Professional Documents
Culture Documents
On-site Management
By Tinette S. Capistrano and Dexter R. Deyto
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
IDENTIFY
DISCUSS the risks and challenges
the phases of on-site that arise on-site.
operations.
DEVELOP
a plan for on-site
management.
On-site Management
Introduction
No matter how thorough the planning
and preparations for an
theactualday of the event. On-site management event, organizers never relax on
is the most crucial phase of event
the months (or years) of planning and management.
preparations lead to the actual
theeventmust be on the alert for possible event. All working units of
challenges or emergencies. All team heads
theircommunication lines open for quick decision making must keep
or trouble shooting.
When event managers enter a venue, what is
usually handed over to them is an empty hall for
a conferenceor exhibition, or an empty stage for a concert
or show. Ingress or load-in must be
lannedso that all work is done in sequence and synchronized
among all units. On the eve of the
ingress,the on-site manager reminds the team heads and staff about
all the important details they
willbe working on.
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Professional Event
A Guide to Management
Meetings, Incentives,
Conventions, Exhibitions and Events
d. Registration
Committee —handles set up and pack up of the registration area, queue
management, Information/Help
Desk, badge and kit distribution, etc.
e. Technical
Committee outsourcing and coordination of all audio-visual, electrical
and IT-related needs
of the event. They usually coordinate with facility administrators
and vendors, i.e., AV
suppliers, registration systems, wi-fi and internet providers, etc.
f. Transportation,
Accommodation, Socials,and Pre- and Post-event ToursCommittee
—coordinates shuttle
services for guests, schedules for pick-up/drop-off and social
functions, arranges optional
tours and leisure activities, and makes reservations.
g. Promotions and
Media Relations Committee — coordinates with PR and media
agencies and reporters for event promotions and on-site coverages.
Managing Director
Executive Assistant to
the Managing Director
Events Business
Unit Head
Project Marketi
Production
Secretariat Set-up
Production
Coordinator
Coordinator
Registration
Head Production
Coordinator
Accounting
Representative
Food
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On-site Management
Ingress
This crucial part of the event is
done on the eve of, or a day before
the event opening (depending on
the scale of the set-up). Normally,
ingress takes four to six hours for a
conference or convention and twelve
to twenty-four hours for a trade fair or
exhibition. The on-site manager needs
a team of capable and experienced
team leaders who will handle the
tasks enumerated below. All team
heads report onsite with copies of
-MSA-
their suppliers' contracts, checklists, Earty
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Professional Event Management
A Guide to Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions and Events
Security
ensures that the event is
This very important aspect of an event must not be overlooked as it
safe from threats.
security agency prior to
• Have a security meeting with the venue representative and
agency of the venue,
actual ingress. It is best to hire the services of an accredited security
area.
whether it will be a hotel, conference/convention center or exhibition
requests of
• Discuss all details of the ingress, set-up, the event format and program,
the meeting.
performers, celebrities, VIPs, and other important information during
Carefully plan contingencies with the security team such as traffic, crowd control,
emergencies, and possible risks.
• Hire the correct number of security for the event to ensure that all areas of the venue have
assigned security personnel.
• Hire special security to handle the VIPs and special celebrities. For special events with
highly confidential discussions, thoroughly check the background and accreditation of all
personnel who have to be present at the sessions.
• Discuss the chain of command and communicationplan for emergencies and possible
high risk situations.
For Exhibitions
Trade fairs and exhibitions are perennial crowd drawers. They can be the main event or the
supplementary event. The biggest challenge for managing exhibitions is setting up because of
the flow of people, equipment, and inventoryinto the venue at a limited time. It is importantto
synchronize all the activities in a grand plan and to communicate the plan to all the exhibitors.
• Brief exhibitors, contractors,and other suppliers on the procedures for ingress, set up,
exhibition, and egress at least two weeks before the event. The briefing will be conducted
by the on-site manager.
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On-site Management
ForConference
Setting up for a conference can be done
three hours or twelve hours before the event,
depending on the number of expected guests, the length of the
program,and the stage set-up.
