SCOTT JOHNSON KEYNOTE
Event Safety Alliance Canada has created the Scott Johnson Keynote to honour Scott’s memory by presenting a relevant safety topic to the arts, entertainment, and live event community. This keynote will launch the conference with a focus on our goal to prevent injuries and incidents and protect both people and events.
ABOUT KEYNOTE
Scott Johnson died on June 16, 2012, at Downsview Park in Toronto. The stage roof collapsed just before the final sound check for the Radiohead concert to be held that night.
As it says on his tombstone "Scott was a beautiful boy and a kind and gentle man". He had been touring as a drum technician with bits of guitar work and stage management and had considered himself at the top of the tree working with Phillip Selway and Clive Deamer with Radiohead but had worked with Keane for seven years and Australian Pink Floyd, Killers, Robyn and many others. His work in the studio is acknowledged on Keane and Killers albums. He was an accomplished player himself, recording and playing in London as a 15-year-old.
He need not have died.
Balancing Risk and Safety: Thriving Beyond the Comfort Zone | Sherry Beard
Sponsered By: Scott Pollard & Suz Patmios
Sherry Beard will explore the critical balance between managing risks and achieving goals. By emphasizing the delicate equilibrium between risk management and goal attainment, she encourages taking calculated risks to reach new heights. Key points will include the importance of setting high safety expectations, the necessity of thorough documentation encapsulated by the principle "if you didn’t document it, you didn’t do it," and the value of fostering a collaborative safety culture through knowledge sharing and best practices. Sherry will conclude with a discussion on how to balance safety with achieving objectives, urging the audience to apply these strategies in their own contexts. A Q&A session will follow.
SPEAKER BIO
Sherry Beard Sherry Beard received the Scott Johnson Memorial Award at the 2023 Event Safety Alliance Canada Conference This award recognizes a “job well done” by a member of the events community in support of safety at events in Canada, and she was honoured for establishing a comprehensive safety program, fostering an inclusive environment, and bringing safety to the forefront of everything her organization does. Sherry is a passionate and driven leader who strives to create a safe and positive environment for all stakeholders. Her journey with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment began in September 2021 when she assumed the role of Director of Corporate Safety Programs. Over time, she progressed to become the Director of Corporate Safety Programs and Security Operations. Her expertise in safety revolves around building and fan safety, as well as emergency and risk management. In her current role at MLSE, she oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of safety and security operations for the organization's diverse portfolio of sports and entertainment venues, events, and teams. She works closely with internal and external partners, such as the police, fire, and emergency services, to ensure compliance, coordination, and best practices. Her background and credentials in firefighting, aviation, and paramedicine give her a unique perspective and skill set in the field of safety and security. On her path to becoming a health and safety professional, Sherry started as a Paramedic/Firefighter. She served for over a decade in communities throughout the Northwest Territories and Manitoba. She strongly advocates for the idea that effective safety measures not only protect individuals but also enhance workplace efficiency and security. Prior to joining MLSE, Sherry spent six years in key safety and security positions at the Calgary Airport Authority, culminating in her role as Director of Safety, Security, and Environment. Sherry is committed to continuous learning, innovation, and excellence in her profession, and she enjoys collaborating with diverse and talented teams to achieve our shared goals and vision. |