Event Safety Through Failure: Lessons from the SOEM Summit
What if discussing failure openly was the key to improving event safety planning?
At the SOEM Summit—Mexico’s first congress dedicated to security leaders and large-scale event organizers—The Failure Institute brought a bold idea to life: learning through failure.
Why Sharing Mistakes Improves Event Safety Planning
With the help of Vanessa López and Víctor Vergara, the SOEM team created a special edition of The Failure Institute where industry professionals shared real stories of failures.
These stories weren’t just entertaining—they were essential for anyone serious about event safety planning.
Behind the Scenes: Stories Shared at SOEM Summit
Pedro Tomás Boticario from LALIGA described how unexpected situations can challenge even top-level security protocols.
Vanessa Ibarra highlighted a logistics error that disrupted a major sports event.
And producer Joaquín Yáñez shared how one technical mishap nearly spiraled into crisis.
Real Failures, Real Lessons: The Impact on Safety Protocols
Each of these stories underscored three vital takeaways:
Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Always document your lessons.
Safe, open conversations about failure drive better planning.
These lessons are pivotal for advancing event safety through failure.
The Failure Institute’s Role in Creating Safe Spaces
Eric Jiménez, General Manager at The Failure Institute, shared striking results from the 2024 Failure Survey:
35% avoid asking for help due to fear of judgment.
51% never share project takeaways.
56% of leaders avoid admitting mistakes.
“If we don’t talk about what goes wrong in event production, we’re risking the safety of thousands”, said Eric Jiménez.
Why SOEM Chose The Failure Institute for This Conversation
The format was flexible, authentic, and perfectly aligned with the summit’s goals.
By promoting sincere storytelling, The Failure Institute encouraged a vulnerable yet powerful exchange between security heads, producers, and organizers.
Highlights from the 2024 Failure Survey
The data made one thing clear: avoiding conversations about failure undermines event safety planning. By learning through mistakes, safety becomes proactive—not reactive.
Transforming the Industry Through Vulnerability
This session was just the beginning. A growing network is forming around event safety through failure, setting a new standard where openness and honesty lead to more secure and memorable experiences.
A Growing Network for Event Safety Through Failure
Together, The Failure Institute and SOEM are leading a shift. They’re showing that embracing vulnerability in event safety planning not only protects people—it strengthens the entire industry.
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