How to Plan for Large Events: Ensuring Crowd Control and Safety
Large-scale events are thrilling to host and attend, but they also come with a long list of responsibilities. One of the most important, and often most complex, is keeping attendees safe and well-informed. At Corsign, we’ve supported hundreds of large-scale gatherings across Australia, from music festivals and expos to local government events and remote mine site operations. And in every case, effective crowd control signage and planning have played a critical role.
Whether you’re organising a community celebration or managing foot traffic at a commercial site launch, understanding how to use signage as part of your broader event safety strategy is essential. Here’s what you need to know.
The Role of Signage in Managing Large Crowds
Large events mean large numbers of people moving through entrances, exits, thoroughfares, and emergency pathways – often all at once. Without proper direction and visual cues, this movement can become chaotic and unsafe.
Signage provides:
- Clarity: Attendees know where to go, what to avoid, and how to act.
- Authority: Clear, standardised messages reduce confusion and potential conflict.
- Speed: Visuals are faster to process than verbal instructions, improving crowd flow.
- Risk reduction: Signage helps prevent accidents, congestion, and potential legal liabilities.
We’ve seen firsthand how well-placed, purpose-built signs can keep people calm and organised, particularly in high-pressure or fast-moving situations like stage changeovers, parking bottlenecks, or emergencies.
Temporary vs. Permanent Signage for Events
While some venues have fixed signs in place, many events require temporary event signage tailored to the unique layout, flow, and audience of the day.
Temporary signage advantages:
- Customisable for your event map, branding, and audience
- Easily installed and removed without damaging surfaces
- Available in reflective, high-contrast, or weatherproof finishes
Corsign manufactures a full range of temporary safety signage in Australia, designed for outdoor durability, transportability, and visibility – ideal for both day and night events.
We also offer standard and custom options, including:
- Entry and exit signage
- Parking instructions
- Directional arrows
- Restricted zone signs
- Safety notices (e.g. “High Wind Area” or “No Glass Containers”)
Best Practices for Pedestrian Flow and Vehicle Access
Planning for pedestrian and vehicle movement isn’t just about logistics – it’s about keeping everyone safe. A poorly managed crossover between cars and foot traffic is a leading cause of incidents at public events.
Considerations for safe flow:
- Separate vehicle and pedestrian access with physical barriers
- Use visual cues (arrows, colour zones) to direct attendees
- Post speed limit and pedestrian crossing signage in car parks and drop-off areas
- Avoid dead ends and bottlenecked footpaths
- Ensure signage is placed at eye level and away from obstructions
We’ve helped clients in Perth and regional WA configure clear, navigable layouts for everything from pop-up events to industrial open days.
Compliance with Local Safety Regulations
Signage must meet local regulations, especially for high-attendance or government-permitted events. In Australia, signage for public safety should comply with AS 1319:1994 – Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment.
This standard covers:
- Colour coding (e.g. red for prohibitions, yellow for warnings)
- Symbol use and size requirements
- Placement and visibility standards
Our expert team always ensures all signage is built and printed to comply with current Australian safety regulations. This gives event organisers peace of mind during inspections or in the event of an incident review.
Tip: If your event requires a local council permit, check signage requirements early to avoid delays.
Tips for Effective Event Risk Assessment
Risk assessments aren’t just a box to tick – they help you identify signage needs early. Here’s how signage plays into an event risk plan:
- Identify hazards: Are there uneven surfaces, electrical areas, or nearby roads?
- Map crowd behaviour: Where will people gather, wait, or move quickly?
- Highlight control points: Note where barriers, signage, or staff presence is needed.
- Plan for emergencies: Ensure all exits, first-aid areas, and emergency services access points are well signed.
We’ve worked with local councils and safety consultants to create signage plans that align with full-scale risk assessments – an essential step for events over 500 attendees.
Plan for Success
Great signage is invisible when it’s working well – your guests move freely, safely, and without confusion. But when it’s missing or unclear, the entire event experience can be compromised.
At Corsign, we combine decades of signage expertise, in-house manufacturing, and a strong understanding of large event planning across Australia to deliver signage that does more than direct – it protects.
Whether you’re planning a festival, corporate function, or regional event, our team can help you prepare a signage solution that meets your safety, compliance, and crowd control needs.
Need help with temporary signage for an upcoming event? Get in touch with us today to discuss your plans.
