Six Reasons to Hire Private Event Security

Private events – think galas, conferences, and wedding receptions – are exclusive by design.

But it’s much harder to keep them that way without a security plan.

Whether you’re a planner or a host, the sheer responsibility of planning an event can also put a lot on your plate. That’s all the more reason to hire a private event security team to handle security on your behalf.

Security companies are experts in identifying and finding solutions to potential security risks, such as party crashers or disruptive guests.

Outsourcing security will also free up your time so you can focus on everything else you need to do to run a successful private event, like hiring caterers and sending invitations.

Below is an overview of the most common (and sometimes overlooked) security risks that can arise at private events. We also share tips on what to consider before hiring guards so that you and your guests can enjoy a smooth and successful gathering.

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All High-End Private Events Need Professional Security Guard Services

It’s essential to hire security guards if you’re hosting or organizing a private gathering with a lot of attendees, such as:

• Weddings, anniversary parties, or birthday celebrations
• Grand openings
• Fundraisers, galas, or charity events
• Corporate events, conferences, or trade shows
• Private art shows, concerts, sporting events, or premier parties

The need for security is even greater if you have celebrities, politicians, or other types of VIP guests. VIP guests can attract everything from groups of innocent fans to stalkers.

Although many high-profile people hire their own celebrity security guards, you shouldn’t rely on them – especially since they’ll be focused on protecting their client, rather than your entire guest list. Celebrity security guards are also less likely to have access to the venue’s floor plan or security cameras, both of which are necessary to ensure maximum protection.

A professional team of private event security guards will assess the venue to pinpoint areas that are higher risk and take steps to address them. For example, backdoors through which unwanted guests can slip inside undetected or “blind spots” that lack adequate security camera coverage.

Based on the venue and your event’s particular security needs, your security team will design a custom strategy to protect the host, staff, vendors, and guests in more ways than one.

Ahead is a look at some of the most common (yet easily overlooked) benefits of hiring security for your next private event.

Learn More: The Ultimate Event Security Checklist

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Six Benefits of Hiring Event Security Services for Private Parties

Planning an event takes time and money, but you can’t limit your resources to food, decor, and entertainment alone.

Here’s why it helps to make room in your budget for hired security.

Access Control

Without access control, a private event can become a public event in a matter of minutes.

Outside, front door guards provide secure access control into the venue so that all invited guests can relax and enjoy the celebration. They can check IDs to confirm that guests are on the guest list, keep party crashers out, prevent large crowds from forming, and keep the entry accessible and safe for everyone who is allowed to attend the private event.

Inside, security personnel will ensure that only authorized personnel can access restricted areas. Restricted areas may include “staff only” spaces, kitchens, bars, and security rooms where on-site staff monitor surveillance cameras.

Crowd Control

Security officers keep a close eye on everyone – from invited guests to event venue staff – to prevent overcrowding or bottlenecks that could lead to unruly commotions or stampedes.

Alcohol is served at most private events, and combining alcohol with crowds of people can lead to altercations. From verbal arguments to physical fights, guards know how to de-escalate such situations to protect everyone on-site.

If you plan to serve alcohol at your private event, it’s critical to have security professionals on staff to step in and make sure that things don’t get out of hand.

Crime Deterrence

The mere presence of security guards can prevent bad actors from engaging in dangerous or criminal behavior. By staffing one or two guards outside the venue or at the entryway, you can stop potential threats at the door.

As an event organizer or host, it’s not your responsibility to ensure the safety of the venue, but it is up to you to maintain a safe environment for your guests and the vendors you’ve hired.

Protection of Vehicles and Other Personal Property

Security guards protect property, including vehicles in the parking lot, property within the venue, and the personal property of guests.

For example, at weddings and galas, guests often leave their handbags on dining tables while they hit the dance floor. Other invited guests or venue staff sometimes see this as an opportunity for theft. With guards keeping a watchful eye, would-be thieves will think twice before rummaging through someone’s purse to steal cash or credit cards.

Peace of Mind at Your Private Event

No matter what type of event you’re throwing, the goal is for people to enjoy themselves and have a good time.

