Event Risk Assessment Template

What is an event risk assessment?

An event risk assessment is a practical review of what could go wrong, who could be affected and what controls are in place. It does not replace insurance, but it can help organisers prepare more clearly for approvals, supplier management and event delivery.

Risk planning supports but does not replace event public liability insurance → learn how event public liability insurance works.

Core risk areas to review

Review venue access and layout, expected attendance, crowd movement, weather, food and alcohol, supplier activities, temporary structures, equipment, power, staging, bump-in and bump-out, emergency contacts and Certificate of Currency requirements.

Supplier and stallholder insurance

Record the suppliers and stallholders attending the event and confirm their activities. Service providers must hold their own public liability insurance of at least $20 million, and stallholders must hold at least $10 million.

Alcohol and activities requiring closer review

If the organiser is responsible for serving alcohol, all staff serving alcohol must hold the required RSA qualification or equivalent. Some higher-risk activities are excluded, while others require appropriately insured specialist suppliers and specific safety arrangements.

How this connects to event insurance

A risk assessment helps organisers understand the event details that may affect insurance requirements. It can also make it easier to answer questions about event type, attendance, location, suppliers and activities.

For practical guidance on claims, suppliers and event documentation → read the event liability insurance guide.

When to update the assessment

Update the assessment when the venue changes, attendance increases, suppliers are added, the layout changes, weather conditions shift or the council or venue requests further information.

Activities requiring review

Some activities are excluded, while others require specific arrangements or appropriately insured third-party suppliers. Use the central activity list below for the current information.