NCS⁴ to Host 2026 National Professional Sports and Entertainment Safety and Security Forum
Tue, 10/21/2025 - 02:51pm | By: NCS⁴ Staff
The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) at The University of Southern Mississippi will host the 2026 National Professional Sports and Entertainment Safety and Security Forum Feb. 23-24, 2026, at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
The forum is presented in conjunction with Title Partner SkySafe, whose advanced drone detection technology enables organizations to identify, track and analyze drone activity.
The threat environment surrounding high-profile sport and entertainment events is continually evolving. Discussing current issues and exploring solutions in a forum environment helps safety and security managers, operations managers, and local and state law enforcement enhance safety and security plans and operations.
“The Professional Sports and Entertainment Forum exceeds expectations in every way,” said Todd Metro, director of security for the Miami Marlins. “The sessions are engaging, highly relevant and grounded in real-world challenges. Attendees walk away with actionable strategies, fresh perspectives, and valuable connections with fellow professionals committed to advancing safety and security standards.”
Forum participants will hear from experienced professionals on topics including the evolving threat landscape, rising concerns of athlete harassment, AI and crowd communications, information sharing and analysis center operations, development of new sports and entertainment districts, and safety lessons learned from music festivals.
In addition to general programming sessions, attendees will participate in moderated discussions to review the NCS⁴ Best Practices for professional sports and entertainment venues.
Moderated discussion topics include:
- Staff Training and Development
- Fan Behavior
- Communications
- Perimeter Security
- Severe Weather Planning
- Command Center Operations
“We are excited to bring this group together again in person to focus on issues specific to their respective industries,” said Dr. Stacey A. Hall, NCS⁴ executive director and professor of sport management. “Emerging threats, business challenges and industry standards will be discussed to ensure continuous improvement.”
“What makes this forum stand out is its focus – the smaller, more specialized groups create space for meaningful conversations and practical learning,” said Angie Nix, vice president of guest services for MetLife Stadium. “One of my favorite aspects of the forum is the breakout sessions, which give participants the chance to contribute to NCS4’s best practices. The facilitated discussions are consistently relevant, engaging and inclusive.”
The target audience for the event includes safety and security managers, operations managers, event managers and facility operators, local and state law enforcement, emergency managers, fire, HAZMAT and emergency medical services, guest services, and government officials. Private sector companies may attend the forum only as Solution Partners.
Thank you to our Solution Partners whose participation helps make this event possible, including Title Partner SkySafe, and Signature Partners ASSA ABLOY, BEST Crowd Management, Eyelock, and Meridian Rapid Defense Group.
For information on becoming a Solution Partner or to sign up, email Sara Priebe, event and membership manager, or call 601.266.6858.
Pricing for attendees is $550 per person. Space is limited. Click here to view the full agenda and register for the event. The room block ends on January 22.
About NCS4
Established in 2006, the NCS4 is the nation’s only academic center devoted to the study and practice of sports
safety and security. The NCS4 is partially underwritten by grants from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The NCS4 mission focuses on three key pillars – Training and Education, Research, and Outreach.
Click here for more information about NCS4 or call 601.266.6183.