Event Crowd Management

EHS > Event Planning > Event Management

Crowd Management

Event organizers are responsible for crowd control and management at their event including:
- controlling access to the event to prevent overcrowding
- ensuring that audience members are not standing or sitting in aisles or exit ways
- facilitating evacuation of the venue in the event of an emergency
Immediately prior to the start of any event in a venue holding more than 49 people, an announcement must be made to notify occupants of the location of exits to be used in the case of a fire or other emergency and advising occupants that if the fire alarm sounds they must evacuate from the building. Suggested announcement wording is:

May I have your attention please? Please note that emergency exits are located (...announce/point out specific locations for this venue...). In the event of an emergency or fire alarm please proceed quickly and calmly out the nearest emergency exit.

Seating

When booking a venue, it is critical to choose a space that is adequate to handle the expected attendance.

In venues with fixed seats, seating is only allowed in the fixed seats.
- Sitting or standing in the aisles or placing additional chairs in the venue is strictly prohibited.
The number of people in the venue may not exceed the posted maximum occupancy

Ushers

Crowd Control

For events that are expected to fill a venue, the use of entry tickets to track attendance is strongly encouraged.
Free tickets or programs in a quantity equal to the available seating can be handed out at the door (remember to remove tickets to account for ushers, performers that will be sitting in the audience, etc.).
When the entry tickets/programs are gone the ushers must close the venue doors and turn people away.
Handheld counters may also be used as a control device.
Overcrowding violations may result in cancellation of the event and/or disciplinary action.

For further information e-mail ehs_uup@cornell.edu or call (607) 255-8200.