Houston-Harris Special Events Task Force launched 3 months after Astroworld Festival tragedy

Mayor Sylvester Turner joined Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia at a Feb. 9 press conference to announce the creation of a Houston-Harris Special Events Task Force.

The goal of the task force is to ensure consistent operations that are up to standard for all future events. The Special Events Task Force will be reviewing and improving communication, protocols and permit requirements within the city and county, Turner said.

“We are a city that is known for producing fun and safe events of magnitude, as well as neighborhood events that reflect the diversity that is Houston,” Turner said at a Feb. 9 press conference. “Even with all that we have accomplished, we know that the city and county can do better. Together, we can build up on our individual achievements by working more collaboratively.”

With the population growth in Houston, Turner said the city has become a common place for events. Although COVID-19 devastated live events, things are now making a comeback, he said.

The creation of the task force comes after what Garcia described as a “tragedy” at the Astroworld music festival Nov. 5. However, Turner said he wants to look to the future instead of looking back on an individual incident.

“In the aftermath of a terrible tragedy, it’s not uncommon for there to be confusion,” Garcia said. “I know that things can go sideways pretty easily, but it’s important that we do and have everything from all procedures in place to make sure things are rectified as quick as possible.”

This task force will create an operation between the city, county and an event organizer to ensure that, from day one, certain requirements are met. They will be looking at event disciplines, staffing standards, safety standards, logistics and policies already in place for events.

According to Garcia, the city and county need a guide for how to put on events. This will ensure that they are always seeking opportunities to learn, he said.

The special task force will consist of 10 members:

• Susan Christian, director of Mayor’s Office of Special Events
• Troy Finner, Houston police chief
• Sam Pena, Houston fire chief
• Steve Adelman, vice president of the Event Safety Alliance
• Rob McKinley, co-founder of LD systems
• Rob Nelson, major with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office
• Ryan Walsh, executive director of the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation
• Mike Demarco, chief of show operations with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
• Laurie Christensen, Harris County fire marshal
• Harry K. Turner, deputy county administrator of justice and public safety

“The goal is to create, between the city and the county, a seamless system of coordination, communication, protocols and permitting requirements as it relates to special events,” Turner said. “We have outstanding individuals that can help to come up with those recommendations.”