Uncategorized - Decibel Events

EMERGENCY EVENT ACTION PLANNING: A HIGH WIND ACTION PLAN

Continuing our Safety Series is a quick look into how we approach weather and safety. We produce a number of outdoor events, from street teams and mobile marketing that may have 10×10 EZ-Up tents all the way to 7 city blocks of major engineered structures.

Over the years, we have seen so, so many mistakes. I see this a lot on a personal level with the smaller tents- ZIP TIES are not structural!! I have seen the smaller tents zip tied to 5lb hand weights etc.

Image via Flickr by artistmac

I have also seen major accidents (Sugarland, the recent GP sailing accidents, etc). At an airshow we produced we subcontracted a raising roof grid structure from a local midwest vendor. This just happened to be the Sugarland stage that had the tragic accident less than a month later. What we saw when we rented this was a concern all around.

Why use water ballast? Because we know the weight of water. at 8lbs a gallon, this is an easy and mobile way to weigh down your structure. What else? Stakes at 36-48″ depending on your engineering diagrams as well as concrete blocks that are weighted are all useful methods. We stay away from “found” methods onsite (e.g. attaching to something found onsite).

Also, we have a HWAP policy. When we deploy large structures we have a set plan that is approved in advance. This includes a scale of wind speeds and actions that we employ when those speeds are reached. There is NO discussion onsite, just implementation. This ensures that there is no delay or waffling to “see what happens” or trying to keep a crowd nearby so the event isnt cancelled. This is intended to ensure Life Safety comes first,

HIGH WIND ACTION PLAN (HWAP) Wind Ratings:

20MPH: Safety team is assembled and on alert (within 5 minutes) and remains on alert until wind stays below 25MPH for 30 minutes.

25MPH: Wind wall and backdrop are lowered to stage level and secured. Backdrop to be removed within 10 minutes.

30MPH: Remove all fabric panels to create an open structure. All panels removed within 15 minutes.

40MPH: CEASE ALL SHOW OPERATIONS. Evacuate audience members and crew except HWAP personnel. Do not lower roof, do not climb structure.

67.5MPH: Evacuate all personnel from within the vicinity of the structure and do not return until winds fall below 40MPH.

We also employ a meteorology team out of Oklahoma when we produce large-scale events and build outdoor structures. This gives us access to an extended forecast, real time lightning awareness as well as windspeed and rain activity. We have an on-call meteorology team that we have access to in order to evaluate any issues that come up throughout the event.

NAVIGATING EVENT SAFETY: ADAPTING TO NEW FIRE MARSHAL RULES AND VENUE CHANGES

Every event planner knows that safety is a priority when organizing any event. At Decibel, we’re well aware of the ever-changing municipal regulations around event safety, which can often feel like navigating through a complex maze of paperwork and procedures. However, no matter how tedious it can seem, we know that this meticulousness is vital to the planning and production of events and ensuring life safety.

Collaboration is key when it comes to safety. We regularly work hand-in-hand with various building venues, adhering to their rules and restrictions, and collaborating closely with Fire Marshals around the country. While the basic safety standards for events and venues are often similar, it’s important to remember that every event and venue has unique rules and hyper-specific elements. These rules are usually based on their past experiences and, being aware of these can save time, effort, and prevent unexpected surprises.

One key step in ensuring event safety is conducting detailed site visits. This helps us understand the physical environment better and ensures that our plans align with the reality of the venue. The importance of such visits was recently highlighted during an event at the Washington Convention Center. The venue had undergone changes during the COVID shutdown, including the addition of storage areas and new walls. This change was not reflected on the CAD diagrams available at the time, and had our Technical Director not conducted a walkthrough, verifying measurements, we could have incurred serious changes, overtime, and extra costs.

Moreover, staying updated with the latest policies from Fire Marshals and venues is a crucial part of our process. For example, our DC office recently shared updated notes from the Fire Marshal outlining new and updated items to be aware of.

To give you a glimpse into the safety standards and guidelines, here are some policies from Javits Center and Moscone Center:

Javits Center Policy

Moscone Center Policy

And here are some notable updates from WCC Fire Marshall:

Optimal time for plan submission is 30 days.
Event plans submitted within 7 days of the event are charged double ($300) for expedited service.
No additional fee for revisions.
Any event with 100 people or more requires a plan.
Layouts and exits are the primary concern of Fire Marshals.

To ensure a seamless and safe event planning process in DC, we suggest you include the following in your plans:

Name of Event
Date of Event
Estimated number of attendees at any one time
Set up date and onsite point of contact

Also, remember to apply for Public Assembly Permits for trade shows or any event with more than 100 people in attendance.

Ensuring safety at your events can feel overwhelming, but with meticulous planning, collaboration, and a firm understanding of venue policies and fire safety rules, you can smoothly navigate this process. At Decibel, we’re committed to understanding these ins and outs and making safety a priority in every event we plan.

Remember, while the process may seem unglamorous, it is essential. Safety is not just a checklist – it’s a commitment to every attendee who walks through the doors of your event.

