Security and Risk – Six top tips to select a venue

With the security related events of London and Manchester at the forefront of everyone’s minds, keeping event attendees as safe as possible has become another topic that corporate event professionals need to be expert in.  There are also natural hazards, such as the earthquake in Mexico, fires in California and floods.  Trinity Event Solutions holds regular Meetings Voice Summits for clients and potential clients to network and learn, and a recent event focused on these issues.

If your event attracts attention, because of the topic, political situation, has VIPs or is high-profile, such as an awards event, then these can be more vulnerable.

Venue selection can have a considerable impact on the security of an event, so here are six tips to consider:

1. Consider the venue’s location – is it set back from the road or does it have a private entrance? Venues that are set back will be harder to attack in a vehicle, and less likely to suffer from criminal surveillance too.
2. Check that the venue has CCTV on all entrance points so that they can monitor everyone who enters or leaves the venue. If they have CCTV then this is a great indication of a well designed security plan.
3. Does the venue have the ability to close off access to the building? Also is there an alternate route out of the building should one road be cordoned off?
4. Ask the venue about safe havens and evacuation. Do they have enough capacity for everyone attending and are these areas spread around the property?
5. Prepare your own simple security and emergency plan. Brief key staff and give them a printed copy. Don’t rely on an electronic copy, as mobile networks could be taken down.  Discuss your plan with the venue and ask to see their security and emergency plan. They should be happy to share their plans with you.  
6. Make sure you have the contact details and location of the nearest police stations, hospitals and if you’re abroad, the British Embassy.

What you can do in advance

When you are at the initial stage of venue selection, ask the venue: 

• What are their emergency procedures
• How do they keep non attendees out of your area
• What is their record of criminal activity
• What is their record of cyber attacks

For more information about organising your events and selecting the appropriate venue, call 01780 484051 or email [email protected]