Crowd management is an important part of security and safety at your event. Although there are a number of passive measures you can take, the use of security staff is one of the best ways to manage and control crowds. To help you deploy these valuable resources at your gathering, here are five key places to station your event security personnel for the best crowd management results. 

1. At Entrances and Exits.

Certainly, the first — and often one of the worst — crowd bottlenecks at any event are the entrances. This can be a particular problem at ticketed venues where credentials must be checked and at locations with more security screening measures. Include security personnel to help direct people to the right places, keep lines orderly, and give instructions so guests are ready when they reach the front of the line. 

2. Around Food and Beverages.

Lines for food and beverage stations tend to form all at once and can create chaos in dining areas. Hungry and thirsty attendees may not be very understanding. And lines in busy food areas can easily become confused and clumsy. They may also be a fire hazard. Live security staff can help keep lines from extending into pathways and can assist guests in finding the right food lines. 

3. Into Popular Events.

Within your main event, you will also undoubtedly have certain events that could easily become overcrowded. Consider how to maintain the right amount of people in the most popular exhibits, panels, rooms, or zones. Security staff might monitor the numbers of people coming and going, allowing others in at intervals. They might also check badges or tickets to ensure only authorized guests go inside. 

4. At Backstage Areas.

Simply putting up a sign that says 'employees only' is insufficient to deter all unauthorized guests. Security staff placed at backstage or private areas are more valuable than most other forms of security when it comes to letting in the right people and keeping others out. 

5. After the Main Event.

Crowd management isn't just about monitoring who gets inside an event. Pay attention to crowding issues when a major event ends as well. Everyone will leave at once, often heading for the same destinations and often in an excitable state. Station security personnel along exit routes to keep people moving in an orderly fashion and to avoid conflicts within the crowd. 

As you plan your live security staffing, knowing the most valuable places to put them will help keep crowds light and happy. Learn more about crowd management techniques by consulting with an event security service in your area today.