event energizers blog

Security is a must have for events to keep uninvited guests out, make sure that if someone becomes a problem they are handled professionally by trained experts and that you have your guests’ safety in mind (and your staffs’ safety). Make sure that the security company you hire is licensed, bonded and insured. Have some security dressed as party guests mingling to spot anything not acceptable to the host, while others easily identifiable with a black suit, head set and security pen. This will give everyone a person that they can report anything suspicious.

Introduce the key event personnel to security team and let them know not to take orders from anyone other than the team. Involve the security team in the floor plan design to see if they have any suggestions for additional coverage or see any weak spots. Add a designated security guard to an outside smoking area. Party crashers will usually try to gain access to a party through smoking pen.

Keep the guest badges organized alphabetically in boxes where only the registration staff can see if the nametag is there and hand it to the guest. This will prevent someone from assuming someone else’s identity and party crashing. Have a separate table for all problem solving with a security person. This will keep any unwanted drama away from the gates of the party and keep the mood festive and light.

When we do events with high powered celebrities or political officials we often use K9 bomb sniffing dogs to secure the venue before the guests arrive. Unfortunately in today’s world the threat of terrorism is a reality. Create a multilayered security plan to guard against pre-planted poisons and explosives. Simple measures such as switching tables of foreign dignitaries at the last minute can be another way to throw off a would be terrorist. Creating a buffer between the kitchen and servers is another way to prevent pre-planted poisonings.

When working with the Secret Service leave time in your run of show for guests going through metal detectors, rerouted trains, traffic diversions. Make sure you have an exit plan for celebrities or officials that will likely get mobbed by a crowd. Often a VIP area can allow a celebrity to mingle around individuals and have the allure of being accessible while still being safe.

Additionally, you can also inform the local police precinct of your affair so they have it on their radar. They can ask local foot patrols to drop by for added protection.

Hire a security agent to camp out overnight when you have tools, equipment or anything of value at a space when doing an overnight install. The $150 you will spend for a guard is a small price to pay for the peace of mind of knowing that everything will be as you left it. Security guards should be on hand to oversee the load out as well to make sure at the back of house that everything goes out as it should and the venue is secured at the end of the evening. At the end of an event when guests have been drinking, security can help make sure everyone leaves safely and gets into cabs.