Thefollowing are some concerns of the on-site manager
who is in charge of the ingress.
Make sure the contracted set-up schedule is sufficient
to allow the speakers and
entertainers to rehearse and to check their technical requirements.
All cables must have protective covering to avoid accidents.
The technical booth must be located where the assigned crew can
clearly see what is
happening onstage.
All speakers' materials must be reviewed at the projection screens to ensure
that they are
visible from all corners of the venue.
Do a technical run before the show starts. Lights and sounds must be cued
and
sequenced for each performer and speaker.
Assign a person in charge of the speakers' needs. Ensure that the holding area and
lectern
have stocked beverages and snacks if speakers are expected to wait for their turn in
the
program.
Wi-fi connection must be available to everyone in the conference. If you are renting
this
service, make sure you have the correct bandwidth.
Buffet tables should be adequate for all the delegates. Do a time and motion study
for
food service when you do your food tasting.
The Registration area must be centrally located and visible to all delegates but away
from
the stage to avoid distractions. Complete kits and registration forms should be available.
Have separate registration counters for walk-in delegates and pre-registered delegates.
• Adequate signages detailing the registration process must be visible to all delegates.
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Professional Event Management
A Guide to Meetings, Incentives,
Conventions, Exhibitionsand Events
Permits
Permits and licenses vary depending on the locale of the event. The event organizer must
secure them in advance and have copies availableon-site in case they are requiredby local
authorities. Some examples of permits are:
• LGU event permit
• Import and export permits for exhibit goods
• Fire Inspection permit
Food and Sanitation Inspection permit
• Heavy Equipment (required by venue if exhibits exceed floor load capacity) permit
Security/PNP (required only if the event has display of firearms and ammunitions) permit
As early as possible, assign someone (usuallyan experienced logistics supplier) to find out from
the venue representative and local government unit where the permits and licenses are secured and
to secure all the needed permits. Some events require more permits than others.
Suppliers/Service Contractors
Entry and exit areas for suppliers and service contractors must be clearly marked. They must
also be wearing appropriate uniforms and prescribed event IDs that clearly identify the company
they represent.
The caterer should be able to provide food, equipment,and wait staff for the number
of people expected. If there is a likelihoodof overflowof guests, the caterermustbe
informed by the F&B team head as soon as this possibility is noted.
The staff of contractors (especially those who will be dealing with guests and speakers)
must be briefed on special conditions of the event such as proper decorum and conduct,
program protocols, and restricted areas.
• Freight forwarders should have the proper equipment on site when moving cargo from
the loading bay to the booths. If equipment breaks down, they should be able to provide
back-up to ensure that work continues and the ingress schedule is met.
• For exhibitions, contractors are hired to provide the booths and other display structures.
The contractors must be conscious of the scheduled time provided to set up so as not to
delay the loading in of the exhibitors. The contracts for these contractors should include
penalties for set up delays.
Communications
A pre-production meeting of all operationalteams must be held prior to ingress and set up
to clarify all questions and concerns. The meeting will be presided by the project managerwho
must discuss all important details of the event, from the ingress to set up and the event proper and
ingress. Contingency plans for any emergency must also be reviewed.
• Have an on-site communications hub. This is composed of the secretariat, a representative
from the contractorsand the venue. The communicationshub must be knownto all
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On-site Management
Signages
These are needed in many aspects of the event, whether in emphasizing an event element or in
furthermaximizing the event experience.
• Venue Signages — Convention centers and other event venues should have various
signages and marquees to provide guests and attendees proper informationand ease of
wayfinding. It also helps improve overall guest experience. Event managers must check if
the signs are in order and properly visible to guests during the event.
• For Guest Information—Graphic display signs in strategic, visible locations are used to
indicate general information, house rules, and facility amenities, ie., toilets, smoking
lounges, Information desks/counters, guest assistance, clinics, food concessionaires,
parking, elevators, and escalators, etc.
