Depends on what you're doing...
Basically there are three types of event here in the UK, and this is all from my experience you can get a bit of variance....
Public battles - Says it on the tin, tightly scripted (at least the better ones are) especially if you've got pyro or vehicle movement - 30-odd tons of hardened steel can ruin your day. Deaths are usually at the discretion of the unit commander but as he's been briefed it will all fit with the script.
Private battles - Again what it says, usually scenario driven rather than scripted or all out trying to 'win'. What you're going for is to use the gear in some kind of context with a slight edge not a blat-fest or a competition.
Living History - Public displays where they get to see the 90% boredom of living in camp with all the other interesting gear we collect that isn't a weapon. This ranges from 'third person' to full-on 'first person' depending on the event and the group.