- Prepare for protest:
Always be clear with the event security expert if the client sponsoring the event may draw hatred or negative feedback toward their mission. People may launch an attack against a company they feel discriminates against its workers, doesn’t pay them enough, mismanaged their retirement portfolios or any other reason they feel is justified.
Have the event security experts liaise with the local police department and let them know who and what is happening.
- Screen guests and staff
Make sure all guests are properly screened and checked in with proper credentials. “Are you trying to prevent party crashers from sneaking in and having a few shrimp or bashing for a free beer, or are you trying to prevent a more serious disruption?” The event security staff will familiarise themselves with the guest list and turn away those who have not been formally invited.
Additionally, have your event security partner screen all vendors and their employees supplying services, to see if they are biased towards the event.
What next for Saraki in Kwara?
- Skip the surprise searches
Invitations should disclose that “all persons and property are subject to search” and proper ID is required. That way there will be no surprises at the door. Some events are no-cell phone zones. “We take their cell phones away so they can’t photograph what is going on, or post it to a social media site,” Stone says. “We check them with a coat-check ticket and they get it back on their way out.”
- Budget for safety
In today’s world climate of terrorism, for high-profile events save your money on the shrimp and lobster and direct it towards event security, walk-through metal detectors and more.“Budget is very important. People need to know what they are getting themselves into and what the scope of their event is.”
A red-carpet affair with top-level security normally requires “platinum” level event security from a top-level provider with mostly off-duty police officers on hand. A middle-level package involves licensed security guards, perhaps someone who works as a janitor during the day and moonlights as a security guard by night. The lowest level provides fire guards, which are required by law and varies from state-to-state.
- Have medical support
For large capacity events always have an emergency medical crew onsite for first response and to handle the unexpected food allergy, medical condition, heart attack or slip and fall head injury.
- Create clear credentials
Always make sure that staff is clearly identified as staff, and not guests, with the clear description of credentials