Trade show events in the U.S. are multi-billion-dollar events — they made a whopping $13.2 billion in revenues in 2017. That represents a $400 million increase in profits from the year before!
And in 2019, almost two-thirds of marketers say they’ll spend even more on live events.
This means more valuables — from electronics to giveaways to actual products — will be on site. That means trade show events are an even bigger target for thieves and criminals.
So, as an exhibitor, you’re likely wondering how trade show video surveillance works. How it can help deter criminals from targeting your booth.
Ready to find out all the answers to these burning questions you have? Then let’s get right into it!
Trade Show Video Security Equipment is Easy to Set Up
Most trade show organizers allow exhibitors to be on-site at least an hour before opening during the show, and 2-3 days before the entire event begins. This gives exhibitors enough time to put the final touches on their booth before the gates open. This is also the time for ensuring your job site security plan is already in place.
The good news is, setting up the best video surveillance system takes 10 minutes or even less. Once set up, you can have the camera rolling right away even before it starts to get crowded. This way, your booth is already protected in case the first wave of attendees brings a thief with it.
Non-Stop Video Recording of Equipment
One way to prevent theft during trade shows is to show people you’ve got serious security. Seeing a CCTV alone can already make criminals think twice about committing a crime. Even more so if they see a sign saying “Active Surveillance” or if there are strobe lights on the system.
That’s because they’ll know that they’re on camera, and that camera is recording every time it sees motion. Furthermore, since these are remote-monitored, they can’t tamper with the clips sent to the monitoring center. If they’re caught lifting your stuff, there’s no way they can delete the recording.
Comes with Multiple Camera Views
At the very least, trade show security video equipment should have two camera views. One camera monitoring one side, and another for the other side of the booth. Combined, they should give you 180-degree perimeter surveillance.
Video surveillance equipment can also be set up to nine feet in the air. This high position makes it easier to capture potential thieves on camera. Have a bird’s eye view makes it easier to detect suspicious activities.
Now, compare that with security guards who can only see what’s in front of them. Plus, there’s not a lot of guards who are seven-footers, much less, nine-footers.
Features Time Lapse Video Recording Capabilities
Did you know that Internet users now watch a billion hours of YouTube videos? And that over nine in 10 of mobile video consumers share what they watch online?
So… What does that have to do with your trade show security videos?
Well, the best security video trade show equipment can also provide you with a time lapse video. From start to finish, a time-lapse video captures everything in a fluid but sped-up footage. These videos can be mesmerizing, which is why they’re also great as marketing tools.
So aside from increased security, trade show surveillance also has a creative aspect! Time lapses are fun and even amazing to watch, so they can be a great addition to your next marketing campaign.
Alert-Triggering Camera Analytics
Traditional CCTV relied on someone constantly watching over the footage. But if that someone steps out for a quick break, a crime could’ve already happened.
Whereas the latest video surveillance technology in trade shows use camera analytics. These programs are set to trigger an alarm in case the system detects motion. This alarm can be sent to a monitoring station where surveillance agents take immediat action.
So, how do these analytic features work?
Let’s say someone enters the restricted area of your trade show booth. Once the camera picks up that movement, it will immediately trigger the alarm. It’ll notify you and the remote surveillance staff about the perimeter breach.
A Speaker to Talk Down a Potential Criminal
Not all criminals will flinch at the sight of visible security equipment. That means you may still encounter overconfident criminals during the trade show. They’ll still cross your perimeter, even after seeing an “Active Surveillance” sign.
That’s why today’s remote surveillance systems come equipped with a speaker. The expert security personnel will use this to “talk to” and warn the criminal.
In many instances, all it takes to scare off a potential thief is to make a loud announcement of what they look like. Describing their appearance and their clothes over a mic can be enough to make them flee from your booth.
Let’s say your video surveillance system’s analytics detect a suspicious person. It will notify both you and the remote surveillance specialists. The security specialists can then use the speaker to make such an announcement.
Audible Warnings
And when the video surveillance agent is activating this loud audible warning, all eyes will turn to where the sound comes from. So more people will have a good look at the potential thief. And the more people who get a good look at a criminal, the more witnesses there are.
Having many witnesses can be very helpful in case of police investigations. Plus, the criminal will be less likely to come back to the event after this. A single triggered alarm can also scare off other criminals in the event.
Overnight Professional Monitoring
Trade show-related crimes have a critical time frame different from home crimes. Most home crimes occur between 10 AM and 3 PM since there’s no one home during these hours.
But for trade shows, it’s during the after-event hours that exhibitors are at the greatest risk. Even if there are night guards patrolling the venue, they won’t focus only on your booth. Unless you hire a security guard, no one will look after your booth alone.
Also, violent crimes committed by adults are more common at night. 24% of such crimes occur between 8 PM and 12 AM, with 9 PM being the peak hour.
That’s why trade show surveillance security is essential for these critical hours. Remote video security surveillance specialists will monitor your booth from 5 PM to 8 AM. If they notice suspicious behavior, they’ll notify you, the local authorities, and the event security right away.
Cameras Are Viewable on Mobile Devices
Trade show security surveillance should be viewable on your own devices. You should be able to access what the camera is seeing and recording on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The best surveillance company makes this easy through a downloadable mobile app.
With this app, you can always check in on what’s happening at your booth while you’re on break. At night, you can check the video through your laptop so you’ll rest easy knowing everything is secure.
No Long-Term Obligations
Trade shows are short-term events, sometimes only lasting for a day or two. That’s why video surveillance security service should also be a short-term contract. This is cheaper but still more professional than buying your own security equipment.
Recorded Videos Can Serve as Evidence in Police Investigations and Claims
Today’s surveillance security cameras are now capable of recording ultra-clear, high-resolution videos. That makes them excellent visual evidence in case a crime happens during the event. The police can use this as proof for their investigation.
At the same time, you can also use the recorded footage when filing an insurance claim. Actually, before you buying event insurance, tell the insurer about your surveillance security. This may prompt them to give you a discounted insurance rate.
Smarter Security for a Fraction of the Cost
If you hire a security officer for your booth, expect to pay about $27-$30 an hour. If you’ll have the guard on duty from 5 PM to 8 AM, that’s $27 by 15 hours or $405 on average. $810 for a two-day shift, or $1,215 if the event lasts for three days.
Mobile or portable security surveillance systems can be up to 15% less than that cost. Plus, you can rest assured that your security team won’t fall asleep on duty and you’ll get that great show time lapse to use for future marketing.
Secure Your Trade Show Booth with Trade Show Video Surveillance
As you can see, trade show video surveillance is a smart move to secure your trade show booth. It also protects you better, since there are fewer risks of human error. Best of all, it will save you money.
So, for your upcoming trade show, consider using our Trade Show Video Guard. You can also give us a call if you have any questions about trade show security.
