When global leaders, government officials and investors converge on a single venue, forward planning and a flexible approach are critical to managing unexpected delays and security risks.
At a high-profile event like the Future Investment Initiative (FII), executive protection alone is not enough. Early engagement with experts ensures delegates are in the right place at the right time, without the high-density security environment becoming a barrier.
A security bottleneck
Given the event’s high profile, access protocols were subject to change.
Six hours before the start of the event, access points to the venue were closed to all but hotel guests. As attendees were turned away, hundreds of vehicles backed up on the main road, corralling a group of the world’s most prominent political and business leaders in an area with no clear access or exit routes.
Worst-case scenario planning
With over 20 years of experience supporting international organisations in Saudi Arabia, Control Risks anticipated the risks. Our team had pre-emptively secured a room at the venue’s hotel for logistical contingencies. This enabled our team to enter as hotel guests and collect our clients’ access passes, facilitating their entry.
While many delegates remained stuck outside the FII venue, our clients made it to the high-profile opening ceremony, bypassing the commotion.
Enabling opportunity
Our forward planning and ability to adapt to changing conditions ensured that our client was prepared for challenges they may not have otherwise anticipated. That readiness was underpinned by a deep understanding of local dynamics and extensive experience supporting major events in the Kingdom and worldwide.
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