Planning an event can be stressful. There is a huge range of things to consider, but security should be at the top of your list. You may have the idea of hiring security guards for the event, but how will you manage them when you have so much else to do?
Thankfully, we have quite a few tips for you. We’ll explore how to create and manage a successful security team while still ensuring your event remains safe and secure. Let’s get started!
1. Know Your Venue
Managing a security team at an event can seem like a daunting task, but when you know the venue inside and out, it’s much simpler. It’s important to know where every room and exit is located and where all the staff are stationed. This will ensure that your security team is in the right place at the right time.
In addition, knowing every nook and cranny of the building can help you resolve any issues quickly. This is much easier if this is a building you know well, such as your office. If you have outsourced a venue, then request a
2. Assess the Security Risk
For anyone managing an event, gauging the risk involved should be the first step before jumping into action. Without knowing what possible threats there may be, it’s impossible to devise a comprehensive approach to keeping the event safe and running smoothly.
Investing time into understanding the security risks ensures there are no unwelcome surprises. By gauging individual risks, you can develop personalized security solutions accordingly. It will also set the expectations for the security team.
3. Consider a Verification Process
Only the people you invited should be at the event. Without some sort of verification process, you run the risk of anyone being able to infiltrate it. This verification process can be simple, or it can be a little more complicated for higher-risk events.
For example, if it’s a work event, you can request that all employees show their work passes to the security team. For other events, you may want to have a ticketing system. Whichever step you use, it will make managing security on the day much easier as you won’t have to worry about any unwelcome guests.
4. Have Clear and Defined Rules
When it comes to managing a security team at an event, clear guidelines are vital. Without them, your security won’t have a clear picture of what you need.
It’s proven that when everyone knows what is expected of them, including the boundaries, expectations, and rules around events, it ensures better performance and cooperation from the security team.
Clear guidelines are the key to making sure everything runs smoothly. For example, the security team should know what entrances and exits are to be used. And basic rules on expected behaviour, alcohol guidelines, and what to do if you have an unruly guest.
5. Plan for Emergencies
You always need to plan for the worst-case scenario. Not only will it ensure that the team is prepared in case anything happens, but it will also increase confidence in running the event. Should something bad happen, you’ll be prepared.
The most basic form of this is knowing where all the exits are and evacuating people as soon as possible. The potential emergencies you’ll face will depend on your event and the number of attendees. Security staff need to know the exits, where emergency equipment is and how to use it, how to raise the alarm, and who will be in command.
6. Always Have Enough Security
It may seem counter-intuitive, but having more security staff will make your job of managing them easier. You won’t need to worry about having enough staff for crowd control, having enough people at the entrances, or enough protection in an emergency.
Not only is having plenty of security easier, but it will also show attendees that you are serious about their security. Of course, it’s always tempting to save a little money by having as few security staff as you can, but this is never a good option.
7. Communication is King
Keeping your security team on the same page is key to managing a successful event. Without good communication between everyone involved, potential mishaps and chaos can quickly arise.
That’s why it’s so important for your security personnel not only to be trained and experienced but also to have effective communication skills.
From understanding exactly what orders are being given to maintaining the right tone of voice, communicating effectively with your security staff will keep everything running smoothly.
Poor communication can lead to big problems and create weak points in your security, so proper instruction and clarity among team members are essential.
8. Hire a Security Manager
You may be reading this thinking that managing a security team seems difficult. The reason is that it is! Security guards are professionals, but there is a lot to think about, and a huge amount of information to give, and you need to know how to communicate with them effectively.
If you’re planning an event, you need to think about the safety of everyone involved, from your guests to yourself. That’s why hiring a security manager makes sense. They’ll be able to keep an eye on things and know how to handle any incidents.
In reality, you should leave that job to someone else who is experienced and knows how to handle any situation. This will give you peace of mind regarding the overall security of your event so you can focus on making sure everyone has a good time. It may be tempting to reduce costs, but you’ll never regret hiring a professional security manager.
Final Thoughts
Managing a security event is tough and there is a lot to think about. Hopefully, we’ve given you a clear idea of how to manage your security team. That being said, it’s worth considering hiring a security manager. It will allow you to focus on the event and give you peace of mind.
