The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) at The University of Southern Mississippi will host the 2026 National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition, in partnership with title sponsor ASSA ABLOY, June 23 – 25, at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, Calif. 

The event will bring together industry leaders, security professionals and key stakeholders dedicated to enhancing the safety and security of sports and entertainment venues. Attendees will include representatives from professional sports, intercollegiate and interscholastic athletics, endurance events, sports and entertainment facilities, law enforcement, emergency management, and safety and security solution providers.

The 2026 conference theme, “Honoring the Past, Securing the Future,” recognizes the leaders and partners who have shaped the sports and special events safety industry while highlighting emerging challenges, technologies and strategies defining its future. The conference will also mark NCS⁴’s 20 years of advancing safety and security across sports and special events.

Programming will include keynote presentations, panel discussions, hands-on workshops and an exhibition hall showcasing the latest security technologies and services. Additional details will be announced soon.

“The NCS4 Annual Conference is one of the most impactful sports safety and security events in the industry,” said Eugene Byrd, director of safety and security compliance, Major League Soccer. “Through my involvement with NCS⁴ and attendance at the conference each year, I have expanded my network and deepened my knowledge of the safety and security space by learning about the latest industry trends and patterns, as well as understanding how many of our industry partners are working to solve common issues. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with some of the brightest minds in sports, and that’s because of the engaging and collaborative atmosphere that the NCS⁴ conference provides each year.”

ASSA ABLOY will serve as the event’s title sponsor.

“Our partnership with NCS⁴ underscores the combined value of ASSA ABLOY and HID delivering integrated security solutions that unify access management, facial recognition and trusted credential management,” said Jeremy Saline, senior director of business development, ASSA ABLOY. “Together, we enable venues to operate more efficiently and strengthen safety for every person and asset. We’re proud to collaborate with industry leaders at NCS⁴ to shape the future of stadium and event security.”

Additional details and exclusions are available on the conference website.