NCS4 Concludes Successful Annual Conference

The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has successfully concluded its 17^th Annual National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition with a record number of attendees and exhibitors. 

The conference was held June 23-25 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, Calif. The 2026 theme, “Honoring the Past, Securing the Future,” paid tribute to the visionaries, partners and professionals who have shaped the sport and special event safety and security industry, and explored emerging challenges, technologies and strategies that define its future.

The event was supported by title sponsor, ASSA ABLOY. ASSA ABLOY is the global leader in access solutions and operates worldwide with 63,000 employees and annual sales of 150 billion Swedish kronor (SEK), with leading positions in areas such as efficient door openings, trusted identities and entrance automation.

“The NCS⁴ team thanks all the attendees, exhibitors and sponsors for this year’s conference success,” said Dr. Stacey Hall, NCS⁴ executive director and professor for sport management. “We had close to 600 participants and a full exhibit hall. Our attendees enjoyed hearing from experts on topics at the forefront of our industry and learning about technology solutions to enhance their security operations. The speakers and panelists were top-notch, and I’m positive attendees returned home with practical knowledge, tools and new friends. Much credit goes to Lauren Cranford, NCS⁴ director of operations, for championing this event.”

The conference opened with a keynote from Brian Dubiski, co-founder and treasurer of Pink Bows Foundation, who discussed how his family, along with the Pink Bows Foundation, has turned the tragedy of the Astroworld incident into action. Dubiski was followed by Forrest Dodd, instructor at NCS⁴, who led a session on the “Risk Landscape of NIL.”

General sessions addressed key issues relevant to today’s sports safety and security professionals, including crowd safety, emergency response readiness, NIL issues, planning for fans with disabilities, esports security lessons, emerging threats, international sports travel, weather risks and managing security on a budget.

"Participation in the NCS⁴ conference is essential because it provides valuable opportunities to collaborate with leading safety and security professionals while gaining insight into emerging trends, industry best practices and innovative strategies that enhance safety and security operations across sports and entertainment venues,” said Hatcher Parnell, director of the Office of Executive Protection Services at the University of Southern California.

“The conference also allows me to engage with subject matter experts and strengthen long-standing professional relationships within the industry. The knowledge, connections and perspectives gained through this experience directly support my continued professional development and enhance my ability to contribute to the advancement of safety and security practices in my organization and throughout the field." 

The awards luncheon, held on the second day of the conference, recognized individuals for their contributions to the sport and entertainment safety and security industry. New NCS⁴ Certified Sport Security Professionals (CSSP) were also honored for earning the industry’s only certification in sport security management. The luncheon was sponsored by Evolv Technology, a provider of weapons detection systems for security screening. 

“These award winners have set a high standard through leadership, collaboration, and an unwavering dedication to protecting the people and experiences that make sports and special events so meaningful,” said Lauren Cranford, NCS⁴ director of operations. “We are proud to celebrate their outstanding contributions and the positive impact they continue to have across our industry.” 

Planning for the 2027 Annual Conference and Exhibition is already underway. The event will take place June 22-24, 2027, at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa in Miami, Fla. Details will be released later this year.

In addition, the NCS⁴ will soon release information regarding the upcoming National Intercollegiate Athletics Safety and Security Forum, scheduled for January 2027.