If you pay attention to the news, you can’t miss what should be warning signs: hurricanes, wildfires, mass shootings such as the one in Las Vegas, and other tragedies like the recent Branson Duck Boat incident.
But when was the last time you paid attention to the news to discern what lessons you can learn and apply at your events?
Today’s guest expert is Joan Eisenstodt, who guides us through the “what-if’s” of risk planning. Scroll down to listen as she provides tools to reframe this thought process by:
- Determining what is truly a crisis vs a “paper cut”
- Looking at the history of your event’s location (especially as it relates to natural disasters)
- Storyboarding the various aspects of your event with strategies and procedures
- Developing a communications plan, should the worst happen
Disclaimer: Neither Joan or I are attorneys, nor are we providing you with legal advice. We are simply making you aware of things to consider as you work with your legal advisors to create your own risk management plans.
Joan has also provided several additional resources for meeting planners, show organizers, exhibitors, and event venues:
- Participant Safety Above All Else: On Water, Land or In the Air (her Meetings Today blog post)
- Safety Checklist for Transportation Services and Off-Site Activities
- Duck Boat Tragedy: How to Protect Your Attendees (article by Joan with input from Tyra Warner Hilliard, PhD., Esq., CMP)
- Food Safety Checklist for Meeting Planners (by Traci Stuckrath)
- Joan’s Sample Table of Contents for Contingency/Emergency Plans (downloadable PDF)
- Hurricane Tips for Planners (tips from Joan and Tyra Warner Hilliard)
Joan Eisenstodt has been in the meetings industry for more than 40 years, and has had her own business since 1981. An honored teacher at the university level and at industry conferences including EXHIBITORLive, she is passionate about safety, among other aspects of meetings and events. She also writes a monthly newsletter and blog for Meetings Today.
