A conversation with Mark Tester of Orange County Convention Center
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., recently conducted an emergency drill to test the facility’s preparedness for and response to a safety and security threat. As the nation’s third-largest convention facility, with more than 2.1 million square feet of flexible exhibit space, OCCC welcomes approximately 1.5 million attendees annually. Mark Tester, OCCC executive director, shares how the facility partnered with Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on the emergency drill and what it revealed about the facility’s emergency preparedness and response.
Why did you feel a safety and security exercise was important
for OCCC?
The safety and security of our guests and staff is our priority. Hosting more than 1.5 million attendees annually, we must be prepared for any emergency scenario on any given day. The full-scale exercise allowed us to evaluate our emergency response protocols and enhance operations. We collaborated with local, state, and federal agencies to complete the exercise. A proactive approach ensures we are not just reacting to potential threats but actively strengthening our preparedness efforts.
How did the partnership with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency evolve?
We were initially contacted by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to develop security best practices for large venues, considering the size of our facility. As one of the nation’s leading convention centers and one of the largest venues in the country, we recognized the need for a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to safety. Due to CISA’s expertise in risk assessment and incident response, they offered us the opportunity to participate in this initiative. Their guidance allowed us to put this exercise together and address real-world threats that will help us enhance our security framework.
How long was the planning process for the safety and security exercise, and what did it involve?
We planned this event for nearly 16 months, as it involved collaboration across multiple agencies, including Orange County Fire Rescue, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and our federal partners. We exchanged many communications and held several virtual and in-person meetings to discuss scenario development, resource coordination, and planning logistics to ensure the exercise was productive, realistic, and safe. Resources were allocated to cover training, personnel involvement, and operational adjustments. Our participation in this drill is a direct reflection of our collaborative commitment to maintaining the highest security standards for our venue and helping to protect the community.
What was the biggest challenge in staging a safety and security exercise of this nature?
Because multiple agencies were involved in this drill, it took a lot of collaboration and communication to ensure all agencies were aligned regarding the needs and logistics of the exercise. The community, neighboring businesses and hotels, in-house clients, and media partners needed to be educated to ensure everyone knew of this exercise and understood there was no real threat to the area. Given the scale of our venue and the complexity of potential security threats, it was crucial to develop a structured yet flexible exercise.
What was most revealing about the safety and security drill in terms of strengths and gaps in preparedness and response?
The simulation of an active assailant at a location you know is sobering. The strength of our security team was its resilience. They stayed true to the exercise and ensured the safety of victims and personnel. In terms of gaps, we have opportunities to enhance our crisis preparation and crisis response protocols for the convention center as they relate to knowing the mission of fire rescue and law enforcement.
How did the safety and security drill impact your approach to safety and security at OCCC?
As the third-largest convention center in the U.S., with nearly 180 events a year, hosting 1.5 million attendees, and creating an economic impact of more than $3.9 billion, it is critical to our safety and security to test our protocols and response efforts. This exercise reminds us to stay vigilant, know our assignment, and ensure our standard operating procedures are up to date in order to save lives and maintain our facility.
What does it mean to OCCC and the local community to be the first convention center to host a full-scale safety exercise with CISA?
Being selected as the first convention center in the nation to host a full-scale safety exercise with CISA is a reflection of the OCCC’s standing as a leader in venue security. Our commitment to the well-being of our attendees and the broader community is a crucial factor in our everyday decision-making. By pioneering this initiative, we are setting a new standard for convention center safety and security across the nation. This collaboration further enhances public trust in our ability to provide a secure environment for events and positions us as a model for proactive security efforts in the industry.
What does this safety exercise, especially improvements to your safety and security policies, mean to future OCCC visitors?
Future visitors can rest assured knowing we take their safety and well-being into extreme consideration. We are dedicated and committed to providing a wonderful experience for clients and guests, and by continuously refining our security protocols, we are ensuring the OCCC remains a welcoming, safe space for all.
