How Much Security Do You Need At Your Outdoor Event?
Are you planning a large outdoor event that requires security? One of the biggest questions for many amateur organizers is how many security guards or patrols they may need. How can you decide the right number? Here are five questions to answer first.
1. How Many People Are Expected? A general rule of thumb for large events is that you should have about one event security guard per 100 attendees. This is a good way to start your planning, although guest volume is not the only factor you should consider.
2. What's Being Served? Does your event include food and beverages? When alcohol is served at any event, it is more likely to have crowd control issues or personal confrontations. If you plan to have beer, wine, or spirits available, you may want to increase guard presence. Food service may also have an impact because it encourages people to form bigger crowds in certain areas.
3. How Will People Gather? Where and how will people congregate during your event? If it will be one large and energetic crowd in a single location, such as an outdoor concert, you may want more security patrols in the area to help with crowd control along with any potential conflicts. On the other hand, if guests will be milling around a large open area with individual booths, crowd control may be much less of a concern.
4. How Many Entrances Are There? Event organizers — particularly for paid events — usually need security at all entrances and exits. Count your entry points and determine how many people need to screen attendees at each one. Don't overlook "employee only" or backstage entry points as well. If you want to control crowds in individual areas, such as around an outdoor stage, you will also need to assign security to these interior locations.
5. Are There VIPs? Finally, consider specific security needs for anyone or anything that is of particular importance. If your company is launching a lucrative new product, for instance, you may need special security around the product or key participants. If you have special guests, they may also need dedicated security staff.
As you answer these questions, you will begin to create a game plan for event security. Armed with this information, consult a professional security service familiar with your type of event and the local area. Together, you can select the right security personnel to ensure a safe and successful event.
