A crisis management plan ensures all stakeholders — attendees, presenters, vendors, event and venue staff — are safe, informed and respond accordingly.

Keeping attendees safe and secure is the focus of all planners, but a rise on crime, gun violence, and even natural disasters, is making it much more difficult for association planners.

As health scares, mass shootings and natural disasters continue to saturate the headlines, meeting and event planners are being tasked with preparing for a host of issues to keep attendees safe.

While most disruptions are unpredictable and uncontrollable, evaluating and managing the inherent risk of meetings and conventions is paramount in an age of unpredictability.

No issue is more important to association conventions and trade shows than the safety and security of staff and attendees. Yet, experts say, too many associations are woefully underprepared for catastrophic incidents such as a terrorist attack, violent protest, natural disaster or medical emergency.

While associations pay careful attention to virtually every aspect of their meetings when it comes to planning, promotion, content and travel arrangements, one area that is often neglected is cybersecurity and safety.

Like it or not, the world has changed. The Events Industry Council ranked safety and security No. 1 in its top five trends shaping the events industry.

There are a host of potential safety and security problems that pose more realistic threats than terrorism.

The challenges of risk management for association planners may be complicated by the independent nature of membership.

Meeting planners know that information and preparedness are key to putting on great events, and a risk management plan is crucial for success.