Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this episode, Jeff and Elise sit down with Dan Donovan from Stratoscope to unpack the often-overlooked world of event security—and why getting it right is critical for both guest experience and event success.

In This Episode:

• How decades of experience at the Olympics, Formula One Las Vegas, Dreamforce, and other major events shaped Dan’s approach to security
• Why event security isn’t just about safety—it’s about protecting your brand and reputation
• Practical, budget-friendly steps smaller events can take to improve security
• The critical role of access control, perimeter management, and vetting vendors
• Why communication tools like radios (yes, even at small events!) are a game-changer for safety

Why It Matters:

Security can feel like an afterthought—until something goes wrong. Whether it’s a large-scale festival or a small charity gala, every event has vulnerabilities. This episode explores how thoughtful planning, the right staffing, and simple precautions can reduce risks while keeping the guest experience smooth and welcoming.

Key Takeaways:

• Even small events should consider security as part of the guest experience, not separate from it
• Visual deterrents like law enforcement presence can dramatically increase peace of mind
• Access control, credentials, and staff awareness are your first line of defense
• Radios beat text threads every time when quick, coordinated action is needed
• You can elevate security and keep the event fun—it's all about balance

Final Thought:

No event is too small to be a target. From lost auction items to major safety risks, proactive security planning protects your guests, your reputation, and your peace of mind. Tune in for real-world advice from someone who’s seen it all—and learn how to make safety a seamless part of your event.

Connect with Donovan:
https://stratoscope.com
https://stratosk9.com/
https://ingressotek.com/