clark Reder Engineering Inc., focused on discussing structural engineering for the entertainment industry, sharing insights about their work on concert stages, theater sets, and temporary structures for events like Coachella. The discussion covered engineering processes, challenges with weather and safety plans, and the evolution of design tools from traditional methods to modern 3D modeling software. Also addressed were industry trends, including the increasing use of engineering reviews for events and the implementation of new safety standards in the 2024 IBC, while concluding with advice for young professionals entering the field.

The Board of Directors of the Event Safety Alliance has made the difficult decision to cancel ESA’s 2025 Event Safety Summit, including its pre-conference training courses. The current economic uncertainty in the United States has tightened employer travel budgets and depressed conference registration. Under these circumstances, trying to do business as usual would be an irresponsible financial risk for ESA. 

This week Danielle and guest co-host Janet Sellery talk with special guest, Betty Siegel, about accessibility in live events. They explore service animals, communication accommodations, and assistive technologies. The conversation includes various accessibility considerations including sensory-friendly performances, mobility accommodations, and the importance of involving people with disabilities in the planning processes. The conversation reflects on the need for empathy and knowledgeable staff in creating inclusive event spaces, while highlighting the ongoing evolution of accessibility technologies and practices.

ESA’s Weather Safety Training is designed by professional meteorologists for our event colleagues who work all types and sizes of events.  From heat risk and poor air quality to wind storms, hail and lightning, this course will provide the participant with the tools necessary to create proactive weather plans and prepare for prompt decisions that protect artists, staff, stakeholders and patrons.

With weather volatility ramping up, historic floods, winds and heat waves seemingly more commonplace every year, this course will alleviate weather fears, dispel weather myths, and answer the question, "In the face of this weather forecast, how do we still conduct a fun and safe event?"

The National Fire Protection Association’s Life Safety Code®, NFPA 101®, specifies ten topics that must be addressed for a person to qualify as a “trained crowd manager.” But the Code says nothing about how those issues should be discussed. 

ESA’s Crowd Manager Training is designed by event professionals for our colleagues who work all types and sizes of events. Other programs focus on only the largest venues. ESA’s scalable training addresses the issues a crowd manager will face in a brick and mortar venue and on a green field site, whether the event is concert, a sporting event, a festival, a nightclub, or a corporate activation.

In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, host Danielle is joined by ESA friends Jacob Worek and John Badcock for a round table discussion of what all has occurred so far this year in the event industry. From incidents, accidents, and near misses, to weather (so much weather), as well as tools and guidance, the first half of 2025 has been full of lessons for event professionals to consider when planning and executing performances and mass gatherings. See show notes for related links to incidents and resources.

The Event Safety Alliance’s 2025 Event Safety Summit (ESS25) will be at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on November 11-13, 2025. Stakeholders who should attend ESS25 include production and operational workers, legal and insurance experts, regulatory authorities, promoters, venue operators, ticket and sales entities, media and streaming platforms, and artistic, cultural and creative individuals and organizations. The ESS25 theme is “Solidarity in Safety.” There is much to be gained for the cause of “Life Safety First” by instilling a comprehensive safety culture throughout all phases of the production of live events. 

In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and guest host Bryan Huneycutt have an in-depth discussion about life on the road with Ryan George of thistourlife.com. Topics included everything from a new retirement benefit program to challenges for physical, mental and financial health on tour as well as advocacy within the touring community.

The Event Safety Alliance (ESA) proudly announces the publication of a new American National Standard: ANSI ES 1.42-2025, Parade Safety. This consensus industry standard was the product of ESA’s collaboration with the Event Services and Technology Association (ESTA) to create authoritative guidance regarding various aspects of event safety.

What does it take to build a worldwide tour From Zero? In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle poses this question to long-time Linkin Park Tour Director (and ESA President) Jim Digby. They discuss how Linkin Park and their team kept the band's re-launch a secret from their notoriously dedicated fanbase, the production considerations involved in their first tour in eight years, the importance of building the right team, positive safety changes in international touring markets, and more.

The Board of Directors of the Event Safety Alliance (ESA) has hired Rob Bergeron, CAE, as the organization’s second Executive Director. Bergeron brings decades of diverse association management experience and became ESA’s first full-time employee in the chief staff executive role on April 28, 2025.

In celebration of our 100th episode, we're sharing safety success stories from across the ESA community! From the creation of new standards and training programs to improved planning and collaboration, Danielle and guest co-host Tami Richter celebrate your wins and recognize our industry’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety for all. A sincere thank you to our guests and listeners for supporting the Event Safety Podcast. Here's to the next 100!

Following last year's West Coast adventures, ESA jets east to the "Birthplace of Flight" for the next edition of the Event Safety Summit, taking place November 11–13, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us in this world-class hub of arts, culture, and motorsports for three days of learning, networking, and fun.

Since 2014, the Event Safety Summit has brought together professionals from around the globe and across the entertainment, sports, and corporate event industries to discuss all aspects of safety, security, and health at live events. Featuring a diverse lineup of presentations, panels, and workshops the Summit provides attendees with actionable insights, fosters collaboration among like-minded professionals, and inspires a renewed commitment to prioritizing life safety in their daily work.

Presentation, registration, and lodging details will be released soon. Sign up for updates at http://eventsafetyalliance.org.

In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and special guest host Dave Ellis dive into the world of event security with Dan Donovan, founder and Managing Partner of security solutions providers Stratoscope & Ingressotek. Discussion includes what goes into planning for event security, common misconceptions people have about the role, workforce development, technology, engaging with public safety, and loads more.

In this holiday season "mini-episode" of the Event Safety Podcast, we share a few of the many stories told at our first "Safety Slam", held during this year's Event Safety Summit. Listen in for some AI-generated slam poetry, communication snafus, and tales of questionable "blue" drinking water. We hope you enjoy it and look forward to seeing you all again in the new year. Stay safe!

In this holiday season "mini-episode" of the Event Safety Podcast, we share a few of the many stories told at our first "Safety Slam", held during this year's Event Safety Summit. Listen in for some AI-generated slam poetry, communication snafus, and tales of questionable "blue" drinking water. We hope you enjoy it and look forward to seeing you all again in the new year. Stay safe!