When it comes to managing safety at large-scale events, most people think of stewards, barriers, and emergency plans. But behind the scenes, there's a growing role for technology - and one Irish company is leading the charge. Safe Events Global, led by Strategic Director Mark Breen, has quietly built a reputation as an international leader in crowd and event safety - and much of that success is down to the tech they've built in-house.

Mark Breen said, "we couldn't find a tech or software platform that really supported what we do as a specialist crowd and event safety company, so we built our own."

What began as a bespoke system to streamline internal operations has since evolved into a robust suite of digital tools that now supports clients around the world.

With a dedicated six-person Digital Operations Department, Safe Events Global isn't just bolting on tech - they're building it into their DNA. The company's proprietary systems manage everything from live crowd monitoring to risk assessments and communication protocols.

"It started as something just for us," says Breen, "but we've iterated and improved it over time. Now we provide similar systems to international clients who face the same complex challenges we do."

But Safe Events Global's ambitions go beyond technology for tech's sake. The company's vision is rooted in the belief that the best safety outcomes come from the right people, using the right tools. "Our core pillars are people + process," says Breen. "We integrate the best digital tools and technology to enable skilled safety professionals to be as effective as possible."

This people-first approach also extends into training and education. Recognising a gap in formal qualifications for those working in crowd safety, Safe Events Global developed a Professional Diploma in Risk and Safety Management for Crowds and Events, accredited by a UK university. Now, they're working with an Irish university to launch a range of micro-credentials in key safety areas, with a view to creating a 'stackable' qualification path - a major leap forward for an industry where hands-on experience traditionally trumps formal education.

"We want to professionalise this space," Breen says. "Ultimately, that means creating a third-level pathway for people who are responsible for the safety of hundreds of thousands of people. We see that as part of our long-term impact."

On the ground, Safe Events Global is deeply involved in both local and international events - from music festivals to sporting fixtures - using tech to complement what Breen calls the "art and science" of safety.

"There's a danger in adopting too much tech, too fast," he warns. "You still need experienced people who can read a crowd, react quickly, and make calls that an algorithm can't. Tech should support, not replace, that."

As events become larger and more complex, and safety becomes ever more scrutinised, Safe Events Global is positioning itself not just as a supplier, but as a thought leader in the space - combining Irish innovation, hands-on expertise, and a future-facing approach to technology.

For Mark Breen and his team, the mission is clear: safer events through smarter systems, better-trained people, and thoughtful use of technology - always with humanity at the core.

Find out more about Safe Events Global at www.safeevents.ie

An Irish Tech News podcast with Mark Breen will be published tomorrow.

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