4 Surprising Event Security Guard Tasks You Wouldn’t Expect
When you think of event security, you likely think of bag checks, pat downs, ticket checking, or guards standing in front of a concert stage. While these are all important elements of an event security guard’s role, their duties are actually much more varied. Protecting safety is a foundational part of a security guard’s role, but event security guards often go above and beyond to provide positive experiences for attendees. Here are four surprising ways security guards contribute to creating safe, smooth, and enjoyable event experiences.
1. Helping Attendees Find Lost Friends
Major events, especially those at large outdoor venues such as music festivals, can quickly become chaotic, making it easy for attendees to become separated from their friends. Large groups gathered in one concentrated area also tend to limit cell phone service, further hindering attendees' ability to reconnect with one another once they are separated.
Luckily, event security guards are nearby to help. The presence of a uniformed event security guard reassures guests, who can feel safe approaching a security guard for help in finding their friends. Event security guards will also closely observe crowds and monitor for signs of distress and other visual cues indicating a person is alone and searching for someone.
Guards will communicate with each other via walkie-talkie and provide a description of the person or people the lost guest is searching for. The security guard may bring the lost attendee to a designated area, where their group can easily find them once contact has been made. These small yet thoughtful details significantly contribute to guest happiness during events.
2. Monitoring Site-Specific Requirements
Every venue comes with its own regulations, many of which aren’t obvious or communicated to attendees, nor do they need to be. One duty of event security guards is to help enforce rules based on city bylaws, including those related to noise and fire safety, as well as venue-specific requirements.
For fire bylaws in Vancouver, for example, security guards will closely monitor a venue’s capacity, restricting access once capacity has been reached. This is especially relevant during unticketed events, such as grand openings and warehouse sales, where event organizers may not have concrete attendance numbers in advance. Additionally, event security guards will ensure that fire lanes, exits, and emergency vehicle parking remain unobstructed throughout the event.
Event venues also typically have a unique list of prohibited items that attendees are not allowed to bring into the event. Read more about how event security guards prevent unauthorized items from entering venue spaces in our previous blog.
3. De-Escalating Conflicts Before They Happen
Especially during lively and crowded 19+ events, one of the most important duties of an event security guard is conflict resolution. Guards use peaceful de-escalation tactics to address aggressive behaviour before it escalates into a conflict or physical fight. Event security guards are constantly scanning crowds, monitoring for disruptive behaviour, arguments, or aggressive body language.
If a security guard notices an argument taking place between attendees or body language indicating anger, they will intervene immediately and help to peacefully resolve the conflict. This can include separating the attendees or using verbal and listening skills to ensure everyone is heard. With careful monitoring, event security guards can ensure that conflicts are addressed before they escalate into a dangerous situation that threatens the safety of others and disrupts the event.
Blackbird Security guards are trained in peaceful de-escalation techniques through our in-house training program, Blackbird Academy, in partnership with the Justice Institute of British Columbia and the Crisis Prevention Institute. Our course teaches guards the communication and emotional management skills necessary to facilitate respectful, thoughtful interactions and successfully resolve conflicts between individuals.
4. Providing On-Site Support for Attendees
In addition to responding to incidents, de-escalating conflicts, and maintaining a safe environment, event security guards are available to answer questions and provide support to guests. Whether an attendee needs help finding the bathroom or has a question about exiting procedures after the event, security guards are happy to help. With a professional, helpful, and friendly response, security guards can make a positive impact on a guest’s overall event experience.
At Blackbird Security, we believe customer service is a priority in every customer-facing security role and that security guards should function as extensions of our clients’ teams. A positive experience with a security guard reflects positively on your event, while a negative one may have the opposite effect. That’s why our guards receive advanced security training in customer service through in-house training, where they learn the skills necessary to provide outstanding service to all attendees.
Partner With Vancouver’s Best Event Security Company
Your event security company should strive to provide the best service possible for every guest. This includes providing a safe environment, resolving conflicts, and going above and beyond to assist attendees wherever possible. In addition to peaceful de-escalation and customer service, our security guards are trained in first aid, fire safety, and crisis intervention to provide a positive and safe experience for every guest at any large event.
Our event security teams have safeguarded numerous major Vancouver events, including Latincouver, UBC Thunderbird Arena concerts, and many others. Get in touch with us using the form below to find out how we can help keep your next event safe.
Want to learn more about how Blackbird Security guards protect events? Check out our previous blogs:
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