Why Risk Management is Critical for Convention Centers and How to Create an Effective Event Risk Management Plan

By Wayne Middleton 

Managing convention centers is a risky business. However, unlike other high-risk industries, convention centers often lack effective event risk management, which can leave them exposed to potential threats. With the ongoing challenges of operating in a complex, uncertain, and sometimes threat-filled environment, a proactive approach to risk management is essential to ensure the safe and successful delivery of conventions, tradeshows, exhibitions, meetings and events. 

Why Do Convention Centers Need Event Risk Management Plans? 

No matter how big or small the event, convention centers should always follow the ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management Guidelines. In doing so, they can rest assured that their event risk management plans: 

1. Promote Safety: Ensure all staff, suppliers and attendees are as safe as possible while in the venue. 
2. Provide Adequate Documentation and Training: Document and evaluate all potential risks, and train staff so they understand how each risk should be addressed if/when it occurs.  
3. Minimize Impact: Ensure any incidents that occur can be addressed quickly to minimize their impact and ensure business continuity. 
4. Ensure Compliance: Develop risk management protocols that comply with current legislation and relevant government guidelines. 
5. Avoid Penalty: Effective risk management plans significantly reduce the risk of potential legal implications resulting from risk management failure. 
6. Meet Customer Needs: Safety and security are basic human needs. So, event risk management is essential to meet the needs of your customers and deliver memorable event experiences. 

5 Fundamentals of an Effective Event Risk Management Plan 

There are five fundamental elements of an effective event risk management plan for convention centers, including:  

1. You must be proactive so that you are always prepared and can prevent an incident from occurring or reduce its impact. 
2. You must take a systematic approach to ensure you have covered all bases and do not miss any critical details.  
3. You must be committed to continuously improving your plans by measuring their effectiveness, making necessary adjustments and including any new risks that emerge. 
4. You must ensure your entire team is committed to the plan. From junior staff to senior management, everyone needs to understand the importance of event risk management plans and procedures and their responsibilities. 
5. Each person who contributes to controlling risks must be accountable for implementing their tasks on time and to the best of their ability.  

Risk Manager by Momentus Technologies is a complete risk management solution for venues and events. Click here to learn more how you can leverage our purpose-built solution to improve event risk management at your venue.