By R.V. Baugus

Threats exist today like never before. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are seen and some are invisible. But one that always lurks that keeps IAVM members and those who visit the venues vigilant is that involving threats with mass gatherings, which essentially defines the world of public assembly venues.

Dr. David Mussington, Executive Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security at the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), brings his expertise and honors IAVM members with his presentation of Protecting Mass Gatherings in the Evolving Threat Environment at IAVM’s virtual ENCORE October 5-6.

Public gatherings and crowded places are increasingly vulnerable to terrorist attacks and other extremist actors because of their relative accessibility and large number of potential targets. Organizations of all types of sizes, whether businesses, venues, schools, or houses of worship face a variety of security risks: active shooters, vehicle ramming’s, unmanned aircraft systems, and insider threats. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency has a wide variety of resources that can assist organizations with meeting these challenges.

As Executive Assistant Director, Dr. Mussington helps lead CISA’s efforts to secure the nation’s critical infrastructure in coordination with government and the private sector. Key areas of focus include vulnerability and risk assessments; securing soft targets and crowded places; training and exercises; and securing high-risk chemical facilities.

Prior to joining CISA, Dr. Mussington was Professor of the Practice and Director for the Center for Public Policy and Private Enterprise at the School of Public Policy for the University of Maryland. His research and teaching activities focused on cyber physical system risk management, election cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure security risk management. He has published articles in academic and professional journals. This includes handbooks published by the University of Oxford in the U.K., working papers co-written with partners at the U.S. Naval War College, and peer reviewed articles in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) outlets about metrics and risk frameworks for cyber defense. Most recently, he conducted projects on election cybersecurity, social media information security issues, and the security of Internet and Communications Technology supply chains.

Before Dr. Mussington shares his wealth of knowledge and insights, we were able to visit in advance about the session and more.

WHAT AREAS DO PUBLIC ASSEMBLY VENUES IN WHICH IAVM MEMBERS WORK NEED TO BE VIGILANT ABOUT IN THE CURRENT CLIMATE?

COVID-19 has not dissipated. Venues should still consider the use of masks, robust cleaning and sanitizing services, touchless/cashless payment options, and social distance requirements. In addition, venues must consider the threat of targeted violence. Threats such as active shooter, improvised explosive devices, and the use of vehicle as a weapon should be planned for and appropriately addressed. Venues should consider the use of law enforcement presence, venue security personnel presence, screening detection technologies, bag searches, security cameras, security wands, and the use of K-9 units as possible mitigating measures.

MUCH HAS RIGHTLY BEEN DEALING WITH THE PANDEMIC OVER THE RECENT MONTHS, BUT HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR OUR INDUSTRY TO NOT “LET ITS GUARD DOWN” WHEN IT COMES TO OTHER OUTSIDE POTENTIAL THREATS?

Critically important for venue managers to continue building capacity to address the dynamic threat environment. In addition, the FBI has received 791,790 complaints for all types of internet crime—a record number—from the American public in 2020, with reported losses exceeding $4.1 billion. This represents a 69 percent increase in total complaints from 2019. The number of ransomware incidents also continue to rise, with 2,474 incidents reported in 2020, representing a 20 percent increase in the number of incidents, and a 225 percent increase in ransom demands. With many fans, communities, and organizations heavily invested in sporting events, venues have become an ideal target for cybercrime. Cybercriminals are very attuned to global sporting events and take advantage of the spectators’ and industries’ reliance on technology. These damaging attacks often lead to financial losses, information theft, and reputation damage.

WHAT WILL SOME OF THE PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE THAT WILL ENSURE A MUST-ATTEND SESSION?

Overview of the evolving threat environment facing public assembly venues, from the perspective of a senior government expert in cyber and physical security with decades of experience in both the public and private sectors and in two presidential administrations. This will include discussion of the threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems, domestic violent extremism, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other risk factors.
Invitation to take advantage of the resources provided by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency—all offered for free—that make venue managers lives’ easier: best practices, vulnerability assessment capabilities, protective measures guides, training and exercises, and more. Also, we will mention COVID-19, and the work of the CISA COVID TF in identifying “hidden” risk factors that flow from dependencies.

IS THERE A TAKEAWAY YOU WOULD LIKE ATTENDEES TO RETURN TO THEIR VENUE WITH AS THEY GO ABOUT DOING THEIR JOBS AND ENSURING THE SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF THEMSELVES, THEIR STAFF, AND THE GUESTS WHO ENTER THEIR VENUES?

