Event security planning: the checklist we run through before we quote
Twelve questions that decide officer numbers, timings and cost for a private party, corporate event or outdoor event.
5 August 2026 · LLS Security
The twelve questions
- What is the event, and who's coming? A 40th birthday with 80 friends is not a 300-ticket club night in a marquee.
- How many people, and is it ticketed or open? Open entry needs more control at the gate.
- Is there a bar, and is it licensed? A licensed bar means SIA door supervisors on entry and around the bar.
- What are the timings — doors, last entry, bar close, end, and when the site is clear?
- How many entrances and exits, and can any be closed?
- Where's the car park, and does it need marshalling?
- Is the event indoors, outdoors or both? Weather and lighting change the plan.
- Any VIPs, speakers or performers who need a walk-in and walk-out?
- Any known concerns — a previous incident, an ex-partner, a rival group, protest interest?
- Who is the event manager on the day, and how do we reach them?
- Is there a radio channel, or do we bring our own?
- What does the venue or the council require? Some sites require a written security plan; a Temporary Event Notice may carry conditions.
What comes back
A short written plan: officer numbers by position, timings, the lead officer's name, the meeting point and the radio channel, plus a quote per officer, per hour, ex VAT. Nothing on it is a surprise on the day.
After the event
Headcounts, incident reports and hours are on your Cover Board the same night — useful for your own debrief and for next year's plan.
