Corporate Events, Safety and Liability

This is really heartbreaking... A company celebration that turned into a national disaster. What's even more devastating is the fact it wasn't because of faulty machinery, a decaying body/vessel or an unavoidable collision with another boat... It was because of 'passenger overcrowding' - something that could've controlled, hence a tragedy could've been avoided.

But of course not! With a 'big budget' contracting company looking to entertain its staff, the boat owner/operator made sure he is making the most of it. Sadly, the Grim Reaper (Bahrain division) had similar plans.

Event managers and event management companies- have a huge responsibility to bare when organizing corporate off-site entertainment or team building activities. Poorly managed activities such as desert safaris, kayaking, go-carting, snorkeling or even harmless sea cruises are split seconds away from turning into catastrophes.

I have heard of many events-gone-bad because of blind confidence in the ability of event management companies to offer safe corporate entertainment and take full responsibility of the wellbeing of people who are just there to have fun.

Until today, the only organization that I know is spot on when it comes to safety is Emirates' Arabian Adventures. These guys are so caught up on safety regulations, they almost take all the fun away from any event they organize.

Needless to say, I rather be less entertained knowing that I am in safer hands.