CISA’s mission is to lead the national effort to understand and manage cyber and physical risk to our critical infrastructure and vision for a secure and resilient critical infrastructure for the American people, but the agency’s work is only possible by partnering with the owners and operators of the spaces where Americans gather every day. Through our efforts to understand and advise on cyber and physical risks to the nation’s critical infrastructure, we help partners strengthen their own capabilities. By connecting with CISA, venue managers can get better connected to resources, analyses, and tools to help them build their own cyber, communications, and physical security and resilience, which in turn strengthens national resilience.

Not yet registered for ENCORE?  You can still register now HERE!

During the last 19 months, we’ve learned the importance of remaining connected as venue professionals in the live event industry.

We found out through our virtual VC20 last year that even when we can’t come together physically, the use of technology allows us to connect and learn together, which is important to our members. I understand and respect that as venues continue to deal with the fallout of the pandemic with opening our venues for events with fewer staff and continued budget concerns…collaboration with other professionals is paramount to a quicker recovery.

ENCORE is our answer that allows for more ways to meet you where you are as you continue to battle COVID restrictions and budget constraints on travel and professional development. ENCORE affords our members, at every level, the opportunity to experience what only those who have been able to attend VenueConnect in person have previously been offered…networking and education with the best and the brightest in the industry. Each session allows for professionals to chat, ask questions and participate together.

ENCORE is being recorded, and the program will be available for twelve months for those who register, allowing you access to sessions from ENCORE as well as General Session from VC2021 in Atlanta.

In my opinion, $99/$49 registration is an incredible investment for each and every person in the live events industry. I hope you will join your colleagues in strengthening our industry and the communities you serve by joining me for ENCORE.

CLICK HERE to register now!

Brad Mayne, CVE
IAVM President & CEO

By R.V. Baugus

William “Shannon” Brown, Chief, Security Planning Branch – Security Programs, Infrastructure Security Division with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), will deliver a presentation on October 6 at IAVM’s virtual ENCORE conference.

Titled “Insider Threat Mitigation – The Organization’s Role,” the session will take a broad look at Insider Threat, public facing Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Insider Threat resources, what an Insider Threat is, and what organizations need to do to ensure that they establish an appropriate Insider Threat program with policies and procedures that are suitable for their culture and mission.

In his role, Brown serves as the Chief of the Security Planning Branch where he is responsible for public facing product development and stakeholder engagement for understanding and mitigating insider threat, security and safety planning, use of fire as a weapon, and the business case for security.

Prior to moving to Security Planning, Brown served as the Chief for the Commercial Facilities Section and was responsible for facilitating information sharing with Senior Private Sector representatives, major trade associations, and Chief Security Officers from Retail, Gaming (Casino), Entertainment & Media, Lodging, Sports Leagues, Outdoor Events, Public Assembly, and Real Estate industries to strengthen the security and resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure.

Before joining the Department of Homeland Security, Brown worked in private industry as a senior operations and security planner leading teams providing analysis of critical infrastructure sector information requirements for decision support, planning, policy interpretation and implementation, and coordination of outreach.

He served 22 years as a United States Naval Officer and Naval Aviator prior to his time in the private sector where he lead numerous teams and maintained a myriad of responsibilities within the United States Navy; including Executive Director of an airshow, counter narcotics operations mission commander; Chief of a forward deployed operational planning cell during high tempo operations; and as an Officer-in-Charge of a Patrol Squadron.

Brown spent a few minutes with us to talk some about what attendees can expect in this timely and crucial session that will impact every IAVM member.

IF YOU WILL, JUST SHARE A BRIEF BIT AGAIN CONCERNING YOUR BACKGROUND AND CURRENT ROLE.

I have been with the Department of Homeland Security and now the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency since 2008 both as a contractor and now as a Federal employee. I am currently the Security Planning Chief in the Infrastructure Security Division and responsible the portfolio of Fire as a Weapon, Insider Threat, Security and Safety Planning, and the Business Case for Security.

OUR MARK HERRERA AND OTHERS HAVE RIGHTLY POINTED OUT THAT WHILE SO MUCH OF OUR CONVERSATION TODAY REMAINS ON THE PANDEMIC, WE HAVE THE NEED TO STAY VIGILANT ON ALL THINGS SAFETY AND SECURITY AT PUBLIC ASSEMBLY VENUES. WOULD YOU AGREE AND HOW SO?

Maintaining appropriate vigilance when comes to safety and security should be an integral part of organizational culture and is key to mitigating adverse incidents.

SHARE SOME ABGOUT WHAT YOU WILL BE SPEAKING ON AT ENCORE?

