National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition Set for June 27-29


The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) is set to host the 14th Annual National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition June 27-29 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio, TX. The 2023 conference theme is Level-Up, challenging our industry friends and partners to strive for continuous improvement.

“The NCS4 team looks forward to hosting its 14th annual conference, an important event

on our calendar where we connect with key stakeholders and share knowledge, tools, and solutions to improve the safety and security of sports and entertainment events,” said Dr. Stacey A. Hall, NCS4 Executive Director and Professor of Sport Management at The University of Southern Mississippi. “We are also very excited to welcome USSS Director Kimberly Cheatle and nationally recognized speaker and author David Atkins. Our annual conference is an excellent opportunity to meet and learn from the best in the business.” Read More

NCS⁴ Announces 2023 Sports and Entertainment Technology Alliance


The Technology Alliance provides a collaborative environment in which practitioners and solution providers can produce resources, support education programs, and contribute to research initiatives,” said Daniel Ward, MBA, CEM, NCS4 Director of Training and Exercise.

The 2023 Sports and Entertainment Technology Alliance members include safety and security practitioners and solution providers: Axis Communications, Esri, Microsoft, Nvidia, S2 Global, and Xtract One.

The Technology Alliance is a consortium of individuals and organizations committed to spectator safety and security excellence through innovation. Technology Alliance members work alongside practitioners and the NCS4 to explore how people, processes, and technologies can best contribute to safety and security challenges in a meaningful way.

Tech Alliance members partner with the NCSto educate venue managers, operators, and stakeholders on the latest technological developments in an effort to close capability gaps. They also contribute to training and education initiatives, provide research input, and participate in industry engagement and outreach opportunities. Learn more

The NCS⁴ National Intercollegiate Athletics Safety and Security Forum to be held Jan. 17-18, 2023


The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) will host its 10th National Intercollegiate Athletics Safety and Security Forum on January 17-18, 2023, in College Station, Texas, with Title Partner, Landmark Event Staffing Services, Inc. The objective of the forum is to address key safety and security challenges facing intercollegiate athletic programs and to share best practices for continuous improvement.

Collegiate athletic programs and venues attract a large number of athletes and spectators, making safety and security a top priority for venue operators, public safety officials, and local communities. Discussing current issues and exploring solutions in a forum environment will help colleges and universities, athletic conferences, and associations enhance safety and security plans and operations. Read more

NCS⁴’s Ninth Annual National Marathon and Endurance Events Safety and Security Forum slated for next week on the Mississippi Gulf Coast


The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) will host the ninth annual Marathon and Endurance Events Safety and Security Forum on December 6-7, 2022, in Long Beach, MS. The objective of the forum is to address key safety and security challenges facing marathon and endurance events and to share best practices for continuous improvement.

Road races and other participatory sports events attract large numbers of athletes and spectators, making safety and security a top priority for race organizers, public safety, and host communities. These high-profile events give rise to a host of potential risks and threats that must be addressed to ensure the safety and security of people, property, and infrastructure. Read more

The NCS⁴ Publishes Industry Report on Professional Sports Venue Security Issues, Emerging Threats, and Technology Solutions


The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has published results from its Venue Security Director Survey in an Industry Report.

The sporting world faces unique challenges when returning to play following a global pandemic, and many leagues, teams, and venues are exploring ways to maintain or improve their security operations. The purpose of this survey is to explore professional sports venue security issues, emerging threats, and technology solutions. Information gleaned from this study will assist venue directors in policy development, increase awareness of technology solutions, identify resource needs, and address training gaps to help protect human, physical, and cyber assets.

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Six Individuals to be Awarded Friends of NCS⁴ at National Conference


A total of six professionals will be recognized for their contributions to NCS4 during the 2022 National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition on June 28-30 in Orlando. The event is presented annually by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi.

The Friends of NCS⁴ Award recognizes professionals whose contributions have been invaluable to the advancement of the Center. The NCS4 staff and leadership nominate individuals who have been a resource to the Center’s goals and activities during the past year.

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