Press Release

For Immediate Release
May 28, 2008
 
Contact: Meredith Craig
(972) 906-7441
meredith.craig@iaam.org


International Association of Assembly Managers Approved for Future in Safety and Security

Coppell, TX—International Association of Assembly Managers is pleased to announce that the “ViSAT Course Public Assembly Venues” has been approved by the Department of Homeland Security. The process of course development started in 2005 when DHS awarded IAAM a Competitive Training Grant to provide training and awareness for the DHS Vulnerability Identification Self Assessment Tool (ViSAT).

The ViSAT course will assist facilities and organizations in using the ViSAT to identify vulnerabilities and security threats that they may face.

“We are so pleased that we will be able to provide a course that trains facility managers in the use of the ViSAT software to conduct a vulnerability assessment. The most important thing to us is saving lives; therefore, having the ability to provide education to help venue managers prepare for emergency situations is essential. We are thrilled that we will be able to provide it,” said IAAM Director of Life Safety and Security, Harold Hansen, CFE.

IAAM is currently making plans to take the instruction to various locations regionally. The course is an eight hour long training package that includes several modules of instruction on how to use the ViSAT to benefit an individual public assembly facility.

Mr. Hansen said, “This course allows a public assembly venue to self-evaluate their emergency preparedness. The course is provided free of charge as is the use of the ViSAT software.”

The ViSAT Course will be offered as part of this year’s August Academy for Venue Safety and Security (AVSS) in Fort Worth, Texas, August 16-22, 2008.

About the International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM)

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 arenas, amphitheaters, 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 3,700 members worldwide. More information is available at www.iaam.org.

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