Trade shows, and  particularly those featuring items such as jewelry, can represent significant security risks. They can be targets for theft, because often extremely expensive, and easily pocketed merchandise that’s left in exposed conditions. Valuable inventories, removed from the security systems that usually protect them, can make for very tempting targets. Often just the presence of security personnel can serve as a sufficient deterrent to would-be thieves. However, there are some critical points where it may be necessary to have armed guards on hand. In particular, the time of loading and unloading goods into a convention hall may represent a moment of opportunity to those probing the situation for potential weak points. The risks don’t end there, however. During the trade show itself, exhibitors are frequently distracted. They may be deep in conversation with a major potential client, or an important existing client. Even worse, a thief’s accomplice might be purposefully diverting their attention while a crime is taking place. Whatever the case, it will not be possible for exhibitors to maintain a constant security watch over all of their merchandise, all of the time. Having professional security in place relieves much of the stress vendors feel about exhibiting at trade shows. For the venues and the organizers, having professional, trained and competent security on hand is a major selling point for promoting their events. Conversely, holding an event where a major theft occurs can do irreparable harm to an organizers reputation.