Vibrant Detroit

Public Safety

The Big Goal

The Huntington Place Public Safety team will soon be certified by the Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Certification to encourage the development and deployment of effective anti-terrorism products and services by providing liability protections. Huntington Place leadership will be attaining this certification from the Department of Homeland Security in the near future and bring the knowledge and technology from the certification to the Security Response Team to strengthen the effectiveness of the entire effort.

Huntington Place Public Safety Is Priority One.

Huntington Place's department of Public Safety has a task force comprised of representatives from all safety and security agencies in Detroit, the state of Michigan and the federal government. The convention center’s Security Response Team is comprised of representatives from safety and security agencies in Detroit, the state of Michigan and the federal government, including the Detroit Police Department, Detroit Project Lighthouse, Michigan State Police, FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Secret Service, Detroit Fire Marshal’s Office, local health Departments and other local venues working closely with Huntington Place Security Director, Marlon Wilson and his on-site staff.  Wilson brings 27 years of experience in law enforcement to the effort, including his most recent previous position as Deputy Chief of the Detroit Police Department. 

By leveraging technology resources, information and personnel records, a cooperative surveillance effort exists across the city 24/7/365. Huntington Place employees, vendors and area stakeholders have received Venue Safety and Security Training in Huntington Place, offered by the International Association of Venue Managers. Read more about recent enhancements to the Huntington Place Public Safety program in this recent Trade Show News Network article HERE

Pre-event Planning Means Customized Event Public Safety

The result of this initial task force was a template for the venue's event public safety that is unique in the nation and equal to none. Huntington Place strives at all times to develop event security with the right balance of ensuring public security and supporting an atmosphere of hospitality.

All security agencies in the Huntington Place network share access and surveilance to a city wide video network that keeps all eyes on all parts of downtown Detroit. Protocol for establishing event security tactics, disseminating information and staffing the command center is customized to each event in Huntington Place in order to meet the specific needs of the customer.

Pre-event tabletop exercises are conducted periodically to explore every security risk scenario and refresh procedure. The new Huntington Place is truly centered around you.

Security measures established for each event in Huntington Place support the entire event ecosystem. A united effort to mitigate risks through preparedness, security and safety measures is put in place to provide protection and peace of mind to all visitors.

Pre-event planning forĀ events ensures the following are in place

  • Inter-agency task force
  • Memorandums of agreement
  • Community policing strategy
  • Integrated radio command
  • Crisis communication plan
  • Contingency plans
  • Dignitary routes
  • Crowd control plans
  • Detroit Police (off duty) secondary deployment patrols
  • Canine unit security sweeps

What Visitors Can Do To Heighten Public Safety

  • Limit bags you carry 
  • Keep your event badge and government-issued photo ID on you as you enter show venues
  • Pre-register online 
  • Build time into your schedule for possible screening delays
  • Avoid bulky clothing
  • Leave luggage at your hotel

Health and safety measures

  • Facemasks suggested during high infection periods
  • Physical distancing of 6-feet is suggested during high infection periods
  • Huntington Place conducts rigorous cleaning protocol outlined in the VenueShield® and GBAC STAR programs
  • The Huntington Place security team is ready to help and fully equipped in case of visitor illness

Contact your sales or event manager and ask about pre-event security planning for your event.

Major Event Public Safety

Show management must provide security in all exhibit halls and ballrooms. Huntington Place Public Safety can provide security services for your event at competitive prices, saving your show management time and money on administrative and technical costs. 

Pre-event planning will make sure that all security agencies working for your event are following Huntington Place procedure and protocol.

Contact your event manager for pricing or a list of companies approved to work in the building.