SIA Lends Its Expertise to Convention Center Security Coalition

The potential vulnerability of convention centers to an active shooter incident or a terrorist attack is real.

Earlier this year, the operators of McCormick Place announced several new security initiatives one month before the annual Chicago Auto Show. Upon describing the added security investments, Lori Healey, CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, underscored the necessity of these investments when she remarked, “We live in a different world. We have a number of international shows. We have people who come from all over, including Europe, and there were some unfortunate incidents in Europe at the end of the year.”

Healey’s comments reflect the increasing concern of convention center executives that facilities are among our nation’s soft targets and deserve greater protection from potentially horrific attacks. Simply consider the sheer volume of people that attend industry expos and conferences, the location of many convention centers in highly populated areas, and the twisted mindset of extremists who recognize that an attack on a trade show or conference facility will have a profound negative impact upon our economy and likely result in a catastrophic loss of life.

Fortunately, event operations teams dedicate an incredible amount of resources to ensure that exhibitors, staff, attendees and the public have peace of mind from such threats when attending major industry events. The security strategies implemented at convention centers commonly include coordination with local law enforcement, attendee screening, employee training, security technology and additional security staff.

With today’s elevated global threat environment, however, it is critically important for the Security Industry Association (SIA) to work more closely with the hospitality and events industry to develop convention center security best practices and standards.

Through a newly formed relationship with the International Association of Exhibitors and Events (IAEE), SIA will actively participate in the “Exhibitions and Meetings Safety and Security Initiative” (EMSSI). The primary purpose of this initiative, led by IAEE, the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) and the Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA), is to create unified security guidelines for convention centers.

EMSSI founding organizations immediately recognized the importance of involving the entire events and exhibits industry ecosystem in this project. Today, the EMSSI involves subject matter experts from a diverse cross-section of corporations, associations, event and exhibition producers, contractors and security experts. In addition to SIA, members of the coalition include ASIS International, the Consumer Technology Association, Freeman, Reed Expositions, the San Diego Convention Center and the U.S. Travel Association.

Ron Hawkins, SIA director of industry relations, has been appointed to the coalition’s cybersecurity coalition. Once the guidelines are developed and finalized, convention centers from around the country will be invited to demonstrate compliance with the standard consistent with guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act office. The EMSSI will develop tiers of certification demonstrating the readiness level of each convention center that applies for this new designation.

The guidelines are expected to be drafted over the next few months. For more information and to share your expertise, please contact Ron Hawkins at rhawkins@securityindustry.org.