After the first terror attack that went by in Nigeria, the events and entertainment industry has never remained the same. Today, even advanced countries are battling with terrorism; talk more of countries who are struggling to find their feet.
In this side of the world, events planners seem to take life for granted by failing to plan for any eventualities during or after their events. Just as it is good to hope and pray for the best, it’s never wrong, rather it is wise to prepare for the worst that could happen.
According to the Institute of Public Relations, (IPR) crisis can be defined as a significant threat to operations that can have negative consequences if not handled properly. It explained that the threat is the damage that a crisis can inflict on an organizational image, its stakeholders and industry. Crisis is a result of misunderstanding or mischief caused by a faulty process or personal insensitivity. Sometimes even after you have done all, by way of preparations and planning crisis still happens. It is therefore never out of place to plan ahead for any crisis that may affect public safety, financial loss and your organisation’s reputation.
Find below some tips to help you handle properly any crisis that might come up.

Crisis management policy
It is strongly recommended that Events Company should have a crisis management policy; this is the first step in the planning process. It involves deciding on several issues including a crisis communication plan. A document that contains all management’s decision and plan on how to handle any crisis that may arise. This document or policy differs from one Events Company to another, it is not a one cap fits all document. It depends on the kind of events management services that you provide. It is also very important that in designing this policy all relevant persons and organisations are carried along both internally and externally for advice. This policy becomes a map that must be followed during any eventuality. From time to time it also advisable that the policies are revised to meet the realities of the times including reorganization of the company.

Who are in the team?
Fundamental to handling crisis or in preparation for any eventuality is setting up a crisis management team. Everyone in your organisation cannot be seen tackling the crisis all at the same time; it sounds unrealistic. Your organisation should therefore carefully select the best hands based on capacity and relevance. Sentiments should thus not becloud your sense of judgment. However it does not end there, the team must be put to test by arranging s simulation exercise for members and other relevant persons. This simulations exercise should be in the area of envisaged crisis.

Crisis communication plan
During any crisis, communication or information management seems to be the most challenging. Friends and family members of victims need to be brought to speed concerning situations therefore they need to be fed with the accurate information in this regard. The communication process must be given topmost priority; one mouth must speak at a time that is, the spokesperson. This person must be the one delegated by the organisation to talk to the public or press when needed. The different communication channels must be clear and succinct. In these days of social media, chances must not be given to mischief makers who could use the avenue to enrich their blogs or news site for cheap followership from the unfortunate incidence. In view of this and in addition to the social media policy that is already on ground, your organisation must ensure that all the social media channels are under you control. Your organisation must be the first to report the crisis on the social media site backing this up with same report on a more credible news platform electronically or otherwise. This is to prevent awkward reporting from other channels that is capable of further escalating the already heightened tensions.

Written by

Mfon Barry

Mfon Barry is a PR Professional, a communications and a social media Strategist with DOXA DIGITAL o
Contact realmfon@doxadigital.org