When you manage your next big event, you’ll want a secure venue that admits only the attendees and keeps unauthorized visitors out. One of the best ways to mitigate crowd control is by establishing barriers around the event. This allows your staff and attendees to familiarize themselves with your event and navigate through different sections with ease.

To keep events moving in an organized fashion, designate areas for foot traffic safely and efficiently. Read our complete guide to discover how you can utilize crowd control barriers to their fullest potential for your next event.

Crowd Control Barriers in Event Planning

Crowd control barriers are physical barricades strategically placed to manage and regulate the movement of people. They can be temporary or permanent barricades in a range of sizes and made from different materials. When planning your event’s layout, keep these barriers in mind for spacing and direction.

These crowd control barriers prevent accidents and unexpected foot traffic, especially for large events. No matter how congested your event is, placing these barriers will help manage large crowds, organize lines and exits, and reduce the risk of overcrowding. Determine what kind of obstacle best suits your needs by exploring the different types of barriers.

Types of Crowd Control Barriers

Depending on what kind of event you are planning, there are several types of crowd control barriers available to you. Consider if you need temporary or permanent blockades for your event as well as what kind of features you can add to enhance security.

Temporary Barriers

Temporary barriers are your go-to partitions for short-term events. They are versatile, convenient, and easy to install. These barriers set up pathways, manage queues, and separate crowds, and you have the option to pick them up and move them as needed.

These types of barriers work best for short-term events that require crowd control. These could include festivals or concerts that rent out outdoor venues like public parks. They provide structural support to your event without damaging the rental property.

Permanent Barriers

Permanent barriers are set up in fixed locations where venues host long-term events. Venue properties use these barriers to combat the high foot traffic found in stadiums, airports, and public transit hubs.

You can set up temporary barriers in conjunction with the permanent ones for optimal security.

Innovative Barrier Solutions

Innovative barrier solutions incorporate advanced technologies to secure your event. These features allow you to control guests entering and exiting the venue through integrated sensors attached to the barriers. Streamline an event with technology that efficiently controls and documents your invitation list.

Uses of Crowd Control Barriers

A line of people at an outdoor coordinated event. They are separated by the main event by a crowd control fence.

Crowd control barriers serve various purposes in event management. Read on to learn specific ways you can manage your crowds and plan your event using these barriers.

Managing Queues and Controlling Crowd Flow

An easy way to get the most out of your barriers is by creating queue lines for attendees. Strategically place barriers at your events at entrances and exits so that attendees can easily find them. These could also function as barriers for lines at vendors or any other waiting line that could occur at your event.

This type of boundary combats overcrowding from standing guests. When you create a boundary for a line, people step out of the way and provide more space for that queue’s entry. Take advantage of barriers the next time you need multiple queue lines for your event.

Securing Event Perimeters and VIP Areas

Prevent unauthorized people from entering your venue without tickets. Crowd control barriers create a perimeter for the event to keep the general crowd from wandering into your venue. It also allows guests to enter and exit from specific sides of the venue, thereby controlling the crowds with ease.

Other areas that need general crowd control include any VIP sections your event may have. Establish boundaries between the VIP section and the general admission area to provide VIPs with the exclusive perks of your event. Maintain security in these sensitive areas by positioning barriers to block ingress from those without the proper credentials or invitation.

Creating Safe Zones for Event Staff

Protect your event staff and volunteers by providing them with safe zones and walkways they can use. They can transfer equipment or quickly escort guests privately. Areas like backstage, control rooms, and first aid should have their own boundaries to secure the staff and the visitors safely.

Crowd control barriers operate to ensure security and protection for both your attendees and your staff. As you’re establishing areas for staff, note any barriers you’ll need for that area as well.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Crowd Control Barriers

Different crowds will need different barriers to protect and guide them through your event. Determine which factors you need to prioritize for your event to pick out the best crowd control fencing for you.

Event Size and Type

For large-scale events with thousands of attendees, you’ll need sturdy and high-capacity barriers to control crowds effectively. You can also guide the flow of people at smaller events with more lightweight barrier options. No matter what kind of event you host, there will be barrier options for your attendees.

Local Regulations and Safety Standards

Depending on your region, you might have to abide by specific regulations and safety standards. Determine local or state laws and find out their requirements for barrier height, spacing, and material for an effective venue layout. These standards are set in place with the well-being of others in mind, so be sure you meet all the relevant standards before picking a barrier for your event.

Accessibility Needs

Your event should be accessible to all attendees. Provide your guests with wide pathways for individuals who need strollers or wheelchairs to navigate your venue. Designate these routes for your attendees and determine what kind of barriers you’ll need to accommodate for the pathway.

Tips for Efficient Barrier Setup and Breakdown

A fence rental provider securing a fence at an event. He is wearing a hazard vest and gloves to protect himself.

To get started on your crowd control fence rental, determine which type of fence works best for your event and browse through the renting options. Once you’ve decided which fencing works best, coordinate with a rental provider and detail the event layout and structure so they can perform a smooth setup and breakdown process.

Allow enough time before and after the event to install, adjust, and remove the barriers as needed. Keep a watchful eye to monitor whether barriers need maintenance during the event as crowds start to pile into the event. At the end, allot adequate time to dismantle the barriers for an effective cleanup.

As you plan your next event, refer back to our complete guide to crowd control barriers to enhance your safety protocols. Renting temporary fencing for your event provides you with enough access to regulate your attendees and staff in protected areas. Prioritize security and safety as you utilize crowd control techniques and create a memorable event that all attendees will enjoy.