🎙️ 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

In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, host Danielle is joined by ESA friends Jacob Worek and John Badcock for a round table discussion of what all has occurred so far this year in the event industry. From incidents, accidents, and near misses, to weather (so much weather), as well as tools and guidance, the first half of 2025 has been full of lessons for event professionals to consider when planning and executing performances and mass gatherings. See show notes for related links to incidents and resources.

1:03 Belgium's Tomorrowland Saved by Metallica After Fire Destroys Main Stage

11:00 8 children taken to hospitals after seizure-like symptoms at Harvard Square church concert

14:20 Vehicle ramming

• Los Angeles: Man charged after car ploughs into crowd, injuring 30 - BBC News
• Police: Liverpool parade car collision incident not terrorism - ESPN
• 11 people killed, more than 20 hurt after SUV rams into Vancouver street festival | CBC News

22:18 Weather cancellation

• https://variety.com/2025/music/news/steve-miller-band-cancels-all-tour-dates-due-to-weather-disasters-1236463342/
• Over 100 people fall ill at New Jersey graduations in 'mass casualty' incident due to extreme heat
• Home of Zelus - Official site of Zelus Environmental System

32:50 Docket 266: Occupational Exposure to Heat and Hot Environments | NIOSH | CDC

35:00 Stay hydrated: It’s going to be a long, hot July for much of U.S. | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

36:30 Anna Lapwood | Official Website

41:31 Young person electrocuted at St George's Day fete in Sussex | The Argus

43:53 Structures & Rigging

• Katy Perry nearly falls as prop malfunctions mid-air over crowd | Culture | Independent TV
• Beyoncé's car malfunctions while suspended in air during concert in Houston - ABC7 Los Angeles

49:05 Words Matter - The Language of Crowds — Global Crowd Management Alliance

50:08 Standards and Guidance — Life Safety First : Event Safety Alliance

• ANSI ES1.6 Event Safety - Communications
• [ANSI ES1.42-2025 Parade Safety] (https://eventsafetyalliance.org/s/ANSI-ES142-2025-Parade-Safety.pdf

51:00 [NIOSH Faces Major Layoffs Amid HHS Restructuring, Slashing Two-Thirds of Workforce -- Occupational Health & Safety]https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2025/04/01/NIOSH.aspx)

57:30 Credits & 2025 Event Safety Summit: Solidarity in Safety — Life Safety First : Event Safety Alliance

57:52 Shakira postpones San Antonio, Houston shows

In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and guest host Bryan Huneycutt have an in-depth discussion about life on the road with Ryan George of thistourlife.com. Topics included everything from a new retirement benefit program to challenges for physical, mental and financial health on tour as well as advocacy within the touring community.

• ThisTourLife.com
• Amber.health
• tourhealth.org
• ctcbenefits.org

What does it take to build a worldwide tour From Zero? In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle poses this question to long-time Linkin Park Tour Director (and ESA President) Jim Digby. They discuss how Linkin Park and their team kept the band's re-launch a secret from their notoriously dedicated fanbase, the production considerations involved in their first tour in eight years, the importance of building the right team, positive safety changes in international touring markets, and more.