What is the best way to handle attendees under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

Recognizing signs of impairment is crucial, but making assumptions about the cause can be detrimental. Unless there is violence, it's essential to approach attendees with respect, compassion, and discretion. Various factors, such as high fatigue, stress, medical conditions, or treatment side effects, can manifest similar symptoms. Treating individuals with understanding rather than assumptions upholds their dignity and ensures a supportive environment where the diverse reasons behind their behavior are acknowledged and addressed appropriately.

As a young account manager, I've experienced the evolution of business practices globally. In my early years in France, alcohol was a prevalent part of corporate events, influencing decision-making positively. Though lively, this atmosphere occasionally led to attendees under the influence. I prioritized discretion and compassion, ensuring their well-being and preserving dignity, steering away from public humiliation. This approach transcends cultures, emphasizing a balance between professionalism and human welfare.

To ensure accurate documentation, consider using your phone to video record the incident. Remember to hold your phone horizontally (landscape) for optimal recording, and if you initially started in portrait mode, stop the video and begin a new one in the horizontal position. Supplement your documentation with photos, notes, and a record of witnesses or contacts for a comprehensive account of the incident.

Organizers are best equipped to address the situation, and should at all times prioritize the safety and comfort of the attendees, containing the situation as soon as practicable. Following the event, the individual in question must undergo a debrief when sober and the individual’s organization must be formally informed of the situation. In the case of conferences most often individuals represent their organization and the respective organization must have sufficient understanding of the incident to be able to decide corrective actions and to manage the reputa?ional issues triggered by the event.