The Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center (MCEC) is the largest convention center in New England. With such a large space comes an abundance of large crowds in the city of Boston.
It’s a known fact that large crowds in a concentrated area can sometimes pose unique public safety risks. The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) Public Safety Department is laser-focused on ways to detect, deter and prepare for potential attempts to disrupt events at Boston’s convention centers, the MCEC and the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center (Hynes).
As part of that laser-focus, the MCEC has recently received the SAFETY Act Designation from the Department of Homeland Security for the development and deployment of Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technologies. This is the highest safety credential attained by the Public Safety Team, and the highest credential received by any convention center in the country.
The Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002 (SAFETY Act) is a public safety advancement program developed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), enacted as part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
This act, created shortly after 9/11, provides a standard process for privatized industries to develop and deploy Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technologies (QATT). In layman’s terms: the SAFETY Act is an evaluation and assessment of any product, service, or software intended for preventing, detecting, or mitigating acts of terrorism.
The MCEC is the first convention center to voluntarily apply for and receive a SAFETY Act Designation. The Public Safety Team’s safety and security assessment program, in conjunction with an active shooter joint response plan, were impactful contributing factors in receiving this credential.
This designation represents a significant milestone and builds upon the “Developmental Testing & Evaluation” status the MCCA earned in 2020.
The designation is no small feat. The entire process, including preparation, assessment, and approval, spans multiple years. The rigorous assessment process to receive this SAFETY Act Designation includes real-world operational effectiveness evaluations and a comprehensive review of Public Safety procedures, quality controls, and venue operations.
The recent designation recognizes the MCEC Public Safety Program’s critical role in deterring, detecting, and responding to potential threats, and maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff, customers, guests, and events.
To be designated for the SAFETY Act, a venue needs comprehensive security measures developed, tested, and deployed. In addition to the active shooter joint response plan, the Public Safety Team for the MCEC and the Hynes utilize various programs to ensure attendee safety.
For every event that comes through the MCEC and the Hynes, the Public Safety Team, in coordination with law enforcement agencies and with insight from the previous host venue, formally assesses the program in an attempt to identify potential risks and threats.
This first-of-its-kind assessment looks at event type, attendance numbers, public versus private event structure, event purpose, industry, logistics, and host facility and many other factors, then provides a threat level rating of low, medium, or high. The security plan is shared with key stakeholders in preparation for event review. This custom-built assessment is a living document that is updated with new information.
The Public Safety Team employs a comprehensive layered security strategy for every event. Layers include the outermost perimeter (property lines), guest arrival & entry locations (hard perimeter/security checkpoint), and the interior event-specific layer. Various security measures are included in each layer, from behavioral scanning to advanced weapon detection systems.
Our advanced weapon detection systems, Evolv Express®, are a state-of-the-art AI-driven system that uses safe, ultra-low frequency electromagnetic fields, and advanced sensors to detect concealed weapons. Evolv units and officers can scan more people per hour, faster than traditional magnetometers, making the process more efficient and reliable. The process is also easy and frictionless for attendees as well, because no belongings need to removed from a person or their pockets.
The MCEC is leading the charge in convention safety with a fully tested and deployed active shooter joint response plan, but that’s not the only way the Public Safety Team leads.
The Public Safety Team is always onsite and prepared – not just during events. There are consistent mechanisms in place to ensure facility security.
The Facility Operations Team patrols the MCEC and the Hynes 24/7, and incident response teams are always ready and available. They’re prepared for any emergency that may occur, whether there are events onsite or not.
All Public Safety team members are also trained in the safety and security measures below:
CPR/AED
First Aid
C.A.T.C.H. Detection (Conduct Assessment Targeting Criminality & Hostility)
The MCCA is committed to safety and security and also offers training to non-public safety staff in the organization to ensure preparedness. The team at Boston’s convention centers are constantly training, improving, and preparing to ensure public safety. For every event in Boston, you’ll be in good hands.
Planners and attendees alike can be comforted by the expertise of the Public Safety Team in Boston. Allen Proctor, Senior Director of Public Safety, and Chris Raposa, Deputy Director of Public Safety, have both been with the convention centers for over 13 years. Throughout their tenure, event preparation assessments and security strategy have been fine-tuned and improved with experience.
Leadership is shown in more than just tenure, though. With historical knowledge, facility expertise, and community connections, Allen and Chris lead through knowledge sharing.
Public Safety’s leadership team is sharing an active shooter joint response plan template, fine-tuned through the SAFETY Act Designation process, with other local high-volume venues throughout the Commonwealth.
The Public Safety Team, and Boston as a whole, are doing the work to ensure attendee safety across the city.
Communication is always key. Not only internally, but also externally with local, state, and federal authorities.
Throughout the safety and security strategy process, from event planning to execution, Public Safety utilizes existing partnerships to communicate safety strategies and identify concerns across the city. All necessary security partners are informed through streamlined communication networks to ensure safety in the city, not just within our convention center walls.
These strong networks have improved over time and through practice, especially following two major terror incidents in Boston including the 2013 Boston Marathon and 2015 Pokémon World Championships.
Our team has learned through experience that when all city agencies are prepared for an event and aligned on the safety strategies in place, terror attempts can be deterred.
Boston is a top-tier convention and event venue, not only because of the ease of planning and destination desirability, but also because of its inclusive safety and security measures.
Everything comes down to providing a remarkable experience for planners and attendees, and Boston does it well.
Boston is ranked as one of the safest cities in the country. Known as America’s Walking City, attendees can safely explore Boston’s unique neighborhoods in comfort throughout the day and evening.
Both the MCEC and the Hynes are easily accessible through safe public transportation options.
3-5 miles from Boston Logan International Airport
Steps from various MBTA “T” stations (Boston’s subway system)
Close to major Amtrak stations
With such focus on ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all visitors, Boston is a world-class destination for events of all kinds.
As the world changes, Boston adapts. When you book an event in Boston, you can feel comfortable that the entire city is analyzing the impact on safety and will be implementing the appropriate level of security.
In Boston, we’re a one stop shop for event planning, and that includes safety and security measures. Visit our website for more information on Public Safety measures at MCEC and the Hynes.
This blog post was written by our Christa Trombley, Marketing Communications Manager with the Boston Convention Marketing Center.