Webinar Series🔗
NCS⁴ is offering a free webinar series created to deliver knowledge and resources from across the safety and security industry to you at the comfort of your own home. These remote webinars will feature a presenter from a different sector of safety and security to offer an inside look at news and happenings from around the world.
As a leader in sport and event safety and security research and training, the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) is positioned to organize and disseminate educational materials related to potential technological solutions. Through the Technology Webinar Series, the NCS⁴ will assist solution providers in organizing content, identifying and preparing presenters, and delivering information to practitioners about existing and emerging technologies.
For more information, please contact Daniel Ward at Daniel.L.Ward@usm.edu or (601) 266-5999.
NCS⁴ Webinars
An Overview of Cybersecurity Threats and Best Practices
Thurs, Oct 14, 2021, 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM CDT
Presented by Scott Breor and Mark McIntyre
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which provides the public with a trustworthy source for reporting information on cyber incidents, received 791,790 complaints for all types of internet crime—a record number—from the American public in 2020, with reported losses exceeding $4.1 billion. This represents a 69 percent increase in total complaints from 2019. With a large number of fans, communities, and organizations heavily invested in sporting events, venues have become an ideal target for cybercrime. Cybercriminals are very attuned to global sporting events and take advantage of the spectators’ and industries’ reliance on technology. These damaging attacks often lead to financial losses, information theft, and reputation damage. In this webinar series, the NCS⁴ partners with the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the NCS⁴ Technology Alliance to discuss recommendations and best practices for cybersecurity and mitigating risk.
In this session, panelists will discuss cyber threats and the unified work necessary to strengthen the security, resilience, and workforce of the cyber ecosystem at sport and special event venues and infrastructure. Panelists will also identify best practices and recommendations for maintaining cyber hygiene and prioritizing risks.
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Patron Screening and Weapons Detection Considerations
Thu, May 13, 2021 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM CDT
Presented by Jim Mercurio, Christian Lau, and Peter Evans
As stadiums begin to re-open, planning cycles have accelerated. Many organizations have been using the pause in business caused by COVID to re-evaluate technology and enhance the spectator experience. The incorporation of modern patron screening technology has been a major point of emphasis, with venues aiming to improve fan experience while avoiding a degradation to safety and security. In this webinar, panelists will discuss technology considerations and the risks associated with the selection and configuration of patron screening solutions. The goal is to develop a better understanding of how these solutions fit into the sports and entertainment operational environment.
Watch NowCOVID Testing for Events & Schools: The Stories, The Science, and What The Market Looks Like Now
Wed, Mar 24, 2021 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Presented by Joe Monroe (Moderator), Cameron McIntosh, Luke Murray, MD, MBA, Kelly Nelson, APRN, and Luke Bramblett
When hosting a large gathering, be it one-time or every day, there is only so much that can be done to keep people socially distanced. The safest environments are the ones where COVID-positive individuals never enter in the first place. In this presentation, industry experts will discuss customer experiences from those who have tackled the challenge of testing their university or sporting event successfully. Presenters will also share the science behind the different types of tests and which ones work best for certain scenarios. Lastly the webinar will outline the different services available to help do this at your own institution or how to do testing all on your own.
Watch NowEvent Staff Safety and the Contactless Service Experience
Thurs, Feb 25, 2021 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Presented by Nguyen Nguyen, Tony Albanese, and Kurt Monnier
When flight attendants cover safety practices on an airplane, they suggest you secure your oxygen mask before helping others with theirs. Similarly, in light of the current pandemic, it is becoming crucial for event venues to monitor their staff’s well-being and reconsider operational processes in order to extend a safer experience to returning fans and guests. This session will explore burgeoning technology being utilized by major sports and entertainment venues to confidently reopen, sustain, and future-proof their businesses.
Watch NowLeveraging Technology to Enforce Policy & Procedure
Thurs, Dec 17, 2020 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Presented by Adam Stockwell, James Reynolds, CPP, CLSD, Troy Brown, and Ryan Zatolokin
This year has presented a unique and uncharted set of public safety challenges. To address these challenges, we have collectively and individually developed, defined, and redefined countless policies and procedures aimed at creating a safe and secure environment for staff, performers, guests, and fans. Now, more than ever, policy enforcement could be the factor determining your ability to address safety, security, and public health concerns. During this session industry experts will discuss the use of surveillance, existing technologies, best practices and lessons learned to drive a high return on policy adherence.
