Psychology of Mass Gatherings

Hurd
Topics
Emergency Management
Fire / EMS
Law Enforcement
Psychology of Mass Gatherings

Mass gatherings—whether concerts, protests, sporting events, or emergencies—can trigger powerful psychological and behavioral responses in crowds. This session explores how human behavior changes in large group settings and what that means for public safety professionals.

Attendees will examine crowd psychology, emotional contagion, panic vs. controlled movement, and the influence of environmental and social factors on group behavior. Real-world case studies will be used to highlight how first responders, emergency managers, and event planners can anticipate crowd reactions, reduce risk, and improve safety outcomes during large-scale events.

This session is ideal for anyone involved in planning, managing, or responding to mass gatherings or special events.