Philadelphia is set to host the groundbreaking TED Democracy Flagship Event in February 2026 — a gathering of influential speakers, trailblazers, and thought leaders, marking the city’s 250th anniversary as the birthplace of American democracy.
This high-profile, full-day conference at Marian Anderson Hall will weave together TED Talks, live performances, culinary experiences, and networking, shaping global conversations on democracy.
For organizers and attendees alike, security isn’t simply a formality, it’s the foundation for a safe and inspiring experience. As a leader in major event security, we’re sharing our expert guidance on protecting people, ideas, and reputation in this unique context.
Comprehensive Risk Assessment
A successful security strategy for TED’s flagship event begins with an in-depth risk assessment. The city’s historical significance, international profile, and mix of venues demand a nuanced examination of physical threats, crowd dynamics, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and health emergencies.
At EPS, our approach combines scenario analysis, site inspections, and intelligence gathering, ensuring every risk, whether petty crime, protest, or digital sabotage, is understood and mitigated.
Multi-Layered Access Control
TED’s event will be bustling with diverse participants, including speakers, dignitaries, attendees, and media. That’s why we’d deploy advanced access control systems such as biometric verification, RFID badges, and secure digital check-ins to restrict access where needed.
Segmenting zones for public, staff and VIP access will reduce overcrowding, manage traffic flow, and curb unauthorized entry. Real-time monitoring and geo-fencing keep sensitive areas, like backstage, media lounges, and technical centers, secure.
Surveillance, Communication, and Rapid Response
Constant vigilance is paramount. Security providers should use surveillance systems, smart cameras, and mobile patrols to monitor venue perimeters, entrances, and gathering areas. The backbone is a unified communication protocol, allowing security teams, event managers, and law enforcement to exchange real-time data and react instantly. Scheduled briefings and shared radio channels ensure agile coordination, even as crowd sizes and event needs shift throughout the day.
VIP Protection and Crowd Management
TED Democracy will attract national and global dignitaries, activists, and celebrities. That’s why we offer tailored close-protection services, safeguarding VIPs and speakers with discreet yet robust measures such as protected transport, escort teams, and advance scouting of venues.
On the public side, EPS-trained agents blend subject matter expertise with people skills, delivering proactive crowd management and conflict de-escalation to keep the atmosphere constructive and secure.
Philadelphia’s Security Partner for Innovation
The TED Democracy Flagship Event is a celebration of the city’s legacy and a look to its future. For event planners and stakeholders, EPS delivers assurance through a blend of innovation, expertise, and adaptability, making security the trusted framework for open dialogue and memorable experiences in Philadelphia. As the city champions new ideas, EPS stands ready as its security partner for every high-profile gathering.
