We asked 10 experts to share their opinions of safety and security on the show floor.
1
"A few years ago, someone else's job was to worry about security. Nowadays, the safety and security of our audiences is an integral design consideration."
— Michael J. Wohlitz, senior vice president, event services, Freeman
2
"Shows have increased their talk about security, but many are relatively lax in their actual follow-through."
— Nicole Genarella, executive vice president, sales and marketing, 3D Exhibits Inc.
3
"Since the Las Vegas incident, I still walk into convention centers without being asked for a badge or ID."
— Marc Crosier, trade show and event manager, Heidelberg Engineering Inc.
4
"I've noticed subtle differences in security measures. We're asked to show IDs more often, and badges can no longer be picked up as a batch."
—Janice Breuer, CTSM, trade show specialist, FFF Enterprises Inc.
5
"Venues must take a proactive approach to safety rather than learning from mistakes after they happen."
— Michael Rigby, president, PosterGarden
6
"Besides noting evacuation routes, I emphasize a 'see something, say something' message during staff training."
—Kelly Noonan, global event marketing manager, Tate & Lyle plc
7
"Security is always on my mind. In an emergency, our guests look to us for direction."
—Marianne van Zeeland, CTSM, senior trade show and event manager, Genomic Health Inc.
8
"Metal detectors may be in place during show hours, but there's no such security in place during move in or move out."
—Bob McGrath, event marketing manager, Dish Network LLC
9
"We've seen a greater presence of plainclothes Pinkertons and similar personnel at experiential events. Security scans and bag searches are now more common."
— Robert Williams, vice president, brand experiences, 1220 Exhibits Inc.
10
"I hope new security measures are kept secret. We don't want to give anyone inside information that could help them circumvent those measures."
— Karen Burns, portfolio manager, professional associations, affinity partnerships, GEICO