26Mar2026
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Tim Greenwell (Squire PB) - Learnings from a decade at Southampton FC & look towards the future

The ESSMA Safety & Security Workshop in Copenhagen also highlighted the growing importance of governance, planning, and team culture in stadium safety. Drawing on real-life experience from Southampton FC, the session demonstrated how safety performance depends on more than just systems and procedures. Participants gained valuable insights into how strong leadership, clear structures, and cross-functional collaboration can strengthen operations in an increasingly complex environment. The key message was clear: effective safety starts with people, processes, and a culture that places safety at the heart of decision-making.

Safety & Security

26Mar2026
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Professor Steven Verstockt (University of Ghent) - Integration of AI in Stadium Safety

The ESSMA Safety & Security Workshop in Copenhagen also explored how emerging technologies can enhance stadium safety and operational efficiency. Through the GOTCHA project, participants discovered how AI, video analytics, and digital twins can transform traditional CCTV systems into intelligent decision-support tools. By focusing on data quality, spatial awareness, and smarter camera control, the approach demonstrates how clubs can improve incident detection and analysis. The key takeaway is clear: innovation is not about adding more technology, but about using existing infrastructure in a smarter and more effective way.

Safety & Security

26Mar2026
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Morten Therkildsen (Roskilde festival) - The Showstop Procedure

The ESSMA Safety & Security Workshop in Copenhagen also addressed one of the most critical aspects of event safety: the ability to make fast and clear decisions in high-risk situations. Drawing on lessons from large-scale events, the session on showstop management highlighted how delays and uncertainty can have serious consequences. Through practical examples and structured frameworks, participants gained insight into how clear procedures, defined responsibilities, and effective communication can support rapid intervention. The key message was clear: in moments where safety is at stake, clarity in decision-making can save lives.

Safety & Security

26Mar2026
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Claus Juhl Jorgensen (FC Copenhagen) - Implementing biometrics at Parken Stadium

The ESSMA Safety & Security Workshop in Copenhagen also provided a focused look at how biometric technology can enhance stadium security in practice. F.C. Copenhagen showcased a targeted approach, using facial recognition specifically to enforce stadium bans while maintaining a smooth fan experience. By combining technology with strong human oversight and clear governance, the system improves both efficiency and accuracy in security operations. The case highlights how innovation, when applied with precision and responsibility, can strengthen safety without compromising trust.

Safety & Security

26Mar2026
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Cecilie Monk (FC Copenhagen) - ESG Strategy at FC Copenhagen

The ESSMA Safety & Security Workshop in Copenhagen also highlighted how innovation can extend beyond safety into broader stadium management. F.C. Copenhagen and Parken Stadium presented a holistic approach, combining biometric security solutions with integrated sustainability strategies. By aligning technology, governance, and ESG principles, the Danish model demonstrates how clubs can create long-term value for both fans and the wider community. The case offers a strong example of how modern stadiums can balance efficiency, responsibility, and experience.

Sustainability & Smart

26Mar2026
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Tim Berggren & Kasper Kragh (Divisionsforeningen) - Implementing Facial Recognition across the Danish League

The ESSMA Safety & Security Workshop in Copenhagen also explored the role of biometric technology in modern stadium operations. With increasing pressure to balance security, efficiency, and fan experience, the Danish Superliga provides a clear and practical example. Through the case of F.C. Copenhagen, participants gained insight into how facial recognition can be used in a targeted and responsible way. The approach highlights how technology, when combined with strong governance and clear communication, can support safer and more efficient stadium environments.

Safety & Security

26Mar2026
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Joshua Geertsen (Football Security Service Belgium) - Learnings from the Belgian Study on Pyrotechnics

The ESSMA Safety & Security Workshop in Copenhagen brought together stadium professionals to exchange key insights on safety, pyrotechnics, and innovation. Through expert sessions and interactive discussions, participants explored both operational challenges and practical solutions. A key highlight was Belgium’s national study on pyrotechnics, providing clear data on usage, risks, and fan behaviour. The findings emphasise the need for a balanced approach combining enforcement, education, and controlled innovation to improve stadium safety.

Safety & