Everything You Need to Know about Event Security

1. Do I even need security? 

Events of all sizes, from small gatherings to large-scale concerts and conferences, can benefit greatly from professional event security services. The primary goal of event security is to help prevent disruption and keep people safe. A visible security presence also deters potential troublemakers from ruing the event. Finally, security professionals can also assist with an emergency response should one be needed.

Events that contain at least one of these characteristics: large crowds, people who don’t know each other, availability of alcohol (either prior to or at the event), and popular entertainers should look into having security personnel on-site. If you aren’t sure whether you need it or not, that’s a good indication you probably do and should at the very least consult a security professional.

 2. What does good event security even look like?

Good security starts with a team and a plan you are comfortable with. Once the event kicks off, you will have your hands full, so you need to find a security partner you trust to handle what comes your way. You’ll get a good sense of them once you see the detailed security plan they lay out for you.

You will want to look for a team that maintains a professional demeanor. You’re shooting for courteous and approachable, but yet still focused. They will need to be constantly vigilant and always on the lookout for potential trouble. Great security is able to recognize a potential threat and intervene before anyone else really notices. They will also need to be able to communicate effectively amongst themselves and you. If a crisis arises, being able to efficiently get everyone involved who needs to be will be crucial for minimizing disruptions.

3. How familiar with your venue does security need to be?

Even if they haven’t worked at your particular site before, your security professionals need to know the venue inside and out. This can be accomplished with walkthroughs, and spending time at the site understanding entry and exit points, high-traffic areas, and spaces people might want to congregate in. They should be looking for blind spots and areas that unauthorized people may try to get into.

This will all contribute to their ability to have an effective emergency response should one be needed. Knowing the venue, either by experience or detailed preparation will help minimize the threat of disruption while increasing the overall safety of your guests.

4. What are some of the risks that security should be looking for? 

Typically, crowd management comes to mind. Either where they all gather, like on a concert floor, or in the movement from one space to another. You want people to get where they are going and then be able to stay where they are with a minimum of issues.

Events that include alcohol always run the risk of having people get belligerent. The vast majority of your guests will likely be fine, but there always seem to be a few that can’t handle the drink. Your security people should have a plan to intervene when needed.

Unauthorized access is another big one. This includes people trying to get in from the outside who haven’t paid or shouldn’t be there. Any places that people could get in from should have security nearby. Also, you will probably have areas inside the venue that should be restricted as well. You might have a kitchen setup, celebrities, or even just a backstage area that isn’t safe for the general public. An effective security team will help keep those areas clear of unauthorized people.

5. What does it mean to handle conflicts “professionally?”

There is a stereotype out there of security guards who seem to enjoy bossing people around and are looking for something to happen so they can get involved. This is different from how professional security should act.

Professional security will be trained in de-escalation techniques. Part of that is the vigilance and awareness to begin an intervention before it becomes a full-blown problem. Polite firmness and even a smile to go along with a request can work wonders. It’s not going to work out every time, but de-escalation should be the starting point nearly every time.

Your security is part of your venue and event. That means they might get asked by your guests for directions or information. They should be ready to enhance the experience of the attendees, not detract from it. Politeness, knowledge, and a willingness to help when appropriate will contribute to the positive feelings your event goers will be experiencing, and hopefully telling their friends about before the next one.

What’s My Next Step?

There is no one size fits all answer to whether or not you need professional security at your event. Start by taking a good look at your event plan and consider what your entertainment will need to keep them happy and safe, and then think through the same questions for your guests and any staff that you have there.

If the event is going to be large with a lot of people, it’s time to call a security professional. Even smaller and more intimate settings could benefit, too. If you’re going to have a number of people with no significant connections to each other, or you’re going to have entertainment there that will need to be separated from the attendees, then it’s likely you will need some form of security regardless of size.

Finding the right combination of professionalism, vigilance, site awareness, and communication can be tricky. It’s important to talk to a number of companies, check out their reviews on Google, and even make notes about which companies are working on the events you attend.

On the Hawaiian Islands, KT Protection Services is ready to secure your event. Our protection specialists undergo detailed training and our ownership is personally involved in creating your security plan with you. Combined, we have over 60 years of experience securing property, people, and events. Check us out on our website for more information. Even if you only have the basic information ready to go, you can still get a quote that will put you in the ballpark for your needs. From there, we can customize and tailor the services to support your event.