Institute of Venue
Safety & Security

Download the
2025 Prospectus

Upskill your team. Safeguard your venue.

The Institute of Venue Safety & Security (IVSS) is committed to strengthening the safety, security, and operational quality of the venue management sector.

IVSS delivers a forward-thinking, hands-on learning experience, equipping attendees with actionable skills, trusted resources, and practical guidance they can apply immediately.

What is IVSS?

IVSS is a two-year program delivered by a diverse range of experts to train venue and event managers, security professionals and other key personnel. Our Instructors are industry-leading professionals from Australia, New Zealand, and Europe in roles such as Global Vice President, Risk; Head of Security and Safety; Director of Facilities; Vice President IT & Security; and more.

2 x one-week residential programs.

Held in August of each year delivering 25 safety and security-specific subjects utilising case studies, classroom discussions, industry best-practice analyses, industry specialist panels, and small group discussions to ensure you master them all.

Daily independent discussion groups.

Each one-week residential includes daily Independent Discussion Groups (IDGs) where students dive deep into discussions on the subjects covered throughout the day. IDGs include venue site visits to ensure that the teachings are applied directly into the workplace.

Teachings in the workplace.

Venue Application Projects where students are provided with resources to apply and implement the teachings back in the workplace. The resources are discussed in the IDGs to ensure application and implementation can commence immediately

Quarterly IVSS Town Halls.

A platform and community for our IVSS instructors and students to stay connected throughout the year and discuss issues and topics relevant to venue safety and security.

What will you learn?

Learn the best practices.

With the resources and tools needed to face the ever changing landscape of providing safe venues.

As a professional in the venue management industry, risk management, good governance, and legal compliance are embedded in many facets of what we do and conducting risk assessment is an important part of that that has been a legal requirement and good industry practice over many years.

Most operationally focussed venue planners know how to conduct risk assessment however sometimes what is set out in the risk plan, differs to what happens on the ground, or that the process of conducting the risk assessment is just ‘box ticking’ and disconnected from other facets of event planning. Have you ever considered:

  • What are the inefficiencies of your current risk assessment process?
  • What are the things that you know and implement that are workarounds where we can still get the result that we need?
  • What is your communication process/system once you have completed and signed off a risk assessment, whether that is in relation to security, safety, enterprise risk, emergency management or business continuity?
  • We conduct our due diligence but how are the results of the risk assessment communicated amongst key stakeholders?

It’s not just about creating a process … it’s about having all stakeholders embedded in the way they do business from a safety perspective; the behaviours they apply, and the attitudes, values and beliefs they commit to as a collective group.

The primary goal of this session is to reflect on and ensure you have knowledge in the process of undertaking risk management and have a risk aware culture to enable you to adapt to changes more efficiently and effectively.

The intent of Work Health and Safety legislation is to provide a balanced and nationally consistent framework for securing a healthy and safe workplace … to make the workplace safer for workers, contractors and the public.    While the legislation differs in some states and territories, the intent of the legislation is to impose duties, and obligations on business operators, and entities conducting organised business activities. To maintain a safe workplace that is as reasonably practicable, free from risk of injury.  There is a dual duty of care:

  • To satisfy the statutory duties set out in work health and safety legislation and,
  • To satisfy common law duties to mitigate foreseeable risk and to avoid claims of negligence resulting in civil action with fines and penalties or under the worst case scenario, criminal negligence under criminal law resulting in potential convictions and custodial sentencing.

This session will introduce you to:

  • the laws that govern safety in Australia and New Zealand,
  • your legal duties / the principles of these laws; and
  • regulating agencies (regulators) and their role.

ISO 45001 Safety Management System is an international standard for health and safety at work developed by national and international standards committees, independent of government. Key elements include leadership commitment, worker participation, hazard identification and risk assessment, legal and regulatory compliance, emergency planning, incident investigation and continual improvement. ISO 45001 utilises the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology to systematically manage physical and psychological health and safety risks.

This session will introduce you to a systematic approach to implementing safe practices and creating a safe work environment to help you meet your legal obligations.

The Building Code Compliance session is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of building codes and regulations, enabling you to navigate the complexities of compliance in construction projects. This session will cover key aspects of building codes, including their purpose, application, and enforcement.

