Venue Safety & Security Committee (VSSC)

The mission of the Venue Safety and Security Committee (VSSC) is to collaborate with IAVM Education Staff to represent and advocate for the safety and security interests of the venue management industry. This is achieved through programs and initiatives to equip professionals in life safety, security operations, and emergency management. The VSSC operates as an interconnected network of venue professionals who collect, process, and distribute relevant information on current safety and security challenges, evolving risks, and recommended practices.

Committee Member Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Members act as points of contact for their professional network, ensuring that industry colleagues are informed of the activities of IAVM and the VSSC.
2. Members will proactively gather and share intelligence and information on evolving risks, challenges, and practices within the venue management industry.
3. Members may be asked to chair sector or special task(s) sub-committees. The responsibilities include arranging meeting times, developing agendas, facilitation discussions, etc.
4. Provide content for VP Magazine around safety & security topics and write one or more blog post(s).
5. Each individual committee member will begin or continue one thread on VenueNet each month.

Sub-committees:

To achieve its mission, the VSSC may establish sub-committees to focus on specific sectors and tasks:

• Sector Sub-committees:
  • Performing Arts Safety and Security (PASS)
  • Convention Centers Safety and Security (SSCC)
  • Stadiums Safety and Security (SSS)
  • Universities Safety and Security (SSU)
  • Amphitheaters & Fairgrounds Safety and Security (SSAF)
  • Arenas Safety and Security (SSA)

 Special Tasks Sub-committees:

1. Cyber Security Working Group: This group supports organizational dialogue on cyber and IT issues and shares relevant information on public assembly facility cyber operations.
2. Online Trained Crowd Manager Working Group: This group reviews and updates the online Trained Crowd Manager training course to ensure it provides accurate and accessible crowd management training.
3. Mega-Sheltering Working Group: Partners with the American Red Cross to re-develop mega shelter guides and enable venue management experts to assist in disaster relief.

Special Projects:

The VSSC will engage in special projects to address emerging safety and security needs within the venue management industry. These projects aim to foster collaboration with key stakeholders, such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and deliver actionable solutions tailored to the unique challenges of public assembly venues. Examples of such projects include:

• Venue-Specific Risk Assessments: Conduct comprehensive evaluations of potential risks and vulnerabilities unique to different venue types to develop targeted mitigation strategies.
• Incident Response Planning: Create and refine emergency response frameworks that are practical, scalable, and venue-specific, ensuring rapid and effective action during crises.
• Interagency Collaboration: Facilitate partnerships between venue professionals, CISA/DHS, and other relevant agencies to align venue safety practices with national security priorities.
• Critical Infrastructure Protection: Develop and implement protocols for safeguarding key physical and digital infrastructure in public assembly venues.
• Training and Simulation Exercises: Design scenario-based training programs and simulation exercises to enhance preparedness and resilience among venue staff and emergency responders.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Partner with industry associations and governmental agencies to promote best practices and increase awareness about safety and security measures within the venue industry.

VenueConnect Safety & Security Education Content:

The VSSC supports the VenueConnect conference by working with sector subcommittees to provide relevant safety and security education tailored to specific venue types.