Venue Security, The IAVM Podcast Series: Eric Neill talks about security! Saying “hello,” the importance of communications, de-escalation and how to get better every day

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In this episode of Venue Security, The IAVM Podcast Series, Andy Jabbour talks with Eric Neill, Director of Theatre Operations at the Boch Center in Boston. Eric has worked in Performing Arts Venues for the past 25 years in Boston and NYC. He has over 25 years of security management experience specializing in event security and executive protection. Eric is the holder of many other security and life safety certificates including Executive Protection from LaSorsa & Associates and Emergency Trauma Response and is a certified instructor of the ALIVE Active Shooter. Eric holds memberships in American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and International Association of Venuw Managers (IAVM) where is a graduate of the Academy of Venue Safety and Security and is currently the Chairman of Performing Arts Security & Safety Committee. Mr. Neill is honored to have received the National Defense Service Medal while serving in the United States Coast Guard and the Hero’s Among Us Award in 2012 where he was honored at the TD BankGarden and Boston’s City Hall.

In the discussion we address:
• Eric’s background.
• Security Protocols.
• Screening and search procedures.
• Managing VIP areas.
• Handling disruptive attendees.
• More!

Venue Security, The IAVM Podcast Series is our newest podcast as Gate 15’s founder and Managing Director, Andy Jabbour, hosts short interviews with venue safety and security experts from the International Association of Venue Managers’ (IAVM) Venue Safety and Security Committee (VSSC) and other special guests from the IAVM community.


Read more about Gate 15’s full podcast menu at our Podcast page. You can subscribe and enjoy all the Gate 15 Podcasts on AppleSpotify, as well as most other locations. Week-to-week and month-to-month, 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.
  • 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.
  • Venue Security, The IAVM Podcast Series is our newest podcast as Gate 15’s founder and Managing Director, Andy Jabbour hosts short interviews with venue safety and security experts from the International Association of Venue Managers’ (IAVM) Venue Safety and Security Committee (VSSC) and other special guests from the IAVM community. 
  • The Cybersecurity Evangelist, with Jennifer Lyn Walker, is a cybersecurity-focused discussion with Jen and invited guests. This is presently a Gate 15 special podcast and occasionally is updated on our Gate 15 podcast channel.
  • The Risk Roundtable, was a monthly discussion among our team and occasional guests exploring the all-hazards threats and risks impacting the United States and internationally. This was suspended in September 2023.

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