Expecting the Unexpected

Change can be a great thing. But when you’re in charge of security and need to quickly switch country for an A-lister’s week-long birthday party and 60 guests because the original location has become too dangerous, then ‘great’ isn’t the first word that springs to mind. When we were first invited to work with our client to help arrange a party to end all parties, we immediately got to work sourcing all the appropriate security measures and assisting with venue suitability. We agreed a suitable location in Egypt, carried out in-depth recces at the venues, sourced, and back ground checked the caterers, yachts, entertainment and all other vendors associated with the event.

We were good to go – but then everything changed. The security situation within Egypt deteriorated rapidly. We felt the changing situation posed a level of risk which was unacceptable to us and the client. We worked quickly with the client and altered the plans to fit with our contingency. And fast. The team scouted again and sourced an appropriate location in Morocco, over 2,000 miles away.

We implemented security procedures and carried out in-depth reconnaissance and risk assessments of all venues, routes, activities, third parties, suppliers and emergency response. We liaised closely with the local police and military to plan in detail the safe movement of our celebrity guests within the local souks, busy cafes and crowded, narrow back streets throughout the city.

Once we were satisfied with the security measures in place and the guests exposure to risk had been reduced adequately within each and every venue, we gave the green light for the party to go ahead. Of course, then the real challenge began for our team of operatives on the ground and the operations team back at HQ…

Priavo organised the seamless logistics and security for the private jets (and all that luggage) coming in and out of the country. We coordinated the guest’s arrival and went through the process of re-checking the hotel grounds, rooms, perimeter and our emergency plans. On days out, we advised the principal guest to adopt a low profile and dress down to try and blend in. We split the entire party into smaller, more manageable groups with our advance party arriving ahead at each location and our security teams escorting the guests. We safely escorted and coordinated mountain climbing , trekking and camping expeditions, dune buggy rides across the dessert, trips through the medina and various themed parties at the resort each evening.

 Throughout the trip operatives kept a low profile within the group, observing discreetly and ready to react if needed. Our security team incorporated a female operative to bridge the gap between female guests and children. And we also included a medically trained operative, as adequate emergency medical services are limited in Morocco.

Forward planning, meticulous attention to detail and contingency planning ensured nothing within our control went wrong. If any situation were to take a different course, our   team were prepared to respond accordingly. Adaptability is key when security an event of this scale.

We’re proud to say the entire event went safely and smoothly… although it didn’t quite end there. When the African part of the celebrations concluded we were tasked with whisking the entire group off to Paris to continue the party, all with the same high level of planning and protection every step of the way.

You can’t tell when change is going to happen in the unpredictable environment we live in today. However, our teams operational experience ensures we can adapt and respond quickly to evolving situations to safeguard our clients with minimal impact on lifestyle and daily routine.