The session will be conducted in a venue where you will learn about various building and fire code requirements and gain practical knowledge of the life safety and building code compliance facets of your venue and of temporary overlay if installed

Our demand for online technology is changing the way we operate venues. Patrons, venue hirers, and staff increasingly rely on online goods and services, transact, communicate, advertise and to maximise the fan experience.

The more venues rely on technology, the more susceptible they are to cyber security threats. If online ticket sales are disrupted by cyber-attack, this has a commercial impact on the event. If an event’s sound or lighting system is interrupted, this impacts the patron experience. If a venue’s website is defaced, or social media properties are taken over, this could have a brand impact.

Despite a growing range of cyber security risks, not all venues consider cyber security as a critical part of their risk management focus. It is rarer still for a venue to have dedicated cyber security resources. In the past cyber security risks have not been the most fundamental risks to the business of venues and live events. Workplace safety, patron health and safety, physical security, and general business disruption risks have been traditional more likely in our industry until now.

So how much focus should we put on cyber security? What types of cyber security risk should we worry about, and invest time and resource mitigating; and what can we deprioritise?

This session will be conducted as a panel so you’ll have the chance to ask questions and discuss these critical questions.

This session will provide an introduction to the key elements of security operational planning and delivery.

The session will address key elements related to developing integrated operational security plans, planning different types of events with different risk profiles, the importance of defining security roles and responsibilities, and the need to balance security posture with customer experience requirements.

Introduction to the key elements of security operations planning and delivery. Security Operations: Facility will address key elements related to developing integrated operational security plans, planning for different types of events with different characteristics, the importance of defining security roles and responsibilities and the need to balance security posture with customer experience requirements.

This session will explore the various frameworks and standards which can be used for emergency planning and response. It will provide students with an understanding of emergency management structures and their application into venues and events.

AS3745: Planning for Emergencies in Facilities provides guidance on the development of procedures for the controlled evacuation of buildings and workplaces during emergencies. This standard provides guidance for building evacuation procedures, assembly areas and warden systems.

The session will discuss the Standard which outlines the minimum requirements for the establishment, validation and implementation of an emergency plan for a facility to provide for the safety of occupants of that facility and its visitors lead up to and during an evacuation.

This crowd psychology and crowd science session provides an in-depth understanding of the dynamics and behaviour of crowds. Participants will explore the psychological, social, and behavioural aspects of crowds, including their formation, influence, and collective behaviour.

This session will delve into key theories, research findings, and case studies to help participants comprehend the complexities of crowd psychology and its applications in various domains. The outcome of understanding the science of crowd management is the ability to plan and deliver safe events with consideration given to densities, flow rates and communication.

Behavioural detection refers to a method of detecting individuals with hostile intentions by observing their behaviours and activities.

This session will cover specific advice for various stakeholders to:

    • better understand different behavioural detection approaches,
    • the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches,
    • understand violence de-escalation strategies and techniques when faced with hostile situations, and
    • how to choose and apply behavioural detection and violence de-escalation strategies and techniques to specific environments and situations to maximise the security of a location and its people.

When incorporated with other security measures, behavioural detection can be a powerful tool that can be implemented in a range of environments, as part of a systematic approach to disrupt criminals and terrorists carrying out activities that aim to cause harm to others.

Safety and security leaders actively promote an aware culture within their organization. They go beyond enforcing policies and procedures and create an environment where safety and security is a core value ingrained in the company’s attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that represent the collective culture of the organisation. Safety and security leaders lead others to establish systems and processes to continuously improve existing protocols, to minimize vulnerabilities and mitigate potential hazards and threats that can adversely affect people and property.

Health and Safety managers are responsible for ensuring the organisation complies with health and safety laws. They monitor workplace activities to ensure workers follow established protocols, investigate incidents or accidents, and document any violations of safety policy.

The IVSS Safety and Security Leadership Series covers a range of leadership skills including:

  • Training, induction and adult learning principles,
  • Policies, procedures, documentation and reporting,
  • Venue communication and information sharing,
  • Governance, strategy, budgeting, change and influence, and
  • Building a resilience security culture, ethics and professional conduct.

As an employer, it’s your responsibility to give your workers the information, training and supervision they need to stay safe at work.

This first session in the IVSS Safety and Security Leadership Series looks at your responsibilities in relation to providing, implementing, monitoring and managing training and induction in the workplace.

The second session in the IVSS Safety and Security Leadership Series looks at policies, procedures, documentation and reporting.

