What Does Event Security Do? Key Types Explained

Often, a last-minute consideration when planning for a special occasion, it’s natural to ask, “Why is security important at events?” It’s easy to assume that the event we’ve worked hard to plan wouldn’t be disrupted, but that’s not always the case.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key types of security you’ll need for your event, why a practical and professional event security service matters, and what you can do to ensure your big day stays protected.

What Does Event Security Do?

Event security helps keep people safe and prevents costly crime and disruptions, while also serving as an effective cost-saving measure. Trained and licensed event security officers can check tickets, conduct bag searches, act as guides for your guests, and provide an on-hand emergency response for any crowd incidents or conflicts.

With any event security professional, they’ll have received extensive training in how to prevent and alleviate both potential and active conflicts in your crowd. That’s essential, as we’ve seen with our ongoing work with a national events provider, delivering seamless solutions for celebrity nights, special occasions and some of the UK’s iconic nightlife events.

Outside of that, however, private event security acts as a way to maintain a welcoming and reassuring atmosphere. Keeping guests safe and allowing them to enjoy their event in peace is part and parcel of attracting repeat customers – a goal for many event organisers.

You also shouldn’t overlook any regulatory requirements. Many insurance companies, whether you’re securing a major music festival or a local parade, need to see proof that you’re investing in the safety of your attendees, so they aren’t paying out unnecessarily. We recommend checking your insurance policy to ensure you meet any requirements.

There’s also the very real threat of terrorism, especially if you’re planning an event that’s set to attract tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of people. The official governmental guidance encourages proactivity and prevention, which is an approach ProFM have taken throughout our work at major international airports during seasonal surges and events.

The bottom line, though, is that investing in your event safety solutions means a better experience for everyone involved. However, the security services you choose can vary depending on the event you’re hosting.

Why Is Security Important At Events?

Event security plays multiple important roles at a range of different events, including checking bags and tickets, admitting authorised guests, supporting with guest guidance, and ensuring a smooth, incident-free exit. You can also rely on your event security officers to assist in the event of any emergencies, as well as deliver urgent first aid should the worst happen.

However, what your event security does and how they support your guests can change based on what event you’ve planned.

We’ve handpicked a range of the most common events, alongside our industry insider recommendations on what to expect and how to mitigate those issues.

Outdoor Event & Festival Security

At a festival, your security personnel will be on hand to provide guidance to guests, check tickets, conduct bag searches, manage and de-escalate conflicts, and

Understanding the most effective options for festival security is a crucial part of ensuring visitor safety, securing repeat business, and maintaining strict compliance. It’s an area where we’ve developed a comprehensive understanding, having provided protection for over 100 festivals nationwide in the last five years alone.

As a minimum, we’d advise investing in:

• Comprehensive coverage at entrances, exits, and congregation areas (like bars or food stalls)
• First-aid trained operatives and supervisors in key areas (around stages or performance areas, for example)
• Static personnel around stages, and DS-licensed officers at areas where alcohol is served/consumed
• Officers with specialist Welfare & Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training

For more in-depth guidance and a beginning-to-end rundown of what measures to expect, read our comprehensive guide to festival security tips.

Performance & Concert Security

For security at concerts, you must have security personnel checking tickets and searching any larger bags, as well as stationed at key points around your chosen venue (such as near bars, toilets, merchandise stands, and emergency exits).

With an estimated 700 live performance and concert venues across the UK, there’s a range of different responsibilities to consider for securing your next show. In our expert opinion, that includes:

• Security officers strategically placed near merchandise stands and bars to prevent crowd bottlenecks and provide support with crowd management
• Crowd-side officers with expert WAVE and Ask for Angela training to identify and support anyone experiencing harassment or discomfort
• Ticket checks, equipped with electronic ticket scanners and knowledge of what to look for in counterfeit tickets

Those elements work alongside some of the more tech-focused options that factor into event security planning, such as temporary CCTV solutions, fencing and barriers, and AI-enhanced detection for crucial set-up and cool-down phases.

Public Event Security

Events held in public spaces require additional considerations beyond traditional event security. That includes specialist personnel who can keep public crowds at bay, support during busier times (like peak commuter hours), and the ability to recognise any possible threats before they materialise.

As an excellent benchmark for security at any public event, we’d strongly recommend:

• Officers with behavioural recognition training are able to spot any possible disruptions or serious issues and address these quickly and discreetly
• A strong boundary line, reinforced by event stewards and suitably-trained, SIA-licensed supervisors
• Ticketing and entry checkpoints to prevent any unauthorised access
• Clearly defined entrance and exit paths are essential if you’re holding an event in a major public attraction like Hyde Park

Hosting events in public spaces also means you’ll need to comply with related laws and regulations that govern those areas. The Royal Parks in London, for example, have an extensive list of guidelines that event organisers must follow.

Corporate Event Security

Security for corporate events revolves around maintaining your image with trained security officers in suits, crowd management (especially in public-facing venues like privately hired restaurants or function rooms), and door security on hand to only allow access to approved guests.

That also comes alongside some overlooked but no less important considerations, which we’d advise, such as:

• Ensuring all officers have Welfare & Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training as standard (even more important if alcohol is being served)
• Security officers positioned at key congregation points, such as bars or smoking areas
• Rapid-deploy physical security measures, like barriers, lighting and fencing

One of the key stipulations for corporate event security is ensuring that you maintain the image your business seeks to cultivate, whether that’s through officers in suits, in casual dress, or in more traditional high-visibility clothing.

Partner With The Event Security Professionals

While refining your approach to event security is an ongoing process, there are always options available. That’s where ProFM Group excel, delivering fully SIA-licenced officers and expertly trained personnel who can keep events safe, secure and disruption-free.

Contact us today to discuss your event, the extensive suite of protective options we can provide, and how we can be a trusted event security partner, no matter what you have planned.