The presence of professional guards gives people peace of mind and allows them to enjoy the food, drinks, music, and entertainment the way you want them to. With security guards to prevent problems from occurring and take action if they do, your guests can relax, feel safe, and enjoy the moment.

Emergency Response Time

Security companies know how to work with local law enforcement and emergency services, so should a fire, medical, or any other type of emergency occur, they’ll reach out to the proper authorities for further assistance.

Some guards are even trained in basic EMT skills and can perform CPR, use AED defibrillators, and provide other life-saving measures.

Prior to staffing guards for your event, the security company you hire will do an assessment of the venue to map out exit strategies and put emergency response plans in place.

If required, they can also take fire watch security measures to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of fire hazards.

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Factors to Consider When Hiring Special Event Security

Event organizers and hosts have a lot to consider when hiring security for a private event.

More than anything, it’s crucial to hire a company that has the appropriate expertise and skills to keep your celebration safe and secure.

Ask yourself the following questions when choosing an event security team to hire.

Do You Need Armed or Unarmed Guards?

As the host or organizer, you’ll need to decide if you want armed or unarmed guards. Armed guards may be necessary for events located in high-crime areas or have high-profile people in attendance.

Ask your venue if they have any specific rules regarding armed vs unarmed security – it’s possible they may not allow firearms on site.

The mere presence of unarmed guards is often enough to deter criminal activity, but armed security guards add an extra layer of security. Most armed guards have years of experience in using firearms, and many are ex-law enforcement and ex-military professionals with extensive firearms training under their belts.

Does the Security Company Have Experience Working Similar Venues?

Consider the size and type of venue, as well as the complexity of its layout. You’ll also need to identify what (if any) security measures the venue owners already have in place. Not all venues provide their own security (or only do so for a fee), so you may have no choice but to hire a full-service security team of your own.

Hire guards who have significant experience working similar venues. Ideally, they should know how to integrate their services with any existing security protocols, such as alarm systems that could be triggered by opening a door or setting off glass break sensors.

Security companies do risk assessments prior to the event to determine any weak points or vulnerable areas that may need extra protection. Though it’s not necessary, it can be easier to hire a company that’s already familiar with the venue and has provided security services there before.

How Many Guards Do You Need?

To figure out how many guards you need, make sure you know:

• How many guests will be in attendance
• The venue’s location and surrounding grounds
• The layout of the venue

A good rule of thumb is to hire one guard for every 50 people, but if the venue is located in a high-crime area or has a complex layout, you may need to hire more.

Likewise, if the venue is just one large event space without several floors, doorways, or hallways, fewer guards may be required. However, if there are several interior rooms and exterior spaces to protect, you’ll likely need more.

Ask your security team what they’d recommend once they’ve completed their risk assessment.

Depending on the location and type of event, you may also want to staff guards outside the venue or in parking areas.

Will You Have Access to CCTV Cameras?

When renting an event space, confirm if surveillance cameras are already in place.

If there is no CCTV monitoring system, confer with the event space and the security team you hire to determine if temporary cameras can be installed. Cameras  verify whether the venue will allow you or your security team to access those cameras – and if that access will be on site only or available remotely.

If you own the space where the event will take place and don’t already have CCTV cameras set up, consider installing them. At a minimum, you should position cameras at each and every access point.

You Might Like: The Beginner’s Guide to Hiring Security Guards

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Where to Find Private Event Security Guards for Hire

Don’t just hire the first local security company that pops up in your Google search.

Before hiring, read online reviews and fully vet the company to learn what security solutions they provide.

In California, the easiest way to find security guards is to search a database like Security Explorer.

At Security Explorer, you can search by region and expertise — select your locality and set the category filter to “Event Security” to discover top-rated security teams with specific experience in private events.

Another easy way to find a security company is to ask your venue for a recommendation. Venues often have preferred vendors and may be able to connect you with a security team that already knows the layout of the event space.

Whether you’re throwing a corporate fundraiser, a small movie premiere party, or a 500-guest wedding, hiring private security is the best way to keep your guests safe and create a secure environment where everyone can enjoy themselves.

Without security measures in place, you’re putting all of your guests — as well as your reputation — at risk.

To find professional event security in California, visit Security Explorer now.

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