By Jasmine Shannon
The Venue Safety and Security Committee (VSSC) hosted its first Zoom meetings of the 2020-2021 term on August 20 and September 17. There is a good mixture of new and returning committee members representing all venue sectors (amphitheaters, arenas, convention centers, complexes, performing arts centers, stadiums, and universities) along with several Allied Members — which is exactly the mix of expert input the committee needs to be successful.
VSSC had high hopes of a year full of productivity at the beginning of our 2019-2020 season. However, our year 
was quickly derailed by the pandemic. Soon our conversations revolved around the issues and challenges faced due to the spread of COVID-19. The aspirations of productivity took a back seat while we all tried to navigate a foggy future directly affecting everyone’s safety and security.
Since then, there have been many COVID-19 IAVM committees dedicated to helping our industry rise back up in a safe manner. Therefore, VSSC is ready to take on all safety and security matters – not only those related to COVID-19 – and produce helpful tools and resources across every venue sector.
Call To Action
Each sector has a separate subcommittee chaired by a member of the Venue Safety and Security Committee (VSSC) that meets once a month. It’s an informal setting where anyone who is interested in safety and security can be involved in the conversation whether you are an IAVM member or not. These calls are a great way to stay in the know on what VSSC is talking about regarding your sector. We provide a safe space to talk through safety and security challenges to find out what works and doesn’t work. Each subcommittee creates an avenue to push these topics up the chain to the VSSC to ultimately find solutions and resources. If you or a member of your team is interested, please email greg.wolfe@iavm.org to get added to your sector’s monthly call. If the meeting option isn’t ideal for you, email VSSC@iavm.org any safety or security questions you would like the Venue Safety and Security Committee to explore.
It is an exciting time for all of us. We look forward to being a committee that creates and enhances the value of your IAVM membership.
Jasmine Shannon is Event Coordinator at the Berry Center in Houston, Texas, and a member of the Venue Safety & Security (VSSC) Committee.
VSSC Committee members include: Joe Levy, CVE, Chair; Kathryn Carlson, CVP, Vice Chair; Russell Dyer, Past Chair; Rachel Bomeli; Jeremy Brown; Liz Collins; Joe DeGeorge; Brendan Farley, CVP; Ross Girouard, CVP; Colin Holman; Eddie Idik, AVM; Andy Jabbour; Elizabeth Jones; Alexander Keen, ETCP; Mark Montgomery; Kerry Painter, CEM, CMP, CVE; Zach Rutledge; Jasmine Shannon; Russ Simons; Heidi Snyder.
