The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) will host the 2027 National Intercollegiate Athletics Safety and Security Forum on January 28-29, at the JW Marriott New Orleans.
About the Forum
OBJECTIVE: To address key safety and security challenges facing intercollegiate athletic programs and to share best practices for continuous improvement.
Collegiate athletic programs and venues attract a large number of athletes and spectators, making safety and security a top priority for venue operators, public safety officials, and local communities. Discussing current issues and exploring solutions in a forum environment will help colleges and universities, athletic conferences, and associations enhance safety and security plans and operations.
The Forum runs for two full days, starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, January 28.
Who You'll Meet
Attendees include those working in or supporting intercollegiate athletic programs.
- Athletic administrators and staff from NCAA Division I, II, and III institutions, athletic conference administrators, football bowl administrators, NCAA representatives, facility managers, and guest services
- Campus, local, and state law enforcement
- Emergency managers, fire, HAZMAT, and EMS
- Facility managers, guest services, government officials, governing bodies, and sports commissions
Solution Partners consist of all private sector companies that provide products and services to the sports safety and security industry, and those companies may only participate as Solution Partners (e.g., event staffing, video/access management, perimeter security, consultants, lawyers, integrators, etc.)
Event Details
ATTEND
Attendees: $575 per person
Solution Partners: price varies
WHEN
January 28-29, 2027
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT
WHERE
JW Marriott New Orleans
614 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Room block ends:
Tuesday, December 9 or when it sells out
Registration Deadline: Friday, December 8
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Leigh Ann Moffett
Associate Vice President & Chief Risk Officer, Southern Methodist University
"Attending NCS⁴ forums has given me the invaluable opportunity to engage with colleagues across the intercollegiate space. I’ve gained insights into solutions they’ve identified, what has worked well, and the challenges they still face. These forums have also provided an excellent opportunity to benchmark my program, and to foster meaningful conversations and networking."
Drew Pittman, CSSP
Assistant Athletics Director, Event Management and Facilities, Baylor University
"The intercollegiate forum is a great opportunity to talk through challenges specific to the collegiate industry. Our team enjoys the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and to learn and share about best practices. Getting to spend a couple of days with a group completely focused on collegiate event safety and security is invaluable."
Becca Wilusz, Ph.D., CSSP
Assistant Director of Athletics / Game Operations & Championships, Duke University Athletics
"Attending the NCS4 Intercollegiate Athletics Forum is invaluable for new and experienced professionals alike. The knowledge and perspectives shared provide insight into trends, threats, near misses, challenges and opportunities that cross sports, divisions, and governance. You will leave not only with countless ideas to enhance your operations but also old and new friends to support those efforts long after the forum ends."
Frequently Asked Questions