When we left this scenario, our "would-be" attacker was on stage and had pulled out his weapons. What do we do?
This situation could turn many ways.
The point is not to let it happen to begin with.
To start with, the convention did not have a security plan in place. With the company’s top executives all in one room and all within proximity to each other on the front row, the security of the top management was in danger. An incident like this would not only impact lives, but also alter the financial position of the company should a loss of life occur.
Three different levels of security could have been in place and may have prevented the gunman from reaching the target. First, the company could have hired a private security company to guard the attendees as well and the company executives. They can also go as far as walking the top executives to and from the ballroom to their rooms. They could be armed or not armed. The venue may have a policy on armed security within the venue that may prohibit this level of protection.
The second level could be off duty Police to guard and patrol the ballroom space for the “would be” intruders. They would be armed but may only be obligated to work the ballroom space. This may be a case by case issue where the police would take a more active role in protecting the executives.
The third level (and most cost effective) would be to appoint an internal team of employees to serve as the security force for the meeting. They would be stationed at all the entrances of the ballroom including backstage. Check each badge before entering, and have a quick way to communicate with each other should the need arise. This level of security is the weakest, but may be effective as a deterrent. This assumes that a present employee on the security team is not plotting with the fired employee.
These three levels of protection are not the only ways to protect the convention. A professional security consultant would help you decide on the best way to protect your people. Hiring this person would be the best place to start enhancing your protection level.
The point is to have your attendees and executives feel that they are safe and the company is doing all it can to protect them without having the feeling of being in a prison. This level of protection is a personal one for the company as well as the budget that goes along with it. Your attendees should have an enjoyable learning experience free from worrying if the ballroom is safe.