When it comes to events, reliable and fast communication is essential from the setting up stage, running stage right to the folding up end of event stage. Relying merely on mobile phone calls to communicate would be too slow and inefficient.
Due to the sheer volume of crowd, mobile phones connections may also be congested and be overwhelmed in times of emergencies. To make a mobile phone call, the caller would have to initiate the call, wait for the call to be connected and finally wait for the receiver to answer the phone call. Mobile phone calls are also limited to making one-to-one calls with no group-call capabilities. To make a walkie talkie call, all the caller needs to do is to select an individual or a group and press a button to get instantaneous connection to start communicating.
When comes to events, the type of communications needed would be fast communication setup, group call capabilities and emergency calls. In such events, the walkie talkie or Push to Talk over Cellular (PoC) would be the best fit mode of communications. For example, chairs can be rearranged or set up in a matter of minutes, or problems with the food delivery or service cleared up in a few moments. Better communication means fewer glitches. In addition, one can contact security or emergency services without any hassle when it is urgent, ensuring the safety and comfort of staff and visitors.
As events are normally short term, instead of outright purchase of walkie talkies, a more economical approach would be renting.
Fast Call Setup
Regardless of which phase the events are in, fast call setup is essential. In the event setup phase, contractors would need fast and efficient PTT call setup to coordinate with workers in setup up of booths and other exhibition facilities. Group calling capabilities is also essential to quickly disseminate important announcements or instruction to the entire team.
During the running phase of the events, other factors such as security, crowd control, maintenance, health and safety of visitors, etc. will also need quick call setups and quick response time that are offered by walkie talkie and PoC type of communication. Below are some examples of walkie talkie or PoC usages during the running phase of events:
Security
To managed crowds at events, security personnel may need to be deployed quickly to handle sudden surge in crowd numbers or crowd disturbance. For example when there is a scuffle or crowd disturbance, security personnel would need to be quickly deployed to handle the situation. The ability to broadcast (group communication) the instruction to the appropriate security team is important.
Workforce management
Event managers can use walkie talkies or PoC to coordinate their staff and to make sure everybody is where they are supposed to be. The one-to-many group call capabilities of walkie talkies or PoC make it possible to communicate with dozens of people instantaneously.
Maintenance
In events, it is common for tenants to need maintenance or alteration of their booths and the jobs would need to be completed fast to minimize disruption. The event manager would need to quickly summon the right team of workers to get the job done. The walkie talkie or PoC would be the most suitable communication tool to make fast one-to-one or group communications.
Emergency Situation
In times of emergency, such as health or accident issues, security personnel can use their walkie talkie to quickly alert their supervisor to get help.
Conclusion
Special events and conventions are usually filled with attendees and staff. The ability to locate and communicate quickly to staff or key contractors is crucial when organizing large events. People will notice a well-organized event, and managing to present one with few hitches will lead to an increase in business through a well-deserved good reputation.