For more detailed information on event safety planning in DC, read through this. Your safety is our priority and we believe in sharing knowledge that empowers you to conduct successful and secure events.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights into the world of event planning and safety.

KEEPING FIT ON THE FLY: MY GUIDE TO STAYING HEALTHY WHILE PRODUCING EVENTS

As an event producer, my life on the road is both thrilling and demanding. One aspect that can get tricky to manage in this fast-paced, nomadic lifestyle is my health. Being constantly on the move and working on live events can impact well-being if not consciously addressed. That’s why I’ve decided to share my own tips and habits that help me stay healthy and energized while managing live events. From dietary choices to hydration, here’s my personal guide to a healthy life on the road.

MY PERSONAL EVENT RIDER

First and foremost, I’ve found it essential to establish a personal event rider a checklist of my must-have items that keep me nourished and ready to tackle the day. I ensure that I have a mini-fridge in my room filled with still water, sparkling water, apples, bananas, granola bars, and either cereal or oatmeal. These are my go-to breakfast options and snacks, making sure I’m fueled throughout my event planning and running.

Also, I’ve found it hugely beneficial to unpack and iron everything for the show run on the first day. Not only does this save time later on, but it also eliminates unnecessary decisions and lessens stress as the week unfolds.

FOOD: THE UNSUNG HERO

Food plays a major role in my life on the road. Yet, it’s easy to let the crew’s meals and healthy eating take a back seat amidst the chaos of a live event. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that my crew’s health and happiness significantly impact the event’s success.

When it’s pre-production and load-in days, I make it a point to provide a variety of healthy options for my staff. Hand fruits, single-serve granola bars, single-serve cereals and oatmeal, and nut packs are always available. The aim is to make healthy food accessible and ready without any additional hassle for the team.

However, when we’re live and on-air, it’s impossible to step away for meals. That’s when I rely on our venue partners to deliver scheduled, balanced meals. We’ve all experienced those deep-fried meals with little to no greens they’re energy zappers, especially when we’re working long hours in a dark ballroom. I always demand a menu that includes a healthy variety to keep my teams energetic and alert.

SWEET INDULGENCES

While focusing on healthy eating is critical, I believe in enjoying the sweet side of life too, albeit in moderation. Small quantities of pick-me-ups like Red Vines and Swedish Fish can offer a quick energy boost when needed. After all, balance is key!

FINAL THOUGHTS

As an event producer, my life is jam-packed, and it’s easy for health to slip through the cracks. But these habits help me stay healthy and high-performing, despite the challenges. More importantly, they set a positive example for my crew, because a healthy crew indeed is a happy crew!

2022 s Must-Attend Christmas Events

The season for decking the halls, wrapping the gifts, and drinking the eggnog is just right around the corner. And we re ready for it!

While there is no shortage of amazeballs Christmas events right here in our own backyard, there is a truly diverse and creative set of events taking place around the globe. Here we take a look at the top eight events taking place around the world that will have event-goers and Jolly Old St. Nick alike saying ho, ho, ho this coming Christmas season.

#1 – The Twelve Pubs of Christmas

The Irish are known for their love of drink and their love of pubs, so it only seems natural that in Dublin it is customary to ring in the season of joy with a glorified pub crawl. This event has taken the Irish nation by storm over the past decade and is now a go-to for office parties, friend groups, and family reunions who aim to hit 12 pubs in one evening and have a drink in each one.

Resplendent with drunken Santa Clauses and Mrs. Clauses, there are rules in effect, including:

No drinking with your right hand at the first pub
No pointing at anyone in pub #2
No talking to any one you know at the third pub

and so on and so on. Rulebreakers must chug their drink down as a penalty. Cheers

More information available at https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/craic/irish-12-pubs-of-christmas

#2 – Giant Lantern Festival

San Fernando, Philippines

Described as the biggest, brightest, and most colorful Christmas event in the Philippines , this festival is an exhibition of giant lanterns with lights and music. The festival has earned San Fernando the title of the Christmas Capital of the Philippines and has been running on an annual basis since 1904, although it evolved to its modern-day version in the 1930s after the introduction of electricity to the region.

More information available at https://giantlanterns.com

#3 – Winter Wonderland

London, England

Beginning in mid-November and running until early January, Winter Wonderland has been a staple of London s Hyde Park for almost two decades.

Winter Wonderland fun includes:

Santaland a magical one-stop shop in the corner of Hyde Park designed to make visitors feel like they have been transported to the North Pole
Street food galore fried chicken, fish & chips, churros, pizza, hot dogs enough to keep even Santa himself full and jolly
Rides and games reminiscent of a fair
An ice bar .deemed the coolest bar at Winter Wonderland
An ice slide where visitors can catch the thrill of sliding down an ice slide on an inner tube
Ice sculpting workshops
and so much more

More information available at https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/

#4 Christmas Fair

Budapest, Hungary

Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, multiple locations around the city host fairs featuring vendor food and gift stalls, live performances, crafts, skating, and the food oh, the food. Hungarian specialties including chimney cake, mulled wine, apple strudel, potato pancakes, and cabbage rolls are available at every turn.

