SECURE BY DESIGN A FRIENDLY, FAIR AND FIRM APPROACH At Halifax Convention Centre, in-house security expertise is embedded in the planning process from the beginning. That helps the venue identify early indicators such as political attendees, geopolitical sensitivities, controversial industries or planned demonstrations. Dawn Delaney, director of marketing and communications at Events East, says that, over the past year, the convention centre has noticed more planners asking about “our emergency preparedness and crisis response procedures,” adding that the venue has “a very strong active threat protocol in place, and we have safe rooms throughout the convention centre.” To help planners prepare for costs, the convention centre “often provides security quotes well in advance of the event to ensure the client’s budgeting is appropriate,” Delaney explains. “Our security rates are published in our Event Planner Toolkit and we involve our security manager in conversations with clients early on to ensure their needs are met.” Keep it positive: When enhanced measures are needed, Delaney says the centre still leads with the guest experience in mind. “We do appreciate that every situation is unique, but we always attempt to lead with a friendly, fair and firm approach.” BADGE IT CLEARLY At BMO Centre in Calgary, Kerrie Blizard draws a clear line between building security and event security: “Our building security provides general security for the building and the assets of the building. Then we have event security, which could come in a variety of levels.” That distinction matters. Event security may include access control, bag checks, magnetometers, medical support or third-party guards, depending on the event’s risk profile. “First and foremost is to do a risk assessment and share it with the venue. In your early conversations, talk about your security and safety priorities so that the venue can work alongside you,” says Blizard, who is director, public safety and environment for The Calgary Stampede, as well as vice-chair for Event Safety Alliance Canada. Move-in is a critical window where access control is often underestimated. Back-of-house areas can be chaotic, with trucks, forklifts, deliveries and exhibitors who may not yet have credentials. To help manage that flow, BMO Centre uses a pre-registration system showing which vehicles and people have access to loading docks and the venue. Blizard’s practical advice: “Make sure your credentialing is clear and visibly different, such as colour-coded zone numbers. I also suggest providing a badge board or printout to security that clearly defines what access is provided to each badge.” → Photos (clockwise from top left): Halifax Convention Centre; Destination Toronto; Tourism Calgary/Colin Way BMO Centre, Calgary NHL All-Star Weekend, Metro Toronto Convention Centre SECURITY QUESTIONS FOR SITE VISITS → What base level of security does the venue provide? → Where does venue security end and event security begin? → What public spaces, concourses or entrances remain open? → Is move-in/move-out included in the security plan? → What outside partners may be required: police, medical, K9, VIP detail or third-party guards? Fall 2026 | Ignitemag.ca | 67
