The Importance of Venue Security

10 Mar The Importance of Venue Security

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a public event, in possession of large crowds, must be in want of security detail. As unfortunate as it may be that certain members of our society at large can’t be trusted to respect the lives of their own fellow citizens, history has proven time and again that large public gatherings—-similar to the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England only a few short years ago—-are imminently attractive to the opportunistically evil.

Although the security guards and police officers tasked with the arena’s defense explained that the private security at the concert had been airtight (entry procedures included backpack and drink confiscations to screen for devices, for example), the horrific incident proved that—when it comes to armed security and mobile patrols—-there simply can’t be too many boots on the ground or eyes on the crowd. In the wake of these tragic events, venue administrators, hotel staff, event organizers, and private security firms are now all inspired to produce best practices and integrated systems to keep guests safer.

As the events in Manchester (along with dozens of others) have emphatically proved, we no longer live in a world in which venue security isn’t critical to your event planning. While in the past event organizers concentrated their security efforts on the venue’s entrance, the assets, and the occasional unwanted guest, today it’s every event planner’s goal to assure that their attendees leave their venue happy and healthy. The planners that provide the best security participate in all phases of the event, and not just event days.

Evaluate the Venue

Proper planning and risk assessment are very much part of a venue security plan, whether you’re planning a large-scale event or smaller meeting. The event planner must engage in multiple, detailed and in-depth site visits to the venue, especially if they’re not already familiar with the location. 

Let’s Get Physical

Physical security involves immediate, tangible responses to possible security threats, including checkpoints with security personnel utilizing screening devices, posting security officers at the strategic points throughout the venue, and securing the facilities themselves against all forms of threats. For example, mitigating the risk of fire by clearly defining entry and exit points.

Cyber Bullies

Cybercriminals can compromise anything connected to the Internet, and use it as an attack that can eventually affect physical safety. Hackers could, for instance, illegally gain access to personal or financial records of an attendee—even breaching the hotel or venue systems—and override electronic gate or door-locking. Ensure that your staff is trained for even this eventuality. 

The Proper Personnel 

The personnel you hire is a key aspect of your event’s total security risk management. Poor or untrustworthy staff can throw a monkey wrench into even the most airtight security system; in fact, employees are often singled out by most risk assessors as your event’s most vulnerable component in information security.

Every employee involved with the event—whether temporary or permanent—should undergo security awareness training. Everyone needs to understand the importance of information security, and should receive situational awareness training that will help them identify and report potential issues at the venue.

Hiring the right personnel will make or break the security at your event. Hire professionals that have—through extensive training—enhanced their own adaptability to security threats and situations. At CBI, we understand that security management is every team member’s responsibility, and we strive to engage all of our clients with that mindset as well, for the safety and well-being of all. 

Author: t6admin