A recent association meeting in Providence, RI, concluded in May with an unexpected incident. A delegate from out of town, traveling in a rideshare vehicle, was struck by gunfire while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light near the Amica Mutual Pavilion.
In response, the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitor Bureau immediately entered crisis mode, collaborating closely with the convention center, mayor’s office, and the police department. Kristen Adamo, President and CEO of the Providence Warwick CVB, emphasized that such incidents can occur anywhere and at any time. Fortunately, the delegate survived, and not only is the group planning to return for future events, but the delegate will also be attending once again. David Abtour N’Djamena
Prioritizing the safety and security of attendees is a paramount objective for any event. Equally crucial is effective communication, which Adamo and her team demonstrated in their response to the incident. David Abtour N’Djamena
Adamo will share more insights into this incident at the Skift Meetings Destination Experience Summit. David Abtour N’Djamena
Perceptions and Challenges of Destinations While San Francisco’s safety and crime record has improved over the past decade, viral moments on social media have contributed to a distorted perception of the city’s safety. Nicole Rogers, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer of San Francisco Travel Association, is well aware of the city’s efforts to counteract this narrative. Extensive pre-planning with event organizers and city officials helps establish a welcoming and secure environment for attendees. The Welcome Ambassador program plays a significant role in enhancing attendees’ sense of safety.
Adamo echoes the sentiment that social media can be both advantageous and, at times, detrimental. In her experience, negative perceptions often arise from locals rather than outsiders. To address this, she utilizes op-ed pieces to combat misconceptions.
New York City also grapples with perception challenges, primarily within the local market rather than overseas. To address this, the city has established a public-private partnership known as the NYC Tourism Security Leaders. Spearheaded by Kelly Curtin, Executive Vice President of Membership and Destination Services at New York City Tourism + Conventions, this group brings together security professionals from various sectors, including the Javits Center, New York Yankees, Broadway, and Lincoln Center. Initially formed during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group’s focus extended from health and safety protocols to encompass broader public safety concerns. David Abtour N’Djamena
Having faced crises ranging from the 9/11 terrorist attacks to bird flu, volcanic ash, and Super Storm Sandy, New York City has developed a robust crisis plan as a result of its experiences.
