Operating Under Global Scrutiny
Major international sporting events provide a unique proving ground for security operations. They test planning, personnel selection, coordination, and the ability to deliver consistently under global scrutiny.
For ETS Risk Management, the recent Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo provided exactly that environment.
ETS was proud to provide Static Manned Guarding and supervisory services to a major client operating from the International Broadcast Center at MiCo – Milano Convention Centre, alongside forward-mounted security personnel supporting filming operations in Cortina. The objective from the outset was straightforward: deliver a seamless, professional security operation that allowed the client’s broadcast teams to focus entirely on production without disruption.
As with most successful security deployments, the groundwork began long before the Games opened.
Early engagement with the client allowed ETS to fully understand the operational environment, including task orders, accreditation requirements, venue layouts, and reporting structures. That early alignment proved critical. It ensured clarity on responsibilities, escalation pathways, and operational expectations well before personnel arrived on site.
Preparation extended beyond scheduling and logistics. Each member of the team was properly briefed, equipped, and positioned to perform their role effectively. Supervisors were embedded across the operation to provide oversight, maintain service standards, and act as direct liaison points between the client and venue stakeholders.
Personnel selection also played a significant role in the success of the deployment. The Olympic environment brings together international broadcasters, venue staff, contractors, and local authorities, often operating across multiple languages and cultural norms. By carefully assigning multilingual personnel to key posts within the International Broadcast Center and remote filming locations, ETS helped remove potential communication barriers and improve coordination across the operation.
Structured Pre-Deployment Planning
Equally important was the planning undertaken before the live phase began. Site assessments, logistical reviews, and contingency planning allowed potential friction points to be identified and resolved early. This proactive approach meant that once operations began, the focus remained on delivery rather than problem solving.
The result was a smooth and professional deployment that met the client’s operational needs throughout the Games.
More importantly, the experience reinforced a number of principles that apply to any major international event.
Early integration with clients and venue stakeholders matters.
Personnel selection must reflect the operational environment.
Supervision and communication structures must be clear from the outset.
And planning must anticipate problems before they emerge.
Scaling Proven Principles for FIFA 2026
These lessons translate directly into the next major challenge on the global event calendar: the FIFA World Cup.
Unlike the Olympics, FIFA 2026 will span multiple countries, dozens of cities, and a vast network of venues, hotels, broadcast hubs, and fan zones. Sponsors, media teams, VIP guests, and corporate stakeholders will move continuously between locations, creating complex security and logistical requirements.
The operational fundamentals, however, remain the same.
Structured planning, strong local partnerships, experienced personnel, and clear communication will determine whether security operations quietly enable success—or become a distraction.
The experience gained during the Winter Olympics provides a strong foundation as ETS prepares for upcoming FIFA engagements. By applying the lessons learned in Milan and Cortina, we continue to refine our approach to major event security, ensuring that clients operating on the world stage can focus on their mission while we manage the risk environment around them.
