Everything you need to know about small event insurance

When you’re planning a small event, whether it’s a community market, art exhibition, or private celebration, things can move fast. A lot of effort goes into every detail, from catering to crowd safety. But what happens if someone is injured, property is damaged, or the weather forces you to cancel? That’s where entertainment insurance for small events comes in. It helps event organisers manage unexpected risks, allowing them to focus on delivering memorable experiences rather than managing setbacks.

What you should know about small events

Small events can carry big responsibilities. Even when attendance is under 1,000 people, you may still need public liability cover to meet venue or council requirements.

Many local councils across Australia, require event organisers to hold a minimum of $20 million in public liability insurance before approving event applications.

Accidents can happen in an instant. A guest might slip on a wet floor, a speaker could damage a venue wall, or a food vendor might cause a minor injury. Without insurance, the organiser can be held legally and financially responsible.

Marsh’s small event public liability solution is designed for events with fewer than 1,000 attendees and lasting up to three days, including set-up and pack-down periods

What your insurance may include

Small event insurance can protect you from a range of unexpected issues, from last-minute cancellations to equipment damage. Depending on your policy, you may be covered for:

• Public and products liability – Covering your legal liability if someone is injured or property is damaged during your event.
• Event cancellation or abandonment – Protection for financial losses if your event is cancelled or postponed for reasons outside your control.
• Non-appearance – If a headline performer or key participant cannot attend, this can help cover your financial losses.
• Weather risk – Helps protect your revenue when certain weather conditions disrupt your event.
• Voluntary workers’ personal accident – Protects volunteers who are injured while helping at your event.
• Event equipment cover – Covers owned or hired equipment that’s damaged or lost.
• Money cover – Protects against theft or loss of cash during an insured event.
• Travel cover – Includes trip cancellation costs, lost luggage and medical expenses if you travel for your event.

If your event involves providing professional advice or services such as event coordination, performance management or production, professional indemnity cover can also be included. This helps protect you from claims of negligence or error while carrying out your work.

How small event public liability insurance works

Public liability insurance protects organisers from the cost of legal claims made by third parties for bodily injury or property damage that occurs in connection with the event.

This includes the insurer’s obligation to defend claims, pay legal expenses, and manage settlements within the stated limit of liability, typically $20 million for small events.

Suppose a guest trips over electrical cabling and sues the organiser, or hired equipment damages a venue wall. In that case, the policy can help cover those legal and repair costs, subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.

An excess usually applies for each claim, meaning this amount is paid by the insured before the policy responds.

Building your small event risk plan

Insurance provides an essential safety net, but prevention is just as important. Here are a few ways to reduce risks at your event:

• Conduct and record a risk assessment early to identify hazards such as trip hazards, weather exposure, or electrical equipment.
• Ensure suppliers and contractors hold their own insurance, as required by insurers, councils and venues.
• Keep clear records of vendor certificates of currency and contracts.
• Prepare an emergency response plan, including evacuation procedures and first aid points.
• Review your event documentation to confirm setup, pack-down, and volunteer responsibilities are covered.

Why choose Marsh for event insurance

Organising an event is a balancing act that involves managing suppliers, permits, weather forecasts, and guests. Marsh’s entertainment insurance specialists have worked with event planners, producers, and community organisers across Australia for more than 60 years.

Our brokers simplify the process by explaining coverage clearly and helping you meet venue or council requirements.

If your event falls outside the standard online categories, such as those involving camping, water activities, or more than 1,000 attendees, or you’re seeking additional cover our brokers can review your details and arrange a quote that fits your needs.

References

1. Public Liability Insurance | Camden Council (camden.nsw.gov.au)
2. Small Event Public Liability Insurance | Marsh (au.marsh.com)
3. Entertainment Broadform Liability Policy | Marsh (au.marsh.com)

LCPA 26/1509