Puget Sound Chapter Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Tour

Join us in January for a tour of Seattle’s iconic Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass.

Address:

The Space Needle is located at 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109 in the Seattle Center.

We will meet at 8:45am by the doors near the valet entrance on the south side of the needle and will kickoff our tour there.

The easiest parking may be at the Gates Foundation parking garage located at 516 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109 (with entrances on Harrison St. and Republican St. just east of 5th Avenue N)

Tour Guide: Chris Caiola

Title/Role: Director of Safety and Security Systems

Organization: Space Needle + Chihuly Garden & Glass

TOUR OVERVIEW

Balancing the Guest Experience with Safety & Risk Management

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Seattle’s iconic Space Needle and Chihuly Garden & Glass. Attendees will gain insight into the unique challenges of maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for millions of annual guests. The tour will include a discussion on balancing guest experience with safety and risk management, followed by a Q&A with the Space Needle’s safety and security leadership. Capacity is limited to 20 attendees.

By the end of this tour participants will be able to:

• Identify key challenges associated with maintaining safety, security, and operational excellence in a high-profile public attraction.
• Examine strategies for balancing risk management objectives with a positive and memorable guest experience.
• Apply lessons learned from the Space Needle’s safety and security program to improve risk management practices within their own organizations.

RELEVANCE TO ASSP MEMBERS

This tour provides ASSP members with practical insights into safety and security management within a complex, high-occupancy public venue. Attendees will learn how the Space Needle balances risk management, emergency preparedness, physical security, and operational requirements while maintaining an exceptional guest experience. The lessons, challenges, and best practices discussed can be applied across a wide range of industries, helping safety professionals strengthen their own programs, improve stakeholder engagement, and enhance organizational resilience.

Chris Caiola is the Director of Safety and Security Systems for the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. In this role, he oversees the systems, programs, and operational strategies that help ensure the safety, security, and overall guest experience at two of Seattle’s most recognizable attractions. Chris brings practical experience in balancing risk management, emergency preparedness, physical security, and customer service within a complex, high-profile public venue. During this tour and discussion, he will share insights into the unique challenges and best practices associated with protecting guests, employees, and facilities while maintaining a world-class visitor experience.