By Lorie Ham
Fall is almost here! According to a 2023 CBS News article, fall is the most popular season of the year. The article states that in a survey of 1600 Americans, 45 percent named autumn as their favorite season, nearly double the next closest season (summer at 24 percent). If you do an internet search, you will find that this is a common opinion.
Most of us look forward to the cooler weather, the falling leaves, upcoming holidays, and family get togethers. Some also have special events to plan in the fall—whether it’s a big event for one of the holidays, a wedding, something work related, or perhaps an entertainment or sporting event. Whatever the event, we all want to put safety first.
The National Event Connection has a list of things to keep in mind when planning your event, whether large or small. They emphasize that safety comes first above all else. Building safe events means anticipating what could happen before they become real problems. From planning for crowd control, to having back up plans for weather changes, to establishing emergency protocols. Their tips include doing proper pre-planning, building a risk management plan, and where appropriate, collaborate with local authorities and venue staff.
If you are planning a big event, ZKIPSTER has a 9-point event safety plan. Their plan includes anticipating the unpredictable, making sure you have a checklist, understanding the terrain of your event, and looking for anything that might pose a hazard such as uneven flooring, low-hanging decor, or obstructed exits. They also state that it is important to know when to call in experts, and to make sure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.
AG Financial has a list of suggestions specifically for ministries planning a fall festival. These include making sure there is proper supervision, keeping parking and traffic organized, ensure that the rules are clearly stated and being followed, and making sure your ministry is covered in case something does happen.
Along the lines of making certain you have the insurance coverage you need for your event, we asked Marcus Mahling, Regional Sales Manager, Mennonite Insurance Services, a few questions.
Q: What type of insurance does someone need to get for an event?
Marcus: Most events need Special Event Liability Insurance to cover injuries, property damage, and other risks. If alcohol will be served, Liquor Liability is highly recommended. Depending on the event, you might also consider event cancellation coverage or workers’ compensation if you’re hiring staff.
Q: What type of liabilities do they need to be sure are covered?
Marcus: Key coverages include bodily injury, property damage, and liquor liability if applicable (see above). Many venues also require that they be named as an Additional Insured on your policy.
Q: What else do they need to be aware of in the area of liability for an event?
Marcus: Make sure your coverage extends to setup and teardown days. If you’re using vendors or subcontractors, confirm they have their own insurance and list you as an Additional Insured. Also, check the venue’s insurance requirements — many require minimum liability limits.
Q: Does this liability change depending on the type of event?
Marcus: Yes. Weddings, concerts, sports events, and festivals all carry different risks and may require higher liability limits or additional coverages.
Q: Do all events need to have liability insurance?
Marcus: Not every event legally requires insurance, but most venues and cities do. Even when it’s not required, having coverage protects you from costly claims. Weddings, corporate functions, fundraisers, and large public gatherings almost always require proof of coverage. Smaller private gatherings at home may not require a separate policy, but you should still review your homeowner’s insurance for adequate liability protection.
If you have any more questions about your insurance coverage for events you are planning this fall, or any time, Mennonite Insurance Services would be happy to help. Just reach out at (559) 638-2327.