Insider Threat Mitigation – The Organization’s Role. We will take a broad look at Insider Threat, public facing Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Insider Threat resources, what is an Insider and is what is Insider Threat, and what do organizations need to ensure that they establish an appropriate Insider Threat program with policies and procedures that are suitable for their culture and mission?

I WOULD ASSUME THAT YOUR CONTENT WILL BE USEFUL ACROSS ALL OF OUR SECTOR TYPES AS IT RELATES TO SAFEGUARDING MEASURES.

Understanding Insider Threat is important for security professionals and managers at organizations large and small. Insider Threat can cause harm not only across the venue management sectors, but across all types of critical infrastructure.

HOW ABOUT A SOLID TAKEAWAY YOU WOULD LIKE ATTENDEES TO RETURN TO THEIR VENUE WITH AFTER PARTICIPATING IN YOUR PRESENTATION?

The first steps to an effective Insider Threat program are knowing what you are trying to protect and then instilling that in your organizational culture.

By R.V. Baugus

We came upon a little piece of news that flew under the radar. That is, until our astute friend Rick Haycock, CVE, touched base with me to share the news that he thought IAVM members would take an interest in. As I replied to Rick, you are more than correct about that, sir!

Jody Lake, CVE, IAVM retired member who has meant so much and done so much in support of the Association and the industry, was recently recognized with an induction into the Hall of Fame at Weber State University and Wildcat Athletics, where she served for 40 years with the same passion and love as she held for her volunteer roles in IAVM.

We will just let the press release addressing Jody’s induction take it from here, and will also include a link to the full press release to share the names of other inductees, including Portland Trail Blazer star Damian Lillard (see picture).

As Rick shared and we agree: Jody is a special person and, as modest as she is, she would never put this out on her own. Someone else brought it up on one of our many calls and you could tell she was as proud as she was shy!

The release:

As part of the Hall of Fame ceremony, Jody Lake will receive the Reed K. Swenson Distinguished Service Award, honoring her longtime service to Weber State University and Wildcat Athletics.

Lake worked at Weber State and the Dee Events Center for 40 years from 1980-2019, including more than 20 years as the director of the Dee Events Center. During her career, she helped coordinate the hosting of several thousand events at the Dee Events Center from basketball games, to graduations, to concerts, to religious events, and numerous community events.

During her time at the Dee Events Center, Weber State hosted four NCAA Tournaments and multiple Big Sky Championships, in addition to serving as the home for Wildcat men’s and women’s basketball. The DEC also hosted a dozen Utah Jazz preseason games as well as numerous high school basketball tournaments and was the home for Weber State volleyball for many years.

Under her guidance, the building also had several upgrades and improvements and the Dee Events Center continues to serve as a home for Weber State University and the community. She was also involved in the building of the Weber County Ice Sheet, the Marquardt Field house and the Weber State softball complex.

Lake retired from Weber State in July 2019.

For the full announcement, click here.

Carol Wallace, President/CEO of San Diego Theatres, announced the promotion of Brendan Farley to the position of Vice President of Operations. Farley has been with San Diego Theatres for more than six years and joined the team as Director of Operations. In that role, he oversaw Front of House and Food and Beverage. Later, he assumed responsibility for the Public Safety, Production, and Engineering departments.

Farley’s career in the performing arts industry has progressed from onstage, back of house, front of house to venue management. After earning a degree in Acting from Ithaca College, Farley worked with theaters in Chicago and New York City as both an actor and a technician. He got his start in the venue management industry in the concession stands at the Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT in 1998. Farley and his wife Katherine moved to San Diego in 2007. In San Diego, Farley worked with the Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado. With the support of their incredible team of artists and creators, he progressed through the roles of Shop Foreman, Technical Director, and Director of Systems and Production.

Since joining San Diego Theatres, Farley has continued to be a leader in the performing arts and venue management industries. He has represented San Diego Theatres on several industry committees with the IAVM. Currently, he serves as the performing arts representative on the Venue Safety and Security Committee (VSSC), Chair of the Performing Arts Safety and Security Sub-Committee (PASS), and led the Performing Arts Working Group to assist venues to achieve their GBAC Star Certification in Biohazard Mitigation in response to the COVID-19 health crisis.

In his new role, Farley will continue to oversee the Operations Department and work directly with the dynamic San Diego Theatres team to create moments that matter for the stakeholders of the Civic and Balboa Theatres. He will continue to serve as the key contact for the City of San Diego Departments and represent San Diego Theatres on the Board of Directors of Downtown San Diego Partnership’s City Center Business District.