Understanding the significance of safety and security policies, procedures, documentation, and reporting is crucial. From a perspective of continuous improvement, adhering to a systemized process is important. Are we asking the right questions and refining our procedures consistently? Are we identifying the primary challenges in executing our risk management activities and measures? Is it rallying stakeholder support, ensuring comprehensive monitoring, optimizing communication pathways, or refining documentation and reporting systems?

This session will dive deep into and discuss these critical areas with the goal of addressing any procedural gaps promptly for sustained safety and security operational effectiveness.

However large or small a venue, however simple or complex the event, it is vital to allow sufficient time for planning to take place in advance, whether that planning be for strategic, tactical, or operational purposes.

Those responsible for safety management should be identifying the hazards, threats and risks associated with the venue and the event.

As the event approaches and the necessary measurements for remediation or mitigation are implemented, the planning process can turn towards more finite tactical and operational matters.

Planning for event safety management, therefore, requires an understanding of what tasks or procedures need to be considered:

  1. by whom
  2. at what stage

throughout the duration of the planning cycle.

This session aims to give students the understanding of what needs to be considered when planning for an event and to ensure it is planned safely and meets all necessary legislative and regulatory requirements.

It will introduce students to important tools that can be used for guidance which are recognised internationally within the industry:

  1. Green Guide
  2. Green Guide Supplementary Guidance 03: Event Safety Management
  3. Purple Guide
  4. Safe & Healthy Mass Gatherings Manual 12

Developing an effective emergency response plan is key for safety managers who may be anticipating any form of severe storm, flood, extreme temperatures, or severe weather event.

Weather is unpredictable and with a changing climate, having a severe weather response plan, particularly for outdoor events, is important for the safety and security of employees and business infrastructure. Even if a business or venue is not in a region affected by severe weather, customers, partners, or suppliers may still be disrupted, so it is important to have a plan in place to anticipate those impacts.

This session will cover some of the key issues you must consider when preparing for severe weather including:

  1. Information and Weather Intelligence
  2. Critical relationships: When setting up an emergency response plan, it’s important to make the right connections with external service providers and other key stakeholders.
  3. Keep asking questions: Knowledge is power. No one can pre-empt every scenario that might occur in the event of severe weather, but hypothesising the major possibilities will add a layer of preparedness and help leaders make the right decisions.
  4. Plan in advance: No one wants to be caught off-guard. If a venue knows they may be affected by severe weather at certain times of the year, plan for it. Build an emergency plan to protect staff, clients, and infrastructure.
  5. Make continuous adjustments: Responding to weather requires flexibility and time-sensitive decision making. Asking these questions gives the opportunity to improve emergency plans, ensure that people and facilities remain safe, and avoid large-scale losses.

Every organisation has a reputation that is recognised by its customers and other stakeholders. It represents the values, personality, and behaviours that the organisation is perceived to represent in the marketplace within which it operates and beyond.

This reputation can however be damaged by actions or omissions by the organisation, its directors, employees, or other relevant internal or third-party stakeholders. Major incidents where the reputation of the organisation needs careful handling to minimise the damage, and maximise the recovery opportunities.

Crisis situations need careful management of communications to relevant stakeholders to protect the organisation’s reputational assets and its brand.

In some cases, the crisis can involve an adverse impact on critical business functions. These are functions that are core to the organisation’s ongoing operations, survival and success. While most business functions are important, not every business function is critical.

Business Continuity Management helps apply a risk-based approach to understanding business critical functions, assessing them according to risk; and planning to ensure there is a state of continuity readiness.

Ultimately, this session is about resilience. It will help you gain knowledge and skills in risk management methods to manage threats to an organisation’s reputation, respond to operational threats, and recover to a position that is similar or better than before.

Auditing serves as a crucial mechanism to assure and verify the implementation of systems, procedures, workplace practices, and documentation. It’s essential to confirm that the actions align with the stated plans or procedures. This requires ongoing monitoring, verification, and assurance. Picture yourself in a courtroom setting; having the intent alone is insufficient. You must be able to defend the implementation of documents, processes, and procedures within your workplace.

This session will also consider the monitoring and review aspect of auditing that serves to validate the effectiveness of risk controls in mitigating risks. Practically, this involves strategies such as conducting inspections and audits of risk controls, annually reviewing the risk and insurance program, reviewing contracts, conducting post-event debriefs to evaluate control effectiveness, conducting major event test events, and analysing incident reports.

