Press Release
For Immediate Release
September 7, 2006
Contact: Kim Cook
(972) 906-7441
www.iaam.org
September 11th Events Lead to Increased Safety and Security at Public Venues
Coppell, TX—September 11, 2001 not only plunged the United States into the reality of what the world of terrorism can do to freedoms, but illustrated the need for safety and security protocols for the sports, entertainment, and exhibition industry. In the five years since, the International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM) has led the way with many initiatives to protect lives, secure property and ensure business viability in the public assembly facility industry.
Immediately following the incidents of 9/11, IAAM formed the Safety and Security Task Force under Frank Poe, CEO of the Dallas Convention Center, which initiated work with national partners such as the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB to develop the Best Practices for Safety and Security for Public Assembly Facilities. This document has been widely adopted by public event facilities throughout the nation, and has been a resource for government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security. DHS used these guidelines in creating the Vulnerability Identification Self Assessment Tool (ViSAT) for public assembly facilities to gauge emergency preparedness and response plans. The IAAM Foundation received a $750,000 grant in October, 2005 to increase the awareness and use of the ViSAT program throughout public venues in the United States.
In the wake of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, additional needs such as sheltering have arisen. Facility managers have since recognized gaps in communication between the facilities and government agencies in charge of preparedness and response. In November 2005, IAAM responded to these gaps by forming a Shelter Management Task Force. Under the leadership of Greg Davis, Director of the CAJUNDOME in Lafayette, Louisiana, the task force developed the Mega Shelter Best Practice Guidelines for Planning, Activation and Operation to assist facilities and managers in serving their communities when another emergency occurs.
Through IAAM’s Academy for Venue Safety & Security (AVSS) created in 2004, approximately 300 industry personnel have undergone a rigorous course of training in the latest techniques for life safety and security. The Department of Homeland Security, the American Red Cross, the NFL and others partnered with the IAAM to address critical life safety issues at this academy. More programs, education and initiatives are underway to continue to raise the level of emergency preparedness at public assembly facilities around the world.
“IAAM has made tremendous progress over the past five years in raising the level of preparedness and professionalism throughout the industry. With these initiatives and the creation of the Center for Venue Management Studies on the IAAM website, facility managers have a true resource to turn to for leadership and guidance to succeed in today’s operating environment. We are going to continue to raise that bar in the future,” said Larry B. Perkins, CFE, IAAM president.
The International Association of Assembly Managers is the world's largest professional association dedicated to issues relevant to the management of public assembly facilities. Members of the association manage public assembly facilities 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 3,200 members worldwide. More information is available at www.iaam.org.
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