Enhancing Security for Your Gazebo or Marquee at Outdoor Events
Outdoor trade shows and multi-day events like National Field Days or A&P Shows are a staple in Aotearoa’s event calendar, especially if you’re a business putting your brand out there. For teams using branded gazebos or marquees, the trade-off is prime visibility, but these can come with specific security risks. From unpredictable overnight weather to concerns around theft, ensuring your temporary structure (and everything within it) stays safe the entire time.
In this blog, we’re exploring the best ways to enhance security for pop up gazebos (with some bonus tips for marquee security). We’re focusing on practical solutions you can implement before, during, and after your next event. Event security, look out, because you’re about to get an upgrade.
1. Assess Potential Security Risks
First things first; before unpacking your branded gazebo and laying out your products, take a few minutes to assess the venue for potential security risks. There will likely be on-site event security, but there are more outdoor safety tips to consider from your perspective, including:
- Weather threats: Strong winds, rain, or unexpected storms can damage your setup.
- Theft or vandalism: Multi-day events often include overnight stays, when unattended marquees can be a target.
- Trip hazards or unauthorised access: Particularly in high-traffic areas or after hours.
Understanding the lay of the land in this way lets you plan your protection measures carefully, so you can focus on what you do best: business.
2. Add Physical Security Measures
You’re working with a pop-up gazebo, so one of the most important things to think about is the physical security measures you can add to make the actual structure of the shelter more secure for multi-day events. On this front, there are three things to think about:
a. Anchoring and weights
Proper gazebo anchors are essential. Depending on the ground type (grass, gravel, or asphalt), options include:
- Weight bags or sandbags: Ideal for asphalt or hard surfaces.
- Peg and rope systems: Great for grass or areas with soil.
- Concrete blocks or steel plates: Best for commercial gazebos requiring maximum stability.
b. Gazebo side walls
Many modern pop-up gazebos come with zippers, fasteners, or velcro for gazebo side walls. Investing in a gazebo with side walls has the benefit of:
- Reducing visibility of valuables and other items
- Helping deter opportunistic theft by creating an extra barrier
- Providing protection against the wind and the elements, preventing goods from blowing away or getting damaged
c. Quality replacement parts
Always carry gazebo replacement parts like extra joints, brackets, or fasteners. These can save the day if part of your structure is compromised mid-event.
3. Nail Down Your Post-Event Security Checks
Most large events have their own event security teams, but it’s important not to overlook your own checks when it comes to security for pop up gazebo set-ups. Try to get these in both before each day starts and after each day has finished. After all, just because the crowd has gone home doesn’t mean your work is done!
End-of-day wrap-up:
- Secure all zippers, locks, and anchors.
- Store stock in weather-proof containers, ideally locked and stacked inside the marquee.
- Take smaller valuables (cash boxes, tablets, card readers) with you.
Morning setup checks:
- Inspect the frame and canopy for signs of tampering or damage.
- Verify that all anchors and weights are in place and haven’t shifted.
- Test any surveillance devices (if you have them set up) to ensure they work correctly.
If you have time, consistent small checks throughout the day ensure you won’t have to deal with any major disruptions the next day!
Bonus: Tips for Multi-Day Events
There are a few other things you can do to secure your marquee or gazebo for a multi-day event. What you need will depend on the existing event security, but some extra attention paid to these areas will give you some serious peace of mind:
- Use signage stating “Under 24/7 Surveillance” even if you only use basic monitoring (this can deter opportunistic theft).
- Invest in a branded gazebo with strong and reinforced walls to improve structural durability and deter casual interference.
- Purchase insurance to cover trade show belongings and equipment. If your calendar is packed with events year-round, it’s a worthwhile investment to protect your items against damage or theft.
These tips can even apply to single-day events where you might need to leave your stall for certain parts of the day, whether that means going to the bathroom or simply popping out to discuss a business opportunity with a fellow vendor. Flexibility is everything at these shows, and having the ability to lock up your stall and leave safely at any moment is a serious advantage when it comes to networking.
Explore your options for pop up gazebo security with Hercules.
With a few proactive steps, you can sort out security for pop up gazebo set-ups without leaving any vulnerabilities for others to exploit. Whether you’re attending a three-day trade show or a single-day festival, investing in marquee security isn’t just about protecting your stock; it’s also about protecting your brand, your reputation, and your peace of mind.
If you’re keen to upgrade your gear before the next event, we have a range of gazebo side walls, gazebo anchors, and gazebo replacement parts designed to stand up to Aotearoa’s unique conditions.