Threat and vulnerability assessment are activities that feed into a security-based risk assessment. They can either be standalone activities or are used to help determine the level of risk that a threat represents. The vulnerability assessment considers the effectiveness of risk controls to identify the gaps or weaknesses that undermine a venue’s security. Threat assessments study the entities, tactics and techniques used to threaten an organisation. .

Understanding a venue’s vulnerabilities is key to preventing terrorism and improving overall event security.

Whether a large stadium, concert or festival location, or other sporting or performance venue, the venue first needs a comprehensive Risk and Vulnerability Assessment completed of the venue on both non-event and event days.

By taking the time to identify and understand where the highest levels of vulnerability exist, a detailed plan to mitigate the risks people, property or business disruption can be effectively tailored.

This session will guide you through the reasonable steps necessary to provide a secure event that protects patrons, players/performers, staff and the venue site which is essential in protecting your brand, deterring an attack, and minimizing potential liability.

Expanding the learning outcomes from Fundamentals of Venue Security in Year One, this session will consider detailed elements related to delivery of security operations.

This session will address key elements related defence in depth and the ‘last mile’, venue security arrangements, alcohol management, RSA and liquor planning, crowd management, security deployment planning and ratios, and managing contracted security services providers.

The landscape of safety and security has changed significantly in the past five years and the release of the Australian Government’s Strategy for Protecting Crowded Places from Terrorism provides learners the opportunity to integrate the learnings and guidance of the Crowded Places Strategy within their venues.

Counter Terrorism are the measures taken to combat or prevent terrorism … also known as anti-terrorism. The purpose of this session is to build your understanding of the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, law enforcement, businesses, and intelligence agencies use to combat or eliminate terrorism.

Counter Terrorism strategies are based on strong, trusted partnerships between all levels of government and those responsible for crowded places. The strategies aim to make crowded places as resilient as possible to terrorist attacks while preserving our use and enjoyment of these places.

Crowded places such as stadiums, shopping centres, and major events will continue to be attractive targets for terrorists. Owners and operators of crowded places have the primary responsibility for protecting their sites, including a duty of care to take steps to protect people that work, use, or visit their site from a range of foreseeable threats, including terrorism.

The approach taken to protect crowded places should be nationally consistent, proportionate and, to every extent possible, preserve the public’s use and enjoyment of these places. It is not possible to protect everything, so owners and operators must prioritise the highest risk areas of a crowded places.

This Advanced Crowd Psychology session provides an in-depth understanding of the dynamics and behaviour of crowds building on and diving deeper on the Year 1 Crowd Management subject. Participants will explore the psychological, social, and behavioural aspects of crowds, including their formation, influence, and collective behaviour.

This course will delve into key theories, research findings, and case studies to help participants comprehend the complexities of crowd psychology and its applications in various domains.

Accessibility is about complying with anti-discrimination laws and social responsibility. The requirement for people with disabilities to have the same (or as close as is achievable) right to access as able bodied people. Accessible venues should consider;

  • General access, signage, lighting, pathways
  • Entrance and way findings
  • Circulation and thoroughfares included for sight impaired and those in wheelchairs
  • Meeting rooms and toilets
  • Catering facilities for dining and accessing catering services
  • Emergency procedures including alarms that cover audible and visually impaired.
  • And more

­This lesson covers the fundamentals of Event Control Room (ECR) operations in public venues across Australia and New Zealand. It highlights the principles of command and control, emphasizing clear authority structures, efficient workflows, and the integration of technology for real-time decision-making and incident response.

­Participants will explore incident management and communication strategies to ensure timely and effective coordination within the ECR and with external stakeholders. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining clear, actionable communication during routine operations and emergencies.

­The session will introduce disaster management frameworks such as AIIMS and CIMS, focusing on how an ECR transitions to support agency-led responses during major emergencies. This includes resource coordination, infrastructure support, aOnnd collaboration with emergency services to aid community resilience.

By the end, participants will gain a clear understanding of ECR operations, equipping them to manage public events and support broader disaster response efforts effectively. If you have experience in either of the above subjects, or other relevant areas of expertise this is an opportunity to join an elite group of industry professionals committed to advancing expertise and excellence in venue safety and security.

The third session in the IVSS Safety and Security Leadership Series looks at Venue Communication and Information Sharing.

