Who Are You Looking At?

As people are entering your event, mingling in the lobby, or strolling through the tradeshow do you know what behaviors or body language to watch for to help deter a security issue? I recently spoke with the leader of a volunteer safety team about this. Below are four things that their safety team members look for when observing a crowd. Some of these may sound extreme, but part of their job is keeping attendees safe, and unfortunately, we have seen what happens when nobody is prepared for rioters, thieves, or some bonehead with a firearm and an axe to grind. Not only do security people seem to have a sixth sense about matters of safety but they also keep an eye out for:

• Someone scanning the rooms or hallways for security cameras. These people may even try to befriend, or strike up a conversation with, a security person in an attempt to nonchalantly ask questions about the security plan, number of guards, or type cameras on the property.
• A person who is overdressed for the weather. Perhaps they are wearing a bulky sweatshirt, baggy pants, or a large coat that is out of season. They could potentially be concealing a weapon or planning to steal merchandise, exhibit booth supplies, or other items from the property. 
• Someone who is sweating profusely. If it is not that hot out, this person could be having a medical emergency. Heart attacks and other heart-related emergencies often present first with sweating symptoms. If it is not a medical emergency, it could be that the person is just incredibly nervous because they are up to no good. 
• A person who is constantly looking for the exits or doesn’t actually go into the session and take their seat or enter the tradeshow floor. They remain in the atrium or lobby while the program is going on and possibly stroll past the merchandise tables, on-site office, or equipment storage room frequently.

Not only do safety team members watch for certain behaviors and body language, but they also position themselves strategically throughout the venue. They stand near greenroom entrances, stage access points, by on-site stores where money is changing hands, and near equipment storage areas. They monitor entryways, watch merchandise tables, check areas that are “closed” or “off-limits,” and walk between tradeshow exhibits. I have seen protestors sit in the crowd during a main session as seemingly innocent attendees only to jump up and begin causing a ruckus during the program. Luckily, there were plain-clothed safety team members sitting in the audience as well who were nearby and could escort them from the room before they disrupted more than a minute of the show.

If you are working with a volunteer safety team, make sure everyone understands their role. I am a proponent of having volunteers be the eyes and ears on the ground and reporting what they see to the proper authorities who step in and take action (see my blog “Don’t Assume the Worst” ). Volunteer safety team members should not be the ones to approach a person unless they have been properly trained and asked to do so.

Have a safety team in place at events regularly, visible and invisible, and strategically located throughout the building. Place team members with “security” shirts near entrances where they can be seen as attendees are entering the building as well as mix in plain-clothed ones into the crowds. When attendees see these measures being taken it sends the message that event hosts are serious about the safety of those we are responsible for while in our care.  

Do you have safety and security tidbits from your events? Feel free to share them here or email me. I’d love to hear what you do.

I’m sure you know someone who plans events. Pass this blog on!