The Gate 15 Interview: Dr. G. Keith Still on crowd security, drinking whisky, smashing ashtrays in Saudi Arabia, the Land of Ice and Fire, and what not to ask a Scotsman.

24 July 2023

Please enjoy this episode of The Gate 15 Interview podcast on Spotify for Podcasters, Spotify, Apple, Google, as well as other locations accessible via the Anchor link or almost anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts.

In this episode of The Gate 15 Interview, Andy Jabbour visits with Dr. G. Keith Still, Crowd Dynamic Expert, Visiting Professor of Crowd Science at University of Suffolk and Director, Crowd Risk Analysis Ltd. G. Keith Still BSc PhD FIMA FICPEM SFIIRSM FIPM FHEA MAE has a PhD in “Crowd Dynamics”. He combines risk analysis with crowd behavior in both crowd models and crowd simulations. He is a visiting Professor at University of Suffolk and teaches at Breda University of Applied Science (Holland). Keith has over 30 years of consulting experience across a range of international crowd safety and risk analysis environments and has advised on crowd behavior, crowd risks and crowd safety considerations for events of 500 people to 3,000,000 people. He has published two books on the subject of Crowd Safety and Crowd Risk Analysis “Introduction to Crowd Science” and “Applied Crowd Science.”

His project/consulting work includes planning for the Royal Wedding (UK, 2011), Hajj projects, (Saudi Arabia, Jamarat 2000 – 2005, Makkah 2000 – 2013), Olympic Events (Sydney 2000, London 2014), New Year Events (London, Sydney, Dubai), Canada Day (Ottawa).

Keith (at right) and Andy (left) at IAVM’s AVSS 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 27 February 2023

In the discussion we address: 

  • Keith’s background, teaching and current activities
  • The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) and the Academy for Venue Safety and Security (AVSS)
  • His visits to Saudi Arabia and experience securing the Hajj as well as smashing ashtrays and one of his favorite anecdotes
  • The importance of risk registers and risk assessments
  • The potential dangers of an attitude of “we’ve always done it this way, why should we change,” the psychology of behavior, and other ideas.
  • And Keith plays Three Questions to discuss travel, food, kilts and more.

Some links from our discussion include:

The Gate 15 Interview is a monthly interview between Gate 15’s founder and Managing Director, Andy Jabbour and guests from throughout the homeland security risk management community addressing a wide range of all-hazards topics and issues. Read more about Gate 15’s full podcast menu at our Podcast page. You can subscribe and enjoy all the Gate 15 Podcasts on Spotify for Podcasters, Apple, Spotify, Google, as well as other locations accessible from the Anchor link. Week-to-week, you can hear and learn more about our all-hazards threats, risks, mitigation and other issues impacting homeland security risk management from our team as well as our regular and special guests. The full podcast menu includes:

Read more about Gate 15’s full podcast menu at our Podcast page. You can subscribe and enjoy all the Gate 15 Podcasts on Spotify for Podcasters, Apple, Spotify, Google, as well as other locations accessible from the Spotify for Podcasters link. Week-to-week, you can hear and learn more about our all-hazards threats, risks, mitigation and other issues impacting homeland security risk management from our team as well as our regular and special guests. The full podcast menu includes:

  • The Security Sprint is our weekly rundown of the week’s notable all-hazards security news, risks and threats and some of the key focus areas for organizations to consider behind the headlines. Gate 15 team members discuss physical security, cybersecurity, natural hazards, health threats and other issues across our environment. 
  • The Risk Roundtable is a recurring monthly discussion among our team and occasional guests as we explore the all-hazards threats and risks impacting the United States and internationally.
  • The Cybersecurity Evangelist, with Jennifer Lyn Walker, is a cybersecurity-focused discussion with Jen and invited guests.
  • Nerd Out! Security Panel Discussion, moderated by Dave Pounder, focuses on physical security topics including terrorism, extremism, hostile events, and other pertinent topics.
  • The Gate 15 Interview is a monthly interview between Gate 15’s founder and Managing Director, Andy Jabbour and guests from throughout the homeland security risk management community addressing a wide range of all-hazards topics and issues.

We hope you’ll subscribe, listen and share your ideas and other feedback! Reach out to us on Twitter, LinkedIn or via email at: podcast@gate15.global.