I had the pleasure of spending the last week in January participating alongside over 100 collegiate police, emergency management, and event operations professionals in the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) Intercollegiate Athletics Safety and Security Summit on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). The attendees represented Division I, II and III institutions, as well as Athletic Conferences and BCS College Football Bowls.
This Summit was a new concept developed under the leadership of Dr. Lou Marciani and the NCS4 staff as a vehicle to develop future “Best Practices” in collegiate event operations. A survey was sent to college and university event professionals to determine what issues were most important to them and the top six ideas were examined in small working groups.
One of the single most important points of the summit happened at a kick-off panel of university presidents discussing their views on the major safety and security issues they face. During the Q&A an attendee frustrated with ongoing budget struggles asked Dr. Rodney Bennett of USM “how can I get the resources I need to do the job”? Dr. Bennett responded that he, like most college presidents, makes his decisions based on “evidence,” not emotion. You must talk to the decision makers and present your case in a language that they understand.
The message here was clear. Prepare your case in a manner that university presidents, CFO’s, or vice presidents of Facilities can understand.
Outline the issues, the costs and consequences in a way they are comfortable processing the information.
Some of the areas at the summit that were discussed and key findings:
Sport Facilities Design/Environment – Algen Williams, Senior Architect Technician, Populous
The major point in this session was that security and event operations professionals need a seat at the table during the design process. This is the only way to have the security spaces and systems function properly.
Crowd Dynamics/Management – Christopher Hennen United States Military Academy at West Point
This session focused on three key areas: preventing disruptive behavior throughout the fan’s experience, preventing fans from rushing the field and communication with fans through every available resource including social media.
Sport Security Innovation/Technology Solutions – Mark McCourt, Group Publisher, BNP Media
Key technology issues included: Communications — a look at how organizations utilize different communications technologies that do not easily integrate. Social Media — understanding how organizations are utilizing social media to communicate with stakeholders.
Building a Safety and Security Aware Culture - Jonathan Kelly, Media & Entertainment Lead, NetApp
The main takeaway was that the culture & investment in safety and security is a shared responsibility. It does not solely rest on the shoulders of safety practitioners but is the responsibility of all.
Bottom Line: I have written before how important it is for members of our industry to take advantage of any and all opportunities to gather together, exchange ideas and collaborate to create meaningful solutions. This summit is one more example of all of us together being better than any one of us could be. One more thing to remember, “know your enemy” and talk to them in a language they understand.
Russ Simons is... managing partner, Venue Solutions Group, and has been in this industry for more than three decades, working in arenas, stadiums, design, construction, safety and security. Send questions about any aspect of venue operation to askruss@venuestoday.com or mail questions to Venues Today, P.O. Box 2540, Huntington Beach, CA 92647.