Event Security at London ExCeL and IFSEC International 2014

With IFSEC and FIREX International back in the capital, IFSEC Global spoke to a security manager at its new home, London ExCeL.

Americo Abreu, a former soldier in the Portuguese army, outlines the exhaustive preparations involved in delivering events at the 100-acre conference venue in the heart of Docklands.

IFSEC Global: How much of a challenge is running security in such a huge venue?

Americo Abreu: It’s quite a challenge, which makes it an attractive job. Every day is different.

You need to risk-assess each show to ensure we have all measures in place to deliver a safe environment and to make sure we have right security in place.

Every event will have their own dedicated event security and they must provide the venue with a security plan, which is then reviewed and authorised by event management to ensure that all legal requirements are met.

The main aim is to ensure visitors have a good experience, enjoy themselves and that we keep them as safe as possible.

We do a lot of checks in order to prevent unexpected issues and deliver a successful show. There are constant briefing meetings, catch-up meetings…

IG: What security systems/technologies are installed at ExCeL?

AA: We have a Pelco Endura CCTV system composed of 309 CCTV cameras and monitored 24/7 by our internal security and maintained by SECOM. Our CCTV system is backed up on a UPS system to prevent the loss of CCTV should we lose power.

We are currently utilising the latest camera technology in the market. It’s a HD, fully functional, new generation, 2MP,  six megapixel camera providing superior video with improved lense configuration.

We also have back-up system we can operate with remote control anywhere outside our ExCeL offices.

Our fire systems is an electronic system that is monitored and maintained 24/7 by a company called PLP. It alerts us to any activations and has a graphic showing the location. There is a four-minute window for our internal fire officers team to investigate the incident.

IG: How often do you review security procedures and technologies?

AA: We review our procedures and protocols continuously, as and when required. When there is new technology we look into it immediately to see if it is feasible.

We continuously invest in new technology in order to keep it up to date, because we don’t want to have to suddenly review all our CCTV systems in a couple of years.

IG: How many security staff are typically on site during an event?

AA: It all depends on the threat level. The UK has five threat levels but the venue has three: low, medium and high.

If the UK threat level goes up and there is intelligence showing that it might cause complications to us, then we will upgrade the threat level the next day and advise and increase the number of security staff.

The in-house team is composed of 26 individuals, with six in each team, led by a team leader who reports to me. There is also a controller operating systems 24/7 along with the team leader.

There is a fully marked security vehicle, which is our emergency response unit. Three individuals do foot patrols. It is 24/7, every day of the year.

IG: What kind of preparation goes into each show?

AA: Every event on site is threat assessed, and a security plan put in place, to be approved by a security manager. This must reflect and take into consideration the venue procedures, protocols and emergency requirements. Once this is in place, the security schedule will be given the go ahead.

If we receive any intelligence showing any possible disruptions, such as protest activities, then we will the make suggestions accordingly.

IG: How do security staff typically respond to security incidents?

AA: We respond quickly and effectively every day in numerous ways, but most emergencies are medical situations.

If we receive a request for an ambulance then we have a protocol where we provide information about the incident itself to the ambulance so they can prioritise accordingly. We then send an emergency unit to meet them at the entrance to our estate and take them directly to the incident location as quick as possible.

All other incidents are given the same level of treatment, statements are taken and an internal report compiled.

ExCeL is a 100-acre site and the venue is 100,000 square metres. It is constantly patrolled and monitored by the security department.

IG: Do you share best practice with other exhibition venues?

AA: We do share best practice with other venues via the AEV Security Working Group Association, where we sit down and discuss protocols, procedures and a way forward, etc.

IG: So the Protection and Management Series is in good hands?

AA: IFSEC is an extremely important client to us – the biggest security event worldwide. It’s your first time with us, so we will work with you all to make sure you have a successful and good experience.

We constantly work with our clients in order to provide the best service and make sure they have a successful show.

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