Improving Safety at Conventions with Security Solutions

If you are hosting any kind of convention, exhibition or conference, then security needs to be one of your primary concerns. It is important that all of your suppliers, exhibitors and guests are kept as safe as possible so that they can enjoy the experience and get the most out of it. This can mean controlling who is allowed access to your event, as well as looking at the flow of traffic throughout it to ensure that there are less risks of incidents and overcrowding.

There are a number of different security solutions that you can employ for your convention, so in this article we have decided to take a look at some of the most effective methods that you might want to consider.

To explain further, Lucinda Osgerby of Newgate shares professional insights into how you can improve convention security.

Controlled Access

One of the best ways to keep people safe is to control who is able to access your event in the first place. This can be achieved by integrating physical security solutions into your entrances and exits. Turnstiles tend to be a very popular option as they are not only able to help you control who comes into the event, but you can also control the flow of people as well.

Full height turnstiles ensure that no one is able to jump them in order to get into the event without permission. They can be fitted with access control systems which mean authorisation can be scanned or checked before the turnstile can be operated, and twin rotor turnstiles ensure that larger crowds can keep moving in a safe and controlled way without causing unnecessary delays.

Alternatively, you may also want to consider installing gates or barriers which ensure that only authorised attendees can enter. These work on a much larger scale and can therefore help to control the number of vehicles coming onto your site, as well as pedestrians. They can feature automated access control that works through scanning passes or ANPR technology, or they can be manned by a physical security guard.

Crowd Management

When it comes to your attendees, you not only need to monitor who you let in, but how many people can gain access at one time. There are likely to be safety restrictions which put a limit on how many people can be in a space and you will need to apply safety measures to ensure that this remains the case. You therefore need to make sure that there are sufficient barriers and even fencing to guide where your attendees will go in order to control the flow of traffic throughout the event and prevent any overcrowding issues.

Enhanced Security

As well as physical security measures such as gates, barriers and turnstiles, you might also want to consider some enhanced security methods. This employs innovative technology to help you control who gains access to your event and how they behave within it.

CCTV cameras can help you to gain an oversight of the entire event, ensuring that you are able to spot anyone who might be causing trouble. This gives you the ability to deal with it quickly and to identify any offenders as soon as possible.

You may also want to integrate ID scanners and ticketing systems. These can not only be put at entrances but can also be used to restrict access to certain areas within the event. Each form of ID or ticket will provide authorisation for the holder to enter, ensuring you know exactly who is at the event and can keep out anyone who is not wanted.

Physical Security

Any security measures that you put in place will always need someone there who can enforce them, and so you should also look at involving a number of security guards or personnel. These can help to monitor your entrances and exits and can also keep an eye on CCTV to check what is happening throughout the event.

They will then be in the best position to react and respond to any problems and can be on hand quickly to help people. Seeing a physical security presence can also work as an effective deterrent to anyone who may have had unpleasant intentions as they will be more aware that there is someone there to stop them.

Emergency Preparedness

A big part of any security plan for a large event is to be prepared for an emergency. This requires plenty of planning in advance to make sure that you have covered all eventualities. The first thing you will need to consider is how to quickly evacuate people in the case of an emergency.

You therefore need to think about the quickest routes out of the event and ensuring that there are multiple exits for people to use. You may want to include automated gates to make it easier for people to leave in a hurry, and you should ensure that all exit routes are kept clear throughout the event, as any blockages or obstructions could prevent people getting to safety.

Data Collection

Data collection is also now an important part of any security solution. Sensors and scanners in security devices can ensure that you know exactly who is in your event. It gives you the ability to prevent people from attending if you feel that they may pose a risk. It also means that you can use the information gathered at previous events to help you plan the next one.

You will be able to see how many people were in attendance and track things such as busy periods or the areas which may have attracted the most people. By understanding these factors, you will then be more aware of what safety measures are needed at your next event, and your planning can therefore be more effective.

When it comes to planning a convention, there is no single security measure that should be put in place. Instead, you should look at a combination of methods that can work well together to help keep people safe, make the experience an enjoyable one, and ensure that people will want to come back again in the future.