Event security: conflict control is the name of the game by Kim Alderden
Just recently we interviewed Bertus Holkema for an article in the e-magazine of Share Today. The man is an all-round professional on Event security. At the doorstep of the Olympics I like to share some of his insights.
Who is in charge of event security? Does the project manager of the agency have full responsibility or are the various local suppliers each responsible for their own part? About public transportation in London, which is sometimes referred to as a risk due to historical facts. Why separate a group between two airplanes, and the put them the next moment on scooters through the buzzing city centre of, say, Bangkok? Event security is a subjective issue. We tried to find some answers though and had a chat with Bertus Holkema, a no-nonsense Dutchman with 20 years of experience in all sorts of global events.
A little bit of background on the man. From being pain-in-the-ass to his mom at age 13, to fighting with friends on the street a year later, to lessons in karate to create more balance to a career as a professional football player in the Netherlands, Bertus Holkema served the Commando’s in the army and was a doorman at several bars and discotheques. Without really knowing it, he created a certain image: a hospitable security guy with good manners and no fear. Then there came the phone call: the multinational Philips, as sponsor of the Fats Domino event in the Netherlands, was looking for a security expert. There and then his security career began. Touring the world with major bands such as the Dire Straits and The Rolling Stones was a boy’s dream came true. But there was more. Public festival events, bodyguard security to famous football players and eventually he was in charge of security for major sports events worldwide. Hey, what else do you need to become a real pro on the subject?
What is the secret? Holkema: “We always focus on conflict control. This means that we value three important pillars in our day-to-day work; we try to create a friendly atmosphere, an open communication line and hospitable behaviour. Furthermore we are working on the look & feel of our teams. Working in a tailor-made suite is creating a better picture than an oversized jacket or pair of trousers. And we try to build up our teams with a diverse group of persons, preferably with one or two women in each team on the job.”
Today an all-round security company has various disciplines and employs a great variety in staff. Because client focus and hospitable behaviour play such an important role, training and coaching are disciplines Holkema offers clients.“We train catering staff and logistic staff with our knowledge, and so we hope to create a better overall environment for events,” says Holkema.
Taking care of security around sports events is one of the major pillars in his company. It’s no surprise that a lot of his young recruited staff comes from several sports academies. We learn that a sports event is used as sales tool as well. “Edwin van de Sar, a well know Dutch goal keeper played his farewell match at the Amsterdam Arena stadium. The match was filled with celebrities, media power and decision makers at the same time. We offered our services on a complimentary basis, which resulted in very positive feedback and new leads. It may sound unconventional, but for me it is the best sales tool ever.”
A final tip: security has many faces but one thing is very clear, it is essential not to take it for granted. Pay attention and never hesitate to evaluate the security issues around your next event with a professional.
In 2009 the activity of the Holkema Group was sold to ICTS Europe Group.
Interested? Contact Bertus Holkema, feel free to email him directly.
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