Watch NowWed, Nov 11, 2020 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Presented by Daniel Ward, MBA, CEM
Do you represent a solution provider or organization interested in growing or building a network in the sports and entertainment safety and/or security industries? You are invited to watch a one-hour webinar presenting the NCS⁴ programs and services designed to assist organizations achieve their goals and connect people, processes and technologies in a meaningful way. In this session, the NCS⁴ provides an overview of new and existing industry engagement opportunities in an effort to build research, training and outreach program awareness.
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Navigating Vehicle Threat Mitigation and SAFETY Act Compliance
Thurs, Oct 29, 2020 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CDT
Presented by Phil Melcher, CPP, CAS, David Wachs, and Akmal Ali, J.D.
Any time patrons gather in mass for queuing or attending an event there is an increased possibility of vehicular ramming or accidents. In this forum, industry leaders will discuss the processes, considerations, and lessons learned for the implementation of vehicle barriers. Presenters will provide recommendations for mitigating vehicle threats as part of your risk management program and as a component of the SAFETY Act process.
Watch NowLeveraging Government Funds to Improve Security in Education
Tue, Sept 29, 2020 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Presented by Guy Reschenthaler, Mike Evanish, and Joseph Wall
As health and safety concerns continue to impact organizations across the globe, the education industry has been challenged with the extraordinary task of preparing for in-person learning. The adaptation of policies and procedures has been instrumental in creating a safer learning environment, but enhancing security measures often requires additional resources. As school systems begin to adjust the way they operate, now and for the foreseeable future, we’d like to invite you to learn how your campus can leverage available government funds to improve your security program.
Watch NowLayered Explosive Detection: An Introduction to Hyperspectral Imaging
Thu, Aug 27, 2020 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM CDT
Presented by Sgt. Robert Smith, Dave Caudle, and Matthew Nelson, Ph.D.
Through the Online Technology Forum, NCS⁴ teams up with practitioners and technical experts to discuss the application of technologies and solutions at sporting and special events. In this online forum, experts will discuss a layered approach to explosive detection. Specifically, this session will discuss the application of hyperspectral imaging and how the technology can supplement existing capabilities at public assembly areas.
Watch NowThu, Jul 30, 2020 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM CDT
Presented by Mark Tucker, Joe Hill, and Rob Zaremski
The sports and entertainment industries are posturing themselves to detect and deter the presence of COVID-19. With the challenges facing detection and a large number of carriers being asymptomatic, it has never been more important to properly clean and disinfect to prevent the spread of contagions. In this forum, experts in decontamination and disinfection will discuss the nature of the Coronavirus and how it survives in this environment. The discussion will focus on the science behind disinfectants, factors that should be considered in selecting disinfectants, the development, implementation and quality assurance of cleaning and disinfection protocols, and the unique challenges of disinfecting large venues.
Watch NowOptimizing the Digital Safety and Security Environment
Thu, Jul 9, 2020 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM CDT
Presented by Gene Hallman, Cassia Martin, and Melissa Odegaard
In an already data-driven environment, safety and security managers are incorporating additional technologies in response to current threats and evolving operational requirements. The digitization of physical infrastructures, through leveraging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data, have allowed safety and security operations to use information in a meaningful way. However, it is important practitioners understand how to efficiently and effectively employ their resources within the digital environment. In this forum, representatives from the sports industry, integrators, and networking professionals will discuss the emergence of technologies and the questions practitioners should ask of their existing infrastructure to ensure they are getting the most out of resources and budgets.
Watch NowThu, Jun 11, 2020 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM CDT
Presented by Brian Finch and Richard Giller
Organizations, big and small, are facing unprecedented challenges in navigating the legal implications of COVID-19. As the sporting and entertainment industries continue navigating uncharted territory, a variety of legal concerns and challenges have emerged. During this session, legal experts will discuss important considerations and legalities associated with workplace health and safety, privacy, and liabilities. The discussion will also expand to provide an overview of the insurance market and policy considerations. Throughout this interactive presentation, ample time will be allotted to answering participant questions and addressing concerns. Please join us as we continue preparing for the "New Normal."
