What event organisers can learn from ADE: safety in practice
During Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), the city transforms into the global capital of electronic music. Hundreds of parties, performances and conferences attract tens of thousands of visitors to dozens of venues across Amsterdam. For organisers, it’s a week full of opportunity – but also one where safety, collaboration and preparation matter more than ever.
Why safety deserves extra attention
At events, everything comes together in one place and at one moment: visitor flows, technical setups, staff, suppliers, logistics and communication. During an event week like ADE, that intensity only increases. Club nights run into day programmes, venues are rebuilt within hours, and new audiences arrive constantly. One misunderstanding or technical fault can quickly lead to disruption, panic or even dangerous situations.
Under this kind of pressure, you realise just how crucial it is to stay in control of visitor and staff safety. Not just for large festivals, but also for smaller events where organisers, suppliers and venues work closely together.
How major organisers approach safety
1. Identifying risks in advance
Professional organisers start planning months ahead with a thorough risk assessment. They map out potential scenarios – overcrowding, technical faults, sudden weather changes or medical emergencies. Spotting these risks early allows them to take targeted action: from adding extra security to improving crowd flow or arranging backup equipment.
Financial preparation is also part of the process. What if equipment gets damaged, or the event has to be cancelled? To manage those risks, organisers work with specialist insurance partners like No Risk, ensuring their cover matches the reality on the ground. That way, risks are managed both practically and financially.
2. Clear communication and responsibilities
During an event, every second counts. That’s why professional organisers appoint a dedicated safety coordinator and establish short, direct lines of communication – all laid out in a clear safety plan. Everyone knows their responsibilities: security, technical crews, first aid, communications and overall event management.
All staff and volunteers receive a short briefing on key procedures, so everyone knows exactly what to do in case of an incident or evacuation.
3. Realistic backups and evaluation
No plan works without a plan B. Professional organisers prepare for the unexpected – from cancellations to power failures. They keep backup equipment ready, have alternative suppliers on standby and make firm agreements with local authorities and emergency services. Their event insurance is part of that preparation too. If something does go wrong, everyone knows who to call and how to make sure the situation is dealt with quickly and properly.
Afterwards, they take time to evaluate what went well and what could be improved. Every edition teaches you something new – and with each event, your organisation becomes stronger and safer.
Putting it into practice
You don’t have to organise a mega-festival to take safety seriously. Work with partners like No Risk to identify the risks of your event, coordinate with suppliers and emergency services, and make sure all contact details and emergency numbers are up to date.
Create one clear, concise document that brings everything together: your safety plan, emergency plan and key contact list. A well-prepared plan only works if everyone knows their role – so discuss procedures with your team before the event starts and update them for each new edition. That’s how you make every event safer, more professional and more confident.
Finally: security brings peace of mind
Safety starts with preparation – but true peace of mind comes when your risks are properly covered. With the right event insurance from No Risk, you can be confident that your event is not only safe, but also fully protected.
No Risk helps organisers and event planners understand and insure their risks – so you can focus on creating a successful event.
Image: Patrick van Beek - Melkweg Electric deluxe