More information available at https://christmasmarketsineurope.com/budapest-christmas-markets/

#5 Bethlehem Christmas Tours

Bethlehem, Palestine

Given its birthplace-of-Jesus roots, it s not surprising to see Bethlehem make an appearance on the list. How do the fine folks of Bethlehem ring in the season? With a selection of Christmas tours, for starters.

These Christmas tours take visitors through the historic Bethlehem and include the tale of a candle in every window, and teachings about the star of Bethlehem. Midnight Mass is a must-do while in Bethlehem for Christmas, visitors flock to the Church of Nativity or Manger Square.

More information available at https://historicbethlehem.org/christmas/christmas-tours/

#6 – San Juan Christmas

Puerto Rico

There may be a distinct lack of snow, but that doesn t temper the San Juan Christmas experience one iota. Their 45 day Christmas period, La Navidad, kicks off after Thanksgiving Day and lasts until mid-January, with the Fiesta de la Calle San Sebastian a huge street festival where party goers dress up as characters and participate in a parade, marking the official end of the holiday season.

Parrandas, Puerto Rico s version of Christmas carolling, is another big piece of the yuletide festivities.

More information available at https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/holiday-traditions-puerto-rico

#7 Santa Claus Village

Lapland, Finland

This is where Santa kicks it year-round. And who can blame him? This picturesque village includes a huge range of ways to get your Christmas fix at any time of year. Dog sledding, snowmobiling, Northern Lights safaris, reindeer rides, shopping, and restaurants are just a few of the activities available to visitors.

More information available at https://santaclausvillage.info/

From Chocolate to Fortnite: Experiential Events Inspiration

In a time when you can ask an inanimate household object to tell you anything from the weather forecast to the lyrics from Kelis s Milkshake to the date of the initial moon landing, it shouldn t come as a surprise that events have taken on a more experiential vibe. People are engaging in more creative ways than ever before, and events need to deliver on these creative engagement opportunities if they are going to succeed. Here we look at five experiential event ideas that brought all the boys to the yard.

Van Gogh Exhibit: The Immersive Experience

Their website sums up the experiential event philosophy rather succinctly:

Have you ever dreamt of stepping into a painting? Now you can.

The Van Gogh Exhibit, which has been touring since 2017, has had more than 5 million visitors across North America, Europe, and Asia. This is especially impressive when you consider that two of their five year run was during COVID. In order to accomplish this stepping into a painting sensation, through the use of virtual reality and projections of Van Gogh s works onto large gallery spaces.

Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/vincentsg/

M & M Interactive Pop-Up

What does a chocolatier do when they need help deciding on their newest flavor option? They create a pop-up experience that gives attendees the opportunity to experience what each of their three prospective flavors taste, smell, and even feel like. This 2018, New York-based event included three specialized rooms where attendees could indulge themselves in these flavors, including flavor-inspired drinks and snacks and d cor. The winner? All the attendees who got to experience this unique event. Oh, and Crunchy Mint, which beat out Crunchy Espresso and Crunchy Raspberry.

House of Vans

In honor of the release of their David Bowie trainers, Vans went to skateparks across the country with their House of Vans pop-up spaces. And House of Vans was a cool space, designed to attract a cool crowd. Elements included music, art, workshops, fashion, Skate Skool, and more. Bringing all the boys to the yard, indeed.

Credit: Vans

The Fortnight Rift Tour

Virtual events, which experienced a huge surge in 2020 2021 thanks to a little thing called COVID, are going to continue to have some staying power. So it s worth looking at one virtual event that brought the experiential-ness in spades. Coined a musical journey unlike any other, brought together fans of Ariana Grande with Fortnite gamers for a uniting of gameplay and concert. This win-win opportunity resulted in a 123{04d9822e7d95da125d508d8e1efbcf2edc79acd8aec1f0bbdcbd6a6f684f9bb3} bump in streaming of Ariana Grande songs post-event. Check it out here.

League of Legends – Worlds Semi-Finals

Video games have an incredible way of bringing people together online, but the world of live tournaments is helping connect people from all over the world in a powerful in person experience. With teams from all over the world, including Korea, China, and Europe, the crowd was diverse and ready to watch their team win it all. As this was right up the street from us at the Madison Square Garden Hulu Theatre, we couldn t help but get tickets. From our seat in section 202, row V, we took a plunge into the world of League of Legends to experience just how insane the production levels and customer journey can be when the world comes together, and it did not disappoint!

The Budweiser Beer Garage

Beer and garages go hand in hand, and Anheuser Busch did a fantastic job of connecting those two dots with their immersive campaign at the 2016 SXSW Festival. Festivalgoers were invited to celebrate all things Bud in this creative and memorable display which included a 4-D immersive reality Budweiser brewery tour that provided a multi-sensory experience that combined sight, hearing, and smell. Cheers!

