Dallas, TX – The trade show industry will provide a healthy dose of input as the US government develops a set of guidelines on security at the nation’s convention centers. The International Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) will be working with a security consulting firm, Keyway, on bringing together the cream of the crop of individual security initiatives in place from around the US to develop a set of best practices.
The Safety Act Office of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will then finalize a set of security standards that are in compliance with federal requirements.
“We are coming together to enhance what is already in place — and to be proactive instead of reactive — in the new reality of the world we live in today,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois. “We are fully supporting this initiative because a strategic alignment of industry guidelines with the federal government, specifically the Safety Act Office within the Department of Homeland Security, is needed to protect the industry in the event of a terrorist act.”
The nightmare of a bomb, an active shooter, or some other assault on a crowded trade show or public event has had show organizers and venue managers on guard for years. The DHS is now developing a single set of guidelines that will become the standard for security at convention centers of all sizes.
A variety of safety measures at convention centers are already in place, including restrictions on vehicles, metal detectors, employee background checks and the Worker Identification System (WIS) developed by ESCA. “The WIS badge security system is one example of the multiple layers of security at trade shows,” said ESCA Executive Director Larry Arnaudet. “There are many players in the culmination of an exhibition or event and this initiative will need the support of the entire ecosystem.”
Reach David DuBois at (972) 458-8002 or ddubois@iaee.com; Larry Arnaudet at (972) 447-8211 or larry@esca.org
