I had the opportunity to cover Insomniac’s Countdown NYE Festival and observe the safety and security measures put in place for all attendees. The annual event, held at the National Orange Show Event Center in San Bernardino, California, draws thousands of electronic dance music fans to witness performances by some of the industry’s biggest names. With such a large crowd in attendance, event security is critical.

Prior to the event, I witnessed the check-in process for the IPS security guards. The procedure included verification of credentials, check-in with payroll, receipt of uniforms, assignment to teams, and training on protocols to be followed during the event. The security personnel underwent a thorough briefing, where they received detailed information about the layout of the festival grounds, emergency procedures, and protocols to be followed in case of incidents. This ensured that all IPS guards were well-informed and prepared to handle any situation that may arise during the event. Shortly after everyone was checked in and assigned to teams, the IPS event manager brought everyone together in a huddle and emphasized the importance of being professional, calm, and respectful in their approach to attendees, as they were the first point of contact for many festivalgoers and their actions set the tone for the entire event.

A prayer and an energetic Samoan chant followed immediately after; a sort of ritual that has been a staple for IPS prior to the start of any event. While some may be reluctant to participate in the high-energy chants and claps, a boost in morale and eagerness to begin the day’s shift can be seen in the eyes of the majority, as they are reminded of the importance of their role in ensuring the safety of the attendees.

Upon entering the festival, I was greeted by the smiles of IPS security personnel conducting thorough bag checks and metal detector screenings. The process was efficient and non-intrusive, and the staff were polite and professional in their approach. As I made my way through the festival grounds, I couldn’t help but notice the visible presence of security personnel patrolling the area. Whether it was police officers or private security guards, it was clear that crowd management was a top priority for the event.

During the event, I also had the opportunity to speak with some of the security staff about the measures they were taking to ensure the safety of all attendees. They highlighted the importance of being proactive and aware of potential risks and discussed the various emergency protocols they had in place to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency.

However, what stood out the most to me was the joy and energy the guards brought to their task, despite the seriousness of their job. They were always smiling and interacting with the crowd, making the festivalgoers feel safe and comfortable. They truly embodied the spirit of the festival and played a crucial role in making the event a memorable and enjoyable experience for all attendees.