It's March Madness!  In this episode, hosts Danielle Hernandez and John Badcock explore the logistical and operational complexities of hosting the annual NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments. They are joined by Joey Doster (Lenovo Center, NC) and Becca Wilusz (Duke University) to discuss the bidding process, rapid scheduling, security perimeters, broadcast constraints and the challenges of managing massive crews.   These highly anticipated and widely viewed events are complicated and complex, with details from towels to hostile vehicle mitigation and our guests are well versed in the nuances of the "dance".

Hosts:

Danielle Hernandez (host)

John Badcock (co-host)

Guests:

Joey Doster | Director of Security and Guest Experience, Lenovo Center

Becca Wilusz | Assistant Director of Athletics for Game Operations, Duke University

Show Notes:   Watch March Madness Live on NCAA | NCAA.com

Host Selection & Bidding for Men's and Women's tournaments

Logistical Complexity of arena "Session" flips and rapid turnarounds

Coordinating travel and hospitality for teams, bands, and broadcast crews

Security & Public Safety collaboration with law enforcement

Managing the "Zone X" perimeter outside the venue

The Human Element, staff resilience, and accommodating live mascots

Media & Broadcast coordination and schedule management

In this episode, Danielle and Doug Bruce speak with UK events operations consultant Miriam Stone about Major Incident Planning for event operations. The conversation explores the critical differences between standard operational incidents and major incidents that require a multi-agency response. Key topics include emergency reporting, crowd management, the importance of continuous training and tabletop exercises, and empowering frontline staff to identify and report suspicious behavior. The episode also covers real-world event safety lessons and practical actions, including response strategies learned from the Manchester Arena bombing.

Hosts

Danielle Hernandez | LinkedIn

Doug Bruce, CSSP, CSP, MA | LinkedIn

Guest

Miriam Stone | LinkedIn

Links & Resources

JESIP: https://www.jesip.org.uk/

M/ETHANE Reporting Model: https://www.jesip.org.uk/joint-doctrine/m-ethane/

FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training: https://training.fema.gov/nims/

Left of Bang: https://www.amazon.com/Left-Bang-Marine-Combat-Program/dp/1936891301

The Purple Guide: https://www.thepurpleguide.co.uk/

In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, hosts Danielle Hernandez and Jim Digby explore the complex and visually stunning world of laser technology in live entertainment. They are joined by Roberta McHatton (Laser Safety Services) and Harry Boyde (ER Productions), who provide expert insights into the physics of lasers, the evolution of safety standards since the 1980s, and the rigorous protocols required for both indoor and outdoor productions. From managing FAA notifications for outdoor shows to the technical precision of "audience scanning," this discussion highlights how safety acts as an essential enabler for creative innovation in modern show design.

International Laser Display Association

Laser Control Hardware

Roberta McHatton | LinkedIn

Harry Boyde | LinkedIn

Jim Digby, PMP®️ | LinkedIn

Danielle Hernandez | LinkedIn

[00:00] Introduction: Danielle shares a local connection to the co-inventor of the laser, Charles Townes.

[02:10] Meet the Experts: Introductions for Roberta McHatton and award-winning laser designer Harry Boyde.

[06:45] Laser Physics 101: A breakdown of the acronym and how photons are concentrated into hazardous beams.

[12:30] Evolution of Safety: Comparing 1983 "nightclub" setups to modern 120-watt high-powered systems.

[16:00] Termination Points: The importance of knowing where a beam ends to prevent equipment damage.

[21:15] Outdoor Regulations: The role of the FAA, the 30-day notification rule, and using tools like FlightRadar24.

[28:30] Audience Scanning: The science of using specialized lenses to make lasers safe for direct crowd exposure.

[33:45] Emergency Protocols: The "Stop, Stop, Stop" rule and the critical role of the laser operator during a live performance.

[37:10] Training and Resources: Where to find professional certification through ILDA or specialized classes.

[46:40] Closing Segment: The team wraps up with final advice for the NEXT generation of production professionals.

Danielle and guest co-host Anita Hartsock are joined by Richard Cadena to discuss the dangers of electrical shock on stages.  We explore exactly how stray current can travel through gear and people and why proper grounding is absolutely crucial.  Also, there is discussion about some real incidents that illustrate the point and prove why a non-contact voltage sniffer should be a part of your tool kit. Join this electrifying conversation and learn about Richard's new book on entertainment electrical safety, his Substack and other electrical resources.  Let's work together to keep all our training current and everyone safe.

Resources:

• Richard's website, Richard Cadena
• TSP ANSI 1.17
• Richard Cadena | LinkedIn
• Anita Hartsock | LinkedIn

Hey friends! We’re getting a little bit "in the weeds" today, and behind the scenes at The Event Safety Alliance.  ESA is going through an exciting transition, and we are so delighted to be joined by our new leadership team to talk about what’s next for our Life Safety First mission.

www.publichealtheverything.com

🎙️ You Guys! We Talked ETCP Certifications!

If you’ve ever wondered how to determine who in this business really knows their discipline, especially in an industry without formal training requirements, this is the episode for you.

We had Christina Smith from ESTA and Bill Sapsis of Sapsis Rigging and the ETCP Council join the Event Safety Podcast to break down the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP). This program is designed to certify the skills of the top third of our industry professionals in 4 different areas of expertise.  It’s not just a test. The certification is based heavily on vetting hands-on work history, not just technical knowledge.  We cover the four certifications: Arena Rigger, Theatre Rigger, Entertainment Electrician, and Portable Power Distribution Technician.  Happy holidays and remember, don't hold the fireworks!

https://etcp.esta.org/

This time around, John Badcock joins Danielle for a conversation on inspiration, motivation and the value of the event safety community.

October is definitely spooky season.  In celebration of haunts, scares and horror experiences, hosts Danielle & Bryan talk to Kim Scott, General Manager of the recently launched Universal Horror Unleashed.   The conversation ranges from jump scares to regulations and how to mentor the up-and-coming planners as they create new attractions in this genre.   Also, boo holes.  Happy haunting!!    

Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas. Four Haunted Houses

In this episode Danielle and guest co-host Boxer Hardison had a conversation with Jeff Reder of Clark Reder Engineering Inc., focused on discussing structural engineering for the entertainment industry, sharing insights about their work on concert stages, theater sets, and temporary structures for events like Coachella. The discussion covered engineering processes, challenges with weather and safety plans, and the evolution of design tools from traditional methods to modern 3D modeling software. Also addressed were industry trends, including the increasing use of engineering reviews for events and the implementation of new safety standards in the 2024 IBC, while concluding with advice for young professionals entering the field.

https://www.clarkreder.com/

https://tsp.esta.org/tsp/documents/published_docs.php

https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2024V1.0

This week Danielle and guest co-host Janet Sellery talk with special guest, Betty Siegel, about accessibility in live events. They explore service animals, communication accommodations, and assistive technologies.  The conversation includes various accessibility considerations including sensory-friendly performances, mobility accommodations, and the importance of involving people with disabilities in the planning processes.  The conversation reflects on the need for empathy and knowledgeable staff in creating inclusive event spaces, while highlighting the ongoing evolution of accessibility technologies and practices.

• 01:45 Kennedy Center article
• 02:15 Zero Project
• 04:00 Dogs & Horses
• 13:06 Neural Divergence / Relaxed Performances
• 18:24 Visual Impairment / Low Vision
•      More service animal talk
• 25:03 American Sign Language
• 26:44 Tactile interpreter
• 34:00 Hearing Assistance
• 43:66 Mobility
• 57:43 Closing Credits
• 58:13 Post Credit question