10 March 2025

Josh Dean, CEO, Audiebant

Events spaces have become a target for terrorist activity. In 2017, the Manchester Arena bombing became the deadliest act of terrorism in the UK since the 7/7 bombings in 2005. In the summer of 2024, three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna were forced to be cancelled following a possible security threat. These attacks have shone a light on the current measures incorporated by venues to help protect the public and staff.

There are new laws being introduced to make our streets and events safer. It’s great to see that legislation on the ownership, production, transportation of zombie-style knives and machetes in the UK is being introduced to help protect people. But new regulations can only go so far in keeping the public safe and reducing potential harm.

For too long, lockdown procedures and emergency response plans at events have lacked clear, effective communication to help keep people safe, and this needs to be addressed. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, will impose requirements on any premises with a capacity of 200 people or more. This will make transformative change no longer optional but essential for the majority of events venues.

Tailored instructions
Event attendees and staff often don’t know what action to take during a panicked situation. Unable to differentiate between different floors or areas, the broadcast of one inflexible message may put members of the public in danger by inadvertently directing them towards threats and away from safe exits. The continuous repetition of a single loud message was a feature of the Manchester Arena attack, hindering communication.

Instead, the reality is that the level of threat facing different attendees at a large-scale event is dependent on where they are situated. Tailored communication is key to directing different groups to the safest course of action.

Zoned mass communication systems deliver tailored, calm, consistent and instant instructions to people in the event of an attack. Those in the vicinity of the danger can be told to make their way to the nearest exit, while those further away from the threat can be instructed to stay well away. This aligns with guidance from the National Protective Security Authority and Counter Terrorism Policing about the ability to deliver different messages to different zones.

The technology also meets the requirements of the proposed Martyn’s Law to develop anti-terrorism plans, train staff in terrorism protection and incorporate tools to help protect the public and employees. Technology must go hand-in-hand with training and be part of a more comprehensive and thorough incident response plan that must be constantly rehearsed and tested.

In the event of a terror incident, any number of authorised staff can be empowered to use a software-based app to initiate an instant broadcast via all the available channels, covering audio, screen and mobile, from any portable communication device.

A software-based system enables regular updates to be made to continuously improve performance. Accessibility is driven by a cloud-based HESaaS approach, deploying small-form computer technology. Scalability is advantageous to users, allowing event organisers to adapt to ever-evolving requirements.

Flexibility with different event types
Zoned mass communication systems are ideal for permanent event locations such as stadiums, but they can also be applied to temporary setups as well, such as concerts, festivals, fairs and other public gatherings. Tannoys and PA systems in these situations suffer from the same drawback of only delivering one message to every attendee, regardless of where they are located. The latest communication technology can allow for live AI-driven text-to-speech and pre-recorded messages to be broadcast instantaneously to multiple zoned areas.

A concern among organisers when it comes to pop-up events is access to a reliable power source for a mass communication system to work. Innovations in technology now allow such systems to be powered by solar energy, even in low-light conditions. Long-lasting battery power is beneficial in that event organisers eradicate any reliance on mains power, enabling an adaptable, resilient and cost-effective solution. The technology can be transported easily to even the most remote location.

Safety is a top priority for event organisers, and not just in terms keeping people protected from potential terrorist attacks. For example, local authorities can deploy zoned mass communication systems to manage parking issues and clear illegally parked cars from certain areas. In certain locations with large groups of people gathering, communications can be directed towards them to encourage dispersal. There are even opportunities to leverage such a solution in non-emergency contexts. Systems can be pre-programmed to play health and safety information, event updates, promotional messages or background music.

Significantly enhancing emergency responses
As threats to public safety at events become increasingly complex, having the right tools and protocols in place is essential. While legislation like Martyn’s Law provides a much-needed framework for improving security, it’s clear that the adoption of advanced, tailored communication technologies can significantly enhance emergency response.

Zoned mass communication systems offer a flexible, reliable and effective way to ensure that both event attendees and staff receive the right information when it matters most. Whether managing a crisis or maintaining order at large-scale gatherings, these innovations help create safer environments. This demonstrates that proactive planning and modern technology can work hand-in-hand to protect the public.