Event Security Checklist: Common Event Security Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Picture this: You’ve spent months planning the perfect event — venue locked in, vendors confirmed, guest list sorted. But then… chaos. An overcrowded entrance, an unmonitored backdoor, or worse, a medical emergency with no one properly trained to respond. It happens more often than you’d think.

According to SafeWork Australia, poorly managed events lead to hundreds of preventable incidents each year, from crowd surges to property damage. And in most of these cases, the root cause is the same: overlooking key aspects of event security.

Let’s save you from that nightmare. Here’s a practical event security checklist highlighting the most common security mistakes — and how to avoid them like a pro.

🚨 Mistake #1: Underestimating the Need for Professional Security

“It’s just a small event, we’ll be fine.”
Famous last words. Whether it’s a backyard music gig or a pop-up market in Sydney, every event has risk — and relying on volunteers or friends for crowd control is asking for trouble.

✅ Solution:

Always hire licensed professionals. Teams like A4S Security are trained to handle everything from minor disturbances to full-scale emergencies — discreetly and effectively.

🚫 Mistake #2: Not Conducting a Proper Risk Assessment

Many organisers jump straight into staffing without a plan. But without understanding your venue, crowd type, and risk factors, even the best security team is flying blind.

✅ Solution:

Schedule a comprehensive risk assessment before the event. This should include:

• Entry/exit bottlenecks

• High-traffic zones (like food trucks or bars)

• Local threats (e.g., weather, protest activity)

Your chosen provider should create a custom security plan — if they don’t, keep looking. (Hint: A4S Security does this.)

⚠️ Mistake #3: Hiring Inexperienced or Unlicensed Personnel

Believe it or not, some event organisers skip the license check — either to cut costs or due to simple oversight. The result? Liability, insurance issues, and potentially, legal trouble.

✅ Solution:

Verify that all guards are:

• Properly licensed under your state’s security laws

• Certified in relevant areas (like RSA or first aid)

• Covered by the provider’s insurance policies

Don’t hesitate to ask for documentation — a reputable company will always be happy to provide it.

🎤 Mistake #4: Ignoring Communication Protocols

Imagine trying to report a suspicious person but no one’s on the same channel — literally. Lack of communication is one of the top reasons incidents spiral out of control.

✅ Solution:

Ensure your security team uses:

• Two-way radios or a central communication system

• Clear reporting lines to management

• Real-time updates for high-risk situations

Bonus: Assign a dedicated liaison from your team to stay in direct contact with the security supervisor.

🧯 Mistake #5: No Plan for Emergency Response

From medical incidents to aggressive attendees, emergencies don’t give warning — and every second counts. Without a clear plan, panic spreads fast.

✅ Solution:

Ask your security provider about:

• Their emergency protocols

• Whether their team includes first-aid certified personnel

• How they coordinate with local emergency services

You should also have clearly marked evacuation routes and communicate them with both staff and guests during the event.

🔒 Mistake #6: Failing to Secure All Entry Points

The front gate might be covered, but what about side doors, staff entrances, or fence gaps? Unsecured access points are prime opportunities for gate crashers or theft.

✅ Solution:

Perform a full walk-through of the venue. Identify:

• All entrances and exits

• Areas that require barricading or signage

• Spaces needing additional patrols

A smart security team will map these zones and allocate guards accordingly — not just guess.

🎉 Mistake #7: Forgetting About Post-Event Security

Security doesn’t end when the music stops. In fact, the pack-down phase is one of the riskiest times, with valuable gear left unattended and tired staff letting their guard down.

✅ Solution:

Include post-event coverage in your security contract. Tasks may include:

• Escorting staff during equipment pack-up

• Monitoring vehicle exits

• Ensuring guests don’t re-enter restricted zones

This small step can prevent costly losses and keep everyone safe long after the last guest leaves.

🧠 Conclusion: Your Event’s Safety is in the Details

At the end of the day, event security is about more than just ticking boxes — it’s about creating an environment where guests feel safe, staff feel supported, and the unexpected can be handled without panic.

Avoiding these common mistakes isn’t just smart — it’s essential. And the good news? You don’t have to do it alone. The team at A4S Security specialises in proactive, professional event security solutions across Australia. From intimate functions to large-scale festivals, we’ve got the expertise to keep your event running smoothly, from setup to sign-off.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the most common event security mistake?
Underestimating the need for professional help is a top offender. Many events rely on volunteers or informal arrangements, which often fall short in real emergencies.

2. How can I check if a security guard is licensed?
You can verify licenses through your state’s security licensing register. In NSW, for example, this is managed by the SLED (Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate).

3. Do small events really need security?
Yes — even small gatherings can face risks like medical incidents or gate crashers. A scaled-down but professional security plan is still essential.

4. Should event security also cover the pack-down phase?
Absolutely. Post-event times are vulnerable due to reduced visibility, open access points, and valuable equipment being moved around.

5. How far in advance should I book event security?
Ideally, book at least 4–6 weeks in advance. This gives time for proper planning, risk assessments, and compliance with local regulations.