Location: Central London
Scope: Red Carpet, Perimeter, Backstage, Build & Break
Partners: Ginger Owl, GoAllAreas
The Brief
For one of the industry’s most high-profile televised awards shows, security was under the spotlight – literally. With high footfall, hundreds of casual crew, VIPs, and a fast-paced site build, the organisers needed a smarter way to control who was getting in, where they could go, and when.
Traditional laminates and wristbands weren’t cutting it anymore. Too easy to swap. Too hard to track. The goal: tighten access, reduce human error, and give security teams the tools to make instant, informed decisions at the gate.
What We Did
Access93 delivered a complete upgrade to the show’s access control – blending discreet RFID tech with practical, on-the-ground deployment:
- RFID-Enhanced Credentials: We embedded RFID chips into existing laminate passes and even standard Tyvek wristbands – instantly turning everyday accreditation into smart access tools.
- Casual Staff? Covered. Day staff, crew, and build teams were issued RFID wristbands, each linked to live accreditation records and set with date and zone-based permissions.
- 30 Handheld Scanners Across Site: Our rugged, event-ready scanners were placed in the hands of the security teams already stationed around the venue – no need to change workflows, just supercharge them.
- Triple-Layer Verification: Each scan checked the physical pass, matched the photo, and confirmed digital credentials via GoAllAreas. If something didn’t add up – wrong zone, expired access, revoked pass – security could act instantly.
The Security Edge
This wasn’t just a tech upgrade – it was a mindset shift.
With live access data, instant revokes, escort permissions, and real-time pass edits, we helped move the team from reactive to proactive. Security wasn’t left second-guessing credentials or relying on memory – they had facts in their hands.
Key results:
- Blaggers stopped at the gate – no more smooth talkers slipping past with a wristband from yesterday.
- Lost or misused passes blocked in seconds.
- Escorted access controlled properly – no one getting further than they should.
- Time-restricted entry enforced without question – if your access ended at 3pm, the scanner knew it.
The Bigger Picture
By embedding RFID into existing workflows and empowering security with live data, this show raised the bar for what event access control should look like. The technology stayed behind the scenes – but the impact was front and centre.
If you’re running a major event and relying on wristbands alone, you’re not in control – you’re hoping for the best. This case proved that with the right tools in the right hands, access control becomes more than just admin – it becomes active event security.