As live experiences get bigger, more complex, and more visible than ever, event safety becomes more than just a logistical consideration. It’s a fundamental responsibility. From crowd management and emergency preparedness to cybersecurity and strategic venue coordination, it’s imperative for today’s event professionals to think holistically about how to protect attendees and staff – and even the reputations of partner brands.
With so much at stake, the National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition, hosted by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4), continues to be a valuable gathering for events professionals of all disciplines. Bringing together leaders from sports, entertainment, law enforcement, and event management, the conference offers practical insights, real-world case studies, and forward-thinking discussions surrounding risk mitigation and operational preparedness.
Attending NCS4 in Charlotte, NC
LEO Events Associate Producer Erin Hayes attended this year’s conference, held at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The forum focuses on emerging threats, industry standards, and best practices for safety, security, and operations professionals, and gave Erin the opportunity to earn credit hours toward renewing her Certified Sport Security Professional credential. She said though safety and security may not be the most glamorous aspects of event management, they are a critical piece of the work our teams execute every day.
From Ball Games to Ballrooms
Erin first started working toward the CSSP certification while overseeing operations for the Orlando Magic full time, completing it while working as Event Operations Manager at TD Garden in Boston. It’s important to her to keep the certification active even though her focus has shifted from sports to corporate events through her role at LEO.
“Currently, I am one of about 120 people who holds a Certified Sport Security Professional Certification and one of very few women,” Erin said. “It shouldn’t matter if you’re going to a University of Arkansas basketball game or Walmart Associates Week, you should be able to count on the people who are credentialed and putting on these events to keep you safe, acting with authority and knowledge in the event of an emergency.”
Though the NCS4 conference content centers on large spectator environments, the principles explored translate directly to corporate events held in arenas and other large venues, and really – events of any size and scope.
“This information is applicable no matter the venue or event size, and we should always be forward thinking,” Erin said. “2026 specifically brings major brand events for LEO in uniquely large venues, and while the arenas and stadiums often focus on safety and security, it could be our client’s first time managing at that scale, so it’s important for us to make sure we are providing them with the best information to make educated decisions surrounding their programs.”
Safety for Every Size and Scope
The LEO Events team executes dozens of events in arena settings year after year, and these safety principles remain relevant. Whether the audience is sports fans or conference attendees, whether the venue is an arena or a convention center, crowd safety and operational resilience are universal.
Great events are remembered for their energy, creativity, and connection, but behind every successful moment is a thoughtful safety strategy that ensures everyone can participate with confidence. Conferences like NCS4 help keep that mission front and center, giving event leaders the tools to keep raising the bar in the area of emergency response. In addition to earning hours toward her renewed CSSP certification, attending the conference allowed Erin to collaborate and learn with peers who face similar challenges, bringing that knowledge back to the rest of the LEO team.
If you’re looking for a live events partner that prioritizes safety, clear communication, and impeccable planning, let’s talk.