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Things to consider when planning your event

Geelong is home to over 1,000 events every year offering a fantastic and diverse events calendar from cultural festivals, sporting events to wine and grape grazing.  

    Alcohol Management Plan
    You will need a permit for your event if you are selling or serving alcohol.
    An event organiser's tool kit
    If you are planning an event in a public open space, an on site events tool kit will be an invaluable resource.
    Asset Protection Plan
    We may ask you to prepare an Asset Protection Plan to demonstrate how you will protect the site and reduce the likelihood of damage during the setup, delivery and pack up of your event.
    Be an event volunteer
    Volunteers are an integral part of many events held in our region each year.
    Business initiatives during major events
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    Constructions, structures and the Victorian Regulations
    Some event sites may be deemed ‘construction sites’ which means you must meet Victorian Construction Regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations 2007.
    Developing a site plan
    A site plan is a diagram that shows the area that the event is being held on and any temporary equipment that is being used to stage your event.
    Developing an event marketing plan
    A successful event marketing plan helps raise awareness and attract interest in your event.
    Developing your event Risk Assessment
    A risk management plan is a document that identifies and specifies an approach required to manage risks associated with your event.
    Draft an Event Program
    An event program includes information to times and date order that shows what will be happening at your event, where and when.
    Effective event advertising
    Choosing the right type of advertising will help with the success of your event.
    Entertainment management summary
    Management of entertainment at your event is not as simple as playing recorded music, hiring an amusement ride, giving out balloons to releasing balloons.
    Evaluating your event
    Evaluation is an important component of any event.
    Event Permit Application - Event Information
    We require specific information in the 'events information' section when you complete our event permit application form. 
    Event Permit Application Form
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    Event Plan - why you need one
    Every event regardless of its size and nature needs an Event Plan.
    Event Support
    Planning an event in Geelong or looking for business initiatives to support your business during major events? This is the section for you!
    Event build schedule and supervisor roles
    You are responsible for the site, your contractors and for the safety of the public.
    Event emergency communications
    It is important to have effective communication planned for emergency situations.  
    Event emergency response guides
    Your Emergency Response Plan should have numerous response guides, which are summaries of actions that advise staff how to react to different scenarios in the event of an emergency.
    Event emergency response plan
    With any large crowd gathering in a public space, it is imperative that you plan for an emergency, including how to safely evacuate attendees.
    Event evacuation planning
    All events need to plan for an emergency evacuation.
    Event evaluation types and techniques
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    Event intellectual property rights
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    Event marketing tips
    One of the key elements to consider in determining marketing tactics is the audience you are trying to attract. 

