The Stand-Up

December 19, 2024

Edited by Miguel Neves

Note: The Skift Meetings Stand-Up will be paused during the Winter Holidays, returning on January 2, 2025.

Hi there,

There is a serious matter at hand: security at events. While this may not be the most joyful topic to sign off on for the year, it's an important one to consider going forward.

The recent killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel during an investor conference has sent shockwaves through the meetings industry. While event security should always be a priority for planners, this tragic incident forces us to ask uncomfortable questions about current practices.

Previously, your VIP speakers or executives may have brushed off security measures with a casual "It's just a quick walk" or "I'll be fine"? Thompson himself had no security detail that morning. This is likely to change now.

For planners, this means rethinking risk management from the ground up. Some planners are already adapting - from coordinating with venue security teams earlier in the planning process to mapping out alternative entrance routes for VIPs.

The reality? A planner's responsibility may be limited to what happens inside their event, but the ripple effects of this incident are pushing organizations to review their entire security approach.

What security changes are you implementing at your upcoming events? Reply to this email to share your thoughts and strategies with fellow planners.

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