Our Publications

Spence, S. (2026). Security Risk Management for Events. Routledge. 

According to the World Economic Forum, the global live events industry could reach $2 trillion in value. This is the first academic textbook of its kind devoted to guiding event organizers on how to protect it. 

This manuscript outlines the foundations of security risk management principles and reviews important case studies at live events. Just some of the target audience of the textbook are:

▪ events management students

▪ event organizers/planners/promoters

▪ municipal officials of public events   

▪ venue operators

▪ insurance providers

▪ police planners and first responders

▪ litigation attorneys

To be published by Routledge (a Taylor & Francis Group) in the summer of 2026.

Spence, S. (July 2025). Developing A Risk Management Framework for Corporate Security Event Protection. The

Close Protection and Security Journal. 3(1), pp 25-31.

Abstract: Corporate events are important occasions for organizations to communicate their business strategies and

increase their brand recognition amongst internal and external stakeholders. Despite the positive benefits

and opportunities of corporate events, they can pose a myriad of security risks to the reputation and physical well-being of executives and employees in attendance. For corporate events to become safer and

more secure spaces, a robust governance model needs to be implemented that encapsulates security risk management strategies at all phases of the event management process.

Spence, S. (2025). The need for live event security risk management practices in a post-COVID-19 world. In M. Duignan (Ed.), Events and Society Bridging Theory and Practice (1st ed., Chapter 17). Routledge.

Abstract:   

Live events as social constructs are inherently full of physical security risks to which attendees are vulnerable of exposure to various negative impacts. Event organizers need to conduct rigours security risk assessments of their events to ensure adequate public safety and legal duty of care requirements are met. However, three structural impediments within the events management field continue to hinder efforts in achieving these necessary risk management standards. A lack of professionalism amongst event practitioners, a lack of appropriate regulation over the event organizing profession and a lack of public-private partnership intelligence sharing between government security agencies and event organizers all contribute to the underdevelopment of effective security risk management practices across the industry.

Spence, S. (2025, July 14). The Need for Security Risk Management at Live Events. Security Management. ASIS

International

Abstract:   

Live events are increasingly becoming a large component of modern  society. For many, these occasions offer rewarding professional,  financial, cultural, and social connections. However, there are always  security risks when large groups of individuals congregate together for a  common purpose. In fact, event organizers and security practitioners  need to be able to identify, analyze, and respond to a wide spectrum of  threats at live events. 

Spence, S. (2025, July 23). What Canada can learn from Australia on adequately protecting citizens at live events.

The Conversation

Abstract:   

The April 2025 vehicle attack at the Vancouver Lapu Lapu festival which resulted in the death of 11 people and the subsequent inquiry reveals that Canadian authorities have a long way to go to adequately protect public events. 

Spence, S. (2022, August 23). Canada could have its own Fyre Festival fiasco if it doesn’t amp up event regulations.

The Conversation

Abstract:

Examining the need for increased regulation and professionalism within the live events industry.

Published by The Conversation, August 2022.

Examining the security failure of the convergence of protesters in Ottawa.

Published by The Conversation, February 2022.

Organizations need crisis management and business continuity plans to ensure operational resiliency when critical infrastructure systems are stressed or unavailable during national disruptions.

Published by The Conversation, March 2020.

The rise of right-wing extremism begs the question on whether we are entering a new phase of global terrorism.

Published by The Conversation, October 2020.

Spence, S. (2020, February 9) The importance of travel security for employees going abroad. The Conversation

Abstract:

Employers have a duty of care to protect employees when they are required to travel internationally for work. A wide range of security risks face employees when visiting an unfamiliar foreign country.

Summarizes approaches to preventing drug-related and alcohol-related harms at Canadian music festivals. The report highlights the importance of event organization and design, promotion of health, reduction of harms, mass gathering medicine, enforcement, and event security.

Published by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, June 2015.