IIn this eye-opening episode of The Security Equation, host Dan Donovan sits down with Cameron Ford, a 30+ year K9 detection veteran who has trained dogs and handlers for Navy SEAL Teams 1, 3, 5, and 7, worked as a police officer and SWAT operator, and conducted groundbreaking research with Duke University and Texas Tech University on canine olfaction and firearm detection. Cameron pulls no punches in exposing the uncomfortable truth about the unregulated K9 detection industry, revealing why most event security is hiring "window dressing"—handlers in polo shirts with dogs that may not be properly trained or maintained—and how the industry's race to the bottom on pricing is creating dangerous security gaps at venues, stadiums, concerts, and corporate events nationwide. The conversation gets technical as Cameron breaks down the critical difference between explosive detection dogs and firearm detection dogs, explaining why the common practice of training dual-purpose K9s for both explosives and weapons is fundamentally flawed and potentially dangerous, drawing on his scientific research proving that burnt gunshot residue smells completely different than unburnt powder used in IEDs and bombs. Whether you're an event planner, security director, venue operator, risk manager, or simply curious about what it really takes to train elite detection dogs that can save lives in high-threat environments, this episode delivers essential insights on K9 handler training, certification standards, false indication rates, action-on-find procedures, vendor vetting, and why Stratoscope Holdings created Stratos K9 to bring Navy SEAL-level standards to commercial event security operations.

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In this compelling episode of The Security Equation, host Dan Donovan sits down with Calvin Graber, Senior Vice President of Business Integration at Stratoscope, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of event security. From his early days checking radios for his father's security company at Candlestick Park to leading security operations for Super Bowls and the inaugural F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Calvin shares his remarkable 13-year journey through the industry.

The conversation tackles some of the most pressing security challenges facing event organizers today, including the tragic incident at a Charlie Kirk campus event, vehicle-borne threats following New Year's attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, and the emerging danger of weaponized drones. Calvin reveals how Stratoscope is leveraging cutting-edge technology—from rooftop surveillance analytics to AI-powered planning tools—to stay ahead of evolving threats while maintaining an exceptional guest experience.

Whether you're in event management, venue operations, or simply fascinated by the invisible security apparatus that keeps major events safe, this episode offers unprecedented insight into how industry leaders are reimagining event security for an increasingly complex threat landscape. Calvin also shares unforgettable stories from escorting Lady Gaga at the Super Bowl halftime show and managing the chaos when Beyoncé was chased by thousands of fans.

Key Topics:

• The changing threat landscape for live events
• Technology as a force multiplier in event security
• Venue selection as the first line of defense
• Drone threats and new federal legislation
• Building scalable security operations for mega-events
• The balance between security posture and guest experience
• Crisis management and incident response frameworks

In this episode of The Security Equation, host Dan Donovan sits down with Sarah Vitale, VP & Global Account Director at George P. Johnson, to explore the point where brand experience and event security intersect.

From a career that started in fashion PR to leading global experiential strategies for Google, Sarah shares how security has become a core pillar of the attendee journey — not a barrier to it. She reveals why seamless safety is the key to delivering ROI, protecting brand trust, and ensuring guests never have to think about the risks behind the scenes.

Together, they discuss:

• How security enables — not restricts — great experiences

• The role of proactive planning and flexible operations

• The growing resource challenge: clients wanting to do more with less

• Accountability when vendors fail — and what real contingency planning looks like

• How AI, data, and attendee expectations will reshape events over the next 3–5 years

“Security is the silent partner that makes an event actually work.”

Whether you manage events, protect them, or attend them — this conversation reveals what it truly takes to keep the experience alive while keeping people safe.

More from Stratoscope: https://stratoscope.com

What does it really take to move tens of thousands of fans safely into a high-profile event filled with celebrities, athletes, and priceless assets?

In this episode of The Security Equation with Dan Donovan, Dan sits down with Richard Askintowicz, Operations Manager at Fanatics Events, to break down the realities of modern event security, crowd management, and large-scale operational planning.

From Fanatics Fest to massive sports and comic conventions, Richard explains how today’s event leaders balance guest experience with advanced protection, and how partners like Stratoscope are transforming security through technology, command infrastructure, and proactive planning.

This is a firsthand look at how the world’s biggest events stay protected — without slowing anyone down.

🔗 Learn more about Stratoscope:

https://www.stratoscope.com

📲 Follow Dan Donovan:

Instagram: @ddonovan5050

Security isn’t just protection. It’s strategy.

This is The Security Equation.

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Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & Background

Richard’s journey from trade shows to leading major fan events

05:40 – The reality of Fanatics Fest

Managing 70,000 fans, celebrities, and high-value assets

11:20 – The biggest threats at modern events

Soft targets, reputational risk, and unpredictable variables

18:10 – How Stratoscope upgrades entry security

Replacing older systems with advanced detection + command centers

25:30 – Celebrity & athlete movement strategy

Behind-the-scenes planning the public never sees

32:15 – Crowd flow & access control planning

How congestion becomes risk — and how it’s eliminated

39:20 – The future of event security tech

Biometrics, facial recognition, robotics, and drones

46:55 – What separates great operators from average ones

Mindset, preparation, and communication

52:10 – Final thoughts: where the industry is heading

What does it take to lead one of America’s most dynamic cities, navigate high-stakes decisions, and stay grounded in the face of constant change?

In this episode of The Security Equation with Dan Donovan, Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley joins host Dan Donovan, Founder and Managing Partner of Stratoscope, to discuss leadership, resilience, and what it means to protect and empower a city built on innovation and risk.

From public service to policy leadership, Mayor Berkley shares the defining moments that shaped her career — the challenges that tested her resolve, and the lessons that continue to guide her approach to leadership and crisis management.

Each conversation on The Security Equation explores what it truly takes to protect people, places, and peace of mind — whether on the world stage, in city hall, or behind the scenes of major events.

Tune in to learn how one of Nevada’s most influential leaders defines strength, service, and stability in an unpredictable world.

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🌐 Connect with Stratoscope:

• Website: www.stratoscope.com
• Instagram: @strat0scope
• LinkedIn: Stratoscope
• YouTube: Stratoscope Official

In the premiere episode of The Security Equation, host Dan Donovan sits down with Dylan Ratigan — journalist, former MSNBC host, political activist, and entrepreneur — for a conversation on how leaders maintain clarity amid chaos.

Drawing from experiences reporting on 9/11, navigating Wall Street, running for Congress, and building companies, Dylan shares lessons on risk, composure, and the mental frameworks that define effective decision-making in high-pressure environments.

Together, Dan and Dylan explore how uncertainty parallels the world of security operations — where awareness, adaptability, and resilience determine outcomes.
It’s a masterclass in leading through volatility — for those charged with protecting people, assets, and peace of mind.

-Chapters-

00:00 – Intro & Dylan’s Background

01:00 – Tolerance for Uncertainty

03:00 – Lessons from Event Security & Wall Street

05:00 – Dylan’s Experience with Events & Production

07:15 – Reporting on 9/11 & Life Lessons Learned

10:00 – Activism, Politics, & Leadership Challenges

13:00 – The Role of Media Then vs Now

17:00 – Risk, Security, and Societal Challenges

20:00 – Directing Young Male Energy Constructively

21:45 – Dylan’s “Easy Day” Story & Lessons Learned

23:00 – Closing Thoughts

Would you be interested in learning more about Stratoscope?

Check out our website: https://stratoscope.com/