**Four Years After the Astroworld Tragedy, Foundation Launches Crowd Safety Training in Houston**
Four years ago, on a Wednesday night, a crowd surge at the Astroworld Festival in Houston resulted in the tragic deaths of 10 people. In the aftermath of this tragedy, the family of one of the victims dedicated themselves to creating a lasting impact in crowd safety. They established the Pink Bows Foundation, which now conducts crowd safety training around the world, including at a recent event in Houston.
**The Pink Bows Foundation and the Showstop Procedure**
Founded in May 2022 by the Dubiski family in memory of Madison Dubiski, a 23-year-old Houston-area resident who died at Astroworld, the foundation aims to improve crowd safety measures. One of its key initiatives is the development of the “Showstop Procedure,” a specialized training program for event professionals. This year, the foundation began training worldwide, emphasizing emergency response strategies.
On Monday, the foundation hosted a training session in Houston featuring representatives from the Houston and Pasadena police departments, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Live Nation Productions, and the Duke University athletic department.
**Creating a Global Standard for Crowd Safety**
Brian Dubiski, Madison’s father, explained the motivation behind the Showstop Procedure: “We realized that no similar training existed for how to properly stop a show during an emergency. It’s the only accredited course for show stop training, and it’s recognized globally. We’ve trained professionals from all over the world, including some of the biggest music festivals in Europe.”
Since launching in March, the program has trained over 400 event professionals worldwide, including members of FIFA and the London Metropolitan Police. The foundation’s long-term goal is to establish a global standard for crowd safety and emergency response.
**Professional Reception and Importance**
Michelle Dubiski, Madison’s mother, shared her thoughts on the response: “The reception from professionals has been exceptional. Many assume these procedures are already in place, but it’s something everyone—from promoters to industry leaders—is now wrapping their arms around. It’s elementary but crucial.”
**Recalling the 2021 Astroworld Incident**
On November 5, 2021, approximately 50,000 people gathered at NRG Park for the Astroworld Festival, hosted by Houston rapper Travis Scott. During his performance, a surge in the crowd caused chaos, resulting in hundreds of injuries, eight deaths, and 25 hospitalizations. Sadly, in the days that followed, two more victims succumbed to their injuries. Victims ranged in age from 9 to 27, including Madison Dubiski.
**Expert Insights and the Development of the Showstop Procedure**
Steve Allen, an event safety veteran with over 30 years of experience and an expert witness in the Astroworld lawsuits, played a key role in developing the Showstop Procedure. He now leads the foundation’s training courses.
Allen emphasizes that the purpose of “stopping a show” is to intervene during an emergency to regain control, not necessarily to cancel the event entirely. “We’re stopping the performance as a safety measure. It’s about preventing a minor incident from escalating into a disaster,” he explained.
**Training Components and Emergency Preparedness**
The three-hour-long course teaches participants how to implement a “decision-making architecture” that facilitates clear communication among all involved parties. Using scenarios from major sporting events and concerts, trainees learn how to create actionable plans to stop a show quickly and effectively, coordinating with performers, venue staff, law enforcement, and responders.
Allen describes the Showstop Procedure as a “backup measure,” akin to a reserve parachute: “If other safeguards fail, this is that emergency intervention tool—an extra layer of care.”
**Upcoming Challenges and Global Impact**
Among the recent participants was Scott Davidson, a crowd-safety expert featured in Netflix’s “Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy.” He noted that the Houston training is timely, especially with the city preparing to host seven soccer matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “This training aims to equip and empower those managing large events,” Davidson said. “History shows what can happen if there’s a lack of clarity or courage in making a decisive move.”
**Turning Tragedy into Action**
The Dubiski family stresses that transforming Madison’s tragic death into meaningful action aligns with her spirit. Michelle Dubiski remarked, “Our foundation isn’t just to honor Madison’s life but to help prevent future tragedies. It’s about safeguarding everyone affected by such events.”
She adds, “While there’s often a focus on the lives lost, we also want to support the survivors—those who wake up each day and face the aftermath of a traumatic experience. Our work is for them, and for all those impacted by the Astroworld tragedy.”
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/public-safety/2025/11/05/535225/astroworld-world-cup-houston-crowd-safety-pink-bows-foundation/