Create an Oasis of Comfort and Safety for Event Audiences

As another Aussie summer approaches, it’s no surprise meteorologists are warning of more extreme weather patterns over the coming season.

For event companies across the country, the lead up to these warmer months present additional challenges, especially when it comes to ensuring the comfort and safety of attendees. From declining attendance rates to health risks caused by radiant heat, running an event over summer is no breeze at all these days. Here we look at the main heat-related issues for event organisers, and how misting systems are becoming essential equipment for events of all shapes & sizes.

Rising Temperatures: The Impact on Events

Australia’s summers are notorious for their intensity. With forecasts suggesting similar conditions this year, no one wants to feel like the egg being fried under the midday sun.

Excessive heat can:

• Reduce Attendance: Heat will discourage attendees from venturing out if they feel like exposure is going to be too uncomfortable to cope with. Decline in pre sales & foot traffic, impacting their overall success.
• Hinder Engagement: Even if people show up, discomfort caused by the heat can prevent them from fully enjoying the event, withdrawing from certain areas altogether or leaving main attractions or vendors overlooked.

Extreme Weather is Landing More Australians in Hospital & Heat is the Biggest Culprit. 

One of the most pressing concerns for those responsible for the event is ensuring the safety of their attendees, guests, and staff. 78% of all extreme weather-related hospitalisations were due to extreme heat, (and 43% of deaths). Eye opening data taken over 10 years here in Australia…

Radiant heat, intensified in open spaces and around buildings can quickly create unfavourable to dangerous conditions. And in crowded settings, the risks are amplified:

• Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to severe conditions such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Symptoms include dizziness, rapid heartbeat, nausea, which can escalate into medical emergencies.
• Dehydration: Staying hydrated is crucial in the summer heat, yet attendees may underestimate their fluid needs, especially when working or actively participating in events.
• Vulnerable Populations: Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses, making it critical to consider their needs.

Turning Hot Spaces into High-Traffic Areas

The stress of summer doesn’t have to play out in real time – in fact, it presents many  opportunities to raise the bar and stand out from the crowd. By addressing the heat head-on with innovative cooling solutions, event organisers can:

• Enhance Customer Experience: Creating cool, comfortable spaces shows attendees that their well-being & comfort is a priority.
• Supercharge Brand Activations: Cool zones and dedicated misting areas provide a fantastic platform for brand activations, interactions, engaging with sponsors, showcasing products etc.
• Wow Factor: Even Huge point of difference speaks volumes, the ability to provide relief from the heat never goes unnoticed. Misting systems keep attendees on-site longer and increase their overall engagement.
• When It’s Hot, Mist Becomes a Magnet: Misting systems or featured installations help transform otherwise unbearable “hot spots” into cooler areas within a precinct or event.

Setting Sail, If Only We Could Harness the Weather!

Running an event certainly feels like a voyage into the unknown, navigating seas that we know can be dangerous. Even with all the detailed planning, unique theme and ticket sales, we’re ultimately gambling on the weather gods being favourable to see us through and land safely on the other side.

Evidently, as the mercury rises, so do the challenges. Hot days, especially in this sunburnt country of ours can leave organisers feeling helpless when it comes to creating suitable environments for attendees.

While tailoring events to suit specific themes, tastes and audiences is a given, tackling extreme heat is often an afterthought!

So perhaps, maybe what the summer event recipe needs isn’t adding another sound, taste, smell or sight. The secret ingredient is a cool breeze, respite from the heat, an oasis in the desert. and this is how we address it.