UK Counter Terrorism expert to address 2019 Asia Pacific Venue Industry Congress

The Venue Management Association (VMA) has shared details of the keynote address to be delivered by Chris Phillips - founder and Managing Director of the International Protect and Prepare Security Office and former Head of Counter Terrorism of London’s Metropolitan Police - at the upcoming 2019 Asia-Pacific Venue Industry Congress.

As the threat of terrorism remains constant the effects of this are being felt by owners and operators of the venues across the Asia-Pacific Region, Australia is not immune. Attacks on crowded places, including the Christchurch mosque shootings in March 2019, London Bridge and Borough Market in June 2017, Manchester Arena in May 2017 and the Berlin Christmas market in December 2016, demonstrate how basic weapons including vehicles, knives, and firearm can be used by terrorists to devastating effect.

At the forefront of this global issue, the VMA has invited Phillips to lead an informative series of case studies that address the evolution of terrorism and how it is likely to change in the future.

In his opening plenary session, Phillips will discuss the changing global landscape of international terrorism and the susceptibility of public venues, what has happened to transform the venue security landscape in London and the UK, how has and does the venue industry need to change to adapt to these threats and what are we likely to encounter over the coming years.

In addition, Phillips will be sitting in on a number of panel sessions including, drone technology in venues and managing a major incident over the course of the event.

Looking forward to Phillips’ involvement with the Congress, VMA President, Steve Harper CVE advised “owners and operators of crowded places have the primary responsibility for protecting their sites, including a duty of care to ensure the protection of people that work, use, or visit their site from a range of foreseeable threats, including terrorism.

“Due to this, we are absolutely delighted to have Chris attend this year’s congress to deliver a wealth of experience on terrorism, organised crime and crisis management within the venue space”.

The annual Asia-Pacific Venue Industry Congress is being held in Melbourne from the 26th to 28th May 2019.

As the largest gathering of venue industry professionals in the Asia-Pacific region, it brings together more than 450 key decision makers for the days of education, networking and celebration. Incorporating the 2019 Venue Industry Awards and Gala Dinner, the Congress has cemented its place as the must-attend venue industry meet up.

With this year’s Congress theme focusing on innovating and adapting for the future, more than 50 domestic and international speakers are expected to deliver 20 sessions addressing the industry’s most pressing topics.

Click here to view the event details on the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image: Chris Phillips at the UK Security Expo in 2017.