What is AVSS?
IAVM’s Academy for Venue Safety & Security uses courses and classroom experiences, combined with practical exercises and hands-on activities to support your growth as a professional in the venue industry.
Gain valuable resources that will benefit your organization and receive a toolkit of reference materials, including a personalized “Action Plan” to apply your new learning right away.
Is AVSS for me?
Designed to support individuals at any stage of their careers, AVSS students come from diverse professional backgrounds, including venue managers, event planners, public safety professionals, industry and business leaders, government agencies, educators, and more.
AVSS Learning Outcomes from Year 1:
- Enhance understanding of the venue and event safety, as well as the security ecosystem
- Recognize core principles of adequate safety and security planning
- Develop skills to communicate safety and security plans, procedures, and concerns effectively to internal staff and key stakeholders while fostering a networked community
AVSS Learning Outcomes from Year 2:
- Demonstrate and apply comprehensive knowledge of the venue and event safety and security ecosystem
- Integrate foundational principles of safety and security planning seamlessly within your organization
- Exhibit proficiency in communicating, implementing, and managing safety and security plans in both daily operations and emergency situations
- Identify valuable resources for ongoing professional development while staying informed on emerging safety and security issues and trends
Who are the AVSS 2025 Instructors?
- Peter Ashwin, MSc, F.ISRM, MSyI
Principal – Event Risk Management Solutions (ERMS) - David Born, CPP, CSSP
Senior Director, Business Services – Prevent Advisors / Oak View Group - Bryan Frieders
Director of Health and Safety – Redrock Entertainment Services - Andy Jabbour
Managing Director – Gate 15 - Alex Keen
Principal – Keen Independent Research - Joe Levy, CVE
Assistant General Manager – Barclays Center - Wayne Middleton, CVE
Principal Consultant – Reliance Risk - Joey Sampson, JD
Partner – McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans - Harriet Thomas
Director of Talent Development and Communications – GWCCA - Jessica Reid-Bateman
- Stella Salyer
Assistant General Manager, Virginia Beach Convention Center - Akmal Ali
- Mark Camillo
- Daniel Ward, MBA, CEM
Director of Training, National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) - Kevin Kennedy, MSc
Principal, Kennedy Crowd Safety Solutions - Mark Herrera
Director of Security, IAVM - Rosa Reyes
Evaluator - Dan Mathis Jr., MS, CPP
VP Security Solutions, Xonar Technology - Ty Sheaks
- Betty Seigel
- Thomas Bedard
- Deron McElroy
Where is AVSS 2025?
Registration includes 5 nights at the host hotel, Omni Houston Hotel (4 Riverway Drive, Houston, TX 77056). IAVM will make your hotel reservation for arrival on Sunday, March 16 and departure on Friday, March 21.
Attendees should plan to arrive in time for the first session at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. AVSS concludes with the graduation dinner on Thursday night, attendees may plan to depart any time on Friday.
Want to Elevate Your Brand at the Industry’s Premier Safety & Security Event?
Become a valued sponsor at AVSS 2025 and connect with top professionals in venue safety and security management. This premier event gathers experts, decision-makers, and influencers committed to advancing safety standards across public assembly venues. Sponsorship at AVSS 2025 is your chance to:
- Showcase your brand to a dedicated audience of safety and security professionals.
- Gain exclusive exposure through branding opportunities on-site and across event materials.
- Network directly with industry leaders and engage in conversations that drive your business forward.
- Align your brand with IAVM’s dedication to advancing safety standards in public assembly spaces.
Contact us at sales@iavm.org or view the AVSS 2025 Prospectus to learn more!
Ready to register?
Visit avss.iavm.org today!
