Event security has evolved well beyond the standard uniformed officers, access control and incident response. Today’s event security professionals are strategists who use intelligence driven risk-based models to mitigate threats by identifying and addressing gaps and vulnerabilities. Successful event security planners practice a holistic approach combining physical protection of people and property, from obvious threats of terror and violence, along with the subtle art of protecting brand and reputation. Such an approach necessarily includes protest planning. If not managed properly, a protest can not only upstage your event but may become the only event that anyone will remember.
Activism of all stripes is on the rise as our increasingly polarized and partisan society seems driven by growing socio-economic and political disparities. Special events act as a magnet to those who seek a prominent stage where they can showcase their cause and maximize their audience. Recent media reporting is filled with examples of protests that become the headlines at corporate, academic, sporting, political and other events.