NCS4 announces annual conference and exhibition in San Antonio

The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is pleased to release the agenda for the upcoming 16th Annual National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition, in conjunction with title sponsor CSA360 Software.

The event will take place June 30 — July 2, 2025, at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas.

The 2025 conference theme, Setting the Standard, will focus on defining and implementing the highest levels of safety and security practices for sports and special events.

“The NCS4 team looks forward to hosting its annual conference, an important event on our calendar where we connect with key stakeholders and share knowledge, tools, and solutions to improve the safety and security of sports and entertainment events,” said Dr. Stacey A. Hall, NCS4 executive director and professor of sport management. “The conference will offer dynamic programming, solution provider engagement, and opportunities to network with fellow professionals.”

James Spellos, president of Meeting U., will serve as a keynote speaker to kick off the opening general session. A panel discussion on An Inside Look with our League’s Top Security Leadership will follow with Billy Langenstein, CSSP, senior director of security services and investigation (NFL); Jared Maples, senior executive vice president, chief security officer (NHL); Leon Newsome, chief security officer (NBA); Jeff Stonebreaker, CSSP, senior vice president (MLS); and Dave Thomas, senior vice president security and ballpark operations (MLB).

“We are thrilled to bring together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss and advance the future of safety and security in sports and special events. Our goal is to equip professionals with the knowledge and resources they need to ensure safer, more secure experiences for both participants and spectators alike,” said Lauren Cranford, NCS4 director of operations.

Conference programming will include general sessions with panel discussions on topics relevant to today’s ever-changing security landscape, while breakout sessions allow participants to engage with panelists and attendees on key issues.

Other topics will include:

• Credentialing
• Effective Procedures in Case of Medical Emergencies
• International Sporting Event Security Best Practices
• Sports Betting
• Field Storming and Court Rushes
• Perimeter Protective Design
• Generative AI
• Additional information on these topics and others will be announced soon.

“The annual NCS4 conference provides industry professionals an opportunity to discuss and analyze current security concerns and best practices, view cutting-edge industry-related technology, and create an environment that facilitates meaningful conversation to anticipate future needs that proactively change the trajectory of sports security to continue to ensure the safety of our venues,” said Rick Fenton, CSSP, vice president and chief security officer at Ilitch Holdings, Inc., and co-chair of the NCS4 National Advisory Board.

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In addition to keynote speakers, the awards luncheon, interactive panel discussions, and breakout sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to explore emerging technologies and network with peers during the conference. New this year, there will be a welcome mixer from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, in the exhibit hall. There will also be a social reception held after the programming on the first evening that will allow practitioners, industry partners, and exhibitors another opportunity to gather and network with friends and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere.

For more information about the NCS4 conference, click here.