“What happens here stays here,” they say. Actually, that’s not quite true at the Operation Security Center Messe Frankfurt. Every moment is recorded, monitored, and ready for action.
Welcome to the very heart of safety at Messe Frankfurt. The Operation Security Center or OSC. It is more than just a building. It is the central nervous system ensuring the safety and security of everything here.
Located on the southwest side of Hall 4, the Operation Security Center is the only facility of its kind in the trade fair sector. Completed after two years of construction, this 2,000-square-meter hub brings all essential services together under one roof.
Inside the Operation Security Center, you will find Messe Frankfurt’s central control room. Also corporate and event security, fire protection, and building control technology. Representatives from the police and fire brigade are here. The German Red Cross and security service are also based here.
Imagine an emergency. A visitor collapses or a fire breaks out. The response is immediate and coordinated. The control room is staffed around the clock. Police, firefighters, security personnel, and the German Red Cross are all on-site during events. The Operation Security Center ensures dangerous situations are addressed quickly and professionally. They work in conjunction with authorities and aid organizations.
Messe Frankfurt is the only trade fair venue in Germany with a permanently staffed police station. It is reachable on weekdays. It is available even when no major event is held. The police station is equipped like a standard station. It offers assistance to visitors, exhibitors, and stand builders.
The Operation Security Center also houses a medical station. The medical station is on the ground floor. It resembles a hospital emergency room. It features treatment rooms, quiet rooms, and a fully equipped trauma room. The equipment includes an ultrasound scanner, ECG, and other medical devices for emergencies.
The fire security team operates from Messe Frankfurt’s own fire station. The team works to prevent fires and ensure maximum safety at events. They are directly at hand in case of a fire.
Nine Messe Frankfurt employees work in the control room constantly. The police station is occupied throughout the year. Service partners support this core team during events. During the IAA, when up to 100,000 visitors are on-site daily, the Messe Frankfurt security service employs 100 to 150 staff. The medical station has eight to ten specialists during these large events. Each year, the rescue service records about 10,000 assistance calls on the Messe Frankfurt grounds.
The Operation Security Center is responsible for the safety of numerous events. In 2013, the OSC team oversaw security for 36 trade fairs. These trade fairs had around 19,320 exhibitors and about 744,000 visitors. The protected area covers 578,000 square meters. It includes ten halls and two congress centers.
The Operation Security Center’s construction used glass. This creates transparency and closeness. It promotes ideal communication. This is according to Frank Richard, head of the OSC.
The OSC embodies Messe Frankfurt’s commitment to safety. So remember that behind the scenes, the Operation Security Center is always watching. They are always ready to protect and serve. They ensure every event is safe and successful.