Watch NowThu, May 21, 2020 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM CDT
Presented by Mike Weeman and Jeff Spoerndle
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders are facing the challenge of protecting their communities and workforces alike. Employers providing key services and experiences to mass gatherings have been forced to restructure their staff in response to public health concerns and mandatory stay-at-home orders. During this webinar, subject matter experts will discuss workforce engagement, employee retention, recovery considerations, and expectations for resuming sporting and entertainment events. Although offering employment may not be possible, it is imperative we use this time to connect and communicate with the people we rely on.
Watch NowThurs, Apr 30, 10 AM CDT
Presented by Drew Pittman
Virtual queuing has the potential to transform the guest experience at many of our most important events. Imagine the possibilities of significantly reducing lines outside of a venue in an effort to promote social distancing, lessening potential of soft-targets, potential revenue generation and providing a more seamless guest experience for our fans.This discussion will also explore the potential of utilizing this technology for entry points to our venues but also potential impacts to parking, concessions, team stores and other applications within our venues.
Watch NowThu, May 7, 2020 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM CDT
Presented by Barry Stanford and David Waldman
Without events to host, venues are finding a new purpose in supporting the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Large facilities offer the space and logistical services often needed to support large scale response and recovery operations during an emergency. During this webinar, practitioners will discuss planning considerations venues should consider in preparing to support response operations to COVID-19. Additionally, the panel will share their experiences partnering with local and regional communities during this outbreak. Lessons learned and recommendations will be shared in an effort to prepare stadiums and venues to play critical roles during emergency response and recovery.
Watch NowThu, May 14, 2020 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM CDT
Presented by Alex Pollak, Todd Fasulo, Akmal Ali, and Kyle Hopkins
In an effort to create and maintain a safe environment amidst global pandemic, organizations are seeking out technologies and procedures to enhance public health screening at their facilities. Among the available solutions, thermal imaging and temperature screening have been widely explored and implemented as an additional safety and security measure. In this webinar, experts will discuss their experiences and lessons learned throughout the continuously evolving crisis. Discussion topics include technology capabilities, implementation, limitations, and legal considerations for public health screening. As organizations begin planning for life after COVID-19, it is paramount we understand how the operational environment will be impacted.
Watch NowJoint Webinars
Fri, Apr 3, 2020
Presented by Steve Georgas and Joe Monroe
Public information and emergency notification systems are a fundamental element of organizational resiliency and business continuity during times of crisis. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt operations for global businesses and critical infrastructure facilities, industry professionals should review their communications response plans and be prepared to address uncertainties under rapidly changing circumstances.
SIA has teamed up with the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) to present a timely webinar on the fundamentals of public information sharing and emergency communications as sanctioned by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
On this webinar, participants will hear from Deputy Chief Steve Georgas of the Chicago Police Department and Chief Joe Monroe of the University of Kentucky Police Department on emergency communication protocols. Attendees can expect to learn about communications principles and methodologies, as well as rapid response tools and techniques that can assist organizations in preparing and responding to COVID-19 and other crises.
Watch NowThurs, Apr 23, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Presented by Melissa Lesperance, Ryan Schonfeld, and Nigel Waterton
The changing nature of today's environment and the effect of the global coronavirus pandemic is shifting teams to more remote work, leaving facilities with low occupancy or empty. In light of this, security teams must leverage tools and resources that shift management outside of the facility on-site command center(s) while maintaining ongoing, 24/7 vigilance in an effort to maintain business continuity and protect company assets.
SIA has teamed up with the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) at the University of Southern Mississippi to present a timely webinar on organizational preparedness and the lessons learned--thus far--in the crisis response to disruptions caused by COVID-19. This panel of industry experts will present the perspectives of security practitioners, risk managers, and technology integrators as we all come together to work through these unprecedented times.
In this webinar, panelists will discuss how organizations can leverage virtualized security control and command center operations to adapt to changing circumstances and explore the use of "GSOC-as-a-service" models in providing immediate support and assistance across a variety of markets. Speakers will share best practices for establishing remote management and address common concerns for end-users and their respective partners when implementing virtualized command center operations.
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