Feeling inspired to work some cool experiential elements into your next event? Let the team at Decibel Events help you bring all the boys to the yard.

All About the Rockefeller Tree Lighting

On Wednesday, November 30th, the annual tree lighting at Rockefeller Center will be taking place. For many, this is the symbolic start to the Christmas season.

Here we share the history of the tree lighting, some fun facts, and what you can expect at the 2022 tree lighting ceremony.

The History of the Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller itself dates back to 1928, when business tycoon John D. Rockefeller leased land for the future Rockefeller Center. The space leased spanned three square blocks. One of New York City s most iconic landmarks, the Rockefeller Center was originally intended for vaudeville shows before transitioning to a movie house. More than 700 films have premiered there since 1933.

Before construction was even complete on the Rockefeller Center, in 1931, Great Depression-era workers pooled their funds to purchase the first-ever Christmas tree for the Center. A 20 foot balsam fir, the tree became a symbol of hope and optimism during trying financial times. Two years later, the Rockefeller Center made the tree an annual tradition. At this first official lighting ceremony, the tree was 50 feet tall and adorned with 700 twinkling lights.

In 1936, the skating pond was added to the Rockefeller Center. Legend has it that the skating pond idea was courtesy of a skate salesman who demonstrated his skates on the ice in the Rockefeller Center fountain, and thus inspired the idea for a skating pond.

In 1952, The Today Show made it s debut at Rockefeller Center. The Tonight Show followed suit in 1962, and Saturday Night Live followed in 1975. Rockefeller Center has served as the backdrop for countless movies and shows, including Tin Fey s 30 Rock sitcom, which was modelled after the behind-the-scenes shenanigans at Saturday Night Live.

The Deets for 2022

As is customary, the tree will be lit from 6:00 am 12:00 am daily from November 30th until it comes down (this date is still to be determined).

The lighting will take place via NBC s live national broadcast of Christmas at Rockefeller Center at 8:00 pm EST on Wednesday, November 30th. Public access is also typically made available.

The 90-year-old tree itself is a bit of a beast. An 82-foot tall, 50-foot wide tree, it weighs in at 14 tons (which is roughly the equivalent of the weight of two elephants and big ones at that).

For the last three decades, Erik Pauze, the Rockefeller Centers head gardener, has been tasked with selecting, nurturing, and transporting the annual Christmas tree. And Pauze takes this role seriously. As he shared in a recent Q & A, what I look for is a tree you would want in your living room, but on a grander scale. It s got that nice, perfect shape all around. And most of all, it s gotta look good for those kids who turn the corner at 30 Rock; it needs to instantly put a huge smile on their faces. It needs to evoke that feeling of happiness.

There are over 50,000 LED lights on the tree (five miles worth). The star that goes atop the tree is a three-dimensional Swarovski star that was designed in 2018, weights 900 pounds, and features seven spikes covered in 3 million crystals. Bling bling!

Fun Facts About the Rockefeller Tree Lighting

Read on for some little known tidbits about America s favorite tree-dition:

More than 125 million people view the Rockefeller tree every year
The tree size has grown exponentially in the past several decades originally a mere 20 footer, 1971 s tree was over three times as tall at 65 feet, 1999 s version was 100 feet tall, and nowadays 80ish feet is the height of choice
What happens to Rockefeller Christmas trees once their 15 minutes of fame is up? They are milled into lumber which is then donated to Habitat for Humanity and used to build a home
During World War II the tree remained unlit due to blackout regulations, and simple yet patriotic red, white, and clue decorations were used
Once the tree is selected, a crane supports the tree while it is cut down it is then dressed in giant red bows with banners extending holiday greetings and transported to Rockefeller Center
The tree went energy efficient in 2007 by converting to LEDs which use 1,200 fewer kilowatt hours of electricity per day
Performers at the tree lighting ceremony over the years have featured some big names including Garth Brooks, Lady Gaga, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Tony Bennett, Dolly Parton, John Legend, and more!

So, mark your calendar for 8:00 pm EST on Wednesday, November 30th, pour yourself some eggnog, and start Christmas off right by taking in the Rockefeller Tree Lighting ceremony. Here are some viewing options:

NBC site
NCB app
Stream on YouTube
Peacock site
Peacock app
Hulu + Live TV
fubo TV
Sling TV

Cybersecurity Best Practices for Events

Just before the weekend, on the 28th day of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it was announced that Events D.C. was the victim of a recent cyberattack (likely a ransomware attack), one that likely compromised employee and customer data. Events D.C. has over 400 employees and owns or manages 10 major venues across the District, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and RFK Stadium.

This is why cybersecurity needs to be top of mind for event planners. After all, event planners are responsible for managing people, logistics, finances, and all of the data that goes along with it – all of which are potential targets for cyberattacks. Here are some of the key vulnerabilities that event managers need to be aware of.

Data, Data, and More Data

Event planners are in possession of and responsible for a lot of sensitive information. Credit card numbers, social security numbers, addresses, and other personal data are all part of the job. And if that information falls into the wrong hands, it could be used for identity theft or fraud.

