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.