Security at a tradeshow or exhibition isn’t just required on the show floor. Loading docks and hallways also need watchful eyes as exhibitors and attendees pass through a convention center’s halls.
Headed by Lawrence Montoya, facility security at the Sands Expo and Convention Center (Sands Expo) in Las Vegas formed unique partnerships with show security, casino security and local law enforcement agencies.
Separate from Sands Expo’s security, show organizers hire outside
security companies to manage the show floor itself. According to
Montoya, working closely with other security teams who are regularly
hired has helped to establish good relationships between them.
At 2.25 million square feet of exhibition and meeting space, the
fifth largest convention center in the U.S. is also connected to two of
the most well-known casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. Facility security
must work in tandem not only with show security, but also with the heads
of security at the Venetian and Palazzo resorts to handle crowds
between properties.
Accessible directly from the resorts, casino and hotel guests, and
exhibitors and attendees may cross paths in the convention center
hallways. Working together, both facility and show security grant entry
only to those with proper badges and/or wristbands.
Although rare, one major concern is the lending or selling of
attendee badges and wristbands to unauthorized users. Under a Nevada
statute, such unlawful admissions
to exhibitions can lead to a felony charge or even arrest. Offenders
are deemed as trespassing and could be arrested if they return to any
Sands property under NRS 207.200.
In cases of emergency, guests may need to be evacuated from one
property to another. For efficiency, Sands Expo, Venetian and Palazzo
security would unify efforts to facilitate crowd control between
properties.
When working with show security, show management is obligated to
provide a plan of security to Montoya to ensure both teams work in
partnership for the overall safety of exhibitors and attendees.
Emergency procedures, including layout, equipment and contacts, are
shared and discussed prior to opening day. Before opening the doors,
Sands Expo electricians check wires and electrical devices, and test
rigging and lighting; convention services vacuum and smooth carpet; and
facility security check for unsafe hazards.
Security hired by show management need to abide by Sands Expo’s rules
and regulations. Current business and Nevada licenses must be up to
date, and guards are to be stationed at any doors used for entry and
exit before, during and after the show.
With the exception of a few tradeshows,
firearms are strictly prohibited on the show floor. Show management
must seek prior approval to have armed security officers. At the annual
SHOT show, the largest tradeshow for professionals in the shooting
sports, hunting and law enforcement industries, armed guards are a
necessity.
At shows where exhibitors bring their own security to guard valuable
products and trade secrets, security team members are even more
stringent with their own set of rules and procedures.
Gun-carrying Las Vegas Metropolitan police officers also work with
the Sands Expo for traffic control at larger, busier tradeshows. Located
less than one block from the Las Vegas Strip and without a front
entrance, surrounding streets at the facility can become congested with
exhibitors, attendees, hotel and casino guests, tourists and employees
from both the convention center and its adjoining resorts.
Show management may be required to hire police officers if occupying
at least two exhibit halls and expecting more than 5,000 exhibitors and
attendees. Police officers, who must be ordered in pairs, work a minimum
of four hours to ease the flow of traffic entering, leaving and passing
the facility.
Among other security and safety concerns, accidents and other
incidents on the show floor are handled among facility and show security
officers. Both security teams file reports, and Sands Expo security
handles logistics, such as informing on-site medical staff and arranging
transportation to a medical facility if needed.
While licensed security officers monitor the ongoings of the show
floor during show hours, Montoya and his facility staff overlook all
aspects of the building during move-in, show floor hours and move-out.
Maintaining security around the clock includes safeguarding fire exits,
perimeter doors, loading docks and ramps, and the front entry way to the
facility.
Load-in and load-out are managed by facility security and the
decorating companies. Trucks are sent to the staging yard where security
guides trucks one by one to ramps at the back of the exhibit halls.
The closing of a tradeshow is usually a cause for celebration, but
for some, it spells trouble. Post-show parties, networking events and
concerts can be another concern for facility security. According to
Montoya, some partygoers occasionally need to be assisted away from the
event or even back to their hotel if they become inebriated.
With show dates overlapping and multiple shows running
simultaneously, facility security at the Sands Expo work tirelessly to
keep tradeshows of all sizes safe and secure for exhibitors and
attendees.
