Private Event Security: Top 5 questions answered
As COVID rules slowly ease, and more venues look to host events, we are asked what our approach is to private event security.
Many prospective customers ask what the difference is between private and public events; how much security is needed and what does a private event security guard do at an event? In order to make our prospective client’s life easier, we asked Nick Kostov to answer the top questions we receive. However, if you are looking to organise an event please do call us.
What is private event security?
At Gallowglass Security we provide the physical security and security planning for private events. The Private events we support are usually for an exclusive and limited group of people. The events attendance is set to a limited number of guests or members of a family, organization, or club and the event is not open to the public. In Gallowglass Security’s case we offer security for AGMs, EGMs, private birthday parties, weddings, office parties and conferences.
How do you secure an event?
These special private events require specialist events security and staff. We work closely with the events organisers to secure the event, ensuring a full and thorough risk assessment and much more. The professionals of the security service are trained to act in emergency situations and bring a situation under control.
Our hope is that you will not notice us which can be brought about by careful planning and through experience.
With the right security practices, we help ensure the safety of guests and staff, but also the protection of property.
How much security is needed for an event?
This will depend on the type of event, the number of guests and the location. The number of security guards will be decided after a full risk assessment. Generally speaking, one security guard per 100 guests is used as a guide; however, this will really depend on the guests being protected.
When assessing the number of security guards needed for an event we take into consideration the event space. Small rooms require less guards, compared with an event that has multiple rooms and outside space.
Providing the right number of guests to ensure the safety of the attendees and the property is crucial. Getting it wrong can mean your event is memorable for all the wrong reasons.
What does an event security guard do at a private event?
Private event security guards have multiple roles at a private event. Ordinarily, your first interaction with an event security guard will be when you check into the event. All attendees will be screened and given authorisation to access and enjoy the event. Following this, it is our hope that you will not have to see us again; however, on occasion we may need to pro-actively deal with any problems. We protect the premises during the event by completing activities, such as; looking for signs of crime, identifying trespassers, apprehending criminals and carry out patrols of the entire venue.
If you are the event organiser then we will work closely with you. We will report any issues we identify and record any incidents that require the security team to act.
How do you plan the security for a private event?
When preparing security for a private event we undertake a rigorous planning process. Our priority is to ensure that your event is well protected. Following an event we always undertake a review, helping us understand what went well and where there are areas to improve the service.
Ordinarily, prior to an event, we assess the threat, vulnerability and risk faced by the event. We consider multiple factors, such as the type of event, location, attendees and the issues happening around an event that may impact its attendees.
We consider events from all angles ensuring our team is well briefed and fully understand the multiple factors that could impact the safety of the event attendees.
Following our thorough assessment we develop an operations plan which shapes the way we manage the private event’s security.
Every member of staff has a clearly defined role at the event, whether they are working in small groups or collectively. In the case of an emergency, we will have contingency plans, ensuring the safety and security of all attendees is maintained.