    Event overview
    The more we know about your event - the better support we can offer you.
    Event signage
    We offer the following opportunities relate to visual aids and signage which can be used throughout the region to increase the awareness of your event.
    Events marketing
    Critical to the success of any event is the marketing and promotion of your event.
    Events near or on the water
    If you are planning to stage your event near or on a waterway, beach or swimming pool, then there are several risk factors that you need to consider.
    Events sponsorship
    This section explains sponsorship and how it can be incorporated in the planning of your event.
    Extreme weather and events
    Your risk management plan needs to address 'weather' and what procedures are in place on the event day in the event of extreme weather.
    Filming in Geelong
    Any filming or commercial photography in the Geelong region will require a Filming Permit.
    Financial support for events
    Gaining sufficient funding for your event may be the key to not only proceeding from the outset, but also putting in place a solid foundation to ensure growth.
    Fire management and prevention
    The management of fire is an important element to manage for any event.
    Fireworks, pyrotechnics and Worksafe at events
    If you propose using fireworks or any form of pyrotechnics at your event, there are a number of steps you need to be aware of including detailing the management of these activities in your risk management plan.
    First aid planning at events
    You may need to provide accredited first aid officers at your event.
    Food and beverage management
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    Free event listing options
    The following websites offer various opportunities for listing events for free. Some listings promote to mobile phone Apps, too.
    Fundraising and your event
    There are requirements related to fundraising at events.
    Gas safety for events
    Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is the fuel used by many catering vendors for heating and cooling purposes.
    Geelong Major Events Committee
    The Geelong Major Events Committee aims to support the development of a broad range of major events in our region.
    Handling and storage of fuel at events
    You must comply with the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and other relevant Australian Standards for handling and storing fuel at your event.
    Helicopters and events
    Planning an event where helicopters are either required or desired can be challenging. 
    Inclusive event planning
    Planning an event that is inclusive means providing Universal Access which benefits all patrons.
    Inflatable land-based devices at events
    Jumping castles or inflatable land-borne devices are a popular addition to parties, school fetes, sporting activities, community festivals and events.
    Insurance requirements for events
    Event organisers must provide insurance and complete a Form of Indemnity, in addition to developing a risk assessment and risk management plan.
    List your event
    Our Events Calendar is a great way to market your event for free!
    Lost property at events
    At any event, there are bound to be items 'lost' or 'found'!
    Managing people for your event
    The following information is not a requirement of the event application process but may help you in the general planning and staging of your event.
    Managing volunteers
    The use of volunteers to support the staging of an event is not only a great way to boost resources, spread the workload and increase participation, it’s also a fantastic way to maximise community involvement.
    Noise management planning
    You will be required to develop a Noise Management Plan as part of your Event Plan if your event is outdoors and has amplified music, a speaker system providing directions to participants and/or mechanical equipment will be operating.
    Occupancy Permits (POPE) and Siting Approvals for events
    If your event provides public entertainment then you may require a Division 2 Occupancy Permit - commonly called a POPE Permit.
    Other events promotional mechanisms in Geelong
    Here are a few third party opportunities which may may help in the promotion of your event in Geelong.
    Our Events Planning Guide
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    Outdoor Lighting Plan
    If you are organising an outdoor event that includes activity at night or during dusk or dawn, then you will need lighting.  
    Planning an event
    Events held on Council controlled or managed open space may require an event permit.
    Power management at events
    You need to manage power for you event site - to ensure you have an adequate supply and that all uses of power are appropriately managed.
    Power management planning
    Understanding your event's power needs is critical to the overall success of your event. To ensure power is managed effectively, you will need a Power Management Plan.
    Public protection for event sites
    It is your responsibility as event organiser to provide a site that is safe for the public, event staff, volunteers and contractors at all stages of the event.
    Public relations and your event
    PR (or public relations) is all about publicity and relates to the use of non-paid mediums to increase the promotion of your event, such as in newspapers, magazines, radio, television and online.
    Recorded Event Training
    The four event training workshops aim to equip event organisers with the knowledge and skills they need to deliver safe and successful events in the Geelong region and to assist with recovery from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
    Risk management summary
    Make sure you understand your responsibilities in relation to risk management when planning and running an event.
    Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for events
    Any risks defined as part of your event's risk assessment as ‘High Risk Construction Work’ and undertaken by a contractor require a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS).
    Safely managing smaller structures at events
    All structures no matter how big or how small, need to be safely secured. An umbrella can, if not become airborne in windy conditions if it is not properly secured.
    Safety Officers roles at events
    Regulation 210 of the Building Regulations 2018 outlines the conditions that may apply to an Occupancy Permit for a Place of Public Entertainment.
    Safety and security
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    Security and crowd control planning at events
    With such a strong emphasis on risk management and public safety at events, appropriate security is paramount.
    Services management at your event
    Services on an event site include amenities such as: power, lighting, water or accessing restricted areas.
    Site infrastructure summary
    Most events set up temporary structures, this could be marquees, grandstands to inflatable structures.  
    Site planning
    Site planning is important to the overall development of your event. It will assist in providing an significant role in the experience people have at your event.
    Staff roles and contact list
    It's important for everyone to understand their roles and responsibilities at your event. This includes your staff as well as contractors and third-parties.
    Stages and platforms
    Stages and platforms are relatively common at events. It is important to understand your obligations as the event organiser for the construction of your stage and/or platform.
    Supported events
    Supporting events is integral to Geelong being recognised around Australia for having one of the best calendar of events for any regional city (and arguably, some capital cities).
    Tickets, freebies and last minute deals
    Interested in events and love a good offer? Want free tickets, freebies, information or last minute deals?
    Tools and templates to assist you in applying for a permit.
    We have developed a range or tools and templates to assist you in applying for your event.
    Tourism support
    This information has been developed to help you maximise your event’s potential through understanding Geelong as the location for your event, and using tourism and/or business initiatives to create appropriate event-related opportunities.
    Traffic Management - Traffic Management Plan
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    Traffic Management - events on roads
    If your event is to be conducted on a road, there are a number of agencies who you will need to liaise with.
    Traffic management - communication
    For events where roads are closed or changed traffic conditions apply, you need to communicate these changes to the public - including residents and businesses.
    Traffic management roles
    It is important that you understand the different roles played by your contracted traffic management provider, the Police, Local Laws officers, Traffic Controllers, event Marshals and Volunteers.
    Traffic management summary
    If your event impacts the normal use of roads in and around your event site, then you may need to apply for permission to temporarily change the normal use of the roadway/s.
    Types of food and beverage permits
    You may require food or beverage permits when holding an event.
    Understanding risk management for events
    No matter the nature or size of your event, your event will have risks and hazards. It is your responsibility as the event organiser, to identify and manage these.

    Waste management planning
    Waste can be generated at all times during an event as well as set up and pack up stages. 
    Waste management summary
    This page summarises your responsibilities in relation to waste management at your event.
    Water management planning
    You are responsible for water management at your event site. This includes free drinking water for the public and water to support amenities such as toilets and cleaning.
    WorkSafe and events
    Did you know that you, as the event organiser, you have a WorkSafe responsibility - to provide a safe working environment at your event and also to report any major incidents?
    Working with children at events
    In 2006 the Victorian Government introduced a new checking system to help protect children under 18 years of age from physical or sexual harm.
    Your event application form
    This section will help you answer the questions asked in the Event Application Form and understand your obligations as an event organiser.