Beyond the Curtain - Webinar Series: Mastering Show Pause & Stop for Live Event Success
March 6, 2025 | Virtual Event
OVERVIEW
In emergencies, every second counts. Effectively pausing or stopping a show requires careful planning, timely decision-making, and a coordinated response to minimize risks. Failing to act- or doing so improperly- can have serious consequences. This panel of industry experts will explore the key differences between a Show Pause and a Show Stop, when each is necessary, and the essential components of effective procedures. They will discuss the role of pre-event meetings and exercises, strategies for resuming a show after a pause, and best practices for clear communication. The discussion will also cover securing support from stakeholders, including clients concerned about costs or disruptions.
KEY TOPICS
- Show Pause vs. Show Stop
- Pre-event meetings and exercises
- Resuming the show
- Emergency communication
- Gaining support from clients and stakeholders
MODERATOR BIO
| Brad Hicks Brad’s journey in the live event industry began in his teenage years as an independent promoter, managing local bands and booking tours. His relentless drive and innate passion for production propelled him to the top, where he now serves as Founder and Director of Production at Projects by 91 Inc. In this role, Brad oversees high-profile festivals, cross-country tours, and a wide range of live events. Clients include industry leaders such as Live Nation Canada, Boots & Hearts Music Festival, Ontario Place Corporation, and The Glorious Sons, to name a few. In addition to his production expertise, Brad is the Regional Programming Committee Co-Chair for the Event Safety Alliance Canada. Through this role, he is dedicated to advancing safety standards within the event industry, leveraging his vast experience to ensure that events are not only memorable but also secure. |
PANELIST BIOS
| Steven Adelman Steven Adelman is a U.S.-based sports and entertainment lawyer and event safety expert, and he is Vice President of the Event Safety Alliance in the U.S. He led the creation of the American National Standards for Crowd Management and for Event Security, as well as the forthcoming standard for Parade Safety. Mr. Adelman has served as an event safety standard of care expert in lawsuits arising from the 2011 Indiana State Fair stage roof collapse, the 2017 Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas, and the 2021 Astroworld festival crowd crush, among others. |
| Aaron Billesberger, M. ISRM, Level 5 Crowd Manager Aaron Billesberger is a security and crowd safety specialist with almost 28 years of experience in event safety. As the contracted Director of Security & Crowd Safety for several large festivals and events in western Canada, he has led Show Pause and Show Stop procedures, briefing, training and practice exercises as well as participated in decision making and execution of Show Pauses and Show Stops at live events. |
| Kevin Jones Kevin Jones is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Odyssey Medical, a company specializing in event medical and risk management services. With 25 years of experience, he has led the conceptualization and delivery of tailored medical response programs for mass gatherings, event operations oversight, and emergency communication systems implementation. Kevin champions a collaborative, skill-driven culture and is passionate about the dynamic future of event medicine. |
| Paul Runnals Paul has built an impressive portfolio over the past 30 years, delivering innovative and award-winning events. He has created and managed some of the most technically complex entertainment projects in Canada, including the build-out of multiple pavilions during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Paul is the Executive Producer of the annual Honda Celebration of Light and was the founder and creative director for both The Squamish Valley Music Festival and SKOOKUM Festival. He is passionate about creating memorable experiences through live events. Prior to launching BrandLIVE in 2008 with partner Catherine Runnals, Paul spent many years managing national and international tour and production logistics for Sarah McLachlan, Dido, Prince, INXS, and numerous others. With his deep relationships in the music industry, Paul books over 1M in talent for BrandLIVE yearly and leads the production department and sponsorship sales team. He is also a board member of the Event Safety Alliance of Canada. Paul is an avid skier who loves travel and motorcycling and can often be seen at international music festivals. |
| Cindy Sypher, M.Eng., P. Eng Cindy Sypher, M.Eng., P.Eng. is the President of Sypher & Associates Field Engineering Ltd. She is licensed to practice engineering in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Waterloo. Her consulting interests include: temporary structures, mechanical and structural design, fire and life safety, emergency preparedness, rigging, general public safety initiatives, amusement rides, risk management, machine guarding, and playground design and inspection. She has consulted to major fairs, parks and event promoters. She is currently the Chair of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority’s (TSSA) Amusement Devices Industry Advisory Council and is the Vice-Chair of ASTM F24.80 Harmonization Sub-Committee. Ms. Sypher is a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) North American Safety Committee. She is a member of the board of directors for the Event Safety Alliance Canada. She is the former vice chair of the CSA Z267 Amusement Rides Harmonization Technical Sub-Committee. She has developed and presented curriculum for the programs at the TSSA’s NAARSO Safety Seminar, AIMS, IAAPA and other industry associations. She has been a guest speaker at the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University and Humber College, Toronto, Canada. Ms. Sypher also has 18 years experience in the nuclear industry. She has participated in standards development on the CSA N289 series of standards for seismic design and qualification of CANDU nuclear power plants. She is a former member of the board of directors for the Organization of CANDU Industries. Ms. Sypher has been consulted to render opinions for amusement devices litigation as well as on general mechanical and structural engineering issues. Ms. Sypher is a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, ASTM International, the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials, Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, Event Safety Alliance (Canada and the US) and the Canadian and International Associations of Fairs and Exhibitions. |
