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Security expert shares advice on how to keep events—

big or small—safe. BY RON GARBINSKI

Last summer, Todd Kmentt transitioned his more than 20 years of experience in federal law enforcement and global security to Michigan. We gave him a few months to settle into his new role as director of global safety and security at George P. Johnson Experience Marketing (GPJ), headquartered in Auburn Hills, before asking him how planners and GPJ clients can improve security at their events.

MIM+E: Why and how did you get into the security industry?

TK: I’ve always been told by those that I am close to that I have a very protective nature. In essence, that I embody GPJ’s corporate vision, “Passionate. Collaborate and Fearless.” I believe these attributes led me to a career in safety and security where I have consistently protected individuals and teams in a myriad of situations while also proactively uncovering potential challenges to mitigate threats.

MIM+E: What type of projects are you focusing on at GPJ?

TK: I’m currently focusing on expanding GPJ’s safety and security offerings for our robust clientele as well as defining our emergency preparedness to ensure the safest possible environments for all of our stakeholders (employees, attendees, vendors, etc.). GPJ wants our attendees to focus on the phenomenal activations and experiential concepts we create in tandem with brands. We’ll be in the background ensuring safety and security.

MIM+E: How has the security business changed over the past 10 years?

TK: Throughout the past decade, specifically, prior to 9/11, the majority of intense security concerns were predicated on political or geographical issues. Compared to today, where the prevalence and occurrence of first person/active assailant concerns for all people (whether it is travel related, public forums, etc.) are deeply rooted and a common thread across all areas.

MIM+E: What are the most pressing security issues facing the industry?

TK: I’m focusing on the people flow and crowd management planning to ensure we avoid congestion as that can lead to safety issues. While doing so, we’re reinforcing the client’s expectations, guest experience/satisfaction and ultimately driving the brands devotion to deliver unparalleled activations for their audiences with secure and safe operations.

MIM+E: How can planners ensure that their activities are secure?

TK: It’s paramount to coordinate thorough pre-event planning, security, and programming and to arrange ongoing communication meetings with appropriate stakeholders (internal/external) before/during/after the event. In doing so, planners can work to mitigate issues, plan accordingly, ensure requirements are met and discuss crisis management planning and guidelines in the event something emergent should occur.

MIM+E: How can planners and venues work together better on safety issues?

TK: It is essential that there is a cohesive working relationship between the planners/clients and the venue while continually striving to have ongoing communication and open dissemination of information to effectively accelerate the relationships with the parties involved and inspire engagement. Preparation and planning meetings, shared programming and documents, run-of-show, emergency service information, crisis planning guidelines and action plans and relevant equipment should be transparent for all activations among appropriate teams and leaders.

MIM+E: What top three security recommendations would you offer to those coordinating (planners) and hosting (venues) larger meetings and events?

TK: Potential suggestions include: • Pre-event security planning with internal and external stakeholders

• Ongoing communication on-site (planning teams, host, security detail) to ensure there is no suspicious activity and/or rapid response in the event of an emergency • Ensure clear understanding of what motivates the planner/brand to optimize the brand and its recognition, which can be protected through a coordinated crisis management plan

MIM+E: What initial safety steps do you recommend for events?

TK: An initial step would be an evaluation of the event and developing a business continuity plan to identify the risks, threats or vulnerabilities that could impact the event's continuous operation and provide that a security framework is in place for building organizational resilience and the capability for an effective response. I would not differentiate on size and scale when utilizing this initial step.

MIM+E: Do indoor and outdoor events present different security concerns?

TK: Both indoor and outdoor venues pose unique challenges, but ultimately success resides in creating a security environment that is unobtrusive and esthetically pleasing, all while providing a safe, secure and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

MIM+E: At what size function should planners include security contractors into their planning process?

TK: I would always defer to utilizing a security contractor in the planning process, regardless of the size and when possible, engage with local authorities.