Press Release

For Immediate Release
September 1, 2009
 
Contact: Jill Dotts
(407) 595-1677
jill.dotts@iaam.org
 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Awards
$250,000 to IAAM Foundation for Venue Emergency Preparedness Training

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a $250,000 grant to the International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM) Foundation (www.iaamfoundation.org) to increase emergency preparedness in venues. Through the grant, IAAM will deliver intensive training in in safety and security protocols for emergency preparedness, crises communication, and introduction to a free risk self assessment and benchmarking tool that promote readiness for a broad range of hazard scenarios.

IAAM has been working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security over the past 6 years in a variety of capacities, but one significant area being the development of the Risk Self Assessment Tool (RSAT), which develops risk information by breaking the data collection and analysis into three distinct areas: Venue Characterization, Threat Ratings, and Vulnerability Assessment. The RSAT provides an effective means to assess their vulnerability to a full range of threats (all-hazards), receive guidance on safety and security enhancements they can consider, and evaluate their preparedness as compared to other public assembly facilities.

Training will be offered regionally, with open invitations extended to facility managers, public safety personnel and industry professionals. Subject matter experts in risk management and emergency response affiliated with the IAAM Academy for Venue Safety and Security, will serve as faculty for the training program. “The faculty of IAAM’s Academy of Venue Safety and Security are not only experts and engaging instructors, they have hands-on experience ranging from routine planning and preparation to involvement in major emergencies.” said Frank Poe, Dean of the IAAM Academy of Venue Safety and Security and Director of the Dallas Convention Center. “They know the critical paths for emergency management—and their experience will be invaluable for students of this training.”

Even with the current economy and stretched budgets, patron safety and venue security continues to be a top priority. Major League Baseball Senior Vice President Dan Mullin, said, “We have a responsibility to our fans, owners, players, and staff to keep safety and security always top of mind. Ongoing preparation and training ensures that regardless of the type of emergency, that every level of venue staff is ready to jump into action. This training will help venues stay at the top of their game.”

This is the second award to the IAAM Foundation from the U.S. Federal Government, with Federal grant funding for venue safety and security now totaling $1,000,000. Michael Taormina, CFE, chair of the IAAM Foundation and managing director of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre (Atlanta), said the grant aligns perfectly with the foundation’s priorities. “The IAAM Foundation’s mission is to increase the positive impact and vitality of the public assembly industry by funding research, education, and resource development. This grant is a huge step toward accomplishing our mission, and our work continues.


The International Association of Assembly Managers is the world's largest professional association dedicated to issues relevant to the management of public assembly venues. Members of the association manage public assembly venues such as amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums, convention centers/exhibit halls, performing arts venues, stadiums and university complexes; or provide products, services or attractions to support the industry. IAAM has more than 3,600 members worldwide. More information is available at www.iaam.org.  

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