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How Do I Prevent Lan Party Theft?
DragonTHC writes "I'm thinking about hosting a lan party open to the public. I'm aiming for approximately 60 people to attend. I can handle all the logistics of operation. The only thing I can't wrap my head around is: how do I prevent theft at the lan party? Do I hire security guards? Do I need security cameras? I don't know the people who will attend, and I don't know if they're trustworthy enough to not steal other people's equipment. What do I do?"
This is news on Slashdot? Seriously? Really? Wow... Must be a slow day...
Didn't work out too well for the 'Stones.
You, sir, need a business entity of your own, such as a LLC - to do this deal. You need to rent space (hotel ballrooms at older hotels are great venues - rooms to rent, bathrooms aplenty, their own security and restaurant or something like room/ballroom service available) and delegate security.
Depending upon what state you are located in, you might want to impose a "no concealed carry" on the participants and their guests. Unless you like the idea of some fool with a pocket rocket deciding to trade the virtual for the real. Ever see what a .357 can do to a telephone pole? A .44? Both rounds will shoot right through an engine block. Imagine a row of gamers at a long table - how many can YOU take out with one round?
You also need liability insurance. You will be asked for a waiver when booking the site.
Oh yeah, medical emergency numbers and hospital locations are absolutely necessary.