The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) will award six Young Professional Scholarships at the 2024 National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition in Phoenix, AZ, from July 9-11. NCS4, based at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), hosts the event on a yearly basis.
The NCS4 is committed to training the future generation of sport security professionals. They recently launched the Young Professional Scholarship Program, which covers registration fees for chosen individuals to attend the National Conference. Axis Communications sponsors the scholarship program.
The Young Professional Scholarship Program is intended for professionals 40 years old or younger who work in the sports and entertainment security fields. Potential candidates submitted an application for consideration for the award, and winners were chosen based on eligibility criteria, career goal responses, and availability to attend the National Conference.
“We’d like to thank Axis Communications, our program sponsor, for partnering with us to honor and assist young professionals in the sports security space. Dr. Stacey A. Hall, NCS4 Executive Director and Professor of Sport Management, expressed excitement for the conference and hopes to engage with attendees.
The conference will provide recipients with broad educational programs, breakthrough technological solutions, security expert insights, and networking opportunities.
“Axis Communications values education, and we celebrate personal and professional development,” said James Stark, Axis Communications Segment Development Manager – Retail, Americas. “We are proud to participate in helping deserving young professionals through the financial support of the scholarship and appreciate the opportunity to partner with NCS4 in this impactful initiative.”
The industries represented by the recipients were professional sports and entertainment, as well as intercollegiate athletics.
NCS4 and Axis Communications are pleased to present the 2024 Young Professional Award recipients:
Alex Algee, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
Shane Burgess, Wisconsin Athletics
Adrienne Hutchens, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment
Dan Koch, Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis W. Smith, Virginia Beach Police Department
Matt Wannemuehler, University of Alabama Athletics
Early-bird registration is available through April 15 with fees of $600 for NCS⁴ Connect members and $650 for non-members. Prices will increase by $50 after April 15. If you register three or more people from the same organization, save $50 off each attendee registration. The group discount will be automatically applied when applicable. Visit the website for additional information and exclusions.