When Thousands Gather Safety Matters
The tragedy this past weekend at Brazil’s Kiss nightclub is just one incident in a history of nightclub disasters spanning back as far as the 1920s. In the past 13 years there have been a string of 10 notable nightclub fires around the world; from a December 2000 blaze in a dance hall in Luoyang, China which killed 309 people, to the 2003 Rhode Island Station nightclub fire that killed 194; and most recently the Kiss nightclub fire in Brazil which killed over 200.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were almost 5,000 venue fires from 2000 to 2004, with an average of one death and 52 injuries per incident. While most venue managers understand how to prepare and hopefully prevent the injury and risks associated with crowds, dark interiors, staging, and pyrotechnics – these tragedies must be acknowledged, examined, and where possible, steps must be taken to avoid future incidents.
Making a Splash
We have so many new and exciting things in store for VenueConnect 2012, July 21 – 24 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida! This is my first annual conference as President and CEO of IAVM; myself, John Bolton, VenueConnect Chair, the programming committee and IAVM staff have been hard at work creating a VenueConnect like no other before.
The vast variety of educational content and the brand new register two professionals and get the third for 50% off deal, make it easier than ever to bring your entire team!
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VenueConnect 2012: It’s at the Beach, People!
This year’s VenueConnect (in my humble opinion) is going to ROCK THE HOUSE! After all as Venue Professionals you’ve got to appreciate one fact, this year’s meeting is set against a backdrop of 23 miles of beautiful sand beaches, ocean waves and tropical breezes. I can’t think of a better way to reconnect with colleagues, learn and do business.
If you’re thinking that VenueConnect 2012 is going to be the same old, same old – then think again!
Start with golf or sport fishing to benefit the IAVM Foundation!
If you’ve always wanted to help the IAVM Foundation raise some money and you’re not a golfer like me, we’ve added an opportunity for you! Taking advantage of our coastal location, we’ve added a sport fishing tournament to kick off the conference on Saturday. Sign up early for this one! Continue Reading →
Governance Update to Membership
The Regional Meetings have begun and our update on the evolution of our governance model was well received by Region 5 & 6 in Arlington, TX, April 12th.
We are currently in the process of sharing some initial thoughts on what isn’t working with our current governance model, and what we might want to do to become more efficient as a board and as an association. We are in the information sharing and gathering phase, and the response so far has been very positive. Continue Reading →
New Year, New Programs
Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!
Before we step back, slow down and enjoy the holiday season, you need to know about the highlights from our recent and successful mid-Winter Board Meeting. Our Association is taking exciting steps forward into 2012 and beyond. Continue Reading →