Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
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Industry Perspectives: Managing Risk and Crowds at Major Events
The UK Centre for Events Management (UKCEM) recently welcomed experts in crowd safety, risk and counter terrorism strategies. Bringing together theory and practice, undergraduate and postgraduate students discussed the diverse range of skills, techniques and strategies needed to respond to and recover from major incidents at events.
Drawing on a wealth of experience, the expert panel underlined the depth of knowledge needed to manage risk and crowds at events.
Mark Grant from G4S reflected “Understanding the portfolio of risk and cascade effect that risk has on staff, suppliers and attendee experience is paramount”.
In support, Dan Jones from Event Safety Ltd “Your clients pay a premium to experience a memorable event, equally staying safe and secure is of paramount importance.”
Head of Operations, Bob Brayshaw, from Tour de Yorkshire strongly advised against an over-reliance on ad-hoc reactive measures in the events industry: “the preparatory work with emergency services is integral in public events to ensure confidence in anti-terrorism response”.
Hannah Rossmorris, Senior Lecturer specialising in Risk, Law and Crowd Management, summarised: “critique and application of theory is so important in subjects such as Events Management. Exposure to the realities of incidents and recovery techniques prepares students well for their future career in industry”.
Dr James Musgrave
James brings extensive experience in research, consultancy, and industry engagement across sport, events, and tourism, with a particular emphasis on the role of sport within the wider visitor economy, working with organisations such as the British Standards Institution (BSI), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), and the Association of British Conference Organisers (ABPCO). His expertise centres on pro-environmental behaviour and the advancement of sustainable practices, with a strong track record of evaluating and influencing change across sport events, venues, and the wider industry. He currently serves as Head of Sport Management at the Carnegie School of Sport, where he is committed to developing resilient, innovative graduates, while also supporting the sector through advisory and board roles with organisations including the International Congress and Convention Association, Business of Events, and more recently as trustee for North Yorkshire Sport.
