EVOLVING THREAT LANDSCAPE: Mike Downing, chief security officer at Oak View Group’s Prevent Advisors, left, Akmal Ali, Shaun West and Scott Anderson discuss venue security at VNC ’24. (VN Staff)
PHOENIX, Arizona — In an industry where security is paramount, a panel of leading experts discussed managing critical challenges facing venue operators.
The discussion, titled “How do Security Professionals Demonstrate Effectiveness,” provided a glimpse into the strategies and technologies shaping the future of event safety.
The panel featured Akmal Ali, a renowned security consultant, Shaun West, an experienced operations manager, and Scott Anderson, who oversees security for a portfolio of high-profile venues.
Together, they tackled issues ranging from fostering a culture of security to leveraging data analytics for continuous improvement.
“The key is to never become complacent,” emphasized Anderson. “Security programs must evolve alongside the threats we face.”
The panelists stressed the importance of leadership setting the tone, with executives leading by example and empowering all staff to be vigilant.
Beyond instilling the right mindset, the panel delved into the role of technology.
While innovations like frictionless screening and video analytics hold great promise, the panelists cautioned that these tools are only as effective as the people operating them.
“Training is critical,” noted West. “We’ve seen venues underutilize their technology because staff lack the proper skills.”
The conversation also highlighted the value of data-driven decision-making.
Venue operators are increasingly leveraging security metrics to identify trends, benchmark performance, and make informed policy updates.
“The data tells a story,” said Ali. “It’s about extracting the insights to continuously improve your security posture.”
Looking ahead, the panelists expressed concerns about emerging threats, from the risks posed by drones to the challenges of managing large, unruly crowds, but they remained steadfast in their belief that with the right strategies, venues can stay one step ahead.
“Security is an ever-evolving landscape,” concluded Anderson. “But by fostering a culture of vigilance, embracing the right technologies, and using data to drive progress, venue operators can ensure the safety of their guests, staff, and assets for years to come.”
