This paper provides summaries of several ways of distinguishing and assessing crowds within the context of special event planning (Berlonghi, 1991, 1993). These ''ways'' are not a list of alternative methods or approaches, but rather closely related factors that must be considered for each and every event. Understanding crowds and crowd behaviour must not remain an academic exercise. Effective and appropriate application and implementation is critical! Those involved in crowd management and crowd control cannot be excused from the significant responsibility of providing the public with the highest standard of safety and security that is both possible and feasible. They must first foresee the nature of the crowd that will be in attendance. Secondly, they must be able to observe the behaviour of a crowd while an event is taking place and make timely decisions for effective action. Finally, they must have the ability to establish policies, design plans and execute operations taking into consideration the configuration of the venue and the set-up of the particular special event.
