Richard, As you are probably aware by now, there is no "one size fits all"! A lot will depend on the nature of the event; the expected "type" of audience & any subsequent crowd dynamics as a result, i.e. will they stay seated throughout or will they want to approach the stage area or move about. I would assume that the FB's figures relate to how many are needed to carry out a sweep & search in the event of a fire evacuation, whilst the LA will be trying to ensure that any key posts are covered in terms of crowd control. Is it possible to look back at previous events & take a lead from that? I am involved in football stadium stewarding & every event has its own unique criteria which must be addressed, ranging from hordes of rugby fans dressed as nuns who may have had a "small" amount to drink to spectators with no concept of where they should sit, despite having tickets!! My advice would be to take the FB's figure as a minimum & then factor in any other specific requirements. Good luck - Zyggy.

Just to add to Jane B's point about emergency exits, experts say that when fire alarms sound most people instinctively try to leave buildings using the routes by which they entered, even they're long convoluted ones, rather than use emergency exits no matter how well signed they are. As it's understandable that people use routes with which they're familiar rather than unfamiliar ones, having stewards who are briefed to encourage people to use fire exits is surely good practice. In addition, at the ends of performances in theatres, etc, it's worth allowing and encouraging people to use fire exit routes when leaving such buildings unless there are good reasons, perhaps security-related ones, for not doing so. One benefit is that regular visitors to such venues can become familiar with their exit routes so would be more likely to use them in the event of a fire alarm. Another benefit is that it can reduce congestion along the normal routes and thus help people to leave without undue delay. For example, after concerts in Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, my wife and I almost always leave via one of the emergency exit stairways. It seems that relatively few people use such stairways but those who do no doubt appreciate getting out of the building unhindered and faster than the majority who use the normal internal routes.