POST CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
October 22-23, 2026 | Halifax, Nova Scotia
This course is generously sponsored by Crowd Safety Training and Consultancy Worldwide Ltd., and it's being offered at a special discounted price by Event Safety Alliance Canada (ESAC).
OVERVIEW
Understand the movement and behaviours of crowds through six phases of events. This session will identify best practices in Crowd Safety Management using our experience gained working across the globe at the world's largest events.
This course is suitable for people who design for, plan or manage the movement of people in sport, entertainment, or similar environments. It will benefit site or venue operational managers, security organizations, emergency services, police officers with crowd management responsibilities, and local authorities with licensing, planning, building control or live event responsibilities.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Understanding the basics of Crowd Psychology.
- Discuss density vs. capacity and why they are not the same.
- Identify critical stages of events and model using crowd science theory.
- Examine and understand queuing theory and how tactics may change depending on the event.
- Understanding Ingress Flow Rates.
- Identify best practice Front of Stage Barrier design for differing types of events.
- Understand how to review new event sites and assess for suitability.
- Understand crowd modelling and dynamics
- Calculating emergency egress requirements
- Capacity calculation considerations
COURSE OPTIONS
There are two options for those wishing to attend this course. Upon completion, a Certificate of Attendance will be provided. Those wishing to opt for the Level 4 Professional Certificate in Crowd Safety Management will be required to sit the formal examination.
Participants who complete this two-day course will have the opportunity to upgrade to the Level 5 Award in Crowd Safety Management. Those who would like to continue with the Level 5 Award will be offered an online option through Crowd Safety Training (part of The Square Metre group) at their regular price. Contact Jason Byrne at Jason.Byrne@thesquaremetregroup.com for details.
AGENDA
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 (Day 1/2)
8:00am - 8:30am - Registration & Networking
8:30am - 12:00pm - Workshop
12:00pm - 12:30pm - Lunch (included)
12:30pm - 5:00pm - Workshop
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2026 (Day 2/2)
8:00am - 8:30am - Registration & Networking
8:30am - 12:00pm - Workshop
12:00pm - 12:30pm - Lunch (included)
12:30pm - 5:00pm - Workshop
Agenda and timing are subject to change. All times are displayed in local Halifax time (ADT).
Programming and speakers are subject to change.
LOCATION
Conference Venue and Hotel
The Westin Nova Scotian, Harbour Suite A&B
1181 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 2P6
Click for Map
TRAINER BIOGRAPHY
Andy Hollinson
CEO, The Square Metre Group
| Andy Hollinson is the CEO of The Square Metre Group, a globally recognised consultancy specialising in crowd safety management, event safety, training and strategic operational planning. With a Foundation Degree in Crowd Safety Management and a First Class BA (Hons) in Crowd Safety Management, Andy combines academic excellence with nearly three decades of practical experience across some of the world’s largest events, sports grounds, live music venues, festivals and transport hubs. Andy is a highly experienced crowd safety consultant and trainer, working internationally with event organisers, public authorities, venue operators and major rights holders to support the safe planning and delivery of complex, high-profile events. His work includes crowd management planning, capacity assessment, ingress and egress strategy, last-of--mile operations, front of stage and barrier safety, emergency preparedness, operational command structures, and staff training. Andy has recently undertaken major crowd safety consultancy roles in Canada, including serving as Crowd Safety Consultant and Strategic Crowd Safety Lead for the City of Toronto for external operations at the FIFA World Cup 2026. In this role, Andy led strategic safety planning for external operations, including last-mile planning, ingress and egress strategy, crowd movement, operational controls, and the FIFA Fan Festival. Andy then took the position of tactical crowd safety lead to implement the plans. His work supported the development of robust, proportionate, and operationally deliverable crowd safety arrangements for one of the world’s most complex major-event environments. Andy’s expertise and practical approach have made him a sought-after advisor for major events and venues worldwide. His combination of experience, academic knowledge and training capability enables him to provide high-quality advice and education to professionals responsible for managing crowds in complex and dynamic environments. As the leader of The Square Metre Group, Andy continues to support the development of crowd safety practice globally, helping organisations to apply recognised crowd management principles, improve operational resilience, and deliver safer event environments. Andy is a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM) and holds the following qualifications:
Andy is currently working towards a Master of Laws (LLM) degree, with expected completion in 2026. |
ABOUT THE CROWD SAFETY TRAINING AND CONSULTANCY WORLDWIDE LTD.
Crowd Safety Training, part of The Square Metre Group, is a global leading provider of crowd safety training and consultancy. Our company, which was formed in 2014 to address a skills shortage in the market, has developed a global reputation for quality training services. We’re proud to have a highly experienced team with world-class expertise in this field, having led crowd safety at some of the worlds largest most complex events.
Operating from offices in the United Kingdom and Orland, Florida, we are able to provide a host of services to global clients, including Canada and the Americas.
Level 4 Advanced Crowd Safety Management
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
Please note that workshops may be cancelled if there is insufficient registration. If that happens, registrants will be refunded and will have the option to purchase a registration for another workshop.
Evening Social Events and Conference costs & fees are not included in any workshop registration.
Taxes (HST) will be applied during checkout.
The Westin Nova Scotian |
Limited rooms are available as part of the conference block between
Sunday, October 18 to Friday, October 23, 2026. The discount cut-off date is Friday, September 18, 2026.
AIRLINE DISCOUNT
Air Canada is pleased to be the preferred airline for the ESAC 2026 Annual Conference. Attendees can use the following promotion code to receive a discount on eligible fares. To book a flight with the promotion code, access Air Canada Website and enter the promotion code in the Promotion Code Box.
Promotion Code: KK3VFRX1
Applicable Rules:
- The booking must be made to the following airport: Halifax (YHZ)
- The travel period begins Saturday, October 10, 2026 and ends Friday, October 30, 2026.
- For North America travel, 5% applies on standard fares and 10% on flex fares & higher. For International travel, 10% applies on standard fares and higher. 12% on business class fares (exception: 5% on lowest business class fares).
For additional terms & conditions, please reach out to info@esacanada.ca.
ACCESSIBILITY
If you require any accommodations to participate in this conference, or in the event of an emergency evacuation at the venue, please indicate your requirements at the time of registration. Please email info@esacanada.ca if you have any questions about the accessibility of this conference or the venue.
EVENT FAQS
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
If you have questions (dietary restrictions, accessibility etc.), please email info@esacanada.ca. Please submit dietary restrictions by Friday, September 28, 2026.
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
The Conference Venue is located at the Conference Hotel. If you are not staying at the Conference Hotel, transportation will be the responsibility of the attendee. There is parking at the Conference Venue/Hotel and at nearby locations.
There are also public transit options available in the city and surrounding areas. Halifax Public Transit
What is your policy for refunds and exchanges?
Except for compassionate reasons or genuine mistakes made during purchasing, all registration sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.
Is my registration fee transferable?
Yes, you may send an alternate to the conference. To make a change, please email info@esacanada.ca.
Event Safety Alliance Canada We bring people, organizations, and businesses together in the shared mission of making the health, wellbeing, and safety of everyone the priority at Canadian events.
Copyright © Event Safety Alliance Canada 2026 |