The online meetings community (MeCo) has been abuzz about White House social secretary Desiree Rogers and her accountability in the party crasher incident during the recent state dinner for the prime minister of India. While many of the discussions focus on the security breech, others express amazement that she sat down at one of the tables, joining other attendees. “Can you imagine being a ‘guest’ at one of your functions?” is one comment.

Most voice the universal experience — or unwritten rule — in the business: You never stop moving around the room, checking and making sure everything is going well, everything is happening on schedule, everyone is being served.

All true, but the biggest issue is security — the safety not only of the president, but also of his high-profile guests. The national media attention has been focused on this issue, in tune with most of the country. How could two uninvited people — never mind the fact that they happened to pose no threat to life and limb — get past what anyone and everyone would expect to be the tightest security at any event anywhere?

As the story continues to unfold, it’s as strong a reminder as you can get that security is a paramount issue for meeting planners and should not be overlooked no matter how low profile your event might be.

Read “Manage Risk: Create a Plan.”