• For Promotions and Entertainment—Large format and LED monitors can keep guests
and attendees informed and entertained at all times in between sessions or during breaks;
these may also be used for announcements, emergency notifications,weather bulletins,
and traffic conditions around the venue vicinity. Some facilities even generate revenues
from these digital displays from advertisers and sponsors.
• Venue Way Finders —Way finding solutions are important and a necessary tool especially
in large facilities for the convenience of guests and attendees to navigate to specific
events or rooms, or meet colleagues in lounges and dining areas, and more importantly
for emergency situations. This helps eliminate confusion and results in a delightful
experience because the guests are better informed, Some signs may even be in multiple
languages to cover as wide an audience as possible.
• Location Maps and Kiosks —Location maps or interactive touch screen kiosks are a
common sight in many venues and large facilities to inform guests of all the available
rooms and concessionaires vis-å-vis one's current location. These may also be required by
safety auditors to identify emergency exits and exit routes in case of evacuation.
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Professional Event Management
A Guide to Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions and Events
aisle
Registration
Prior to the opening, the event manager should check if the entire venue is ready to receive
their guests. A registration table and team should be set up at the entrance to properly receive
guests. All registration materials—identificationbadges, sign up sheets, guest kits (if available),
media kits, and VIP tokens—should be within reach.
Opening Ceremonies
Whetherthe event is a meeting, exhibition,or conference,an opening program is usually
prepared. The opening program is also used as a public relationstool to generate awarenessfor
the event. Organizers, sponsors, VIP guests, exhibitors, and the media are usually invited to grace
the opening.
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On-site Management
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Professional Event Management
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X.
On-site Crisis Checklist
1. When conducting site visits, and selecting your event venue and location, consider the likely
crisis situations which can occur in your event.
2. Evaluate each potential crisis in terms of location, area, city, or country. Understand the
culture and approach to risk and crisis management of the city or country. Keep abreast of
all current events especially terrorist activities or political upheavals.
3. Review and understand the venue's technical systems and procedures relating to fire, life
safety, security, and IT infrastructure.
4. Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the crisis management teamA
5. Develop communications and reporting procedures using all communication lines available
on-site. Prepare for all contingencies and backup in case one or more communication lines
fail.
6. Plan logistics and resources to mitigate the assessed crisis situations that might req a
specific immediate course of action or response.
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On-site Management
EventSignages
Here are various signs that may be used to draw attention
to an ongoing event:
Outdoor Signs/Displays - event billboards and posters, marquees, branded banners, lamp
post banners, flags, blimps, and giant balloons are commonlydeployed to announce
ongoing and upcoming shows and events.
Indoor Signs/Displays and Lobby and Hallway Signs - booth panel boards and stanchion
posters, backdrop banners, hanging banners, retractable banner stands, easel stands,
podium signs/logos, directional floor graphics, glass panel stickers and decals, and stage
backdrop LED display
Trade Show Signs —pop-up graphic panels display, trade show floor map with names
of exhibiting companies and booth/stand numbers (Exhibitors' Directory), media/news
bulletin board and message pin board
Registration Counter Signs - with basic event information: event dates and time, hall or
room assignments, entry details, ticket information, registration mechanics, designated
delegate type queueing stations, badge and kit pick up station, etc.
Video Wall — Event managers often rent video walls. Nowadays, major LED display
promote
providers support their favorite event companies with ex-deal partnershipsto
displays to enhance
their brands to a captured audience. Event organizers utilize these
their sponsors' advertising mileage.
printedsignages
•Pigital Bulletin Boards —Although it is still commonpracticeto use
adapted by venues and event organizers
like those mentioned earlier, a recent trend
broadcast informationon the event and
is the use of digital bulletin boards which can and
boards, announcements,news,
its program. Through the use of digital bulletin
Changes can be made easily in real time
information can be displayed on any screen. be controlled.
duration of all announcementscan
for regular announcements. The display
displays, allowing informationto reachthe
Announcements can be deployed to different
appropriate audience.
Profess:onal Event Management
A Gill(ie to N"eettngsv (envenl [ nod [vents
Documentation should be
professionals that
Below is a checklist of documents commonly used by event
available on-site.
