‘We Are Not In This Alone’: Security Experts Gear Up For E3S In London

When terrorists attacked Le Bataclan in Paris Nov. 13, 2015, the live entertainment industry united. In the months and years since, during which terrorists increasingly target live events, the industry responded with a focus on safety and security previously unheard of in many parts of the world.

One country that has a long history of dealing with terrorist threats is the UK, where the threat level is currently “severe,” meaning a terrorist attack is likely. It is also the country where live event security experts have been meeting annually for the past two years to talk about the state of safety and security and share best practices. They return to London’s Congress Centre Oct. 8, for the third Event Safety and Security Summit (E3S), where some 300 delegates will discuss how far this business has come since last year, and where it is headed.

E3S kicks off with a welcome address from AEG’s SVP and chief security officer Matt Bettenhausen, who has overall responsibility for security, safety and preparedness for AEG’s domestic and global operations and facilities. He told Pollstar “The focus on safety and security has never been higher, in my experience, and that is across all segments of the industry – operators, promoters, entertainers, athletes and fans.”

While he thinks that there is better communication in the industry and better sharing of best practices for safety and security, he emphasises that, “as an industry, safety and security must remain our first priority.”

So far, 2019 has been spared a major terrorist attack at a live event. However, the threat of terrorism remains a concern, which is reflected in E3S’s 2019 program: Bettenhausen’s opening keynote is followed by a 90-minute counter terrorism tabletop exercise for all delegates.

Earlier this year, Sportpaleis Antwerp in Belgium conducted a simulation of a terrorist attack in the Belgium arena. In partnership with local authorities, artists and 1,000-plus volunteers, the exercise saw role-playing “gunmen” open fire inside the venue. Various other indoor and outdoor scenarios were played through as well. Thijs van Best, safety and security coordinator for the Sportpaleis Group, will present key outcomes and recommendations learned from the exercise at E3S.

Bettenhausen said that while law enforcement around the world continued to improve their counter-terror efforts, they were stretched. “They face challenges from the number of radicalized individuals with training and combat experience that have returned or seek to travel from war zones,” he explained. “We have also seen law enforcement struggle with countering the potential threat posed by drones. The influence of social media in fomenting extremism and inspiring violent acts is a continuing concern. Weapons (knives and guns), explosives and vehicles are still the principal instrumentalities of choice that challenge security efforts.”

According to Bettenhausen, cybercrimes continue to expand exponentially. In an industry that was very dependent on technology, this could be a blessing, as well as a curse, which is why he was very much looking forward to the cyber security for live events workshop at E3S, run by the UK government’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Another panel at E3S looks at safeguarding vulnerable groups at shows, while Andrew Tatrai, who has a 35-year history in major event management and crowd security, will host a session on machine-led crowd management. The final panel of the day looks at how to deal with high-risk shows, while other keynotes and sessions during the day tackle new findings in human behaviour research, innovative solutions and new technology fresh on the market as well as unique approaches toward security.

Bettenhausen thinks “E3S does a fantastic job in holistically looking at threats and risk. We must be in the all-hazards planning, preparedness and response business. Terrorism will remain a threat for some time but, from a risk perspective, it is less likely to occur than a cybercrime, bad weather, fire or unruly crowds. Anytime you have mass gatherings, crowd management must be a priority.”

E3S closing remarks will be conducted by Mark Hamilton, a 40-year veteran of safety, security, and crowd management. He has led security operations at London’s 2012 Olympics, Wimbledon and Live 8, among others. He is the current director of security for Paul McCartney and perfectly-placed to draw conclusions from the day, and identify future aims and objectives for the industry.

E3S is led by the same team that’s behind the annual International Live Music Conference (ILMC), in close collaboration with the European Arena Association, the UK’s National Arena Association, as well as other leading theatre and venue organisations and live event security companies. Organizers expect some 300 delegates to attend. Registrants can claim a 50% discount on the cost of a pass for the Event Safety Summit, Nov. 18-22 in Lititz, PA.

“We are not in this alone,” Bettenhausen said. “From past experience, meeting and getting to know industry colleagues from across the continent, who are attending the Summit, is invaluable. It is a great opportunity to get together and share ideas to make our industry better, safer and more secure.”