The Gate 15 Interview EP 9. Mark Herrera on Venues, Safety, and Security in 2021

In this episode of The Gate 15 Interview, Andy Jabbour talks with Mark Herrera, Director of Education for the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM; @IAVMWHQ). In this podcast we discuss a range of issues from the pandemic’s impact to venues, to security and preparedness with broad applicability to all organizations - from venues to places of worship, and across events and facilities of all types. We discuss a wide range of issues from the impacts of COVID on venues and events, and what lies ahead in 2021, ideas on enhancing security through conflict management and professionalism, and lot more. Mark talks about the importance of “programming the mind through mental preparation” noting that, “the body will go where the mind has been, if the mind hasn’t been there the body will not follow.” Mark is always full of great quotes. Some are shared below; listen to the conversation for more great insight and Herrera-isms! In the discussion we address: Mark’s backstory IAVM The pandemic’s impact to venues Where the venue community is going in 2021 Resetting security and the physical threat environment Organizational and personal security best practices And more! Mark Herrera: Herrera is the Director of Education & Life Safety for the International Association of Venue Managers and recognized as one of the 25 most influential leaders in the meetings and event industry. As part of his duties, Mark teaches Situational Awareness-Mindset training aimed at giving venues the tools to be safer and more secure.   The training emphasizes on Exceptional Focus, Performance, and Control in Extreme Situations and Risk Mitigation through Guest Services Interjection. In addition, as the Director of Education for IAVM, Herrera represents the Department of Homeland Security Office of Infrastructure Protection through the Public Assembly Facility Sub-Sector Council. For Mark’s complete bio, see below. Twitter: @IAVM_Herrera; LinkedIn; Instagram; Facebook. ·      IAVM on Twitter; LinkedIn; Instagram; Facebook. And learn about: ·      IAVM’s Academy for Venue Safety and Security ·      IAVM’s VenueConnect 2021, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, 02-05 Aug 2021