Better crowd management starts with a global standard.
Why it matters
Crowded environments can involve complex and changing conditions. Visitor numbers and characteristics, available space, movement patterns, venue design and unexpected events can all affect safety. Effective crowd management therefore requires advance planning, coordination between relevant parties and the ability to adapt arrangements as conditions change. ISO 22353:2026, Security and resilience — Guidelines for crowd management provides a systematic approach to help protect people while supporting successful events and gatherings.
What the standard covers
ISO 22353 provides a framework, principles and a structured assessment process for managing people safely throughout the different phases of an event or gathering. It covers:
- Event and crowd profiling and assessment
- Crowd capacity, movement and the management of ingress, circulation and egress
- Safe and secure venues, spaces and pathways
- Planning, communication and coordination for normal operations and emergencies
- Monitoring, review and continual improvement
The standard focuses on crowd management. It does not cover crowd control or situations requiring intervention because crowds are displaying undesirable or dangerous behaviour.
Who should use it
The standard is intended for organizations involved in planning, organising, hosting or supporting events, mass gatherings and crowded places, including:
- Event organisers, event rights holders and event hosts
- Venue and crowded-place operators
- Emergency services and public authorities
- Other public and private parties involved in crowd safety and management
ISO 22353 can be applied across a wide range of planned events, mass gatherings, entertainment venues and other places where large numbers of people gather.
What it helps you do
This standard can help organizations to:
- understand crowd characteristics, behaviour and related risks
- assess available capacity, space and movement patterns
- clarify responsibilities and plan for normal and emergency situations
- strengthen cooperation between relevant public and private parties
- improve crowd management arrangements through monitoring, evaluation and lessons learned
How it fits into the ISO/TC 292 portfolio
ISO 22353 provides implementation-oriented guidance for managing crowds safely and effectively during events, mass gatherings and other situations involving large numbers of people. It complements ISO 22379 (Large citywide events) by addressing crowd-specific planning, risk assessment and operational management.
It can also support the application of ISO 22320 (Emergency management) by strengthening coordination among organizers, venue operators, authorities and emergency services.
Beyond the ISO/TC 292 portfolio, ISO 22353 is also aligned with ISO 20121 (Sustainable event management).
Together, these standards help organizations and authorities improve the planning, coordination and management of crowds, contributing to safer and more resilient events and public spaces.
About this edition
This is the first edition of the standard.