Whenever large groups of people gather together, security threats are present. It is the responsibility of event hosts to ensure the safety of their guests, especially in light of recent incidents involving terrorist attacks, mass shootings, and other violent incidents at large-scale events. Events such as festivals, concerts, sporting events, fairs, and fundraisers attract large crowds and become easy targets for crimes such as robbery, theft, assault, and terrorism. Thus, it is critical that event organizers assess safety concerns and take steps to mitigate potential risks.

Event security professionals are trained to assess risks and implement strategies aimed at preventing threats from occurring. The primary objective of event security is to prevent incidents from happening in the first place. A great deal of event security takes place behind the scenes, and it is critical for security to be customized for each specific event. Insufficient event planning, management, crowd control, event security, and emergency response can drastically increase the likelihood of catastrophic, life-threatening incidents.

What is Special Event Security?

Large crowds are a defining feature of special events, and such events are usually held at venues that can accommodate such crowds. Security professionals tasked with planning and managing major special events need to consider various criteria to assess the likelihood of unwanted activities. The following are some of the criteria they must consider:

• Size of the event
• Location of the event
• Duration of the event
• Previous threats to the event or event location
• Political, historical, or symbolic significance of the event
• Nature and extent of media coverage
• Attendance or presence of VIPs, celebrities and/or dignitaries

As the number of factors affecting the likelihood of threats increases, the risks of injuries, accidents, and financial losses also increase. To efficiently plan and manage the security of significant special events, the security team must carefully consider several elements, including:

• Planning for worst-case scenarios and catastrophes (i.e. violence and terrorist attacks) as well as ordinary crimes and incidents (i.e. disorderly conduct of patrons)
• Weighing all security measures that could conceivably be taken (i.e. road closure, visible tactical units, and searches)
• Ensuring that the event progresses safely while respecting freedom of speech and assembly
•  Establishing customized organizational structures and methods of communication

An event security team that is skilled and proficient recognizes that safeguarding guests, property, and the venue necessitates a multi-faceted strategy. The preparation and implementation of event security services generally encompasses the following:

• Risk assessment
• Event employee management
•  Event safety management and planning
•  Media liaison
• VIP arrival and departure protocols

Large-scale events typically attract media attention, which can create additional demands on event organizers that may change rapidly and become overwhelming. Therefore, media liaison is an essential element of event security for most special events.

To ensure a successful special event, a competent security team recognizes that protecting the guests, property, and venue at all times requires a multi-layered approach. The planning and execution of event security should include a range of services tailored to the specific needs of the event. Ultimately, the success of a special event hinges on a security plan that has been custom-tailored for that specific event. The plan must account for every potential security risk and have clear actions in place to minimize those risks.

How Much Security is Needed at a Special Event?

Planning for every possible scenario is an impossible task, but conducting a thorough assessment and analysis of an event can help determine the necessary level and placement of security. Experienced event planners understand the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, as it is crucial to maintain control and ensure a successful event.

The size of the event is not the only determining factor for the number of security officers needed. Even a smaller event can become overcrowded and challenging to manage, especially in a confined space. Therefore, the security personnel-patron ratio must be evaluated from multiple perspectives to ensure proper coverage. Some key factors to consider when determining this ratio include the type of event, crowd demographics, venue size, and staff responsibilities.

The presence of alcohol is another significant consideration in assessing the potential for incidents, and the security personnel-patron ratio must also be considered in determining the likelihood of incidents. Competent and experienced security personnel will evaluate the unique factors of each event to determine the necessary level of presence.

It is essential that event security personnel are trained to handle large crowds and quickly respond to evolving situations discreetly. This requires experience in specialized tactics such as risk management, first aid, and crowd control.

Why is Security Important at Special Events?

Inadequate security planning poses several significant risks, including but not limited to:

•  Injuries and loss of life
• Property damage
• Higher insurance premiums from claims and lawsuits
•  Increased operating costs or loss of revenue
• Major event disruptions
• Reputational damage
• Problems for future events

Having a security presence at an event provides a sense of comfort and safety for attendees, and it demonstrates professionalism, particularly in the case of corporate events and conferences. Providing event security and protection shows potential business partners, investors, and associates that their well-being and best interests are important and have been taken into consideration.

Special Event Security Services

Insufficient security planning can result in serious risks such as injuries and loss of life, property damage, higher insurance premiums from claims and lawsuits, increased operating costs or loss of revenue, major event disruptions, reputational damage, and problems for future events.

At Blue Star Security, we understand that ensuring the safety of event attendees is of utmost importance. Our team of security professionals is dedicated to gathering a comprehensive understanding of your event’s dynamics and working closely with you to create a customized security plan. We take pride in being vigilant, thorough, and unobtrusive.

Our security approach is tailored to the unique circumstances of your event. Our goal is to ensure that your event runs smoothly and safely, without any disruptions.

We understand that event planning can be stressful and time-consuming, which is why we aim to provide you with peace of mind. Our event security professionals are dedicated to creating a safe and secure environment for your next special event, leaving you free to focus on the other important aspects of your event planning.

Contact the Blue Star Security event security team to discuss a customized plan for your next special event: call us at 708-669-7470 or contact us online at https://bluestarsecurityllc.com/contact-us/

To learn more about our event security services, visit https://bluestarsecurityllc.com/services/event-security/