Benzinga | Oct 25, 2021 08:22AM EDT

Evolv Technology Reports Partnership With Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has partnered with Evolv Technology (NASDAQ:EVLV), the leader in weapons detection security screening, to improve weapons detection and the overall guest experience, by using Evolv Express(r), Evolv's award-winning screening solution, across multiple theaters, performance halls, galleries, and other venues in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's historic 14-block entertainment district -- locally known as the Cultural District. After nearly 18 months of being dark due to the pandemic, guests will experience Evolv Express when visiting the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts for performances of Tony(r) and Grammy Award-winning Broadway musical The Band's Visit later this week.

While Cultural District guests may experience Evolv Express for the first time, the technology has been in use at the Benedum Center and Byham and O'Reilly Theaters since 2020, after the team at Pittsburgh Cultural Trust experienced the systems at neighboring Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's Heinz Hall. As a result of its early partnership with Evolv, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's security screening footprint in the lobby was reduced by nearly 60% and outside queues where guests were subjected to wait in inclement weather were eliminated altogether.

"While our venues were closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we took the opportunity to re-evaluate, research, and test options for leveling-up health, safety, and the entire guest experience. We chose to partner with Evolv for our screening needs because the quality of its products is unmatched," said Kevin C. Wilkes, Chief Security Officer, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. "Where previous security solutions were temporary and limited in their capabilities, our initial investment in Evolv is part of a long-term strategy. As Evolv continues to innovate, we will too. We anticipate a future where our systems sync with our security operations center and eventually seamlessly tie together physical and cyber security efforts."

Evolv Express uses powerful sensor technology with proven artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure safer, more accurate threat detection at unprecedented volume and speed. Earlier this month, the introduction of Evolv Insights(tm) 1.3 ushered in a new chapter of Evolv's quest to optimize analytics for its customers and expedite their venues' digital transformation journeys. The software upgrade allows security staff to use historical screening data -- including arrival curve analytics -- to make predictions about throughput with the ultimate goal of having AI-powered weapons screening with zero-wait time for guests.

"The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust understands that compromising experience for safety is not an option, and we're proud to lead them in tackling this age-old conundrum head-on," said Evolv CEO Peter George. "We believe that Cultural District guests will be pleased with the unparalleled venue entry process and we look forward to patrons of ticketed events across the globe becoming accustomed to experiencing Evolv."

The screening system is currently in place at four of the performance halls and theaters in the Cultural District -- which draws more than 2 million guests annually -- as well as the SPACE visual arts gallery. Guests will be able to enter the venues with permissible items without breaking stride.

For more information about the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust partnership, Evolv Express(r), or to receive a virtual demo, visit our website.