banana peel on the floor
Photo by Gerry Lauzon

When shopping around for an event production company, it’s easy to find a company who will give you the lowest price for their equipment and services. But you usually end up getting what you pay for. And sometimes, that means cutting corners in safety. As safety supervisor for National Event Pros, I am constantly thinking about risk. What unexpected things could happen, and how can we prevent it?

At National Event Pros, we are committed to providing a high level of safety for our clients while helping to reduce or eliminate risk wherever possible. Our laundry list of safety measures can be used as a checklist for hiring an event management team in any city. Look for a company that can assure you of the following:

  • Full background check of all employees
  • Formal training of all event supervisors
    NEP requires 80 hours.
  • Formal training of all event staff
    NEP requires 4 hours.
  • Ongoing training throughout employment
    NEP offers this in-house and on-the-job.
  • Manager support for event staff
    NEP provides 24-hour access to management.
  • Certified amusement ride inspectors
    NEP employs three NAARSO Level 2 Certified inspectors.
  • Ongoing industry safety education
    NEP attends both the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions and Northwest Showmen’s Club seminars every year.
  • Membership in reputable trade groups
    NEP is a current member of the American Society for Testing and Materials, National Fire Protection Agency, and Northwest Showmen’s Club.
  • Current on evolving industry standards
    NEP continually monitors manufacturers, ASTM, NFPA, Labor and Industries, and NAARSO websites to ensure compliance with all current and proposed industry standards.
  • Staff presence at all events
    NEP requires a member of our staff to be present at any school event to ensure safe operation, training of volunteers, and constant supervision.
  • Fully insured
    NEP carries a $5 million insurance policy, higher than most other companies in our industry.

It’s hard to pass up a low bid. But the price you’ll pay for cutting corners in risk management and guest safety could be far greater than any pennies you’ll save by hiring an unscrupulous event management company. Use the checklist above to cross your t’s and dot your i’s. Look for a team that is friendly, approachable, knowledgeable, well-trained, professional, and committed to safety in everything they do. With this event planner checklist, you won’t regret it.