Event security is an essential feature of any event and takes many forms, from traffic management to manned guarding, door supervision or close protection.

Event security companies are regulated by the Security Industry Authority which is responsible for the private security industry.

Their employees are SIA registered licensed guards who have no criminal convictions and are licensed to engage in event security jobs such as manned guarding - whether guarding premises from break-in and unauthorised entry or close guarding individuals from risk of assault, door supervision, public space surveillance (CCTV) and immobilization, restriction and removal of vehicles.

SIA licensed security guards are distinguished by their official identity badges that they wear at all times whilst on duty. Event security companies should always be able to demonstrate that they have full public liability insurance.

Whether or not an individual requires a license is determined by the role that is performed and the activity that is undertaken. These are described fully in Section 3 and Schedule 2 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

There are a diverse range of events requiring different types of event security, ranging from corporate events such as conferences, exhibitions, seminars, productions, AGMs and company parties to private functions, parties and weddings. Music events require a carefully organised degree of event security whether at venues such as clubs or large festivals and stadium concerts - as do sporting events.

Event security management companies work with event organisers and promoters, providing them with peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that all bases are covered.

Crowd managers liaise with the local police and meet with event organizers and the local authorities to ensure that a full risk assessment has been made with factors such as the number of event security staff, first aiders and police being calculated.

Security response teams are responsible for preventing illegal drugs activities and wounding of guests and can often be involved in other extraneous tasks as searching for missing children at events.

All events require the presence of a safety officer who can be provided by events security companies. The safety officer attends to first aid, health and safety, public safety and public liability.

Manned security guards, protect both premises and individuals depending on the individual licence held and can be seen in build up and loading areas where they occupy positions such as fire exits to ensure that only authorised people enter the premises however, door supervisor licence holders will be needed if the premises hold a licence to sell alcohol and close protection licence holders will be needed for close executive / V.I.P. protection of a particular individual.