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This article was originally published in the International Festivals & Events Association’s “i.e.: the business of international events” quarterly magazine. The premiere association supporting and enabling festivals and events worldwide.
For more information on the IFEA, go to: www.ifea.com.
It has been adapted & amended slightly for use here.
In a recent blog post I introduced the concept of Risk Mapping, which allows us, as event planners, to more effectively consider risk at our events by factoring in risk changing over time during our event. This is a fundamental tool I use and one the industry is starting to adopt more and more.
In this post, I want to look at the DIM-ICE matrix. Again, when we talk about fundamental tools, this is another one. There isn’t an event planned in our offices without the use of the DIM-ICE matrix. Sometimes it takes the form of a lengthy paper exercise while other times it’s something we automatically do in our heads when setting out on the planning process.
Using this matrix allows us to consider 3 key planning elements for our events during the 3 key phases of any event.
So, we’re looking at the Design, the Information and the Management elements of each event and we’re looking at each of those during 3 phases, namely Ingress, Circulation and Egress.
By way of a quick recap:
In a wide range of respects, these 3 distinct event phases are distinctly different and should be considered separately and jointly.
When producing DIM-ICE matrices for events, we always do 2 of them:
We need to account for both states and ensure we plan our events to be as smooth-running and safe as possible, both when things are going to plan and very much not going to plan.
In developing the DIM-ICE matrix, Prof Dr. G Keith Still, opted to utilise the DIM-ICE mnemonic, in part as it sounds like ‘demise’, which he feels speaks to the potential consequences of NOT planning events safely and properly.
DIM-ICE also allows event planners to establish a documentable and consistent approach to event planning, a practice that we all know can be a lot more feel than form. It helps create an audit trail and illustrates a level of professionalism when considered against less structured systems or the lack of any system.
There is a multitude of issues that can be ‘designed out’ of an event at an early stage. We always ask clients to involve us as early on in their process as possible. The earlier we have eyes on what the client is doing and an understanding of what they’re looking to achieve, the more effective we can be for them and the easier it is avoid potential conflicts or flash-points.
For instance, we work with a large state organisation here that exhibits at a huge event each year. We initially worked with them AT the event. Then we began to advise on safety matters shortly in advance of the event. Now we work with them year-round and are involved in the design of the space.
Being involved in the design phase allows us to spot and address potential issues before they become issues. Lovely barrels used as bins are a nice idea aesthetically but their locations need to be planned well so as not to negatively impact flow through the space.
Consider questions such as:
This is far from an exhaustive list but you can hopefully see how important an aspect information is. This is particularly true, when you consider the 3 phases – Ingress, Circulation and Egress – separately.
There is a wide range of management inputs that can impact on an event. What works on one event may not work on another. This can often be down to budget but is also often simply a function of different events needing different solutions.
Considerations can include, but are not limited to:
Considering any of the 3 elements in isolation will not give you a complete picture. It is important to consider all 3 in one exercise during each of the 3 phases outlined above. This will identify overlaps and will allow you to see any issues that need further work to address.
The use of colour-coding further enhances the usefulness of the matrix at a glance. A simple traffic light system – red, amber, green – is extremely effective.
Try it out the next time you’re planning event. I’ve never encountered someone that didn’t find it a useful tool and that’s exactly what I’m looking to offer up in these columns.
I’ve come across a wide range of tools over the years, not all of which I’ve found of actual use in doing what I do. Those that I do find useful, I’ll share here.
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