Travel security training specialist beTravelwise has released a list of top safety awareness tips for companies sending employees to international conventions.
The advice helps corporates assess any risks associated with destinations or venues where conventions or congresses are being staged and to prepare attendees accordingly, ensuring they remain as safe as possible during their trip.
According to company Director Saul Shanagher, there are two issues that an organisation should consider when sending employees to an international convention. “The first concerns the security of the event and the second relates to traveller safety,” he says. “When considering whether it is safe to attend a convention the organisation should conduct, as for all international travel, a risk assessment.”
Shanagher says key considerations should include:
Event security
Convention location: Is the convention in a higher risk location? Normally conventions are held in locations that are international business centres and should be relatively safe. Even in slightly higher risk locations, conventions are usually an important part of the local economy and the security services will be keen to ensure that they go without a hitch and that their reputation remains intact.
Conference and speaker themes and changing situations: Prior to November 2015 Western European cities were considered low risk, and while this risk has not significantly changed, there is a perception that an attack may be more likely. It is worth considering the subject of the convention and those being addressed by keynote speakers. Is there anything on the programme that’s contentious that may draw more unwelcome attention than before? Normally in developed countries, security will be increased to counter this likelihood and if an at-risk person is speaking, their security detail will be enhanced for the event. This may mean that they look for softer, easier targets related to the event (see below in ‘Traveller Security’ section).
Convention centres: Most modern convention centres have excellent security. CCTV, guards, access control (badging and checks) all keep the centre, stands (many stands costs huge sums of money and are well secured) and people safe.
Generally, conventions will have a good level of security. The organisers will have conducted a risk assessment and put measures in place for any perceived weaknesses in their plan. If you are concerned, speak to the organisers and ask them to put your mind at ease over any issues or worries you may have.
Traveller security
As for any international trip, your travel risk management policies and processes should ensure that travellers/delegates/employees are kept safe. If there is concern for a particular location, you should ensure the following:
1 They are briefed or trained about the location and the risks they might face. If there is a threat to the convention, they should be aware of this and budget should be set aside to increase the support they receive on the ground (if it is essential they attend).
2 That they keep a low profile – remove badges outside the convention centre so you don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself. Use taxis where appropriate to reduce time spent in public. Petty crime is often the greatest risk and this can be reduced by not associating yourself to the convention outside the centre. In addition to convention badges, don’t display convention bags and material openly in public.
3 Personal behaviour – spend less time with the large groups you find at these conventions. There are often many drinks receptions and alcohol should be taken in moderation. It is preferable that one member of the group remains sober so they can make sensible and safe decisions for the group.
“Ultimately, the background risks at the destination are more likely to affect the traveller than the risks associated with the convention,” says Shanagher. “Health, security and travel risks should all be identified and the travel risk management programme should put measures in place to address these. The traveller will therefore be better prepared and protected, minimising any risk associated to the convention through greater awareness and confidence.”
