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Johns Creek committee weighs automated counters and giveaways to improve event attendance counts
Summary
City events staff outlined methods used to estimate attendance and presented two options — giveaway items for minimum guarantees and automated counters for ongoing measurement — but the committee ultimately tabled further action pending more information and potential sponsorships.
City staff outlined existing methods used to estimate attendance at open, free events and brought two practical options for more precise counts: giveaway items handed out at entrances and portable automated person counters. "We don't require ticketing, we don't require pre registration. It's come 1, come all," said Ms. Gaston, the staff member presenting the item, explaining why estimating attendance at open events is challenging.
Staff explained the current multi-method approach — drone or aerial imagery, manual clicker counts at access points, vendor-sales signals, parking counts and historical familiarity with sites such as Newtown Park and Heisman Field — and acknowledged limits for each method. Ms. Gaston noted the city had used Placer AI in the past but lapsed that subscription because it was expensive and not always delivering needed value.
Two options drew focused discussion. The first — handing out a giveaway item at entrances so the number distributed provides a verified minimum — was praised as simple but criticized for cost and logistical burden if events draw thousands. The second — low-cost, tripod-mounted automated counters that tally passers-by — attracted support for lowering volunteer demand and providing repeatable, post-event counts, though members cautioned about accuracy when attendees re-enter or children run by counters.
Debate centered on whether the city has a material problem that warrants new spending. One committee member argued the city’s current mixed methods are sufficient; another said more precise counts could help plan vendor supply and public-safety staffing. After discussion, the committee voted to table the item pending additional research and possible sponsor funding. "I'll make a motion that we'll table it for now," said a member who moved to table the matter; the motion was seconded and carried without a recorded roll-call tally.
Staff said they would continue researching software and device options and could pursue sponsor support if the committee wants to pilot equipment before committing budget funds.
