The NCS⁴ Announces InControl Enterprise Dynamics as 2024 Golden Eagle Award Recipient


The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has announced TruVenue Sports and Entertainment Application, InControl Enterprise Dynamics as the 2024 Golden Eagle Award winner.

The Golden Eagle Award recognizes excellence in system integration, architecture, engineering, and/or construction (A/E/C) specifically related to the safety and security of spectators, property, and facility infrastructure.

Applicants from leading systems integration, architecture, design, engineering, and consulting firms were invited to submit case studies from successful projects with safety and security front and center in planning and execution.

“In addition to addressing security gaps, solutions must prioritize fan experience and safety,” said Daniel Ward, MBA, CEM, NCS⁴ Director of Training and Exercise. “The Golden Eagle Award is an opportunity for our industry to recognize those technologies, services, and processes that meet security needs and effectively account for the unique operating environment created by sporting and entertainment events.”   

The Golden Eagle Award winner was chosen by a team of subject matter experts (SMEs) who reviewed all case studies and scored each submission on the following criteria:

  1. Solution relevance to the sport industry
  2. Solution effectiveness in solving the identified problem(s)
  3. Solution contribution to the balance of fan experience and safety/security
  4. Solution utilization of creativity, innovation, and technology in a way that advances the industry

The NCS⁴ congratulates the 2024 Golden Eagle Award recipient, TruVenue Sports and Entertainment Application, InControl Enterprise Dynamics. The recipient will present their winning case study and be recognized at the Awards Luncheon at the 15th Annual National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition on July 9-11 in Phoenix.

Find out more information about the conference or to register. Learn more about the awards.

Six Individuals to Receive Young Professional Scholarship at the 2024 NCS⁴ Conference & Exhibition


The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) will recognize six individuals as Young Professional Scholarship recipients during the 2024 National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition on July 9-11 in Phoenix, AZ. The event is presented annually by NCS⁴, which is located at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM).

The NCS⁴ is committed to educating the next generation of sport security professionals and recently announced the Young Professional Scholarship Program to support young professionals’ educational goals by covering the registration fee for selected individuals to the National Conference. The scholarship program is sponsored by Axis Communications.

The Young Professional Scholarship Program is designed for professionals 40 years of age or younger working in the sports and entertainment security industry. Potential candidates submitted an application for consideration of the award, and recipients were selected based on eligibility criteria, responses about career goals, and availability to attend the National Conference.

“We would like to thank our sponsor for this program, Axis Communications, as we work together to recognize and support young professionals in the sport security space. We look forward to connecting with them at the conference,” said Dr. Stacey A. Hall, NCS⁴ Executive Director and Professor of Sport Management.

The conference will expose recipients to general educational programming, innovative technology solutions, security expert insights, and networking opportunities.

“Axis Communications values education, and we celebrate personal and professional development,” said James Stark, Axis Communications Segment Development Manager – Retail, Americas. “We are proud to participate in helping deserving young professionals through the financial support of the scholarship and appreciate the opportunity to partner with NCS⁴ in this impactful initiative.”

Recipients were representatives of the following industries: professional sports and entertainment and intercollegiate athletics.

The NCS⁴ and Axis Communications are excited to announce the 2024 Young Professional Award recipients:

  • Alex Algee, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
  • Shane Burgess, Wisconsin Athletics
  • Adrienne Hutchens, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment
  • Dan Koch, Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Travis W. Smith, Virginia Beach Police Department
  • Matt Wannemuehler, University of Alabama Athletics

Early-bird registration is available through April 15 with fees of $600 for NCS⁴ Connect members and $650 for non-members. Prices will increase by $50 after April 15. If you register three or more people from the same organization, save $50 off each attendee registration. The group discount will be automatically applied when applicable. Visit the website for additional information and exclusions.

Visit the conference website for more information.

2024 National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition


Join NCS4 for the 15th Annual National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition on July 9-11 at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference will offer dynamic programming, solution provider engagement, and opportunities to network with fellow professionals. This highly regarded gathering of sports safety and security professionals is an opportune time to share ideas, tools, and proven strategies to help advance the industry.

Target Audience 
Security directors and operators, facility and stadium managers, event planners/operators, law enforcement personnel, emergency managers, fire/HAZMAT, emergency medical/health services, athletic administrators, and governmental representatives

These are individuals representing or supporting: professional sports leagues, intercollegiate athletics, interscholastic athletics, marathon and endurance events, and sport and entertainment facilities (concerts, festivals, e-sports, convention centers, etc.).