NCS4 Concludes Successful Annual Conference
Tue, 07/22/2025 - 11:38am | By: NCS4 Staff
The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of 麻豆传媒 (麻豆传媒) has successfully concluded its 16th Annual National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition with a record number of attendees and exhibitors.
The conference was held June 30-July 2 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. The 2025 theme, 鈥淪etting the Standard,鈥� focused on defining and implementing the highest levels of safety and security practices for sports and special events through the convergence of people, processes and technology. The event featured dynamic programming, solution provider engagement and ample opportunities for professional networking.
The conference was supported by Title Sponsor , the only all-in-one venue management platform addressing needs such as incident management, scheduling, timekeeping and work order management.
鈥淭he NCS4 team thanks all the attendees, exhibitors and sponsors for this year鈥檚 conference success,鈥� said Dr. Stacey Hall, NCS4 executive director and professor for sport management. 鈥淲e 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鈥檓 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.鈥�
The conference opened with a keynote on artificial intelligence (AI) in security operations by James Spellos, president of Meeting U, followed by a panel presentation, An Inside Look With Our League鈥檚 Top Security Leadership, featuring Billy Langenstein (NFL), Jared Maples (NHL), Leon Newsome (NBA), Jeff Stonebreaker (MLS) and Dave Thomas (MLB).
General sessions addressed key issues relevant to today鈥檚 sports safety and security professionals, including AI applications, credentialing, medical emergency planning, sports betting, insider threat protection, communications, and planning for international sports events. The agenda also included breakout sessions, an awards luncheon, and an exhibition hall showcasing emerging technologies.
鈥淭he NCS4 Annual Conference is one of the most impactful sports safety and security conferences out there,鈥� said Eugene Byrd, director of safety & security for Major League Soccer and co-chair of NCS4 Professional Sports Advisory Committee. 鈥淓ach year, the conference brings together top industry leaders, venue operators, growing technology companies and major sports leagues to collaborate on the industry鈥檚 most relevant topics. Because of my involvement with NCS4 and attendance each year, I鈥檝e had the opportunity to expand my network and knowledge of the safety and security space by learning the latest trends and patterns and understanding how many of our industry partners are working to solve common issues. In my career, I鈥檝e had the opportunity to meet and work with some of the brightest minds in sports, and that鈥檚 because of the network-rich, engaging and collaborative atmosphere that the NCS4conference provides each year.鈥�
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 were also honored for earning the industry鈥檚 only certification in sport security management. The luncheon was sponsored by , a provider of weapons detection systems for security screening.
鈥淲e are proud to celebrate these individuals who exemplify the highest standards of dedication, innovation and vigilance in safety and security,鈥� said Lauren Cranford, MPH, CHES, NCS4 director of operations.
Planning for the 2026 Annual Conference and Exhibition is already underway. The event will take place June 23-25, 2026, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, Calif. Details will be released later this year.
In addition, the NCS4 will soon release information regarding the upcoming National Professional Sports and Entertainment Safety and Security Forum, scheduled for February 2026.