Safety in the meetings industry isn't just a checklist — it's a strategy, and in today's environment, it's more complex than ever. This session brings together two powerful perspectives: the operational realities of event security in an evolving threat landscape, and the lesser-known intersection of human trafficking with the hospitality industry. You'll walk away knowing how to assess and strengthen your event security protocols, how to recognize warning signs hiding in plain sight at hotels and conferences, and how the same entrepreneurial mindset you bring to planning events can be applied to protecting the people inside them. Eye-opening, practical, and relevant to every meeting professional in the room — regardless of the size of your events.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Apply a strategy-based approach to event security — including hotel safety measures, attendee risk protocols, and crisis response planning — to better protect people, assets, and your organization's reputation.
• Recognize how human trafficking intersects with meetings and hospitality environments, and understand the warning signs that meeting professionals are uniquely positioned to spot and report.
• Identify the gaps in your current safety planning and leave with concrete next steps to build more adaptable, proactive security programs across your events portfolio.
• Understand how criminal enterprises — including trafficking networks — operate with business-level strategy, and how that knowledge can sharpen your own approach to risk awareness and prevention.

Speakers

	Aaron Johnson, Johnson & Associates Security For over 40 years, Aaron has successfully executed cost effective security plans and cutting-edge crowd management in the meetings, special event and travel hospitality industries as a professional security management specialist. Aaron has managed, supervised and directed hundreds of staff at various conventions, meetings, celebrity galas and major concerts throughout the country. Implemented professional certified security schedules and contingency emergency plans for many meeting and event planners. Managed security personnel in conjunction with public safety officials and law enforcement personnel for Olympics, Super Bowl/ NBA All-Star events, movie film shoots and has provided executive protection for many A-list celebrities and Corporate Executives. Also, Mr. Johnson provides security consultant services that are rendered to colleges/universities, elementary schools, day care facilities and other public facilities with security and threat assessment plans and procedures. He has been interviewed by many local television stations as a security expert as well as quoted in security magazines and newspaper articles on security related matters, including but not limited to terrorist threats, TSA security airport security measures, proper event security procedures, neighborhood watch implementations and various industry security officer training.
	Libby Swenson Executive Director, Freedom 58 Project Libby Swenson is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Freedom 58 Project. A native of Northwest Arkansas, she brings over 30 years of experience in public speaking, leadership development, team building, and organizational strategy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences and Education from the University of Arkansas. She is deeply committed to empowering the next generation to pursue a more just and compassionate world. Libby has worked in over 15 countries, leading teams on international projects and collaborating closely with local partners to address systemic injustices. Her passion for innovation in fundraising has been instrumental in advancing the fight against human trafficking. She effectively raises awareness and critical funding for anti-trafficking efforts through creative initiatives such as fly-fishing events, triathlons, and art exhibits. Libby is married to Bob Swenson, President and Co-Founder of the Freedom 58 Project. They have two daughters, Lauren and Kristin, and are proud grandparents to four grandchildren.

Sponsors