As the St. Charles Convention Center hosts a variety of gatherings, including high-attendance and high-profile events, safety is valued highly. The Convention Center takes several precautions to ensure that the facility is secure for both patrons and staff.
A new security system was installed in August 2026, further enhancing the building’s safety by setting access parameters for each staff member. In an emergency, the system is connected to the St. Charles City Police, allowing for quick reporting to dispatch and first responders. It can also fully lock down the building, restricting entry and exit when needed.
The St. Charles Convention Center employs security officers who monitor the facility all day, every day–not just for events. This ensures that the Convention Center is secure, and preventative measures can be taken before events.
Officers are first responder certified–including AED, CPR, and first aid–providing them the knowledge to properly give medical aid to an injured patron until an ambulance arrives at the facility. Having security officers who are consistently employed through the St. Charles Convention Center ensures that they maintain consistent training and understand the layout of the building.
“Training is everything,” says Peter Aftayev, Security Manager. “When I started at the Convention Center, I reviewed and updated our training to ensure it was current and relevant to the building and its size.”
In the event of a fire, inclement weather, or another emergency, all SCCC staff are trained in crowd control and hazardous materials awareness to properly lead patrons to safety. Staff are also trained in emergency response procedures for active shooter situations.
St. Charles Convention Center staff stay connected through radios, allowing them to quickly communicate with one another and get help when it is needed.
Cameras are located throughout the building to monitor who enters and exits. All doors remain locked, with only necessary entrances unlocked during public events. Fire extinguishers and AEDs are also located throughout the facility in the case of an emergency.
During high-profile and/or high-attendance events, the Convention Center often receives assistance from St. Charles City Police by sending an officer(s) to the facility to monitor events.
The St. Charles Convention Center is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for clients, staff, and event attendees. Through trained security officers, advanced systems, and ongoing preparedness, the Convention Center takes a proactive approach to safety while providing exceptional event experiences.
