In the wake of the recent mass shooting at a Las Vegas music festival, security is top of mind for many planners. We’ve rounded up three tech products that can be used to develop security plans, monitor crowd flow, and gather information on suspicious activity from the guests themselves.
Chatbots are becoming a common communication tool for events, and SpyChain uses that technology to crowdsource security threats. The bot can be embedded in a mobile app, or used on its own via Facebook Messenger. Attendees can use SpyChain to report any security concerns, such as a suspicious package, unusual behavior from fellow attendees, fights, etc., and all submissions are anonymous. “Research has told us that people don’t want to get involved directly into situations, but they wouldn’t mind reporting things that can help resolve issues,” says Vish Ramakrishnan, C.E.O. of CogniFrame, maker of the SpyChain bot.
Users can upload photos and videos in addition to text, and every entry is tagged with a GPS location. SpyChain can also be used to communicate with attendees in emergency situations. Ramakrishnan says the system uses machine-learning algorithms so over time it will be able to predict the severity of various security concerns and make suggestions for preventive measures.
InControl Simulation Solutions works with planners to prepare for crowd flow and evacuation routes at large events. The company creates computer models using site- and event-specific data, drawings, and emergency plans to “forecast” potential problem areas. The 3-D simulation models can be used to evaluate emergency scenarios with security staff and local law enforcement officials, and to determine solutions for issues such as where to put ticket booths, bathrooms, and food stands. They can also be used to train event staff and volunteers on how to handle various situations.
Crowd Connected offers a suite of location-based solutions for events known as Colocator. The system can be integrated into an event’s mobile app to manage security as well as other location-based analytics and communications. Colocator uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to track attendee location and behavior. For indoor events it may also use beacons. Organizers can use the system to see a heat map of where attendees are congregating, how long it is taking people to move from one area to the next, or where there might be issues. “For example if you see people moving away very fast from an area, that could indicate a security issue,” said Mark Maydon, commercial director for Crowd Connected.
Planners get a real-time view of their event that can be customized to focus on certain areas if necessary. They can also use the system to send messages to specific subsets of attendees, for example sending instructions on the location of the nearest exits.
