The safety of guests and the protection of high-profile speakers have been the primary focus for Johnny Naofal since he became Security Manager at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in 1999.

Security at conferences is a major operational area for Johnny and his team of highly-trained and accredited officers, who have developed a reputation for excellence in their field, delivering services that are tailored specifically to clients’ needs.

As a world-class venue that regularly hosts high-profile events, the Centre is prepared for any scenario. Not only are staff trained in first aid but the venue has a permanent stock of mechanical resuscitators and defibrillators for emergency situations.

“With over 90 first-aid incidents within the Centre a year, having a security team that can respond appropriately and confidently is paramount”, according to Johnny. “There are training and certification programs in place for Centre security personnel of all levels to ensure a competent and confident team in an emergency response situation whether it be a fire, or a guest suffering a heart attack.”

A key component of successful security is planning and being prepared. “Security is one of the Centre’s top priorities. That is why we regularly upgrade our systems and technology to promote a safe and secure environment and cover every contingency. Furthermore, the ongoing training development in emergency management and customer service ensures our team is a step ahead of the rest,” Johnny said.

To assist organisations with planning security for their events, the Centre offers a range of support including:

• Risk minimisation and asset protection
• Security risk assessment reports and management plans
• CCTV surveillance for individual exhibitors or organisers to monitor their stands
• Incident reporting and follow-up
• Emergency response and evacuation procedures
• Cash handling procedures and escorts
• On-site VIP protection
• Liaison with authorities, law enforcement agencies and emergency services

Formal relations with the NSW Police Department, Federal Police and ASIO provide Centre Security with incident alerts, so these impacts can be monitored and managed.

Meanwhile, the Centre has extensive experience in developing risk management and emergency plans, having hosted a wide range of prestigious events such as the high-security Australian Defence Conference and Exhibition, APEC 2007 and Pacific 2008.

Contact us on 02 9282 5000 to view the Centre’s security facilities or for further information on Centre Security.