Emerging industry leaders honored at the National Sports Safety and Security Conference
Eight professionals were recognized for their leadership in addressing safety and security issues during the 2025 National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition in San Antonio. The event was presented by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi.
The Emerging Industry Leader Award recognizes a young professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in addressing safety and security issues. In addition to the enhanced safety and security of their venue/event, the recipient’s contributions have set an example for others to follow.
Individuals receiving the award include:
Bonnie Almond, vice president, Venue Operations, Tepper Sports and Entertainment
Austin Augustus, PMP, MBA, security manager, Florida Panthers
Madison Benner, Manager, ballpark operations and security, Major League Baseball
Taylor Dey, Manager, safety and security, Major League Soccer
Matt Elliot, assistant athletic director, events and facilities operations, The University of Alabama
Aaron Moore, athletic administrator, Noble High School Ed Whetham, director of event operations, Twin Cities in Motion
Jacob Zive, director, event security operations, New York Road Runners
“We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding young professionals who are raising the standards of sports safety and security and setting an example for their peers,” said Dr. Stacey Hall, NCS4 executive director and professor of sport management.
Bluewater Technologies played a key role in a collaborative effort that led to Michigan State University’s Tom Izzo Football Building receiving a 2025 Build Michigan Award by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Michigan.
The Build Michigan Award, presented annually by AGC of Michigan, recognizes outstanding commercial construction projects in the state that exemplify exceptional management skills, creativity, perseverance under challenging conditions, and innovative construction and building techniques.
The project team assigned to the Tom Izzo Football Building transformed and expanded a facility originally built in 1980 into a modern, immersive and interactive football hub. Bluewater’s AV integration systems are seamlessly integrated throughout the facility, elevating functionality and creating an enhanced experience for athletes, staff, and visitors alike.
The renovation at the Tom Izzo Football Building included:
An expanded 19,000-square-foot weight room, a sports science area, and multiple nutrition stations;
Renovated athletic training areas and recovery modalities;
A new player locker room, lounge and Nike Gear Lab.