Here are a few best practices to help keep your data safe:

Use a secure server to store sensitive information;
Don’t use easily guessed passwords (don t even remotely consider 123456, password, or Change them often and make them long and complex;
Encrypt all data that is transmitted electronically;
Be careful about the WiFi networks you connect to. Public networks are not secure; and
Educate your team about cybersecurity risks and best practices.

The Virtual Event Hack

When we all moved to Zoom and Google Meets virtual meetings at the onset of the pandemic cybercriminals were quick to follow suit. In their defense (Zoom and Google, that is), these platforms simply weren t fully prepared for the rapid adoption they experienced courtesy of a virus-who-shall-not-be-named. In December 2019, Zoom had 10 million daily meeting participants; by May 2020 they were up to 200 million.

Most people who attended a virtual conference in 2020 (before these platforms were able to find ways to better keep out Internet trolls) have a Zoom-bombing story .and it s usually a pretty unpleasant one (obscene images, name-calling, and just general all-around asshole behaviour). These Zoom-bombings may not have been damaging in the same way that other cybersecurity breaches like ransomware and phishing scams are, but hurtful and disruptive nonetheless. Neither of which is something that an event planner wants.

While the world is back to in-person events, virtual events still have a presence and will continue to do so for the duration. Which means that event planners still need to ensure they are following best practices in ensuring they are doing everything possible to avoid these virtual event breeches, including the following:

Get to know your platform settings and how to rapidly disable or evict a jerk attendee if needed;
Use the waiting room feature in order to have further control prior to admitting attendees;
Always set a meeting password, and be discrete about how you are sharing it with your audience;
Lock down screen sharing controls so unwanted intruders cannot hijack the screen for their own nefarious purposes; and
If it s not imperative for your attendees to be able to communicate with each other and with the presenter then remove the ability for them to do so.

The Conference Hack

Conferences are fertile ground for cyberattacks. They bring together large groups of people, often from different organizations with different levels of security awareness. A lot of data is exchanged at large scale conferences and trade shows. Between the numerous email entries vying for the latest tech gadget giveaway to attendee demographic information to smart floors, data is available in spades, and you can bet that this has not escaped the attention of those cybersavvy folks with ill intent.

There have been a number of high-profile attacks on conferences in recent years, including an attempt to hack into the Montreux Jazz Festival and an attack on the DefCon security conference in Las Vegas. But the threat isn’t limited to big events. Smaller conferences are also vulnerable, especially if they don’t have the resources to invest in top-notch security. And because conferences often involve high-profile speakers and attendees, they can be an attractive target for attacks that seek to disrupt or embarrass the event.

That’s why it’s important for all conference organizers to be aware of the risks and take steps to mitigate them. Here are some tips:

Make sure your WiFi network is secure, with strong passwords and encryption enabled;
Use event management software that includes security features, such as two-factor authentication;
Require all speakers and attendees to use unique passwords for their accounts; and
Educate your team and participants about the dangers of phishing scams and other common attacks.

See Yourself in Cyber

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The President of the United States and Congress declared this month in 2004 to help bring awareness to the importance of cybersecurity during a time when attacks were drastically on the rise.

The theme for 2022 is See Yourself in Cyber. This reinforces that despite all the tech lingo and complexities around cybersecurity, at the end of the day it s all about people. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency shares these four key actions that they encourage all to take:

Think Before You Click: Recognize and Report Phishing: If a link looks a little off, think before you click. It could be an attempt to get sensitive information or install malware.
Update Your Software: Don’t delay — If you see a software update notification, act promptly. Better yet, turn on automatic updates.
Use Strong Passwords: Use passwords that are long, unique, and randomly generated. Use password managers to generate and remember different, complex passwords for each of your accounts. A passwords manager will encrypt passwords securing them for you!
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: You need more than a password to protect your online accounts, and enabling MFA makes you significantly less likely to get hacked.

Source: https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month

In honor of cybersecurity awareness month, why don t you go ahead and change all your passwords to something so ridiculous and random that it makes your head hurt. We guarantee .it will make your head hurt less than a data breach or cybersecurity attack.

October Events Around the World

Yikes, I blinked and here October is, with its shorter days and its yellow leaves and its pumpkin spiced lattes. Let s see what October has in store for us, events-wise.

But first, you may wonder why Germany s beer-fueled Oktoberfest isn t on the list? Fun fact: Oktoberfest is actually held in September due to the cold weather. Who knew? I guess Septemberfest doesn t quite pack the same punch. But anyhoo, there is no shortage of magnificent events taking place this month, as you will see!

The Albuquerque International Balloon Festival Albuquerque, New Mexico

Date: October 1 – 9

The initial 1972 festival had 13 balloons. Last year s festival had over 600 balloons and 700 pilots. As their website claims, any local will tell you that October is the most beautiful time of year in New Mexico, made so in large part by the much-anticipated sight of colorful balloons punctuating the skyline. During this season, the sky is bluer, the days are gentler, and the mornings crisper — almost as though the landscape has taken a deep sigh — and on the desert s warm breath sails the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Sign me up!

