As expectations around safety rise and concerns grow over everything from cyberattacks to physical intrusions, venues have responded with a host of advanced measures designed to protect exhibitors, attendees, and staff alike.
But this raises two key questions: as an attendee, how safe do you really feel at events? And as a venue, how many of these protective measures do you actually implement?
Whether you’re on the show floor or behind the scenes, this listicle aims to both inform and inspire. Here are 10 ways venues are raising the bar on event safety:
1. Biometric access control
Biometric systems, using fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris scanning are becoming increasingly common at large-scale venues. These technologies allow for fast, contactless identification, eliminating the risk of stolen or forged ID badges. Some venues are piloting facial recognition gates for VIP or staff entrances, offering both convenience and tight access control. For events with sensitive information or high-profile guests, biometrics add a significant layer of protection.
2. RFID and smart badging
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) badges do more than check attendees into a venue, they track movement in real time. Organisers can monitor footfall across different zones, detect overcrowding, and even generate heat maps for future planning. In emergencies, this technology becomes critical for identifying where people are located and helping to ensure safe and efficient evacuations. It also helps restrict access to staff-only or high-security areas, ensuring only authorised personnel enter.
3. Drone surveillance and anti-drone technology
Drones are increasingly used by venue security teams to monitor perimeters and large outdoor spaces. From above, they can identify crowd surges, suspicious objects, or perimeter breaches that aren’t visible at ground level. However, as drones become more accessible to the public, so do the risks. Many venues now invest in drone detection systems that monitor for unauthorised flying devices and have the capability to jam or neutralise them if necessary, particularly important at political, military, or high-profile corporate events.
4. AI-powered CCTV
Artificial intelligence has transformed traditional CCTV into a proactive security measure. Modern systems use machine learning to identify unusual patterns or behaviours such as unattended bags, unauthorised access attempts, or people gathering in restricted zones. Alerts can be sent instantly to security teams, allowing them to act before incidents escalate. Some venues also use facial matching to flag known threats or identify repeat offenders on watchlists.
5. Cybersecurity for hybrid and digital events
The shift towards hybrid and digital events has exposed organisers to a new type of risk: cyber threats. Venues now often partner with cybersecurity experts to implement encrypted Wi-Fi networks, secure event platforms, and multi-factor authentication for back-end systems. From preventing data breaches to stopping livestream hijacking, these digital safety measures are just as vital as physical ones. Some venues even include cybersecurity packages in their service offerings to protect both organisers and sponsors.
6. On-Site medical and crisis response
Top venues now maintain on-site emergency response teams often including medical professionals, crisis communication officers, and mental health first-aiders. These teams conduct live simulations before major events and are trained to respond to a range of incidents, from minor injuries to large-scale evacuations. In some venues, dedicated control rooms track live feeds and coordinate responses with police and emergency services, ensuring rapid deployment if needed.
7. Advanced bag screening and detection
To keep out dangerous or prohibited items, venues are using increasingly sophisticated screening systems. These include high-resolution X-ray scanners, walk-through metal detectors, and even explosive trace detection units. In high-risk scenarios, handheld scanners and manual inspections may be employed as a second line of defence. Screening points are also carefully positioned to prevent long queues and maintain a smooth visitor experience without compromising safety.
8. Pre-Event threat assessments and scenario planning
Leading venues don’t just react to threats, they plan for them. Working closely with event organisers, security contractors, and local authorities, they conduct pre-event threat assessments tailored to each specific event. This includes evaluating potential risks (e.g. controversial speakers, political protests, international attendees) and planning detailed response protocols. Many venues simulate various emergency scenarios in advance, everything from fires to terror threats to ensure readiness.
9. Digital credentials and contactless entry
Digital ticketing, often in the form of QR codes or app-based passes helps reduce the risk of ticket fraud while also improving entry flow. These systems allow real-time updates on attendee arrivals and departures, and can restrict entry times or set access permissions for specific zones. Paired with automated turnstiles or gate scanners, this approach limits bottlenecks and physical contact, while increasing traceability and control.
10. Security dog units
Trained dog units remain a vital and highly effective part of event security. Canines are used to detect explosives, narcotics, or other banned substances, especially during pre-event sweeps or at loading bays. Their presence serves as both a proactive measure and a visual deterrent, particularly at transport hubs, conference centres, or events with international dignitaries. Many venues work with local law enforcement or private handlers to deploy dog teams as needed.
The post Top security measures: How venues ensure safe and secure events appeared first on Exhibition News | The trade for shows..