Access Control
& Security Systems

The following excerpt examining meeting and trade event security is from our sister publication, Association Meetings:

"One of the first things you have to look at is security considerations - not because things aren't going to be safe, but to calm your members' fears," says Chris Vranas, associate executive director of the American Association of Orthodontists, based in St. Louis. Vranas coordinated a number of international programs at his last job as a meeting director with the American Society of Travel Agents. "You need to make them feel safe - when they're on the ground in particular."

Vranas suggests setting up advance meetings with key personnel, including security chiefs, at hotels, convention centers, and - depending on the size of the meeting - with government officials. Find out what kinds of plans rescue, emergency, and medical teams have in place, and make those local resources, including hospitals, known to every attendee. Knowing these things can help a meeting planner convince attendees that a destination is safe.

Vranas is quick to point out that "petty crime is more of an issue for travelers than terrorism is today."

To read more, visit Association Meetings

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