In March, Liz Rupert and I had the chance to spend a week at the Academy for Venue Safety & Security (AVSS) in Houston—and I’ve got to tell you, it was one of the most energizing and joy-filled professional learning experiences I’ve had in a long time.
AVSS, run by the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), brings together venue and event professionals from all over the country. It’s a crash course in the complex, critical work of keeping large gatherings safe—and it manages to do that while also making space for connection, reflection, and a whole lot of laughter.
One highlight? The morning roll call. Each cohort was assigned a team name and, yes, a daily chant or cheer. I’ll admit I was skeptical at first (yelling at 8 a.m. isn’t usually my thing), but by the end of the week, those chants were something we genuinely looked forward to. We got louder. We got funnier. We got a little competitive. And in the middle of all that silliness, something else was happening—we were building relationships.
AVSS reminded me of something we talk about here at Joffe: this work is serious, but we don’t always have to be. When you’re navigating complex systems, public safety plans, and crisis scenarios, it’s easy to forget the power of joy and the value of community. AVSS modeled what it looks like to make learning sticky and meaningful, and what it feels like when networking isn’t just a buzzword but a real chance to grow alongside people who get what you do.
So to Liz, to our new AVSS friends, and to the many folks in our orbit doing hard, important work in schools, venues, and communities—thanks for the reminder that safety can be smart and joyful. Let’s keep infusing a little fun into the mix.
(And if you ever need a chant idea… I know a guy.)
When tragedy strikes at crowded events, the consequences are devastating—but often preventable. This blog revisits five major crowd incidents and breaks down the lessons every event and venue safety professional should take to heart to protect lives and plan smarter.
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Joffe at IAVM’s Academy of Venue Safety and Security
Learning never stops at Joffe! Alex Soltero and Liz Rupert recently attended the International Association of Venue Managers' Academy for Venue Safety & Security (AVSS) in Houston, TX. From thought-provoking sessions to hands-on problem-solving and meaningful conversations with fellow industry professionals, it was an inspiring week of growth.
Big thanks to IAVM for hosting such a valuable program! We're proud to keep growing our knowledge and strengthening our partnerships—because safer communities start with stronger teams.
The Command Pod Webinar - The Art and Science of Crowd Management
Join us on April 28th as hosts Alex Soltero and Liz Rupert sit down with renowned expert and forensic psychologist Dr. Nancy Zarse to unpack the psychology of crowds. We’ll be discussing what venue and event professionals need to understand to keep people safe. From planning for surges to responding in real-time, this episode is a must-listen for anyone responsible for managing large gatherings.
Announcing Our New Head of Finance, Julia Yzaguirre
Exciting News! We’re thrilled to welcome Julia Yzaguirre as Joffe Emergency Services' new Head of Finance, starting July 1, 2025! With nearly 30 years of experience in independent school financial operations, Julia brings invaluable expertise to our team.
Learn more about her background and the impact she’ll have at Joffe here!
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