Live Event Liabilities!

In the world of live event management, no one is free of liability. Since these events play much upon the human element, anything and everything can go wrong.

Event managers can preemptively cover themselves with use of waivers and the like to thwart liability from them, keeping their hands clean. This is seen in the world of concert moshing and other attendee disorderly occurrences. Luke Ellis, from AllBusiness.com, stated that venues and other 3^rd parties successfully avoid liability by claiming “assumption of risk”, in combination with a signed waiver. The concert’s attendee that has tickets in general admission should be knowledgeable of the risks he or she will be subjecting himself or herself to.  This kind of ‘avoidance of risk’ is also seen printed on the tickets themselves. On a pair of tickets to a Downtown Orlando venue reads, “You assume any and all risks occurring before, during or after event, including injury by any cause. You release management, facility, league, participants, clubs, and their respective affiliates and representatives from any related claims.” Overall, this protects management teams from the attendee-related risk.

Now, especially in outdoor music events, the issue of noise and broadcast become grounds for liability and risk for the event management. Being knowledgeable of local statues and laws can aid in smooth event operations. In the case of electronic artist, Bassnectar, he failed to realize the regulations in place within the jurisdiction of the Red Rocks amphitheater and surrounding areas. After his performance, Bassnectar and his team were greeted by local authorities with a fine of over $100,000 for noise violations.  This wasn't his first offense. Now, this may not be directly related to the event managers but if the event were viewed as a vehicle for violation, the city may vote against hosting the show again in subsequent years.

This is just scratching the surface of potential liability for live event management teams. Expect follow up posts on more live event liability…