Top Three Benefits of Private Security for Conferences, Expos, Tournaments and Trade Shows

Large-scale events are a huge moneymaker for venues and remain one of the best ways to gather groups together with similar interests. Reaching full capacity, one of these events can mean upwards of two hundred thousand attendees and more than 100 vendors.

Whether a technology conference, car show, athletic tournament, or a place for comic fans and cosplay, hiring the right amount of security can be the difference between an average and outstanding event. Consider using private security guards in addition to the venue-provided security. The security personnel for the venue is capable. Still, if an event represents the best of what you do, it is worth the additional investment to make sure all attendees feel safe, secure, and that assets are protected as well. There are countless ways having private security could safeguard your event, but here we break down the top three.

Attracting Vendors

It is no secret how high the costs are for a vendor to attend one of these events. The investment is always significant, regardless of the length of the event. Offering additional security can even attract new vendors, providing a sense of peace and enticement due to the safety of their materials and valuables making the trip. Having private security guards and venue security allows the focus to be specifically on the vendors, adding a layer of a deterrent to anyone meaning to take advantage of so many valuables in one area. Companies that bring demos and new products significantly invest in being at a trade show. Highly trained security guards continually survey the location, identify threats, and deflect any criminal activity. Having a guard, whether armed or unarmed, highly depends on the nature of your event. However, often a guard, even without a weapon, can deter any criminal intentions.

Attendee Safety

As more and more mandates are lifted surrounding the COVID-19 safety requirements, events expect full capacity. Some events pack in more than 200,000 people, which means crowded spaces and greater risk if an emergency arises. Venue security personnel are prepared to handle typical crowds in these venues, but hitting high numbers can put attendees at risk if a fire breaks out or another emergency comes up. Due to the extensive training of the best security guards available, these men’s and women’s military and law enforcement backgrounds equal professionalism and experience working with emergency agencies.

Hiring private security from a reputable placement service is worth the investment, especially in the case of an emergency. The additional trained professionals who act with confidence and authority can save lives. Professional security guards stay calm and maintain order. They know how to get people to safety regardless of the circumstances.

Achieving Greater Coverage

With labor shortages, finding ways to supplement existing staffing and security guards can be more challenging today. However, the good news is that established security guard placement firms have been continuously ramping up their trained guards, preparing for the needs as the nation continues to open to large-scale events. Finding a firm focused on providing only the most excellent guards is where you should put your money. An immediate extension of existing staff alleviates the additional burden of your staff and venue guards. These highly trained men and women take direction well and follow your most significant needs.

Hiring either armed or unarmed private security guards means 100% focused attention where you want it.

Adding private security guards also ensures distractions are handled immediately, not taking anyone else away from their role. Security guards placed from a professional firm will work alongside venue security and event staff, which ensures enhanced security, safety, and order at any type of event. Especially when alcohol is served, in which almost all large venues offer some version of a cash bar, security guards are trained to handle those how have had too much without disrupting other guests and attendees.

Entrance and exits are another common area where additional security guards can be incredibly useful. As event staff and venue security may monitor the overall flow of the event, watching and monitoring the entrance and exits can ensure only attendees with paid admission may enter. Highly trained security guards can also make sure vendors are authorized. At some of the large events, where companies pay thousands to have a presence, taking the extra measure to protect the event’s integrity is essential.

As you plan your next Expo, conference, or meeting of the minds, strongly consider making room in your budget for the best private security guards for your event. Once you have gone through all the trouble to plan and organize an event of this scale, taking the extra step promises greater success. In doing so, you will attract additional vendors who feel their assets and employees are protected and valued, make attendees and staff feel safe and know they have someone professionally trained to go to in an emergency, and immediately extend your team and take the extra burden off the venue guards and your event staff.