While separate investigations are well underway into the tragic events that led to the loss of life and dozens of injuries in two U.S. nightclubs recently, the industry that finds itself linked to the two tragedies is moving toward a self-examination of its safety practices.
The First National Bar and Safety Conference has been set for Wednesday, March 26 in Las Vegas in conjunction with the International Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
'The recent club tragedies have focused national attention on the bar and nightclub industry,' said Ed Meek, owner and president of Oxford Publishing, Inc., which produces the show. 'As a result, Nightclub & Bar magazine has pulled together experts from various fields and the bar industry to address issues, concerns and opportunities in club safety and management. Our goal is to establish a national platform for action, resources and issues. This is a critical issue, and it is crucial that we take action now.'
The Conference will address issues such as code enforcement, capacities and exiting requirements, design issues, crowd management, crisis management, technology issues, and club liability.
The Conference was scheduled by industry leaders after a Rhode Island nightclub erupted in a raging fire during a rock band's pyrotechnics display, killing at least 95 people and injuring more than 180. It was the deadliest U.S. nightclub fire since 164 people were killed at the Beverly Hills Supper Club in Southgate, Ky., in 1977. It also came less than a week after 21 people were killed and 50 injured in a stampede at a Chicago nightspot.
The largest event of its kind in the world, the convention drew a record-breaking 32,340 food and beverage industry professionals in 2002. See www.nightlcub.com .