More information available at https://balloonfiesta.com/

The Cirio de Nazare – Belem, Brazil

Date: October 1 – 16

The Virgin Mary (ya, that Virgin Mary) is the cause for celebration for this annual festival. The fifteen day festival wraps up on the second Sunday of October when the city welcomes a procession of more than one million pilgrims as they follow an image of the Virgin Mary throughout Belem.

More information available athttps://www.ciriodenazare.com.br/

Festival of the Dead Salem, Massachusetts

Date: October 1 31

Salem really leans into its witch trials-laden history in this month-long annual event series that explores death s macabre customs, heretical histories, and strange rituals. Highlights include The Official Salem Witches Halloween Ball, The Mourning Tea, The Dumb Supper: Dinner with the Dead, and more psychic readings that you can shake a stick (er, wand?) at.

More information available at https://www.festivalofthedead.com/

Nagasaki Kunchi Festival Nagasaki, Japan

Date: October 7 9

This festival has been going strong since 1634 and celebrates the guardian deity at Suwa Shrine. The entire city, including almost 60 neighborhood dance troupes, take part in the three-day celebration which features several performances.

More information available at https://nagasaki-kunchi.com/english

Diwali India

Date: October 22 26

It is widely believed that Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is the day when the Hindu Goddess of Prosperity travels to earth and blesses us with wealth and prosperity. To her, I say, yes please. As India Today describes it, the lights of Diwali signify a time to destroy all our dark desires and thoughts, eradicate dark shadows and evils and give us the strength and the zeal to carry on with our goodwill for the rest of the year. And let s face it, we could all use a little of that!

MassKara Festival Bacolod, Phillipines

Date: October 23

MassKara Festival dates back to 1980 when the price of sugar, which is a primary livelihood source in the Phillipines, was at an all-time low. And so, as one does when sugar prices are low, the festival was born in attempt to sweeten (ha!) the spirits of the locals. 40 years later it is still going strong with parades, decorations, masks, dancing, and a giant street party, Electric MassKara.

More information at https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/history-culture/masskara-festival-bacolod-guide

Halloween Village Parade New York

Date: October 31

So, obviously Halloween is a thing, something that children (and adults) around the world take part in. New York s Village Parade stands out as one of the bigger Halloween events though. Celebrating its 49th year this year, the parade annually draws more than 60,000 costumed participants and 2 million spectators. Which trumps trick or treating on your block.

More information available at https://halloween-nyc.com/

Samhain Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man

Date: October 31 November 1

This Gaelic festival marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. This festival goes all the way back, with being first mentioned in Irish literature dating back to the 9th century. This is a pagan religious festival during which Celtics of yore believed that the barriers between the physical world and the spirit world would break down.

Day of the Dead Festival, Mexico

Date: October 31 November 6

This celebration, which served as the backdrop for Disney s 2017 film Coco, is a holiday of joyful celebration and remembrance of friends and family members who have passed away more festive than somber though. Mexico City held the first Day of the Dead parade in 2016, and it has grown every year since. Skulls, flowers, skeletons, costumes, and Ofrendas (which are memorial displays in homes designed to commemorate the lives of loved ones) are all part of the festivities.

More information available at https://dayofthedead.holiday/

Naga Fireball Festival Northern Thailand

Date: Mid- to Late-October

This fascinating festival is centered around a phenomenon which occurs around the end of the Buddhist Lent period each year. People gather along a 250 km stretch of the Mekong River to witness thousands of glowing red balls fireballs shoot up into the sky. Legend has it that this phenomenon is attributed to the mythical Phaya Nak, a giant serpent that is believed to live in the river. Scientists have yet to be able to explain the reason for this dazzling spectacle.

The Queen s Funeral: A Day Decades in the Making

If there was any doubt in any minds that the British monarchy is still alive and well, despite Megxit and icky Prince Andrew, these doubts should have been laid to rest yesterday, along with Her Majesty the Queen.

Queen Elizabeth the Second passed away on September 8th, at the age of 96, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. As Britain s longest reigning monarch, and a rather beloved one at that, there was no question that her passing and her subsequent funeral would garner international attention on the highest of scales.

The Queen is Dead. Long Live the King.

As the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth, Charles became the new monarch upon the passing of his mom.

On the day of her death, known as D-Day, a notice of death was posted on the gates outside of Buckingham Palace, and remained there for 24 hours, visible to people queuing along Constitution Hill. Across the country, flags were flown at half-staff at royal residences, government buildings, and military establishments.

On September 9th King Charles had his first audience as king with the Prime Minister of Britain, Liz Truss. He later addressed the nation at 6:00 pm, stating, “we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example.” The next day he was formally proclaimed as the new sovereign at St. James Palace during a meeting of the Accession Council.

London Bridge (aka, the code name for the The Queen s passing) triggered a ten day national mourning period.

On September 11th, the Queen left Balmoral for the last time as her coffin was driven to Edinburgh.