Being an effective safety leader requires possessing the skills and knowledge to lead with integrity. Safety industry leadership demands a focus on technical proficiency and organisational insight. Offering clear direction and fostering collaboration among stakeholders are integral aspects of proficient leadership.

This panel session will explore the critical role of communication and information sharing in safety and security. It will cover topics such as stakeholder engagement, internal and external communication, and communication with consultants, contractors, and external agencies. Additionally, it will delve into strategies for utilising stakeholders and communication to facilitate cohesion during major events and involving them in planning processes.

The session will also address the important issue of determining what, when, and how to communicate information to the public.

The fourth session in the IVSS Safety and Security Leadership Series looks at Governance, Strategy, Budgeting, Change and Influence.

Safety leadership involves guiding others to embrace health and safety as a crucial work objective. By setting a positive example in the workplace, team leaders, managers, and executives can contribute significantly. They can help enhance workers’ safety awareness and motivation, promote adherence to safety protocols, and foster proactive safety practices.

This session will explore how governance, strategy, budgeting, change management, and influence contribute to achieving safety and security goals.

The fifth and final session in the IVSS Safety and Security Leadership Series looks at Building a Resilience Security Culture, Ethics and Professional Conduct.

A safety and security culture is the shared values, attitudes and behaviours that help organisations protect their assets, including people, resources, data and systems. It is a proactive approach that emphasizes the importance of safety and security as a business priority and involves everyone. Building a robust and positive safety and security culture is not a one-time project. Instead, it requires ongoing efforts to keep pace with new threats, technologies and regulations.

Establishing a strong security culture may appear daunting, but it’s a wise long-term investment. With the right commitment, resources and leadership, the benefits of a strong safety and security culture are worth it: a more secure and resilient organisation, better collaboration between teams and other departments, improved compliance, and increased customer trust.

This session will challenge you to think about what you can do to build a resilient security culture in your venue or business.

OUR SERVICES

Who's it for?

Event &
Venue Managers​

Head of
Operations​

Facility
Managers​

Security
Managers​

Head of People
and Culture​

CFOs​

WHS Managers and Representatives​

Company
Secretaries​

Suppliers
to the industry​

Meet your instructors​

Wayne Middleton CVE

IVSS Chair

Principal, Reliance Risk, and Consultant to Momentus Technologies

Greg Allen

Health Safety and Security Manager at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre

Al Baxter

Senior Principal, Architect at Populous

Jim Fidler

Director of Security/Owner at Secure Events and Assets (SEAA)

Mel Goodman

Head of Events & Venue Operations at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

Jenny Muldoon

Head of Visitor Services at Sydney Opera House

Bill Owens FAICD

Managing Director of Veracity Business Solutions

Rebecca Purcell

General Manager, Events & Venue Management at Optus Stadium – VenuesLive

Michael Roberts

Associate Security Consultant at Arup

Scott Taylor CPP, JP

Managing Director at Praesidium Risk and Resilience

Morten Therkildsen

International Guest Instructor

Head of Security, Health and Safety at Roskilde Festival

James Wagg

Group Director, Facilities Services – ASM Global (APAC & Middle East) 

Inclusions, fees, and T&Cs

Invest in your team and foster a culture of safety and security.

Arrive

Sunday, 24 August 2025

Depart

Friday, 29 August 2025

With accommodation

Member

$4,890*

*price subject to change. Price includes GST

Non Member

$5,390*

*price subject to change. Price includes GST

INCLUSIONS

Where you have selected the accommodation package the following applies:

  • Five nights’ accommodation  (Single occupancy)
  • Check-in Sunday 24 August and check out Friday 29 August 2025
  • Breakfast, lunch, daily breaks and all dinners
  • Site Visits and Offsite Dinner
  • Guest Speaker Dinner
  • Graduation Ceremony and Dinner

Without accommodation

Member

$3,495*

*price subject to change. Price includes GST

Non Member

$3,995*

*price subject to change. Price includes GST

INCLUSIONS

Where you have selected the no accommodation package the following applies:

