The following presentations have been confirmed to be taking place at the 2026 MSES in VA Beach. More presentations are being confirmed in the upcoming weeks, so make sure to check back often!  

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• “ADELFEST” -The Tabletop Exercise: Lots of events take place on public streets.  These events are already risky because they are held in spaces that are not meant for that use.  In this tabletop exercise, we will prepare for and then run the acclaimed “AdelFest,” during which we will answer the foundational question of risk management: What could go wrong?  Tabletops can be stressful – an incident for which your community should have been prepared is much worse. This exercise will take up two class periods, so make sure you are able to attend both of them.

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• Modernizing the Permitting Process: An overview of why Raleigh decided to move to a software system, how we   configured roles and reviewer types, and how technology solved for some of our pain points around the manual permitting process. Attendees will learn 1. Technology automating some of the permitting process 2. Considerations when configuring city officials' roles and reviewer types. 3. How to leverage effective communication.

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• NCS4 Overview: TEEX/NCS4 Classes, Best Practices, Overview of the Office. Attendees will learn what TEEX/NCS4 classes are, how they can benefit special event planning and safety, and how to get these free trainings in your area.

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• Be Extra on Purpose- Elevating Events and Programs One Detail at a Time: Events   are about creating experiences that people remember, talk about, and come   back for. In this interactive session, we’ll explore the power of going the   extra mile: the small, thoughtful touches that turn a good program into a   great one. From setting the stage with intentional design, to creating   photo-worthy moments, to showing “unreasonable hospitality” that makes every guest feel seen. These are the details that make the magic happen. You’ll   leave with fresh ideas, real-life examples, and practical ways to bring more   heart, energy, and impact to your programs because in Parks & Rec, extra isn’t extra… it’s essential.

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• When Special Events Are Not Special Anymore: Ordinance formulation and implementation. Discuss working with stakeholders, public safety agencies and the industry throughout the process. Attendees will learn how input from stakeholders and the industry is critical to having an effective ordinance. They will also learn the benefits of implementing different parts of the ordinance in phases. Finally, how to work together for better events.

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•  "It Depends" with Steven Adelman: The legal duty we all have all the time is to behave reasonably under our own circumstances.  This session will apply that murky standard to questions such as: How many security guards do I need for my event? Can I use my phone app to monitor the weather? If there are no bollards, can I just use saw horses? Let’s lock arms and jump down some rabbit holes together!

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• Virginia Beach Collaborative Approach to Special Events: Recently, Virginia Beach changed our perspective on special events to work together   with private ambulance companies to provide EMS coverage within venues. VBEMS   is still involved with the special event, but with less people therefore   saving resources, overtime, etc. Attendees will learn:  1. Out of box thinking to staff medical aspects of special events 2. how to provide a collaborative approach while ensuring EMS needs are met 3. Some Virginia Beach specifics, which they may be able to take back to their   departments.