Sportpaleis Antwerp: The Review

Earlier this year, Sportpaleis Antwerp conducted a major simulation of a terrorist attack in the Belgium arena. In partnership with local authorities, well known artists and over 1,000 volunteers, the exercise saw gunmen opening fire inside the venue, while various other scenarios – both inside and outside – were tested. The simulation was coordinated between police, intervention teams, fire, ambulance and others, and with many lessons learnt, Thijs van Best (Safety & Security Coordinator for the Sportpaleis Group) presents key outcomes and recommendations learned from the exercise that all venues and event operators might benefit from.

Host: Thijs van Best, Sportpaleis Group (Belgium)

Host details

Thijs van Best is a fresh Safety & Security Coordinator at Sportpaleis Group (Belgium). With studies in security management and Criminal justice & safety. He’s now coordinating the different opportunities, hazards and (Security) policy choices with their venue team in Belgium. “We need more similarity in the different venues in Europe, This way we can make it easier for different incoming productions as for visitors that Europe is on the same wavelength.”