The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security Announces 2026 Sports and Entertainment Technology Alliance
Wed, 05/27/2026 - 09:30am | By: NCS4 staff
The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi has announced the 2026 Sports and Entertainment Technology Alliance.
The Technology Alliance is a consortium of individuals and organizations committed
to spectator safety and security excellence through innovation. Alliance members work
alongside practitioners and the NCS4 to explore how people, processes and technologies can address safety and security
challenges in a meaningful way.
“The Technology Alliance fosters a collaborative space where professionals and solutions
providers come together to develop resources, support educational initiatives and
advance research efforts,” said Anthony Palazzolo, NCS4 manager of marketing and business development. “We are excited for the year ahead
with some returning and new solution providers that are eager to change the spectator
sport and entertainment security landscape.”
The 2026 Sports and Entertainment Technology Alliance include the following safety
and security solution providers and practitioners: Accredit Solutions, ALUMA, Axis Communications, Esri, eyeLock, Genetec, InControl, inOrbit, Raven Controls, Red Ball Drills, S2 Global, SkySafe, Titan HST, Xtract One and 24/7 Software.
The Technology Alliance is co-chaired by Akmal Ali, founder and chief executive officer
of inOrbit and ALUMA, and Donald Paisant, vice president of security and guest services
for the Texas Rangers Baseball Club.
“It’s an honor to continue serving as co-chair of the Technology Alliance,” said Ali.
“The pace of innovation across security technology is accelerating, but its value
is ultimately measured by how well it supports operations in the field. Through NCS4, the Alliance helps ensure that new capabilities are grounded in practical application
and contribute meaningfully to safer, more resilient venues. Over the past year, we
have made progress in growing the Alliance's impact, including further formalizing
its processes, strengthening the development and dissemination of its products to
better support security professionals across the industry.”
Paisant said, “I am proud of the progress during the first year as co-chair of the
Technology Alliance. I’m excited to see even more collaboration between technology
providers and end users to enhance and grow our ever-evolving industry.”
Technology Alliance members partner with NCS4 to educate venue managers, operators and stakeholders on the latest technological
developments to close capability gaps. They also contribute to training and education
initiatives, provide research input, and participate in industry engagement and outreach
opportunities.
For additional details about the NCS4 Sports and Entertainment Technology Alliance, please visit the website.
About the 17th Annual National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition
The National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition will be held June
23-25, 2026, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, Calif.
The conference will attract over 500 attendees and 70 exhibitors representing professional
sports, intercollegiate athletics, interscholastic athletics, marathon and endurance
events, sports and entertainment facilities, and those who provide safety and security
products and services to the industry. Visit the conference website for more information.
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.