Operation Paladin presents opportunity to identify, coordinate and test public safety protocols for large venues

Boston – The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) will host a full-scale public safety exercise, Operation Paladin, at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center (MCEC) on Tuesday, September 23. The MCCA and its partner Public Safety agencies including the Boston Police Department, Boston Fire Department, Boston Emergency Medical Services, Massport, Massachusetts State Police and the FBI have worked collaboratively over the past 18 months to design and develop a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan for the MCEC.

The live exercise will bring together the full complement of expertise, resources and personnel of the respective agencies to test critical elements of the plan and validate the unique protocols developed to implement a full-scale response to an emergency at the MCEC.

“At the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, our size, location and volume of visitors create a security environment like no other in the City of Boston,” said Marcel Vernon, Sr., Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. “Operation Paladin lets us put our plans into practice, pressure-test assumptions, and turn lessons into actionable improvements.”

“Training side by side with our public safety partners not only strengthens our emergency response but also builds upon the relationships we’ll rely on when it matters most,” said Rob Noonan, Chief Information and Security Officer at the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. “The protocols we’re developing now will form the foundation for coordinated responses at our facilities and other large venues across the Commonwealth.”

Due to the size and scope of Operation Paladin, and to simulate the real time impact and response to an emergency at the MCEC, there will be significant activity in and around the venue on September 23.

About the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA)

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority owns and oversees the operations of the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center (MCEC), the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the MassMutual Center, Convention Center Carpark & The Landing in Springfield, MA, the Boston Common Parking Garage, The Lawn On D and The Lot On D. The MCCA’s mission is to deliver world-class event experiences that drive statewide economic growth, foster innovation, and exceed customer expectations all while cultivating a workplace culture that values excellence, inclusivity, and employee well-being.