How safe are we in the Ballroom? This is part 1 of 2 parts.
In light of the many tragic events happening in the world recently, it’s imperative to examine the security of our ballrooms during events. How safe are we really? What are the odds of someone coming into the ballroom and shooting as many people as possible? I think we all feel that the idea of this situation is improbable, but it is very possible.
I recently did a show in a hotel convention center setting and wanted to see if the security level was adequate to stop a "would be" attacker during the event. Other than what looked like minimal staff at the door checking badges, no formal security personnel was present during the event.
Here is the scenario and what I want you to think about as you wait for Part 2 of this blog. Remember, this is just a scenario and has not happened.
Three weeks before its national convention, an employee of a large company was fired under disputed circumstances. It turns out that this employee was not happy with the outcome of the termination and has decided to seek revenge.
The company is having its event in a hotel convention center on a second-floor ballroom. Let’s say that the audience size is 2200 people. The President of the company will kick off the meeting and give a 45-minute presentation. All the executive team is sitting in the first row. The Stage Manager gets the all clear to start the show. Over the headset, you hear the cues. “Stand by fade walk-in music, GO!” “Stand by IR4, VOG, slide advance to name slide, stage wash to preset 2, GO!” The president of the company is introduced with play on music. The backstage manager sends out the company President to the stage.
As the start of the program begins, the disgruntled ex-employee has made his way through the service corridor and into the backstage area. He is wearing an overcoat that is concealing a small arsenal of weapons. It is dark backstage and he walks past the technicians. No one notices him since the most important person is presenting on stage and everyone is following the script and cues. He makes his way to the drape line entrance and walks up on stage and takes out his guns.
Think about this. How vulnerable are not only the President of the company but also the entire executive team in the front row? How vulnerable are all the attendees? What happens when the shooting starts? We will be addressing these issues and thoughts on the next blog.
Let's start a discussion. Feel free to comment below.