The following day, the coffin was taken on a procession with the king and royal family members following on foot.

An Affair to Remember

The Earl Marshal is tasked with overseeing state funerals and coronations, and this role is currently held by Edward Fitzalan-Howard, the 18th Duke of Norfolk. The Earl Marshal is a hereditary position that has been held by the Marshal family since 1672. And Edward has been planning for this event for decades, and meeting with key stakeholders on an annual basis for years now to review and fine-tune the London Bridge plans.

The Queen s coffin was transported from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey in a carriage drawn by 142 sailors. Yes, sailors, not horses. Resulting from a long-standing tradition of using sailors rather than horses to draw the carriage during monarch funerals ever since horses were spooked while transporting Queen Victoria s coffin in 1901 and nearly tipping it over.

The funeral was held in the same location where the Queen had been married as well as where her coronation was held the first royal funeral to be held at Westminster Abbey since the 18th century.

The Queen s coffin itself was covered with several symbolic items of note, including:

The Imperial State crown and it s 2,862 (!!) diamonds;
The Sovereign Scepter (which represents the monarch s power in the secular realm);
The Sovereign Orb (which represents the monarch s power in the Christian world);
The Royal Standard flag;
A wreath selected by her son Charles containing foliage of rosemary, English oak, and myrtle cut from the gardens of royal residences; and
A handwritten note from her son Charles which read in loving and devoted memory .

These items were later removed during the committal service at St. George s Chapel, signaling the official end of the Queen s reign. Following the removal of these items, Lord Chamberlain Baron Parker broke his wand of office, and placed it on top to signify the end of the guards service to the Queen.

1,650 military personnel and over 10,000 police officers were on hand to oversee the hugely complex policing operation which was the largest in the London force s history, surpassing the 2012 London Olympics. And with good reason. The funeral was a regular who s who of global leaders and celebrities. Some of the big names that occupied the 2,000 seats at Westminster Abbey included Sandra Oh, Bear Grylls, over 100 presidents and heads of government, and more members of royalty than royal watchers can shake a stick at.

Of course, it wouldn t be a royal affair without some discussion of who was wearing what. The Guardian said it best: for the grandest, most gorgeous of occasions the dress code was resplendent solemnity, in pearls and pillbox hats, high heels, and sharp tailoring. Of particular interest was the fact that Prince Harry wasn t able to wear his military uniform for the funeral (neither was Prince Andrew), and instead wore a morning suit.

Towards the end of the service, the Queen s piper played Sleep, Dearie, Sleep . This was especially symbolic as the Queen started most days with the sound of bagpipes as her piper would play at 9:00 am for 15 minutes each day as a pseudo alarm clock to start her morning.

Finally, Queen Elizabeth was transported to King George VI Memorial Chapel in a custom-designed Jaguar and then was buried, alongside her late husband Prince Philip, in a small private family ceremony.

The Stuff of Nightmares Event Disasters Extraordinaire

Event planners like to trade war stories. Like about the time a guest arrived at the event wearing the same outfit as the hostess (and rocking it better to boot). Or the time the keynote speaker fell asleep during their presentation. Or the time someone accidentally set off the fire alarm and everyone had to vacate the property, and don t get me started on presenters forgetting dongles. Ya, not the stuff of event planning dreams. But also not quite the stuff of event disasters, as these examples demonstrate.

Fyre Festival

Five years later, Fyre Festival remains synonymous with event planning disaster . It had it all. A beautiful Bahamian backdrop. Glamorous models in bikinis. The promise of an immersive music festival two transformative weekends on the boundaries of impossible. Authentic island cuisine served by celebrity chefs. A line up of 33 artists including Blink-182, Tyga, and Disclosure.

And then in the spirit of if it sounds too good to be true it probably is, an abandoned resort development full of disaster relief tents backdrop. Angry and soaking wet festival-goers who had spent thousands of dollars on their tickets. Cheese sandwiches in foam containers. A group of local unknown musicians. And finally, eight lawsuits and several class action suits.

Fyre Festival was such an astronomical failure that it inspired, not one but two, documentaries Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened courtesy of Netflix and Hulu s Fyre Fraud.

Woodstock 1999

Woodstock is the grandaddy of music festivals. It originally hit the New York music scene in 1969, during a time when the country was divided over the Vietnam War and Woodstock provided the perfect backdrop for bringing these like-minded opponents together in a celebration of anti-establishment, sex, drugs, and rock and roll. While the original Woodstock in 1969 was not without its own drama (like the two deaths that occurred that weekend, one drug overdose and one tragic tractor accident involving a festival goer who was sleeping in a neighbouring field), it s Woodstock s 30-year-old counterpart (Woodstock 1999) that stands out as the bigger event disaster.

