AIPC is thrilled to present the eighth episode of its podcast, Voices of Venues Around the World (VoVatW) — where we spotlight the people and ideas shaping the future of convention centres.
In this episode, we meet Robert McClure, Managing Director of Paratus, an Estonian cybersecurity company dedicated to protecting international convention centres. Drawing on his background in the Royal Navy and warfare operations, Robert brings a unique perspective to one of the most pressing challenges of our time: cybersecurity in the events sector.
Robert shares how Paratus, in collaboration with AIPC, has pioneered groundbreaking initiatives such as OSINT intelligence sharing and the AIPC Security & Resilience Bootcamp, where centres test their defences in a safe “sandbox” environment. He explains why cybersecurity is often seen as the “elephant in the room,” yet is critical to the resilience of our industry.
From tackling ransomware attacks that once shut down a convention centre for days, to preparing for the rise of quantum computing threats, Robert’s story is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for action. He reminds us that while centres may compete for business, when it comes to cyber threats, collaboration is the only way forward.
With insights ranging from cyber hygiene basics to regulatory differences across regions, Robert brings clarity, urgency, and even humour to a complex subject. His ultimate mission? To ensure that no convention centre has to face a cyber crisis alone — and to protect our industry’s future together.