  • Lunch, daily breaks and all dinners
  • Site Visits and Offsite Dinner
  • Guest Speaker Dinner
  • Graduation Ceremony and Dinner
  1. If the VMA cancels the IVSS a 100% refund policy will apply for all student enrolment fees.
  2. If the student cancels their enrolment, prior to the commencement of IVSS, due to not being able to travel (includes both to and from) due to government mandated restrictions, including interstate travel, quarantine and border closures, a 100% refund policy will apply for all student enrolment fees.
  3. If the student cancels their enrolment for any other reason the following applies:
    1. Cancellations received more than 30 days prior to the IVSS commencement date will receive a refund less a handling fee of $150 including GST.
    2. Cancellations received less than 30 days but more than seven days prior to the IVSS commencement date will receive a refund less a fee of up to $1,700 including GST.
    3. No refunds will be given for any cancellations after this date.
    4. In cases b. and c. above, the VMA will actively negotiate with the host venue/s to minimise any costs associated with the student enrolment cancellation and only pass on those costs incurred.
  4. Cancellations must be notified in writing via email to the VMA.
  5. Enrolments are transferable to a colleague at any time prior to the IVSS provided the VMA is advised in writing.
  6. Eligible refunds will be issued after the conclusion of the IVSS.
  7. The VMA will not be liable for any other expenses, costs or losses incurred by you by reason of such cancellation, including without limitation, airfares, transfers or other accommodation.

While it is difficult to outline every possible scenario that may eventuate as a result of changes to public health orders and government mandated travel restrictions, the overriding principle of the VMA is to minimise the health and financial risk for all parties, including the student, their employer, the VMA and the host venue.

In the event that the IVSS, either through the ability of the host venue to continue to host guests, or the VMA’s ability to continue to deliver the program, or a student’s ongoing participation in the IVSS is disrupted after the commencement of the IVSS, the VMA will actively work with all parties to share the risk, negotiate the best outcome for all involved and only pass on any hard costs incurred at any applicable time.

The VMA makes a commitment to act in good faith with students, and their employers, to resolve any cancellations in line with the principles and intent of the T&C’s.

The following sets out the terms and conditions attached to enrollment in the Institute of Venue Safety and Security.

All prices are quoted in Australian Dollars and inclusive of GST.

Behaviour: VMA reserves the right to prohibit entry of any person to a VMA event, or eject any person from a VMA event based on behaviour deemed inappropriate by VMA staff and/or its agents and others working under its authority.

Canvassing: Canvassing by attendees is strictly prohibited at VMA events. Promotional materials may not be distributed at the event except by VMA approved event sponsors and exhibitors. Attendees violating this policy will be asked to leave the event and VMA Members may have their membership revoked.

Credit card surcharges and other bank fees: For any payment made via credit card, a processing fee of 1.4% on Visa & Mastercard and 2.4% on American Express will apply. Our surcharge fees are not greater than our cost of acceptance. Any other unexpected costs incurred by VMA in the processing of payments will be charged back to the remitter. Such costs include, but are not limited to, bounced cheques fees and related bank charges.

Disclaimer: The VMA reserves the right to change activities, topics and presenters where necessary. The VMA shall not be liable for any loss caused by the cancellation of an event where such cancellation is due to Force Majeure. The term “Force Majeure” means any circumstance beyond the reasonable control of the organisers including but not limited to war, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), terrorism, aircraft hijacking, military operation, riot, civil war, rebellion, civil commotion or unrest, natural disasters, Acts or Regulations of government, refusal to grant visas, explosions, transport delays, transport difficulties and the insolvency of airline carriers. The organisers will use all reasonable efforts to conduct the conference despite the intervention or occurrence of any such cause.

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): If paying via EFT, online registration needs to be completed and an invoice will be issued. EFT payment must be received and include the invoice number quoted on the remittance advice in order for the registration to be processed by VMA. Payment by EFT will not be accepted after the registration closing date. Your registration is not confirmed until you have received a receipt and confirmation email from VMA. Invoices and confirmations will be issued to the email address used in the online registration.

Image release: In registering for VMA events and conferences, attendees grant permission to VMA, its agents and others working under its authority, to take and to have full and free use of video/photographs containing their image/likeness. It is understood these images may be used for promotional, news, online/multimedia, research and/or educational purposes by and for VMA. Attendees agree that they are not entitled to remuneration, residuals, royalties or any other payment from VMA in respect of their image/likeness or its use. Attendees release, discharge, and hold harmless, VMA and its agents from any and all claims, demands or causes of actions that they may hereafter have by reason of anything contained in the photographs or video. Should a attendee not agree to the above image release, they must advise VMA by contacting +61 (0)7 5575 9185 or admin@vma.org.au

Insurance: Students are strongly advised to secure appropriate travel and health insurance. Student enrolment fees do not provide any such insurance coverage. The IVSS Committee and VMA accept no responsibility for any loss in this regard.

