Speakers

KT Sonnen’s operational experience spans not only security and crowd management, but also event medical provision, traffic management, health and safety, and control rooms both within the UK and further abroad. Although currently on sabbatical whilst finishing her doctorate, through Invictus Pro Training Ltd (which she runs with her husband Carl) she also delivers immersive exercising, consultancy, and training across a variety of subject areas to local and international clients. As a company they are renowned for engaging and enjoyable training, specialising in conflict reduction, a suite of advanced security topics (such as incident response, mechanical restraint), and Front of Stage Barrier (Pit), all informed by the latest findings and guidance.

Through the Centre for Peace and Security at Coventry University, KT’s PhD research on safety and security at music events uses innovative methodologies to explore expected and experienced levels of crime and unwanted behaviour, as well as the direct psychological impact of common security measures. Building on her own experiences working within events she also recognised the importance of including the workforce, who are typically excluded from research. She hopes her work can underpin operational decision-making, and is looking to provide a framework for events and venues to maximise their feelings of safety, and therefore leveraging the profitability of security measures.