2026 Conventions + Exhibitions Report SECURITY MEETS CUSTOMER SERVICE At Cohere Centre, general manager Neill Bales sees three early indicators that can trigger deeper security planning: the type of client, the type of event and the subject matter. “For the most part, we would look at a standard requirement just based on sheer volume of people—basic uniform security with some first aid support. That would be the first layer,” Bales explains. As risk increases, the plan can expand to controlled floors, secured perimeters, paid-duty police, traffic support or outside security partners. But Bales cautions that each added layer can affect how delegates move and feel. The cost can surprise planners. Bales notes that some planners “don’t necessarily budget for security initially and most planners err on the side of less security. It can be a very big cost centre with some high- profile conferences running into the six figures for security and safety. That’s challenging for a lot of planners and event producers to wrap their heads around, especially if they have run their events for years with no challenges or issues.” Think beyond enforcement: Bales says security teams are often the people answering delegate questions, giving directions—to food kiosks and washrooms—and shaping first impressions. Used well, they can support both safety and service. MIND THE GAPS At Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), early questions are designed to surface risk before the floor plan and budget are locked. Are high-profile clients, controversial speakers, government officials or major celebrities attending? Is the conference connected to defence, finance, cybersecurity, the judicial system or another sensitive sector? Is the event tied to an issue already attracting attention in the city? “It could be something as simple as whatever is the hot topic at that time in the city, like housing development. In the past, we’ve had real estate and developer conferences that had protesters,” says Ron Pellerine, chief operating officer, MTCC. One of the biggest takeaways for planners is to clarify responsibility. MTCC manages day-to-day building flow, but large exhibit-floor events usually require additional event security. The public realm adds another layer: people pass through MTCC to reach other parts of the city and, in some cases, portions of Toronto’s PATH underground pedestrian system may need to be controlled. “My head of security monitors events that are coming to Toronto and we are constantly engaged with Toronto Police Services and the big players that sit on the PATH, like Scotiabank Arena and the CN Tower. They monitor social media for any rumblings or complaints that might lead to a protest, which might require closing down part of the PATH,” Pellerine explains. BMO Centre, Calgary 66 | Ignitemag.ca | Fall 2026 Halifax Convention Centre “It’s about choosing the right systems too. If the client is doing airport-type checks, they could end up flagging 70% or 80% of delegates for a secondary check. It becomes frustrating for the attendees,” Pellerine adds. That’s one reason MTCC recently partnered with Xtract One to offer a gate system that uses AI-powered weapons detection technology to dramatically reduce secondary checks and move attendees into the building, through registration and onto the exhibit floor or into plenary sessions faster. Pellerine’s advice: “Get all of your concerns on the table so that we have time to facilitate whatever you need. Ask where the facility security starts and stops. Monitor the move-in and move-out, hire security for the exhibit floor overnight and plan for additional security for exhibitor booths with very expensive equipment on display.”
