Top 4 Things That Can Go Wrong at an Event—and How to Be Prepared

August 4, 2025

No matter how perfect your planning, unexpected mishaps can disrupt your event. Here are the top four things that can go wrong.

1. Damage to the Venue or Premises

It doesn’t take much to cause damage to a venue. A spilled drink, a damaged door, or stained flooring, can leave you with a large repair bill from the venue.

2. Guest Injuries

A spill on the floor or a blocked walkway due to improperly placed objects by the host, these incidents often lead to liability claims, leaving you financially responsible.

3. Alcohol-Related Incidents

When alcohol is involved, the stakes are higher. Overindulgence could lead to property damage, accidents, or injuries, which may result in costly lawsuits.

4. Personal or Advertising Injury

Advertising-related exposures, such as unintentional defamation or disputes over how an event was marketed, can create legal complications. Negative reviews or misunderstandings can expose you to unexpected liabilities.

Why Preparation Is Key

Proper protocols and insurance go hand-in-hand. Working with the venue to ensure safety measures, as well as securing the right insurance coverage ensures your event runs smoothly, even when the unexpected happens.

Don’t let the “what ifs” ruin your big day. Get a GatherGuard® quote today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re prepared for anything.

Latest industry insights

Industry InsightsEntertainment
Hollywood Keeps Making Sequels. Why? There's a Risk Reason.

Hollywood’s love of sequels reveals a lot about how the industry manages risk, and what that means for insurers.

Peter Burt, President, Entertainment at Intact Insurance, spoke with Insurance Business America about how Hollywood’s shift to franchise IP is influencing underwriting.

01/05

Related products

GatherGuard®

GatherGuard® provides event insurance for a wide range of events like weddings, birthdays, and festivals. Get a free quote or purchase your policy online within minutes. Premiums starting at just $75.

Entertainment

Insurance solutions designed for every phase of film, television, live events and media.

Claims

Claims handling is the cornerstone of any insurance program and it’s what sets us apart.

Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions is the marketing brand for the insurance company subsidiaries of Intact Insurance Group USA LLC. Coverages may be underwritten by one of the following insurance companies: Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, a New York insurer; Homeland Insurance Company of New York, a New York insurer; Homeland Insurance Company of Delaware, a Delaware insurer; OBI America Insurance Company, a Pennsylvania insurer; or OBI National Insurance Company, a Pennsylvania insurer. Each of these insurers maintains its principal place of business at 605 Highway 169 N, Plymouth, MN 55441. This material is intended as a general description of certain types of insurance coverages and services. Coverages and availability vary by state; exclusions and deductibles may apply. Please refer to your insurance policy or consult with your independent insurance advisor for information about coverages, terms and conditions. Some coverage may be written by a surplus lines insurer through a licensed surplus lines broker. Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds and insureds are therefore not protected by such funds.