PA Life Editor Amelia Walker will host an informative panel discussion on “Travel safety and security management” at the Venues & Destinations Summit. We caught up with two of the panellists – Saul Shanagher from beTravelwise and Andy Neal from Protaris – to find out a bit more about their thoughts on the business travel industry.
PA Life: Tell us about yourself and your background.
Andy: I’m an experienced, energetic and influential expert in both strategic and operational risk. Through a career spanning 22 years I have a proven track record in delivering outcomes across regional, national and international projects in partnership with government, military and non-government agencies. As a highly regarded consultant I have designed and delivered projects overseas in operational risk management procedures to South Africa, Brazil, France, United States, Canada, Qatar and 22 other countries.
Saul: I have a career that spans the military, PR and marketing, leading jungle expeditions, security consultancy, event management and travel security. All have in varying ways led to my current company, in which I can combine training, security and travel. Directly relevant to this event I co-own a small event company that organises an annual conference in South Africa.
PAL: Can you give us a glimpse of what the session will cover?
Saul: The panel is looking at personal security at large events. My view will be towards what the employee’s organisation should consider to ensure the safety of their attendees. There are two aspects – the actual security of the event and the traveller security. Taking a classic two-circle Venn diagram approach there is a little overlap, but actually vast amounts that have to be done to secure each.
PAL: What in your opinion are the three most important challenges in the business travel industry?
Andy: People’s attitude towards security measures, adopting a procedure during every trip, and using tactics to prevent further harm in an incident, such as demonstrations, shootings, or personal compromise.
Saul: Travel risk management is a long way from being cracked. Safety with the sharing economy seems to be ignored for employee convenience. And traveller stress caused by the general unpleasantness of travelling these days.
PAL: Where do you see the industry going in the short term? Longer term?
Andy: Short term will see a lot of adapting procedures to include all elements of current security threats. Long term will see integrating security as part of the health and safety models.
Saul: Both short and long term I think the industry is in good shape. Long term I think there will be an increase in using regional, lower-profile destinations to ease congestion and improve security.
PAL: Why is an event such as the Venues & Destinations Summit so important?
Andy: In my opinion it is an excellent example of adapting and discussing best procedures and practices; the more the industry engages in risk and evaluates the situations both regionally and internationally then the risks are reduced significantly.
Saul: It is important to have a range of topics aired and discussed, even if contentious or possibly ‘irrelevant’, so industry personnel can learn from their peers and share experience and hopefully create better events in the future as a result of this.
PAL: What advice would you give to international event/travel industry professionals?
Andy: Never ignore your instincts – if things don’t feel right they inevitably are not right. Act on first impressions and do not hesitate – rehearse and practise.
Saul: Take opportunities to work with colleagues from other countries – especially the US. I worked for a Texan company and I can’t think of a better schooling in customer service – they get this so much more than anyone in Europe. Always wear a seat belt and sit in the back of a vehicle when you travel – road traffic incidents are the largest non-natural cause of death to travellers.
There are limited places left at this year’s Venues & Destinations Summit, taking place on 14 November at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel. The event gives you the chance to sit down for face-to-face meetings with suppliers from a range of UK and international venues and destinations. As it’s running alongside the next PA Life Training Day, attendees will have an opportunity to network with delegates from both events at a drinks reception. To book your complimentary place, contact Laura Spratt at l.spratt@forumevents.co.uk