Use
Checklist of Documents Commonly On-site
by Event Professionals that Should be Available
1. Event program
2. Daily schedule Of activities
3. Room assignments
and egress)
4. Manpower detail and daily work schedule (from ingress, event proper,
assignments, their mobile contact
5. List Of event team heads and members and their committee
radios
details, and radio call signs for those who use short-frequencychannel
6. A master list of all contact details of the venue administrator
event managers an
7. Site inspection checklist prior to accepting the handover of the venue,
condition of the facility that is
venue administrators normally do a walk-through to determine the
being leased for the event.
contacts
8. A list of all sponsors and event partners including media networks and PR
misunderstandings during th
9. Venue contract must be readily available in case of any disputes or
venue administrator
actual event proper; the document should include agreed concessions with
and/or Sales/Events personnel.
security
10. Job orders for ad hoc personnel not included in the lease/venue contract—additional
housekeeping, engineering support, electricians,AV technicians, etc.
and stan
11. Vendor contracts -- purchase orders and contracts with all suppliers for the event—booth
and beverage
contractors, logistics companies, transport companies, manpower agencies, food
caterers, printing suppliers, hotel and room accommodations, etc.
12. Emergency and crisis management plan - every venue must have an emergency and crisi
management plan, This is to assure the events team that venues have done regular drills and
have passed government-required safety regulations forthe smooth evacuation of all guests and
attendees in case the need arises. This is especially importantfor large-scale events with ove
1,000 attendees 'and is a requirement of most MNCs and consulate offices.
13, Security plan shows security deployment in all building access areas; also helps to prevent
gatecrashers to ticketed events. This should include house rules for entry of the public to the
building premises; prescribed attire and ID tags for the event; rules for the entry of firearms, foo
and drink; crowd control, etc.
14. Traffic management plan —is especially important for venues in busy commercial districts or centra
business districts to manage traffic caused by the entry and exit of big crowds and the loading and
off-loading of trucks and container vans delivering goods to and from the venue.
15. Event evaluation questionnaire —Most event professionals hand out to their guests, attendees, or
exhibitors a detailed questionnaireto get feedback and to assess and determine improvemen
for the next event. The findings from these questionnaires are discussed during the post-event
assessment.
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On-site Management
The event is over. People are tired and eager to go home. The on-site events team has to
ensurethat the sequence of taking down structures and loading them out into the vehicles is strictly
followedto avoid accidents and delays. For big events, the on-site team is replaced by the post-
event team.
Egress Guidelines
The post-event team must issue a reminderto the exhibitors on the sequence of loading-
out.
Security must still be on alertto guard against theft which is usually rampant at the end of
the event.
Copies of all permits must be on hand to avoid delays in loading-out.
For events that are on road tour, keeping to the schedule is crucial because equipment
and other structuresare moving onto the next leg of the tour. The post-event team must
coordinate closely with the logistics contractor.
For venues that have back to back events,(loading-outis done within a regulated
duration.The post-eventteam should be able to manage time well lest they incur
penalties for extensions and delays.
A Post-event or Terminal Report is usually prepared by the appointed events manager or the
Organizing Committeeof an Associationand is submittedto the event owners as part of their
termination of engagement and as their reference for future events.
Professional Event Management
A Guide to Meetings, Incentives, Events
Conventions, Exhibitions and
These are just a handful of the many MICE technology products available in the markettoday.
Since meetings and events vary widely in terms of scope and what technology is needed, there is
no "one size fits all" solution. Choosing the right technology will bring significant cost benefits, time
savings, and customer service but choosing the wrong one can be very costly. Most software providers
offer their system in modules and one can choose according to what is needed.
01 02
Make an inventory Determine which
of what you are specific technology
currently using product and vendor
and what works can help solve the
and what needs problem you are
improvement. having.
Prepare a vendor
After making the
evaluationand
Some simple steps final selection
selection worksheet
06 and narrow down in choosing the right and purchase,
software technol prepare for full 03
to a few that meets
your requirement* may be follow? implementation and
eyalgation timeline.
05 04
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