Reference no: EM132788415

Event Management and Services Case 1 Presidential Campaign Rally

You are the general manager of a 16,000-seat arena located on the campus of a state university in Iowa. This is a presidential election year, and the Midwestern states are considered a pivotal region for both the Republican nominee and the incumbent Democratic president who is seeking reelection. Campaign strategists for the sitting president feel it is extremely important to hold a campaign rally in the heart of the Midwest to gather support and gain momentum for reelection.

You receive a phone call from a representative with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) asking for available dates in September, during a time when you have a relatively open schedule. After a quick review of your calendar, you find a Saturday in September that is open and acceptable to the DNC. They are also requesting the use of the Friday before to appropriately prepare the arena and to have the Secret Service sweep and secure the venue.

The president has had a very controversial first term. The country has experienced a slumping economy, an unparalleled environmental disaster, and an ongoing foreign war. The campaign rally will most likely attract hundreds of protestors to the venue protesting several decisions and policies that the president has enacted. The safety of the president and all his supporters is of primary concern. You are asked to attend a meeting with the DNC 2 months before the president's campaign rally to help create the 2-day event timeline and to advise the DNC of potential venue issues that need to be planned for.

Assignment

While events designed to attract a large number of guests to the venue are desirable from a business perspective, they also bring with them an increased degree of responsibility. During all such events, event managers literally hold the safety and well-being of the guests in their hands. Whether the audience is a small meeting group or 100,000 sports fans, the responsibilities and need for precaution remain the same.

1. Make a list of potential issues that should be discussed at the meeting.
2. Understanding that the Secret Service controls all aspects of security for a presidential visit, what else needs to be done to prepare you venue and your event staff for this event?
3. Outline the contents of a special training program for your event staff to best prepare them for their responsibilities.