Intellectual property:Some Instructors have kindly agreed to share their presentation slides, webcasts and other course information with students only. This content is not intended for wider distribution – according to Australia’s intellectual property laws, sharing, broadcasting and/or copying of this content, including for commercial purposes, is not permitted without the prior permission of the owner. Please be respectful of this intellectual property.

Invoices: When you complete the online registration form a tax invoice will be issued in compliance with ATO requirements. This can be used to make payment by Electronic Funds Transfer, Credit Card, or cheque and you can keep this completed form on file for your tax records.

Payment: To avoid disappointment, ensure you pay for your booking(s) before the registration closing date. Anyone that has not received a confirmation email will not be on the event attendance list and therefore will not be admitted to the event.

Privacy notice: VMA is concerned with the protection of your privacy. We support the privacy principles contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), as amended. VMA collects and stores your personal information for the purposes of providing membership services, education and training programs. Here is how your data may be used:

  • Communication from VMA: VMA may use your details to promote products and services in the form of email communications and/or other types of communication. Email admin@vma.org.au if you would prefer not to receive communications from VMA.
  • For the purposes of the event: Your details will be provided to parties directly related to the event including the event registration manager, venues and accommodation providers for the purpose of room bookings, catering needs and other event options.
  • Communication from third parties: Event sponsors and exhibitors may be provided with attendee details following the event. There is an ‘opt out’ option on the registration form should you not wish for your details to be shared with the event sponsors and exhibitors. Alternatively contact admin@vma.org.au to opt out.
  • View VMA’s full VMA Privacy Policy.

Program: VMA reserves the right to change the program at any time. Every effort will be made to ensure a program of equivalent standard.

Registration Notice: VMA Member registration rates are not transferable to non-VMA Members, except as agreed by the VMA and this may incur an additional payment to reflect the non-member rate. By selecting a member registration rate, it is agreed that the registrant is a current financial member of VMA and that the registration is made in the VMA Member’s name only. A breach of this may result in a cancellation of an event registration and/or VMA membership.

Registration and Payment: Payment in full is required by the event date in order to attend.

Sharing registrations: One registration may not be utilised by several individuals.

Smoking: Smoking of all kind, including vaporized tobacco, is prohibited in any event space.

Substitutions: Should a registrant be unable to attend, they may send one substitute in their place. VMA must agree to all substitutions prior to the event. Refer to ‘Registration Notice’ above.

It is the expectation of the IVSS Committee that all students will abide by a Code of Conduct that encourages respect and dignity of each individual and will allow students to learn in a supportive and stimulating environment. We believe that students, Instructors, staff and volunteers have the right to attend the school which is free from harassment, bullying and intimidation.

The following types of conduct are prohibited at the IVSS and may lead to disciplinary action, including the possible removal from the school.

  • Discriminatory behaviour with regard to race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability or any other legally protected classification.
  • Harassment, sexual or otherwise towards other students, Instructors or staff.

Harassment may involve inappropriate actions, behaviour, comments or physical contact that is objectionable or causes offence. It is behaviour which makes people feel:

  • offended and humiliated, and/or
  • intimidated and frightened, and/or
  • uncomfortable

Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances or propositions, verbal abuse of a sexual nature, verbal comments about an individual’s body, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual; or the display/use of sexually suggestive objects, pictures and/or jokes.

If an incident does occur please refer to the following VMA Policy and Procedure:

  • VMA Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying in the Workplace: Policy 3.1
  • VMA Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Resolution Procedure: Policy 3.2

The following types of conduct are also prohibited at the IVSS and may lead to disciplinary action, including the possible removal from the IVSS.

  • Reporting to classrooms under the influence of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs or the use, sale, dispensing or possession of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs at the school.
  • The use of profanity or abusive language.
  • The possession of firearms or other weapons on the premises.
  • Fighting or assault.
  • Theft, destruction, defacement, or misuse of the premise’s property or of any individual at the school or on the premises.

Commitment to Learning

The IVSS provides an adult learning environment.  It is your responsibility to act in a way that does not interfere, directly or indirectly, with the learning of other students or obstruct staff from carrying out their duties.

Students are expected to:

  • Attend all classes; 100% classroom attendance is a prerequisite for students to be awarded with the Graduation Certificate. All students must have 100% classroom attendance, pass the multiple choice exam and complete all in-class activities;
  • arrive on time, and remain in the class for the duration of the session;
  • participate actively and positively in learning and activities; and
  • engage in safe and co-operative behaviour.

