with the 2008 Democratic & Republican National Conventions right around the corner, Event Solutions Magazine recently asked me to write a column for their readers discussing the various types of security concerns savvy planners should be aware of when putting on events of various sizes. Below is an excerpt from their March 2008 issue.
“Often when [event] planners begin their work, security arrangements are relegated to the bottom of the to-do list. But when security becomes an afterthought, procedures are put into place that creates headaches such as bottlenecks at entrances and exits. It’s easier for security to be proactive rather than reactive, so build a relationship that fosters early communication between you and security.
In the wake of post-9/11 terrorism concerns, longer lines at the airport are understood but no client wants to endure long lines at a corporate event. So security planning, like successful event planning, comes down to the details.
The most important part of a security professional’s job is in the risk assessment phase i.e., what disaster could possibly happen and how could I prevent it? An experienced security coordinator will ask you for the big picture, then start cutting the pie into smaller segments, such as physical security, crowd control, loss prevention, first aid and disaster preparation. Even if your venue has some form of security on-site, you may be wise
to bring in your own security team to monitor guest lists, VIP speakers and the cash box.
If you’re dealing with VIPs who travel with their own security, discuss with their security the run of show and special needs the VIP may have.”
To read the full article, click here.
Event Planners can also subscribe to and receive the latest issue of Event Solutions (For Free) by visiting: www.event-solutions.com/register
Elijah Shaw, CEO
Icon Services Corporation
