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Crowd control help

15 years 7 months ago #148967 by Barbmom2
Replied by Barbmom2 on topic RE: Crowd control help
I was chair for our school's picnic this past year. I found that our local sherrif's auxilary would provide free security. You might also check with the local police explorer's organization - they are aged 15-20 and often are happy to help out at events (also at no charge) Good luck with your event!
15 years 7 months ago #148920 by justfundraising
Find a way to break them into smaller units. When you go to concerts in the summer they coral you into a section. That way your only dealing with a section of the crowd and not people en masse.
15 years 7 months ago #148883 by JHB
Replied by JHB on topic RE: Crowd control help
Signs are very important - but carefully consider your placement of them. All too often, events put lots of nice signage out that looks fine during setup when the place is empty. But when the area is crowded, signs are hidden. The worst is when the only signage is at waist level in front of tables. They are invisible as soon as a few people get in line. You probably want those - but also have ones HIGH that people can see above the crowd. If you have lines or paths, make it clear where someone should go. It's so frustrating not to even know if one is in the RIGHT long line.

Have plenty of event helpers, make them very visible with a specific t-shirt or vest, and have them armed with the knowledge they need to answer questions. An centrally placed, clearly marked information desk is good.

Think about any measures you can take to shorten lines or wait times. For example, if they are in lines buying tickets or registering, make sure they know exactly what to do before their turn arrives. At our elementary Spring Fling we handed out a program before they even entered the building that included all activities, costs, number of tickets needed for each, and key details. We had staff working the ticket line pointing out these details in the program so the attendees could already cacluate how many tickets they wanted before they got to the front. Otherwise, every buyer needed a consultation once they get to the cashier.

Give people information. I run a work event where 300 people get in line all at once to eat. At first glance, the line seems really long, stretching halfway around the exhit hall. But we make repeated announcements that when they get towards the front, it breaks into SIX buffet lines, moves quickly, and there's plenty of food. People relax and spend their few minutes in line chatting because they've been reassured.

Very carefully consider traffic flow for where your people pass through areas - especially with the silent auction. And print all your bid sheets with big clear letters that are easy to read at a glance. Don't create any dead end spaces - make sure the peole can keep walking without turning around.

If there are lines, plan for them with roped lanes, placement out of the general flow of traffic, and entertainment if possible. At our Breakfast with Santa, the line for pictures would get pretty long. But we placed it where those waiting had a good view of the stage where Christmas karoke songs were going on. So the people in line could watch or join in with the songs while they waited.

Watch how stores and fast food restaurants handle lines. You can pick up some good tips there - like an express line for exact change or simple transactions.

Good luck!
15 years 7 months ago #148882 by dlf
Replied by dlf on topic RE: Crowd control help
Signs, Signs, Signs and ground lay out points at central location so everyone knows where everything is. Multiple stations for food lines and clear delineation on where things need to go (if backpacks are involved etc). A central information stand and even consider a first aid tent (the boys scouts will probably help if you ask them. Perhaps guides in a special tshirt that have all the information and information boards on the duration of the auction, hours etcetera.

Have a PA system of some sort (or megaphone).

d
15 years 7 months ago #148881 by Barbmom2
Replied by Barbmom2 on topic RE: Crowd control help
Call your local sheriff/police station and ask them if they could help....they may charge a small fee, but you need professionals, not a bunch of volunteer kids who don't know what they're doing....good luck!
15 years 7 months ago #148879 by Barbmom2
Crowd control help was created by Barbmom2
Help! An event planned by our parent group has morphed into a monster!

We were originally expected 250-300 people in attendance, and now have over 750!!

Any tips on crowd control of a large event is greatly appreciated.

Our event is a fun run, followed by a cookout and silent auction. The sponsors, registration fee and auction are the money makers, the cookout was to break even.

We have decided to hire a caterer...but any ideas on moving 750 through the campus in an orderly fashion is appreciated.

thanks!
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