Quick Info
Symposium Date: August 19, 2026
Symposium Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
Location: ADERSIM Lab, Schulich Building, York University, 111 Ian Macdonald Boulevard, Toronto, Canada
In person and virtual participation via Zoom
Speakers Registrations: If you would like to give a presentation, please visit this page.
Deadline for presentation submissions: July 31
Participants Registration: If you are interested in participating in the symposium in person or remotely, please register here.
Deadline for in person participants registration: August 15 (closed)
Deadline for remote participants registration: August 17
Important notes:
There is no registration fee for attending or presenting in this symposium.
Symposium organizers are unable to support travel & accommodation for participants and presenters.
BACKGROUND
The Challenge of Mega-Events
With the arrival of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ in Toronto, the critical importance of crowd management and safety at mass gatherings has been thrust into the spotlight. Mega-events of this scale bring together staggering volumes of spectators, creating complex movement flows that demand seamless, multi-layered coordination across various public safety and urban operation sectors. Recent global experiences have clearly demonstrated that major sports and entertainment gatherings extend far beyond recreation; they present profound challenges for emergency management and risk mitigation. In these high-stakes environments, even minor oversights in crowd flow design or venue operations can yield far-reaching consequences.
Bridging Science, Simulation, and Practice
To navigate these complex urban challenges, the first Symposium on Crowd Management and Safety in Mass Gatherings provides a premier platform for uniting scientific research, practical application, and professional training. Jointly organized by CIFAL York, Responsible AI Lab, AIMLAB, and ADERSIM, this event brings together experts, researchers, and on-the-ground practitioners to share actionable insights and lessons learned directly from the planning and execution of the world's largest sporting events.
By focusing on the intersection of crowd dynamics, behavioral modeling, transportation mobility, and multi-agency communication, this symposium goes beyond theoretical discussion. It is designed to equip attendees with the advanced knowledge, operational strategies, and risk assessment tools required to transform vulnerabilities into highly coordinated safety measures—ensuring future mass gatherings are safe, enjoyable, and inclusive for all.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The main goals and objectives of this one-day symposium are:
- Crowd Dynamics and Behavior – Understanding and managing large-scale crowds
- AI-Driven Crowd Solutions – Leveraging smart analytics for real-time predictive modeling and behavior analysis
- Drone-Powered Crowd Monitoring – Utilizing aerial surveillance to enhance situational awareness and rapid response
- Mass Events Planning and Operations – From strategic planning to on-the-ground execution
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation of Mass Gathering Events– Identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies
- Transportation and Mobility Management – Moving millions safely and efficiently
- Multi-Agency Coordination and Communication – Working together for a safe event and addressing the challenges of hosting mass gatherings
TARGET AUDIENCES/PARTICIPANTS
- Faculty members of different disciplines
- Researchers
- Public safety and emergency response professionals
- Graduate and undergraduate students
- Policy makers
- Representatives of NGOs
Morning Sessions: 9:00AM-12:30PM (GMT+1) :
Registration: 08:30-09:00
09:00-09:10 Welcome Notes
Speakers: TBA
Session 1
19:10AM-10:30 AM: Crowd Dynamics and Behaviour Simulation and Modeling
10:30-11:00 Coffee Break
Session 2
11:00 AM-12:30 PM: Crowd Event Planning and Operations in Practice
Speakers: TBA
12:30-01:30 Lunch & Networking
Session 3
1:30 – 3:00: Crowd Risk Assessment and Monitoring Technology
Speakers: TBA
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Coffee Break & Networking
Session 4
3:30PM-5:00PM Multiagency Coordination, Collaboration, and Communication of Mass Gathering Event
Organizers
Ali Asgary, Professor of Disaster & Emergency Management and Director of CIFAL York, York University, Toronto, Canada.
Maleknaz Nayebi, Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Associate Director of CIFAL York, York University, Toronto, Canada.
Jerry John Kponyo, MGhIE, MIEEE, Professor of Telecommunication Engineering
Director, Office of Grants and Research, Vice-Chancellor's Office Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
Jude Kong, Assistant Professor (School of Public Health), Director AIMLab, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Francesco del Carpio, Operations Coordinator,m CIFAL York, York University, Toronto, Canada.
Solmaz Arzhangi, Coordinator, Crowd Simulation and Management Lab, ADERSIM, York University, Toronto, Canada
Sponsors & Additional Information
If interested sponsoring this event or have questions about the symposium program please contact Dr. Ali Asgary: cifaldirector@yorku.ca or Francesco del Carpio at cifalom@yorku.ca