A prominent philanthropic organization hosted a four-day leadership summit in Chicago,
Illinois, bringing together its CEO, Board of Trustees, and Executive Committee. Due to the
CEO’s high public profile and growing concerns about regional unrest, including heightened U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid activity tied to national political developments, the client sought comprehensive yet discreet protection for all attendees.
The Everbridge Global Security Team was tasked with designing and executing a seamless
protection and movement management plan, ensuring the safety, comfort, and privacy of
each individual from arrival through departure.
Challenges
The operational environment presented several complexities requiring a balanced, discreet, and well- coordinated security approach:
Heightened political tensions:
Ongoing protests and immigration enforcement operations in Chicago increased the potential for disruption and reputational exposure near the event venue.
Potential government shutdown impacts:
A U.S. government shutdown risked disruptions to airport operations, customs processing, and transportation scheduling, adding further uncertainty to arrival and departure coordination.
High-profile leadership presence:
The organization’s CEO and senior leadership team required a low-visibility protective posture that maintained dignity and discretion while mitigating credible risks.
Multiple movements and arrivals:
Dozens of delegates and trustees were arriving and departing across a four-day period, demanding precise coordination across air, ground, and venue operations
Dynamic local threat landscape:
Fluctuating public sentiment and potential flashpoints near the hotel and event site necessitated continuous situational awareness and flexibility in operational planning.
Solution
Everbridge deployed a multi-layered executive protection and secure journey management plan, combining expert personnel, local intelligence, and real-time operational coordination to ensure a secure, smooth experience for all participants.
Pre-deployment threat and risk briefings
Prior to arrival, Everbridge conducted detailed pre-deployment meetings with client representatives to assess the local threat environment, discuss risk mitigation measures, and provide reassurance regarding the operating conditions in Chicago.
End-to-end secure transportation
- Airport transfers: dedicated vehicles and trained security drivers were assigned to every executive, ensuring safe and discreet transfers between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and the hotel.
- Airport coordination: an on-site airport coordinator was stationed at O’Hare to facilitate arrivals and departures, ensuring immediate connection between travelers and their designated drivers.
- On-call executive protection agents: agents remained available throughout the four-day event to support offsite meetings, dinners, and ad hoc movements, maintaining both visibility and discretion as needed.
Real-time situational awareness and coordination
Using the Everbridge Virtual Command Center, the security operations team mapped and monitored all key locations, including the hotel, restaurants, and meeting venues, allowing teams to stay informed of any emerging incidents that could affect attendee safety or mobility.
Additionally, the Security Operations Team collaborated closely with the Everbridge RIMC (Risk Intelligence Monitoring Centre) to maintain live insight into the local threat landscape, including potential protests, criminal activity, and shifts in local sentiment that might impact the organization’s operations.
Continuous monitoring and communication
Everbridge maintained ongoing communication between the on-the-ground agents, the Everbridge RIMC, and the client’s point of contact, ensuring that all movements were supported with up-to-date intelligence and coordinated contingency planning.
Results
The operation was completed successfully with no incidents or disruptions. All attendees moved safely and efficiently between venues, with airport transfers, hotel security, and offsite engagements executed flawlessly.
- Flawless execution: Every arrival and departure handled on time and without interference.
- High satisfaction: The client expressed strong appreciation for the professionalism, discretion, and reassuring presence of the Everbridge team.
- Operational resilience: Real-time monitoring and intelligence-sharing ensured that local conditions and potential disruptions posed no impact to the event.
Why this matters
This engagement underscores proven ability by Everbridge to deliver high-assurance executive protection and journey management services in dynamic urban environments. Through meticulous preparation, discreet execution, and intelligence-led coordination, Everbridge once again demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding leaders and critical missions, quietly, effectively, and without compromise.
