A Panel Discussion on Integrated Security and Emergency Management

Large-scale events require integrated security and emergency management to protect attendees and maintain critical services. This panel examines responsible drone use for surveillance and response at FIFA matches and EDM festivals. We will discuss strategies to safeguard event connectivity and resilient communications under strain. Experts will address mass-shooting risk mitigation, on-site medical and policing coordination, and lessons from recent incidents. Finally, we’ll explore how weather-aware technologies can be integrated into real-time safety decision-making. Drone operations and governance: best practices, privacy, airspace coordination, and emergency deployment at major events. Protecting connectivity: hardened networks, backup comms, and managing cellular load to ensure continuous situational awareness. Active-threat preparedness: detection, response protocols, multi-agency coordination, and attendee evacuation strategies for mass-shooting scenarios. Weather-informed tech integration : real-time forecasting, alerting systems, and infrastructure hardening to mitigate weather-related risks. Moderator: Shashi Goli, VP, Federal Civilian and National Security, Navitas Business Consulting Speakers: Stephen Bieda, Deputy Director (acting), NOAA Center for AI, NOAA Sonny Wescott, Chief Meteorologist - Emergency Response Specialist