September Meeting – Multi-use Performance Space: Safety & Security Challenges

Topic – “Multi-use Performance Space: Safety & Security Challenges”

Speaker – Joel Poppert, Artis-Naples Safety & Security Director 

When –  September 20, 2018   11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Where –  5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, FL 34108

Join us for our September Meeting, graciously hosted by Artis-Naples, the premier center for the visual and performing arts in Southwest Florida.

Our host and tour guide Mr. Joel Poppert, Safety & Security Director will provide us an interactive tour and discussion of the safety and security challenges with multiple moving parts including large number of crowds, disorderly patrons, emergency medical services, back stage set up and break downs, which, includes working from heights, high voltage electrical systems, high sound levels, respiratory irritants, fire hazards, and even security of fine arts, are just some of the responsibilities of the department.

Born and raised in Chicago, IL Studied Studio Music and Jazz at Univ. of Miami / Piano & Voice Principal After college I spent 10 years to try to get a recording deal, but … no record deal. Moved to Naples in 1990, same year as the Philharmonic Center for the Arts Opened. Worked as a stagehand/rigger backstage at the Phil for 10 years and also toured as a professional juggler with the Comedy, Music and Juggling team CATCH THIS. In 2000, I accepted the position of Technical Operations Director backstage at Artis— Naples. As Tech Director there were endless hours, working with every big star you can think of, Broadway shows, dance, opera, theatre, rock shows … you name it, we did it! In 2017, I accepted the position of Safety & Security Director. My institutional knowledge has been key during the transition between departments, and I learn something new about Safety & Security every day. We are embarking on a campus expansion project that will span the next 10 years and more, and I am looking forward to being in on the ground floor of future planning for both safety and security. Still no record deal!

Networking will begin at 11:30, to be followed by lunch, and we will get in to the interactive tour and discussion.