PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST HONORED IN SECURITY 500 FOR ENHANCED SECURITY AND GUEST EXPERIENCE PRACTICES
PITTSBURGH, PA - The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is honored to be ranked in the top 10 of Security Magazine’s ‘Security 500 Ranking’ for 2018. This national ranking collects security metrics to evaluate an organization’s strengths and weaknesses in protecting and serving its guests. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust ranked in section nine among other leaders in the hospitality and entertainment field, such as The Walt Disney Company, The Ritz-Carlton, MGM Mirage, and Hyatt Global.
According to Security Magazine, “The Security 500 tracks 20 vertical markets and collects unique data where appropriate (such as number of unique facilities in healthcare) and applies this data to key metrics. The key metrics collected this year include: security spending/person, security spending/revenue, and the number of security employees and officers.” The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust was measured and evaluated with other peer organizations in the nation, ultimately placing at number 10.
Chief Security Officer for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Kevin C. Wilkes has led the enhancement of Cultural District security over the past two years. Since joining the Trust in 2016, he has overseen implementation of a prohibited items list, a guest code of conduct, magnetometers, and bag checks. To learn more about everything the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust does behind the scenes to keep guests safe, please visit TrustArts.org/Safety.
Partnership between the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police has facilitated even more awareness around security in the Cultural District, including the Trust’s participation in the “If you see something, say something” campaign and creation of a Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Cultural District Substation in the Trust-owned Lantern Building.
“We’re always excited about providing amazing experiences and performances in the arts, while at the same time, increasing our ability to reassure our guests they are well-protected,” states Kevin C. Wilkes, Chief Security Officer of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “We’ve made sure our new systems utilize the most current and effective screening technology without interfering with the arts experience, and have even added extra special perks and comforts for our guests.”
An example of these perks to keep a superior guest experience include a “Happy Half Hour,” which rewards guests for arriving early to pass through the enhanced security by giving them a 50% discount on all drinks and concessions. Also in 2018, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust hired a new group of Front of House Ambassadors; employees dedicated to answering guest questions and customer service inside and outside of the theaters prior to show time.
As always, none of this would be possible without the dedication of the Trust’s volunteers, who make up the usher corps, and vitally support the various festivals, galleries, and arts events in the Cultural District. Volunteers give their time selflessly and tirelessly to ensure the safety and enjoyment for all guests. Visit TrustArts.org/Volunteers to learn about our volunteer opportunities and join the team!
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners. Founded in 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District. The District is one of the country’s largest land masses “curated” by a single nonprofit arts organization. A major catalytic force in the city, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity. Using the arts as an economic catalyst, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh’s quality of life. Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts.
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