The keynote “State of Security in America, Trends, Evolution, and the Adversaries in Preparation for the 2028 Olympics” highlights the evolving security landscape as the nation gears up for the games. It discusses increasing cyber threats, the rise of domestic terrorism, and the importance of advanced technologies and inter-agency collaboration. The presentation identifies key adversaries, including both foreign and domestic threats, and emphasizes proactive measures and community engagement to ensure safety during this significant event.

A conversation with Figen Murray and Sue O’Sullivan will honor the resilience of individuals affected by terrorism while emphasizing the urgent need for advocacy and legislative reform to prevent future tragedies. Through personal stories and expert insights, the discussion aims to inspire collective action that honors victims’ memories by fostering a safer and more compassionate society.

This panel examines how sports and entertainment organizations can shift from a reactive posture to one rooted in anticipation and preparedness. Speakers will highlight the role of consistent training, empowered frontline staff, and leadership buy-in in building a culture where potential threats are identified and addressed early. Through real-world venue and event examples, the discussion will show how investing in people and prevention not only reduces risk but also protects the fan experience.

This panel examines the real-world challenges security directors face in today’s sports and entertainment venues, including staffing shortages, unruly fan behavior and evolving threat vectors. Panelists will share practical insights, lessons learned, and proven approaches to managing risk and maintaining safe, resilient venues in an increasingly complex operating environment.

Security at sports and entertainment venues depends on strong partnerships long before an incident occurs. This panel explores how venue operators, local law enforcement, emergency management, private security, and industry partners can build trust, clarify roles, and operate as a unified team. Panelists will discuss practical strategies for improving communication, sharing intelligence, aligning expectations, and strengthening relationships before, during, and after major events. Attendees will gain real-world insights on turning coordination into true collaboration and building partnerships that hold up under pressure.

This panel explores how security is being built into the next generation of sports and entertainment venues. As threat environments evolve and fan expectations grow, venue design is shifting to prioritize integrated systems, smarter infrastructure, and operational flexibility from day one. The discussion will examine emerging technologies that support proactive monitoring and faster decision-making, strategies for connecting video, access control, and other systems into a unified platform, and design approaches that enhance both safety and the fan experience.

This panel brings together experienced security leaders to examine the evolving threats, vulnerabilities, and hazards shaping the future of physical security at event venues of all shapes and sizes. Our expert panelists will explore actionable insights on emerging risks – from technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones to threat actor evolution and the international threat landscape – so you can better prepare, adapt, and protect your venues in the years ahead.

• Women in Sports Security – This roundtable will give women in security a chance to talk about their paths, the challenges they’ve faced, and what’s helped them succeed. We’ll cover things like career growth, mentorship, day-to-day experiences, and how we can bring more women into the field and support them once they’re here.
• Best Practices in Securing Mass Gatherings
• It’s All Fun & Games: Easy, Low-Cost Ways to Exercise Your Venue’s Emergency Plan – Designed for venue security and management teams, this session offers a practical, low-cost approach to promoting a fun approach to exercising staff’s emergency roles and responsibilities. Attendees will learn a five-question facilitation framework that applies to any scenario, giving teams a repeatable way to test communication, roles, and decision-making without heavy planning or resources. The session will also cover game-based formats including scavenger hunts, map exercises, and hands-on building challenges that turn practice into engaging, memorable drills that reinforce venue literacy and team coordination.
• Game Day Ready: Smarter Training for Venue Security Teams

• Women in Sports Security – This roundtable will give women in security a chance to talk about their paths, the challenges they’ve faced, and what’s helped them succeed. We’ll cover things like career growth, mentorship, day-to-day experiences, and how we can bring more women into the field and support them once they’re here.
• Best Practices in Securing Mass Gatherings
• It’s All Fun & Games: Easy, Low-Cost Ways to Exercise Your Venue’s Emergency Plan – Designed for venue security and management teams, this session offers a practical, low-cost approach to promoting a fun approach to exercising staff’s emergency roles and responsibilities. Attendees will learn a five-question facilitation framework that applies to any scenario, giving teams a repeatable way to test communication, roles, and decision-making without heavy planning or resources. The session will also cover game-based formats including scavenger hunts, map exercises, and hands-on building challenges that turn practice into engaging, memorable drills that reinforce venue literacy and team coordination.
• Game Day Ready: Smarter Training for Venue Security Teams