Respect for Others

All students have a right to expect a safe and enjoyable learning environment so that they can perform to the best of their ability.  This means:

  • Treat others with courtesy, consideration and sensitivity;
  • respect lawful beliefs and customs of others;
  • communicate with appropriate language;
  • respect the safety, well-being and property of others; and
  • follow the reasonable instruction of Instructors and Staff.

Unacceptable Behaviour

Unacceptable behavior is any conduct which disrupts others and hinders Instructors and Staff from delivering education, training and other services in an orderly manner.  Any individual or group behavior which is abusive, indecent, violent, unruly, disorderly, dangerous, offensive, or which unreasonably disturbs others may be considered unacceptable and result in disciplinary action.  This applies not only in classrooms, but in all VMA organised activities.



Attendance

It is a requirement that all students stay at the nominated location of the IVSS for the entire week. It is not acceptable to leave at any time except under exceptional circumstances (work commitments are not an exceptional circumstance). A 100% classroom attendance is a prerequisite for students to be awarded with the Graduation Certificate. Students must attend all classes and discussion groups, pass the exam and complete in-class activities.

Partners and families

Students are not permitted to have partners or family members staying with them during the course of the IVSS.

Classroom Sessions

The curriculum consists of a number of classroom sessions from Sunday to Thursday of the nominated week. It is essential each session commences and finishes on time. Please make sure you arrive on time for classes.

Dress

It is your responsibility, as a mature student, to attend class appropriately attired. Dress for classroom activities is casual. The weather will be cool/mild, with temperatures ranging from around 8 – 18 degrees. The classroom is air-conditioned and we recommend bringing coat/jacket. Hats are not to be worn in class. On Thursday night at the Graduation Dinner, men are to wear a jacket and tie, and women cocktail attire.

Smoking

Classrooms, restaurants, meeting places and bedrooms are all smoke free zones.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones are not to be used in the classrooms unless relevant to that session.

Additional Costs

If you have selected with Accommodation, the registration fee covers accommodation for 5 nights (Sunday to Thursday) and includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and morning and afternoon teas. Telephone calls, use of hotel activities, mini-bar, purchases at the bar, flights, transfers and any other incidental costs are your own responsibility.

Student Support

Any queries please contact Suzie Crawford, our Education Manager. You can reach her at education@vma.org.au or 0437 827 228.

Policy Statement

IVSS is sensitive to the needs of students who wish to breastfeed their child whilst studying at IVSS. In this context, the IVSS acknowledges the importance of breastfeeding for both mother and baby, and supports women who wish to combine breastfeeding whilst studying at IVSS.

Application of Policy

  • IVSS requires students to attend all designated classes and official IVSS events to complete the course successfully, and as such, the IVSS acknowledges that mothers may require familial support to enable breastfeeding to continue during the IVSS. In this case, IVSS will allow a student to bring a support person with them to the School. Note, it is not appropriate for the support person or baby to attend any classes or official IVSS events.
  • IVSS in seeking to eliminate any direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of breastfeeding and will work directly with each individual to develop the most suitable access to classes and official activities.
  • All financial costs of the support person and baby are to be borne by the student or support person.
Expressions of Interest for 2026
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Scholarship opportunities

These scholarships are designed to recognize and support professionals who are passionate about proactive risk management, operational leadership, and continuous improvement in venue safety & security. From enhancing team coordination to delivering seamless guest experiences, this scholarship celebrates those who are raising the bar for what it means to run a world-class venue.

New student?

Apply to have your fees covered for Year 1.
Momentus Technologies Diversity,
Equality and Inclusiveness Scholarship
24/7 Software Venue Safety & Operational Leadership Scholarship

Already enrolled in Year 1?

Apply to have your fees covered for Year 2.
Evolv Technology Year 1 Bursary

Scholarship qualification requirements:

  • Have adequate experience and a level of skills and knowledge within the venue management industry to appropriately contribute to the IVSS program.
  • Currently work within the venue management industry within the Asia-Pacific region.
  • Be 18 years of age or above.

Please note: Applying for our scholarships is separate to registering or applying for any of our education programs.

Applications close Friday, 11 July at 5:00pm.
Successful applicants will be contacted by the VMA Office before the end of July.

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