Integrating Threat Awareness: Preparing for Domestic Terrorism Risks at Events
In today’s live entertainment landscape, safety is as critical as creativity. While the goal of any event is to inspire, entertain, and engage, the reality is that domestic terrorism and security threats must be considered in every operational plan. As a Managing Partner overseeing global talent, live experiences and having developed and operated within crowd management and risk during my tunure, I’ve learned that integrating threat awareness is not about fear — it’s about proactive preparation, strategic planning, and protecting audiences, artists, and staff.
The first step is risk assessment and situational awareness. Every venue, festival, or pop-up activation carries its own set of vulnerabilities — from crowd density and access points to proximity to high-traffic public areas. Understanding potential threats and identifying points of exposure allows teams to design mitigation strategies before a single ticket is ever sold.
Next comes operational planning and coordination. Effective threat integration requires close collaboration with local law enforcement, security professionals, and emergency services. This includes creating clear evacuation protocols, communication plans, and access control systems. Modern technology — surveillance cameras, AI monitoring, scanning tools, and communication platforms — can augment human oversight, enabling faster identification of unusual behavior or potential threats.
Staff training and team readiness are equally critical. Everyone on the event team, from production staff to volunteers, must understand their role in maintaining a safe environment. Drills, scenario planning, and clear reporting structures ensure that, in the event of an incident, teams respond decisively and efficiently, minimizing risk to attendees and artists.
Finally, balancing safety with experience is essential. Security measures should never overshadow the performance or disrupt fan engagement. Thoughtful design ensures that threat mitigation is seamless, unobtrusive, and integrated into the overall event experience.
Incorporating domestic threat awareness is about building a culture of vigilance and resilience. It empowers teams to anticipate challenges, act proactively, and create live experiences that are both inspiring and safe. For artists, managers, and production leaders, this approach ensures that events can succeed creatively while upholding the highest standards of audience safety.
Cody Lieberman is the Managing Partner of Global Talent Management at M23, working at the intersection of Live Music, Brand Partnerships, and Artist Development. He’s committed to building sustainable, artist-focused careers and experiences where creativity, community, and business success thrive together.