Whether you’re heading to a day-long music event, a weekend celebration, or a stadium concert, big crowds and high energy are part of the fun but so is staying safe.
As seasoned security and event pros, we’ve staffed hundreds of festivals and major events across Calgary and Edmonton from Stampede to stadium tours. Our team is there not just to secure the site, but to support the whole guest experience, making sure you leave with great memories and feeling taken care of.
Wondering what our security guards might be able to help you with on-site at the next festival or big show you snagged tickets for? We asked XA team members, Adam B. and Megan T. for their best advice on staying safe, being proactive, and knowing when (and how) to rely on your event security team. Here's what they had to say.
What are our safety tips for physical safety as a crowd member?
Vibing front row at your favourite artist’s set and wading through a packed GA festival should be a highlight of your summer, not stress-inducing. Here are some key tips for protecting yourself in the crowd.
Adam:
- Be aware of those around you at festivals. The people around you can make or break your festival experience. If the people near you aren’t matching your energy, it might be time to find a new spot in the crowd.
- Look after your friends and ask them to look after you. In busy environments it’s easier to remind someone else to re-up their water bottle or grab a snack than it is to remind yourself, especially if you’ve been in the heat all day. Bonus: having a buddy-system in place with your crew is key to avoiding those low-phone-battery emergencies.
- I know you’ve heard it before, but when we say “know your limits and do your best to stay within them”, we really mean it. As security pros, we never want to cut your festival experience short, but if your consumption is putting you or the people around you in danger, it’s a call we won’t hesitate to make.
Megan:
- Be extra prepared - bring more than enough food, water, snacks, and electrolytes. Packing extra means you’ll always be set and won’t have to hesitate about helping your neighbour who might not have planned quite as well. It’s that community energy that makes festivals so great.
- Get lots of rest before and after the festival. You know it’s going to be a few late nights (and maybe even early mornings) in a row, and all that excitement takes a toll on your body. Post-festival cold? We’ve all been there, it’s the worst. The best way to avoid it is by giving our bodies the rest they need.
- Listen to people who’ve been before and follow their advice. Whether it’s the festival FAQ or a Reddit thread from devoted festival-goers, do your research about what you can and can’t bring in. Great festival habits are built from experience, so learn from the seasoned members of the crowd. A great example of this: you’ll never catch us at a camping festival without a headlamp in our duffel anymore, lesson learned.
What are 3 strategies to be a proactive crowd member at festivals and major events?
Being proactive means thinking ahead and making choices that support both your safety and the safety of those around you.
Adam’s key strategies:
- Have a plan in place for the end of the show or festival. If your friends get separated during the bottle-neck on the way out of the festival grounds, where are you meeting up? Pick a spot outside of the grounds that is well lit, easy to locate, and ideally a good spot to call your Uber home from.
- Arrive prepared and follow all venue guidelines. It’s the best way to ensure that nothing gets confiscated at the gate, you get to enjoy the full experience at your show, and you don’t miss out on anything while talking through a mix-up with the festival staff.
- Learn your layout: water stations, washrooms, first aid, and security locations. Festivals are planned carefully with your needs and safety in mind. You should be taking advantage of all those resources provided to you and know where you can access help when you need it. Most festivals provide maps ahead of time on their websites, so be sure to check them out before you’re on the grounds.
Bonus: If you lose your friends, ID, phone, or wallet - have a plan to reconnect at the security station.
Megan’s key strategies:
- Be aware of people around you - especially anyone who doesn’t look like they’re doing well. As we mentioned earlier, being neighbourly and knowing when to call in the professionals is crucial for crowd control. If someone near you seems to be experiencing fatigue, dehydration, or signs of overconsumption, reach out to your nearest security guard. We’re trained and ready to spring into action and make sure everyone gets to experience the show to its fullest while staying safe.
- Listen to directions from security, event staff, or performers. If someone working the event is telling you to step back, to hold off on moshing, or that it’s time to head out, listen. It’s never personal, but it’s also not something to take lightly.
- Take care of yourself so you can help others if needed. It’s that saying our founder Chris always quotes, “You have to put your oxygen mask on first before you can help anyone else.” Stay hydrated, manage your consumption, plan ahead, and communicate your needs to your friends. If you’re thirsty, they probably are too.
What can members of the crowd rely on their event security for?
What are things people commonly ask and what don’t they realize they can ask for help with?
Your event security team is there for more than just emergencies. Here’s what you can (and should) come to us for.
Adam:
We believe in harm reduction and trauma-informed care. Our job isn’t to ‘enforce rules,’ it’s to support safety. People go to concerts to let loose and they’ve been doing that for decades. What matters is to us making sure everyone is safe from others, their environment, and themselves.
If you ever find yourself overwhelmed or scared, know that XA Security is there to help, not to judge. That understanding could make all the difference when you need it most.
Megan:
People commonly ask us about directions, set times, re-entry, lost and found, and where to find first-aid. Guards are there to make sure you’re safe and having a good time. Finding your friends after a trip to the port-a-potty and getting to the set you’ve been looking forward to is part of that.
Minor requests like Band-Aids or guidance finding a gate? We’re happy to help. No issue is too small and we come prepared with a few of those essentials for situations like this or to lead you in the right direction to get the assistance you need.
The Bottom Line?
If you’re unsure about something, ask. Even if the first guard you ask doesn’t have the answer, they’ll know someone who does. Security is about standing guard and supporting safe, positive experiences for everyone. If you're attending a major event this summer, keep these tips in mind. And if you ever need help, guidance, or a moment to regroup, our XA team members are there to support you. That’s what we’re here for.
Want to learn more about our event security services or get in touch about working with XA? Contact us here.
.png)
