Security Journal UK speaks with Jonas Jeffsell, Security Manager at International SOS, to understand the current state of event security – and how to stay prepared.

Despite the Zoom calls, Teams messages and endless email threads that dominate our digital age, there is a real and growing appetite for live events.

The events industry is projected to reach a size of 2.5tn USD by 2035 (source: Allied Market Research) and with this growth comes an increasingly complex threat landscape with which security professionals and organisers must grapple.

“Inherently challenging”

Jeffsell highlighted: “Events are inherently challenging from a security perspective, because they involve large numbers of people, require extensive dedicated resources and present attractive targets.

“Just as the threat environment has evolved, however, so has the response.

“Our technological capabilities are more advanced than ever before, and the collaboration between the public and private sectors is increasingly effective.”

Jeffsell explains that the threats facing event security have changed dramatically in the last decade and especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a former Swedish police officer, one of his first experiences in event security was protecting a horse racing event.

While the initial concern was disorderly visitors and crowd control, his unit soon received intelligence that a planned robbery was imminent.

“We were alerted to the possible planned robbery thanks to our intelligence sources, which enabled us to call in the Reinforced Regional Task Force and display a robust physical presence.

“In the end, no robbery attempt occurred – and it’s possible that our visible presence and swift response deterred the perpetrators,” commented Jeffsell.

Today, there are far more serious threats to contend with at major events than a robbery.

Despite an evolved threat landscape, Jeffsell points out that the principles of security remain consistent: Access to intelligence, physical presence and sound judgment.

How can organisations master event security?

“Flexibility is a security principle that sometimes goes forgotten.

“Policies can be strict, but events involve people and people are unpredictable – so the ability to quickly adapt is crucial.

“That’s a skill honed with practice and exposure.”

It’s to this end that International SOS provides travel and risk management to 65% of the Fortune 500 companies, covering everything from executive protection to emergency evacuations.

In addition, they run crisis management trainings, where a core component is critical event simulation.

Security and risk professionals from corporations, NGOs and governments gather in small groups to sharpen their skills and test their instincts.

Jeffsell reflects that despite switching from law enforcement to private security, the principles he wants to impart are essentially the same.

“When I was a police officer, especially in environments of organised crime, I found that strong networks and relationships were essential.

“These connections provided context, intelligence, and the situational understanding needed to stay ahead of developments.

“As a Security Manager, I find those same skills to be just as critical, particularly in event security.”

As the demand for large-scale live experiences grows, so does the need for a security-first mindset.

Some planners, explains Jeffsell, still view security as an afterthought – or worse, a hindrance.

“Sometimes there’s a tendency to blame the attendees when a large event gets out of control, but the ultimate responsibility always rests with the organisers.

“If you can’t plan for people to behave unpredictably – as they will do if faced with a panic, contradicting information or extreme weather conditions – then you shouldn’t be putting on an event at all.

“Organisations that invest in security might not see an immediate return on investment, because success is silent and failure is loud – but they’ll certainly feel the cost of neglecting it.”

What is the outlook for security at major events?

Looking ahead, Jeffsell sees an exciting mix of challenges and opportunities for the future of event security.

“Geopolitical instability, social unrest and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic have made us all more aware of our surroundings and the risks we face when we gather en masse.

“At the same time, organisers have an opportunity to proactively reassure eventgoers by keeping their security resources present, visible and ahead of rapid technological and social change.

“Best-in-class event security can be a differentiator for the organisers willing to invest in it.”

Jeffsell highlighted the example of a prominent food delivery service that recently sponsored four of the UEFA football finals.

With no in-house security team of their own, the company wanted to ensure that the events met their safety standards, to protect their people as well as their brand reputation.

A dedicated Security Consultant from International SOS spent more than three months with the clients, meticulously planning and executing security strategies during the finals.

As a result, the events unfolded smoothly, with one security and three health assistance cases managed by the International SOS team.

“Event security for a major gathering like this requires a specific set of skills and resources that even larger organisations might not have.

“That’s where a provider like International SOS, which has been around for 40 years, can lend a hand and provide some peace of mind to their stakeholders.”

With more major global events on the horizon, including COP30 (Brazil) and the 2026 FIFA World Cup (hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico), many organisations are planning for complex security environments.

Coupled with factors such as stricter border control and the prevalence of natural hazards and extreme weather events, the need for event-specific intelligence and resources is becoming increasingly self-evident.

About International SOS

Jonas Jeffsell is the Security Manager for Nordics at International SOS.

He served in the Swedish Police Authority for nine years, beginning as a patrol officer in high-crime areas in the Stockholm suburbs and advancing to the rank of investigator with strategic responsibilities.

His specialisms include risk assessment, crisis management and navigating complex projects. 

International SOS is a leading health and security services provider, helping organisations worldwide to protect their people. 

The company works closely with organisers and attendees to ensure the highest levels of preparedness for major events, including Summer and Winter Games, the Football World Cup and the COP Climate Change Conference.

This article was originally published in the October edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.