Photo Credit: Courtesy of the City of Chandler
It would have been easy to break into a panic when the city of Chandler, Ariz., was to host three large-scale events with more than 4,000 attendees at each event in one weekend in October 2013. The events began on Friday night with the 32^(nd) annual Halloween Spooktacular with games, a haunted house, a graveyard, and costume contests. The following morning, staff members began setting up for the 7^(th) Annual Chandler Mayor’s Day of Play with demonstrations, performers, games, and interactive booths. This event celebrated the city’s 7^(th) national “Playful City USA” designation from KaBOOM! A few hours after that activity concluded, the night ended with the 27^(th) annual Fall Rhythm Fest—a celebration of music and movement through the ages.
After successfully executing all three events, the Special Events team learned eight important lessons that are applicable to any city hosting an event—large or small—or multiple events in one weekend.
1.) Public safety is paramount.