Famously referred to as the day the nineties died , the list of issues included:

The venue being unprepared for the sheer number of people who showed up, leading to massive overcrowding, which created unsafe conditions and made it difficult for people to move around or even find their friends;
A water shortage, coupled with hot tarmacs and high temperatures contributed to over 700 attendees being treated for heat exhaustion and dehydration;
Lack of available hotel space due to the weekend coinciding with the Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony;
Rampant allegations of sexual assaults; and
Just some general lighting flags on fire douchiness.

DashCon 2014

DashCon 2014 was originally known as Tumbl-Con USA, a convention dedicated to Tumblr users of the popular blogging service Tumblr and was billed as “the largest gathering of Tumblr users to date”. The DashCon organizers raised funds through crowdsourcing and grassroots campaigns and created hype by promising all sorts of important guests, from established creators and actors to various Tumblr social media “celebrities”. In addition to cosplay, DashCon events included games, singers, signings, fan art, and panel sales.

Things started to go south for DashCon on its first night when the organizer s financial struggles started to come to light. Special guests were notified by the hotel upon check-in that they were responsible to pay for their own rooms, despite having been told they would be comped by the hotel organizers which resulted in many of these guests bailing on the convention. The venue then demanded payment in advance, while organizers claimed there had been a verbal agreement to pay venue costs periodically throughout the weekend.

One major takeaway from the event? An impromptu ball pit is not an acceptable alternative to a refund for canceled celebrity appearances. When the Welcome to Night Vale cast canceled on their appearance, rather than refunding ticket holders, the organizers attempted to mollify them with an extra hour in the ball pit a kiddie pool full of balls that was quickly set up in an empty concession hall. This single act quickly became a meme among attendees who felt that it nicely summed up the DashCon experience in full.

New York City Pizza Festival 2017

Dubbed the Fyre Festival of NYC Food Events , there were some mighty hungry and disappointed New Yorkers at the New York City Pizza Festival in September 2017. Attendees were promised a day long celebration of dough, cheese, tasty sauces, and delicious toppings , for $75 some serious dough for pizza. And what were attendees treated to for this serious dough? Tiny pizza portion sizes. Cold pies. A distinct lack of pizza varieties. Empty tents. In a place responsible for introducing Brooklyn-style pizza to the world, this did not go over well.

Oscars 2017

Given the prestige of the Oscars, and the tremendous global viewership of the event, it should surprise no one to know that great care and attention goes into ensuring that the correct winners are announced. The process is overseen by an accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) who then designates two balloting leaders for the Oscars two individuals who are tasked with memorizing all the winners in each category and handing the correct envelope to the presenter before they go on stage. Despite this ironclad process, things went awkwardly sideways in 2017 when La La Land was announced by presenters Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty as winning the Best Picture, when in fact Moonlight had won the honors. Beatty has been inadvertently given the envelope for Best Actress (which did in fact go to Emma Stone for La La Land). The La La Land cast was well into their acceptance speech when the slip-up was publicly announced. Awkwardness ensued.

There are event disasters, and then there are event disasters that are no laughing matter. Anytime you have a large amount of guests you need to plan appropriately and ensure that the former doesn t become the latter. We all love to trade stories of planning challenges, but it also bears taking a look at the true tragedies, like these examples below, so we can better prepare, consider what is possible, and avoid any kind of repeat situation.

Astroworld Festival 2021

While Fyre Festival resulted in wealthy attendees being majorly inconvenienced, by comparison the Astroworld Festival on November 5, 2021 resulted in true tragedy ten deaths including one nine-year-old boy. Festival Founder Travis Scott was on the stage performing at the time of the mass trampling that led to the deaths. Scott was widely condemned for his actions in encouraging the crowd to rush the stage, and was subsequently named in dozens of civil lawsuits filed by attendees, along with Live Nation and security contractors. Scott had previously pled guilty to inciting crowds at Lollapalozza 2015, as well as a 2017 Arkansas music festival.

1985 European Cup Final

European soccer fans have a reputation for being rowdy, as this most unfortunate crowd disaster helped to reinforce. An hour before the 1985 European Cup was set to kick off at Heysel Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, a wall at the stadium that was separating heavily drinking Liverpool fans from Juventus fans collapsed, killing 39 fans and injuring 600 in the process. It turns out that the stadium had not been properly maintained in its 55 years, and parts of the facility were crumbling. Ultimately, fourteen Liverpool fans were found guilty of manslaughter, and all English football clubs were banned from Union of European Football Associations events until the 1990 1991 season.

2003 Great White Concert

Another live music concert tragedy, this one as the result of a fire caused by pyrotechnics. Of the 462 attendees at the concert at The Station in Rhode Island, almost one fifth of them died as a result of the fire, and another 230 were injured. The concert casualties included the Great White s lead guitarist, Ty Longley. The Great White s tour manager pled guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter and served less than two years in prison.

Leaving it to the Experts

Whether it is ensuring that the event marketing is accurate and on brand, whether it is ensuring that all proper safety precautions and protocols are in place, or whether it is ensuring that contractual obligations are fulfilled as promised, having a team of event production experts can save you from the stuff of event nightmares. Decibel Events can give you the confidence and the peace of mind that comes with working with the event experts.

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