Want to Work Behind the Scenes of Major Events? Here’s How Event Security Opens Doors

Want to Work Behind the Scenes of Major Events? Here’s How Event Security Opens Doors

Ever wondered who makes sure concerts, sporting matches, and festivals run smoothly? It’s not just the artists and players — it’s the dedicated event security teams working quietly (and sometimes not-so-quietly) behind the scenes.

If you’re looking for a job with purpose, flexibility, and a front-row view of Queensland’s biggest events, event security might be your perfect fit. Whether you're guiding families at a Wiggles concert or keeping fans safe at Suncorp Stadium, there's a rewarding role for almost anyone.

🏟️ Where Could You Work?

South East Queensland is packed with venues that host large-scale public events — and they all need well-trained security teams.

These venues are constantly hosting music festivals, expos, stadium tours, sports events, product launches, and more — and security is essential for all of them.

👥 Types of Event Security Jobs (And What You’ll Actually Do)

📊 How Many Guards Are Needed?

You’d be surprised — even small events require teams of trained professionals. Here’s a rough idea:

🔐 Is It Safe? What Are the Risks?

Like any public role, there are risks — but you’ll be trained to handle them calmly and professionally. Common challenges include:

• Overcrowding or queues
• Lost kids or distressed guests
• Intoxicated patrons
• Medical emergencies
• Unauthorised access

Major global incidents (like the Astroworld crush or the Manchester bombing) have shaped how venues plan and train for safety — so today’s event security roles are more professional, structured and important than ever.

🧯 Real Incidents That Changed the Industry

• Manchester Arena (2017) – A suicide bombing occurred in the foyer area after an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people and injuring hundreds. It led to a complete overhaul of security procedures related to exit screening, bag policies, and venue perimeter protection. Australia followed suit by re-evaluating venue vulnerability during exit times.
• Astroworld (2021) – A tragic crowd crush at a Travis Scott concert in Houston left 10 people dead and hundreds injured. The failure to adequately manage crowd density and delayed emergency response drew international attention. It led to new protocols around crowd flow design, increased staff presence in high-density areas, and the use of live crowd monitoring technologies.
• MCG Breach (2024) – An individual managed to gain unauthorised access during a major event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, prompting a full review of access control and perimeter patrol. As a result, major venues across Queensland introduced x-ray scanners and tightened gate credentials.
• Marvel Stadium (2018) – During an A-League match, multiple fans invaded the pitch and lit flares. This highlighted gaps in spectator segregation and prompted tougher enforcement policies, including immediate ejections and CCTV tracking to support post-event penalties.
• Laneway Festival (Brisbane, various years) – Though generally low-risk, past editions have reported incidents involving drug overdoses, gate crashers, and extreme heat-related medical emergencies. These have resulted in increased first aid zones, better fencing, and pre-event drug education partnerships with health organisations.
• Schoolies Surfers Paradise (ongoing) – With thousands of teenagers gathering annually, the event has seen incidents related to intoxication, crowd behaviour, and unauthorised rooftop access. Security plays a vital role in harm minimisation, working alongside QPS and youth workers to keep the event safe and responsive.

🔧 What the Industry Learned and Adopted

In response to these real-world incidents, the event security sector in Australia — especially in Queensland — has implemented several critical changes:

1. X-Ray Screening and Bag Policies

• Introduced at high-capacity venues like Suncorp Stadium and BEC
• Enhanced detection of prohibited items before patrons enter

2. Emergency Response Protocols

• More trained mobile teams for rapid response
• Clear evacuation procedures and increased visibility of first aid stations

3. Crowd Management Tactics

• Improved stage and barrier layouts for concerts
• Greater focus on entry/exit flow control and soft gate openings

4. Technology & Surveillance Upgrades

• Widespread use of CCTV, facial recognition, and thermal scanning
• Real-time communication between ground teams and control rooms

5. Multi-Agency Coordination

• Closer cooperation between security firms, QPS, ambulance services, and event promoters
• Pre-event briefings and debriefs involving all stakeholders

6. Staff Training and Licensing

• Stronger emphasis on qualifications (e.g., CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations)
• Focus on customer service, de-escalation, and vulnerability awareness

These enhancements mean today’s security professionals are better prepared, more confident, and part of a well-drilled operation designed to prevent issues — and handle them professionally if they do occur. of proper planning, training, and communication — ensuring that today's event security teams are better equipped to keep patrons safe while supporting smooth, enjoyable events. – Pitch invasions triggered tighter access rules and bans

🎓 How Do You Get Started?

You don’t have to wait until your security licence is approved to start getting involved. Many people begin in support roles that work alongside licensed security teams. These include:

• RSA Marshals – Monitor alcohol service areas, help manage bar queues, check IDs, and report intoxication (must hold an RSA certificate)
• Event Ambassadors – Provide customer service, assist with wayfinding and patron questions, and support crowd control efforts with a friendly presence
• Ticketing & Wristband Crew – Help with entry management, ticket scanning, and distributing wristbands for access zones

These roles are ideal if you’re still completing your training or awaiting licence processing. You’ll gain hands-on experience, build connections, and get a feel for event operations from the inside.

To work in security, you’ll need to be:

• At least 18 years old
• Hold a CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations
• Have a current First Aid & CPR certificate
• Complete your Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) (for any licensed venue work)
• Apply for your QLD Security Licence through the Office of Fair Trading

🧾 Who Hires for These Events?

✔️ Trusted QLD Providers:

Certis Security

• Works with major stadiums and transport hubs
• Known for tech-enabled services like x-ray screening and real-time communications

Asset Protection

• Experts in high-volume crowd events and artist/VIP safety
• Strong reputation in festivals and sports events

Prime Group

• Delivers full event staffing: RSA, ushers, ticketing, traffic and risk planning
• Supports government and corporate events

Infront Security

• Known for control room coordination, drone detection, and event safety management plans
• Works across QLD and nationally for major clients

These companies recruit constantly to staff festivals, expos, concerts and sports across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and regional Queensland.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A Role for Everyone: All Ages and Backgrounds Welcome

Event security is an inclusive opportunity open to people from 18 through to those approaching retirement. Many individuals take on security shifts as a flexible, social way to earn extra income, whether around study, family commitments, or semi-retirement. Others build rewarding long-term careers with opportunities to upskill into leadership, training, or management roles.

Females are in high demand across the industry — not only to meet privacy and safety requirements at events but also because they often bring excellent conflict resolution skills, emotional intelligence, and a calm, customer-focused approach that’s essential for family-oriented and community events.

Whether you’re looking for a casual side hustle, a way to stay socially engaged, or a serious new profession — event security welcomes you.

🚀 Final Thought: It’s More Than a Job

Event security isn’t just about standing at a gate. It’s about helping people have an amazing, safe experience — and often being the calm voice in a tense moment. It’s also a career you can grow into: team leader, trainer, control room operator, even emergency planner.

Whether you're looking for weekend shifts, full-time work, or a new career path — event security puts you in the action and makes a real impact.

Want to find out more about training or jobs near you? Reach out — your next role could start with your first event.