Stranger in a Strange Land:  Navigating a Safe Meeting Process for Both Suppliers and Planners

“The other Side of the Peephole:  Safety, security, and law enforcement tips for planners.”

This program will give an overview of crucial safety and security aspects that should be considered when planning meetings whether across the street or across the country.   Common misconceptions regarding law enforcement’s role in civil and criminal matters that often arise at events and conferences will be discussed, as well as tips and strategies you can employ to engage with your local law enforcement agency, encouraging them take a vested interest in the success of your event.

Core Competency:  Logistics

Speaker: 
Chief James P. (Phil) Morgan
Crew Police Department

Phil grew up in Hampton Virginia, graduating Hampton High School in 1987.  He then attended Virginia Tech, graduating in 1992 with a BS in Forestry and Wildlife Management.  He attended graduate school at Virginia Tech for a semester before accepting a position with Virginia State Parks in 1993.  Phil worked as a Chief Park Ranger and graduated Basic Law Enforcement Training in 1995, being in the first class of fully certified Law Enforcement Officers in the Division.   Phil worked as a Chief Ranger until 2000, when he was promoted to Business Manager, assuming responsibility for regional enterprise operations.  Phil’s position was transitioned to Assistant Park Manager in 2012.  Phil was promoted to Park Manager in 2015 where he served until 2018.

Phil joined Crewe Police Department on January 2, 2019, and served as an Officer.  In addition, Phil managed town ordinance enforcement.  He is a General Instructor, RADAR / LIDAR Instructor, Field Training Officer, and graduate of the Reid Institute’s Advanced Interview and Interrogation School.  Phil was promoted to Chief of Police in March of 2022, where he has focused on departmental recruitment and policy development.

Phil is a former Certified Meeting Professional, the former President of The Old Dominion Chapter of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP), 2008 SGMP Sam Gilmer Planner of the Year Award winner, former Chair of SGMP’s Chapter President’s Roundtable, and a charter trustee of SGMP’s Gilmer Institute of Learning. 

Phil has one daughter, Isabelle, and enjoys golf and cooking during his down time.

Take-Away 1   Advance preparations for a safe meeting. 

Take-Away 2   Working with the property and local law enforcement to ensure safety. 

Take-Away 3   Procedures to follow during the meeting.

Fundraising Committee

Don't forget our annual Culinary Auction will take place at the February Meeting. Please plan to bring an item and money to buy an auction item. Please use attached form.

Keep selling those Big 50/50 tickets!!!