Using Barriers for Efficient Crowd Control at Events

Posted on 26th March 2025

Why Crowd & Traffic Control Matters at Events

When events become so popular they attract large crowds, they can also become difficult to manage. Crowded and congested spaces can be confusing for attendees, as they can’t see which way to go or don’t know why they are having to wait. In the worst cases, crowds can lead to huge safety concerns.

Using queue control barriers to create an organised queuing system negates all of these problems. By setting up a clear space for queues to form, you can improve safety, preventing crowd surges as doors open. You can also easily monitor the numbers of people entering the space.

A clear traffic flow at an event results in a better attendee experience. Everyone understands what’s happening when they’re in a queue: they’re waiting. They can tell how long the wait will be, and they aren’t competing to be first.

Safe queuing systems may also be required by event regulations, depending on your industry. Make sure you’re aware of the rules so your events remain compliant.

Queue Management Best Practices

To manage queuing and traffic flows at a large event, such as a conference, concert or giveaway, follow these steps.

Map the Layout

The physical layout of your event should allow people to flow seamlessly from the entrance to the main event and out again. Looking at the space you have, you can find the optimal strategic position for key points, such as ticket checks and merch tables. Your map will also help you pinpoint risks such as bottlenecks. Narrow areas with high traffic can quickly become crowded and lead to confusion. Using a barrier to divide the space helps organise people into separate flows.

Decide where you will have queues, and install queue barriers accordingly. You can use barriers to divide a line into two or three shorter lines for each service point or guide a line into a more manageable shape such as a Snake Queue.

Emergency Exits and Accessibility

Make sure your barriers don’t obstruct evacuation routes. Mark emergency exits and accessible ramps on your map and plan accordingly. 

Create Clear Signage

Using signs alongside barriers helps customers know what to do and what to expect. Whether your signs direct people to “Keep Left” or indicate how long the wait will be from a particular point, communication is key.

Make it Adjustable

Making real-time adjustments based on crowd movement helps your event appear well-organised and creates a seamless experience for attendees. 

Retractable queue barrier systems are highly versatile, letting you pivot from a snake queue to a straight queue in moments by changing which barriers are extended. You can respond to low traffic and avoid frustration while maintaining the infrastructure to cope with high traffic when it comes.

Rope queue barriers create a luxurious effect, less like an airport and more like a VIP suite. 

They fulfil the same principle as a belt. Use these for manned entrances where you need to manage numbers, to indicate waiting areas for particular features or to keep attendees at a distance from an exhibit or particular area.

Personnel

Barriers are helpful, but your attendees will likely have questions or need help. Have enough stewards and security staff for your event to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When providing barriers for events, It’s important to avoid common mistakes. The above best practices should cover most of them. To sum up, here are the main problems that proper queue management should solve:

- Overcrowding queues in small spaces.

- Using the wrong type of barrier for the event.

- Neglecting accessibility and emergency exits.

- Poor queue signage leading to confusion.

Get Event-Ready with Main Event Hire Barriers

Help make any event run smoothly with proper queue management. At Main Event, we understand that queue barriers or rope and posts can be a big investment, so we provide a range of barrier hire services to help companies manage crowding when needed. 

Provide a great experience: browse queue systems.