As more details about the recent attack at Manchester Arena emerge, IAVM has been contacted by media and public assembly managers from around the world regarding the safety and security of guests, artists, teams, and venue professionals, as well as how facility management should plan and be better prepared to address any potential issues that could potentially undermine a safe and secure environment in their unique venues.

There has never been a more compelling need to raise the bar and establish industry security guidelines and training than the present.   It is imperative that we begin utilizing all the available training resources to prepare for any potential risk or hazard.   It is important that training, especially post-crisis, is properly vetted for effectiveness.

IAVM advocates a proactive approach to preparing staff and reviewing all emergency evacuation plans, any emergency procedures and protocols, through effective on-going training. Training and other resources are widely available through many associations, Federal, Local & State Agencies, as well as through IAVM’s Academy for Venue Safety & Security, Live- Life Safety Training, EMSSI, and the educational programming at VenueConnect Annual Conference.

If you are not sure where to start, let us help.  You can begin by contacting IAVM at 972-538-1000 or visit our website at iavm.org.

Thank you for all you do every single day to make our venues safe and secure.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (“HML”) announced the appointment of Paul Jeffrey Chandler as its new Director of Food & Beverage. HML is the professional private management and operating company for the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (“HKCEC”).

As a member of the Executive Leadership Committee, Chandler oversees the operation of HML’s Food & Beverage Division. He leads a team of 330 professionals responsible for F&B event planning and coordination, along with catering services, the Western and Chinese kitchens, the HKCEC’s seven restaurants, and concession stands set up during large exhibitions and other events at the HKCEC. In his role, he will enhance the reputation and service quality of HML’s food and beverage services, as well as further raise the quality of guest dining experience.

Chandler has over 30 years of sound hospitality background gained through various senior positions in international hotels in Mainland China, Hong Kong, UK and Australia. Prior to joining HML, he was Director, Food & Beverage Operations of Shanghai Disney Resort, overseeing the preopening plans and daily operations of all in park outlets, hotel restaurants and banquet services. Before relocating to Shanghai in 2012, he held a similar position at the Hong Kong Disneyland for more than three years.

Thomas Tong, Deputy Managing Director of HML, commented, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Chandler to HML. With his extensive background and achievements in the hospitality industry, I am confident that he will drive F&B innovation and service standards into new heights, and will strengthen the HKCEC’s brand image both in Hong Kong and internationally.”

During the fiscal year 2015-2016 (July 2015 to June 2016), 2.4 million guests from around the world enjoyed F&B services at the HKCEC as attendees to 400 banquets, patrons of HKCEC’s seven restaurants or participants of 1,149 exhibitions and other events, some being the world’s largest and most prestigious trade shows.

“I am excited to join the winning team behind Asia’s best convention and exhibition centre,” Chandler said. “I look forward to working closely with them to meet the high expectations of customers and stakeholders from all backgrounds and nationalities and deliver great experiences to our guests.”

MONDAY, MAY 22 – In a devastating attack following an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, May 22, 22 people were killed and dozens more injured. According to multiple news sources, the explosion took place shortly after 10:30 PM as concert attendees were exiting the Britain’s Manchester Arena following the performance. The following facts are from CNN, Fox News, NBC News, and Aljazeera:

• Children are among the 22 dead
• At least 56 more were injured and being treated at surrounding hospitals
• An improvised explosive device was used by one man, who also died on scene
• Police arrested another 23-year-old man in connection with the attack

Concerned families and helpful citizens took to Twitter and other social media, some sharing photos of those who are missing and others offering to provide transportation and even places for stranded people to stay. 

The following is a statement from IAVM’s Board of Directors Chair, Mark Mettes, CFE:

“Yesterday, we saw more tragic events that serve as heartbreaking reminders of what can happen in this world.  There are still many facts in this situation that we don’t know yet, but we do know that this senseless tragedy will impact people far beyond those who attended the concert.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have been touched by this attack, especially all of the young victims and their families.

I also include our facility manager colleagues at the Manchester Arena because they will be touched by this tragedy for the rest of their lives.  Although we would love to reach out and help them in some meaningful way, we must recognize through this tragedy the importance of individual and institutional preparedness.  In these times, we must remind ourselves of our personal responsibilities at our venues.  Please make time to review your own Emergency Evacuation Plans and any Emergency Procedures your venue has for Staff.  If your venue doesn’t have these plans or procedures, I strongly encourage you to reach out to the leadership of your venue and do your part in taking the necessary steps toward preparedness.  If you aren’t sure what to do and where to start, please reach out to IAVM.  We can certainly help.

Also, whether you are in your own venue, visiting another or just out in public, please remember if you see something, say something.  Report suspicious activities to your local law enforcement.  Every one of us plays an important part in keeping our venues and our communities safe. 

Obviously we hope that nothing like this tragic event would ever happen again anywhere in the world, but we can each do our part to be prepared in case an emergency situation comes closer to home.

Thank you.”

The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) joined local, state and federal public safety officials to host the first full-scale exercise of the City Assisted Evacuation system at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center last week.

Hundreds of volunteers “role played” as evacuees and helped representatives from various agencies practice the steps required to safely evacuate residents in the event of a city-wide emergency. City-Assisted Evacuation provides transportation from 17 Evacuspots to the Union Passenger Terminal (1001 Loyola Ave.) where individuals then board a bus to a State or Federal shelter out of harm’s way.

In 2015, the City received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. DOT Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to support a full-scale simulation exercise of the City-Assisted Evacuation plan, with special emphasis on vulnerable/special needs populations.

Respected and accomplished industry veteran Kevin Twohig, CFE, chief executive officer of the Spokane Public Facilities District, announced his impending retirement.

Twohig said that at this point there is not a definitive timeline and “I am in no rush to get out the door.” Twohig will be assisting the Board with identifying the next CEO and will be available to advise the new CEO. There are also a couple of facility projects that he is engaged with and expects to complete before his retirement.

Twohig will attend the Venue Management School at Oglebay and looks forward to seeing his many friends in the industry. IAVM wishes one of the profession’s true good guys all the best in the future!