Technical and Logistical Requirements for Outdoor Venues

Last time we looked at the techinical requirements for indoor venues. This time, we look at outdoor sites. Outdoor sites present an entirely different set of concerns for producers, some requiring extensive and ongoing monitoring. Some of the key ones are:

• What is the optimum layout of the site for the most benefit to attendees and the least impact on surrounding neighbors? This includes optimization for foot and possible vehicular traffic.
• Where will each and every temporary structure be located? How will necessary power be run to them if needed?
• What is the potential acoustic impact on neighbors and must event parameters be changed to minimize the impact?
• Where will entrances and exits be located and how many of each will there be?
• How accessible is the site for technical equipment load-in and also for emergency vehicles (e.g. fire, police, and ambulance)? Where can technical vehicles be parked?
• What is the ground surface and is there anything required to protect it from damage?
• Is security fencing required and how much?
• Are there any dangerous areas or areas that cannot be used because of hidden infrastructure (e.g. water mains, telephone lines, sewage, electrical)?
• Where exactly are water and electrical power located, if any? Can either be tapped into for use at the event? Is portable power required?
• What is the best location for portable toilets?
• What is the best central location for waste and refuse accumulation?
• Is there any available site lighting and is it adequate or must additional be brought in?

Of course, this is a very basic list, but at least it should get you started on surveying a site and determining if it will be suitable for an event.

Armed with the answers to these questions, the producer can now proceed to drawing a site or venue plan to scale and to producing a preliminary production schedule.