Kevin Joseph, CPP®, SAS-AP®’s Post

STORY TIME!: 📚 The Silver Stream and the Overflowing Village 📚 Once upon a time, a bustling village by a silver stream faced a challenge. Though thriving, the village struggled to attract visitors to its markets and festivals. The council hired Mira, a talented artist, to create dazzling signs to draw travelers from afar. Mira’s signs worked wonders! Soon, visitors flooded into the village, curious to explore its treasures. At first, the council celebrated. “Look at all the new faces!” they exclaimed. But soon, unintended problems arose. ➡️ The Overwhelmed Bridgekeeper Old Bram, who greeted travelers at the village bridge, was overwhelmed by the influx. “I can’t handle this many people!” he cried. “We need help, or the bridge will collapse!” ➡️ The Stressed Merchants In the market, merchants struggled to manage the crowds. Visitors didn’t understand the rules, trampled goods, and haggled endlessly. “We need signs to explain how things work here,” one merchant suggested. ➡️ The Forgotten Stream The silver stream, the village’s lifeblood, became polluted as visitors littered carelessly. “Why is the water turning brown?” asked a young girl named Anya. But no one had an answer. ➡️ The Missing Plan The council realized their mistake. Mira’s signs had brought people in, but they hadn’t planned for how the village would handle the growth. Bram, the merchants, and the streamkeepers had all been left out of the planning. “We focused on attracting visitors without preparing for the impact,” admitted the head councilor. “We need a village-wide plan.” ➡️ The Solution The council called a meeting and included everyone in crafting a plan: 1. Reinforce the Bridge: Bram got a team of helpers to guide visitors safely. 2. Clear Market Rules: Merchants posted signs explaining market etiquette, painted beautifully by Mira. 3. Protect the Stream: Streamkeepers set up bins and organized cleanups to keep the water pristine. 4. Balance Growth: Mira’s signs were adjusted to attract fewer but more respectful visitors. ➡️ Harmony Restored With the new plan, the village regained its charm. Travelers still came, but in manageable numbers, leaving with glowing stories about the welcoming market, shimmering stream, and friendly villagers. The council learned that growth isn’t just about attracting more people. It’s about preparing every part of the system to handle change. ⭐Moral of the Story: Beware of siloed problem-solving. Villages, like businesses, are interconnected systems. Growth (and other major initiatives) without intentional planning leads to chaos. True success lies in aligning efforts, fostering collaboration, and ensuring every part of the system functions cohesively. #financialservices #wealthmanagement #strategicoperations #teamcollaboration #RIA #managmentconsulting

I spent this afternoon on Edinburgh’s High Street, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and observing how safety, crowd flow, and operational aspects come together during one of the busiest times of the year. My visit was about gathering insights and putting together notes that could offer helpful guidance to the Edinburgh Fringe Society. The sheer number of people, street performers, and international visitors weaving through this historic space creates an exciting and challenging dynamic environment. Here’s what I focused on: 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄:  The movement of people through the streets is fascinating to watch, especially when the area is as packed as it gets during the Fringe. I paid close attention to how people navigate the space, where they tend to bottleneck, and how the layout affects their movement. Understanding these patterns is key to improving how crowds move through the area, reducing congestion, and improving the experience for everyone. 𝗘𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:  Safety is a huge priority, particularly when protecting the public in a dense crowd. Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) measures are a critical component of this, and I spent time looking at how these are currently set up and how they might be improved. It’s important that while these measures are in place, they don’t detract from the open, welcoming atmosphere that the Fringe is known for. 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀:  In an environment where space is at a premium, ensuring emergency routes are clear and accessible is vital. I looked at how these routes are maintained and where potential issues might arise, especially during peak hours. The goal is always to ensure that if an emergency does occur, people can evacuate safely and quickly. 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:  One of the most interesting aspects of the Fringe is watching how people interact with the performers, vendors, and each other. These interactions tell us a lot about potential risks and how we might mitigate them without taking away from the fun and spontaneity that makes the festival so unique. While the Fringe is a well-established event, there’s always room for observation and improvement. By stepping back and taking in the whole picture, I’ve identified areas where small changes could have a big impact, helping make the event safer and more enjoyable for everyone. A special shoutout to Cleve Rushton (Tech IOSH) for the opportunity to be on the ground as her Scottish Eyes and Ears. It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to an event like the Fringe, and I’m looking forward to sharing my observations with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. #EventManagement #CrowdSafety #EdinburghFringe #ScottishEyesAndEars #SafetyFirst #FestivalManagement #XG

Discover three engaging #MemorialDay event ideas for Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) in this blog post! https://bit.ly/44Si98V

Discover three engaging #MemorialDay event ideas for Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) in this blog post! https://bit.ly/3QXwifg

