NEWS
to becoming law is fantastic news .
The webinar , hosted by Bounds and director of the Association of Event Venues ( AEV ), Rachel Parker , gave attendees an overview of the finer details of expected new responsibilities and the potential impact on their events as well as providing ways to work in partnership with venues to ensure events are as safe as possible . measures like CCTV or new systems and processes to enable better consideration of security ,” said the Home Office .
Industry preparation In October , ICC Wales launched a cross-sector group to prepare the UK events industry for proposed legislation .
The new group , which is made up of organisers , destinations , associations and suppliers , work collaboratively with organisations across the UK events industry .
This month ICC Wales hosted an educational seminar to help organsers and venues prepare for the new laws .
Danielle Bounds , sales director at ICC Wales , said : “ To see the UK Government advancing Martyn ’ s Law is truly encouraging . We have worked closely with Figen Murray OBE over the past 12 months and witnessed first-hand her sheer dedication to this important legislation , so to see this one step closer
Dividing responsibilities
The government has not yet specified the exact duties under the law , but during the session Bounds and Parker discussed which responsibilities would be likely to fall to venues and which to organisers .
They said organisers would likely be responsible for identifying the key risks to events and documenting them as well as considering ways to reduce risks . They advised organisers to be transparent and discuss risks with venues .
Completing due diligence on all exhibitors , sponsors , speakers etc would also be an essential part of organisers ’ security planning they said .
Venues would oversee security infrastructure like CCTV and be responsible for aiming to mitigate key risks identified in the Venue Vulnerability Assessment Review Counter Terrorism . Venues would also be in charge of making sure security staff were knowledgeable , vigilant and accredited where necessary .
“ It is best to be prepared and know as much as you can ,” Bounds said .
“ Nobody likes saying they are vulnerable but if you know where you are vulnerable you reduce your risk .” EN
Organisers , venues and security experts discussed how good security can enhance the experience at exhibitions during an EN Roundtable , at Olympia London . See page 45 .
Spring — 09