Ways to Maintain Trade Show Security

A lot can happen in a trade show and if you're not careful, you could lose a lot through product theft, damage, pilferage and mismanagement.  Learn the ways you can ensure trade show security and make your participation a more enjoyable experience.

Physical Security
Physical security is the first concern of every trade show participant.  This refers to your immediate surrounding, which can include buildings, visitors and other participants.  When considering security for your trade show, keep the following in mind:

- Is the location of the trade show accessible and considered safe?
- Is the building where the trade show will be held considered sound?  
- Is there sufficient support and protection from professional security personnel?
- How many exit points are there from where your booth will be standing?  In case of an emergency, will you be able to reach those exits in a short period of time?
- Does the building offer safety equipment (fire extinguishers, automatic sprinklers, smoke alarms, etc.?)
- How will participants and visitors enter and leave the room or building?
- Are people checked by security personnel before they enter?
- How many security personnel are involved in keeping peace and security during the trade show?  Is the number of security personnel enough compared to the size of the building or trade show area and number of participants and visitors?
- What types of security equipment are being used to ensure that the trade show is safe?
- Is there a possibility that the trade show will attract troublemakers?  If so, what are the security measures that the organizers have put in place?
- In case there is a problem, is there a representative of the trade show organizers you can turn to for help?

Product Security
Product security is your next concern but it's equally important.  To keep your products safe, here are things you need to consider:

- What is the likelihood that your products will be stolen, pilfered or damaged because of mishandling?
- What are the security measures you have put in place to prevent these from happening?
- Is there a trade show participant whose products are considered unsafe, such as flammable materials or potentially toxic chemicals?
- If you're using electronic devices to keep your products safe, do you have access to emergency backup or power in case it goes out?
- Can you and your sales personnel handle the number of people who will be coming to your booth to browse, examine, review and inquire about your products and services?  Do you have security gadgets that will allow your visitors to freely interact with your products without your participation?