Security is part of the event plan
Event security is not something to add after the venue, programme and guest list have already been decided. Access, capacity, restricted areas and emergency routes all affect how an event should be staffed.
Open Eyed works from Nottinghamshire and supports events locally and elsewhere in the UK. The starting point is the same: understand the site, expected attendance, timings and known risks before choosing the deployment.
What a useful team actually does
A professional event team should be able to support the organiser without making guests feel that the venue is hostile.
- Control agreed entrances and restricted areas
- Manage queues and pressure points
- Maintain a visible deterrent where it is useful
- Respond quickly when behaviour or conditions change
- Keep routes and operational areas clear
- Report incidents and decisions back to the organiser
Different events create different demands
A boxing show, private function, corporate event, festival and charity fundraiser all need different levels of control. The number of people is only one factor. Alcohol, layout, transport, performers, valuable equipment and the mix of public and private areas can matter just as much.
Choose the company, not just a headcount
When comparing security providers, ask how they plan the job, how they communicate on site and who is accountable for decisions. A cheap headcount is not useful if nobody has thought about what those people are meant to do.