It's back!! After the popularity of our first Pit CPD event and requests from those who missed it first time we have an upcoming date. Event date: 07/10/24 Time: 10:30 - 14:30 Location: Portsmouth Guildhall, PO1 2AB Do you work in the non-security sector of the live music event world? Do you want to know more about what happens in the pit? We will be running a CPD event to go through the standard security/ crowd management operational procedures for front of stage barrier, more commonly referred to as the pit. We have been delivering pit training to security staff for over 12 years, we've realised that this sacred space sometime appears to full of little understood protocols for those that don't directly work there. Some of the topics that will be covered are:- What should a crowd management team be doing? Have you wondered what spotters do? What initial and ongoing safety checks should be carried out? Some of you will be working on sites where a reputable contractor/ supplier will build the barrier system, inspect and sign it off. Some may not have such a formal process. Who is checking that the barrier system stays how it should be until the end of the event? What does safe management look like? What are the pros and cons of different lifting techniques that are commonly taught, to keep your audience (and workers) safe. How crowds differ with different genres? From fairly static mature crowds, to younger livelier audiences, through to the sometimes complex movement of a metal crowd. It's not just about crowd surfers. Bands/ performers (and their Tour Management) from around the world can have quite different expectations from a security/ crowd management team. What impact does event specifics and barrier design have on a pit layout? Considerations from, how many attendees, type of ground the audience are on, or the barrier, the topography of the site, through to anticipated weather. Show stop protocols - Planning for interruptions small and large +++more We will be providing light refreshments The event will get underway at 10:30 so please arrive for 10:15 to grab a drink and a pastry before. The cost of this session is £50, however we have an EARLY BIRD offer - 50% OFF if booked prior to 09/09/24. To book email bookings@invictusprotraining.co.uk, message here on LinkedIn or 07726 480306.

Discover three engaging #MemorialDay event ideas for Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) in this blog post! https://bit.ly/4bLKrUY

Discover three engaging #MemorialDay event ideas for Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) in this blog post! https://bit.ly/3ynLThN

Milton wreaked havoc in its pathway through Florida, and some are saying that Miami Carnival should be cancelled as a result. While it may seem like a respectful thing to sacrifice enjoyment while others are experiencing sorrow, we urge you to reconsider the assumption.  • Let’s start with the recognition that Miami did not experience the havoc. To us in the Caribbean, it may seem that Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota and other cities that were hard hit are very closeby, and there will be scenes of costumed revellers passing boarded up homes and destruction but… no. In fact, Miami is as far away from major damage as many of our islands are from each other. • Now think about the thousands of people who are the patrons of Miami Carnival. Thousands who have put time, money, effort, travel bookings and more in place. These people should not be easily dismissed as if they are meaningless. • Let’s also consider that the practitioners, event promoters, designers, DJs (the list goes on and on), etc. are not able to absorb their costs entirely and give up all the revenue. This is entirely unrealistic. Please do not look at organisers as soulless profiteers, they produce a product tied to a 3-day festival and deserve compensation for their talent and work.  • Finally, never ever EVER think that Caribbean culture is not valuable. Disneyworld and Universal Studios have announced that they are opening their doors tomorrow morning. You cannot say that our Steelpan, J’ouvert, Parade, Concerts and Parties are offensive when the behemoths of mainstream entertainment are running business as usual. So Make a Mas’ in Miami! Spread the Culture! Spread some Joy! It’s needed. #C15Studios  #CaribbeanFinance #CaribbeanCreatives #CaribbeanConnections

𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗿: 𝗔 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝘇𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗛𝘆𝗽𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀! Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated Eras Tour hits Vancouver this weekend, and the city is buzzing with excitement. With three sold-out shows at BC Place, approximately 160,000 fans are expected to attend, bringing not just music but a significant boost to the local economy. 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 Hotels across Vancouver are fully booked, with some rates soaring up to 10 times the usual cost. Fans from across the country and beyond are filling every available room, spotlighting Vancouver as a prime event destination. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 Restaurants and retail stores are seeing record foot traffic. From themed menus to Swift-inspired merchandise, local businesses are seizing the opportunity to connect with fans and enhance their experience. 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮 Swifties are lining up for exclusive Eras Tour merchandise, with items ranging from $40 to $75 selling out quickly. This limited-edition merch is driving fans to spend even more, making the concerts an all-around economic win for the city. 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 The concerts are projected to contribute an estimated $157 million to Vancouver's economy, showcasing the powerful synergy between live entertainment and local business growth. 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝘁? Whether you’re attending the concert or soaking in the city’s vibrant energy, this weekend is proof of how music can uplift an entire city.  Are you going? What’s your take on all this hype? Share your experience with us in the comments. #VancouverEvents #LocalEconomy #TaylorSwiftVancouver #ErasTourVancouver #SwiftiesInVancouver #ConcertEconomy #VancouverBuzz #SwiftieMerch #LocalBusinessLove #MusicAndBusiness #ElegantMarketing 

Discover three engaging #MemorialDay event ideas for Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) in this blog post! https://bit.ly/4bQzJwC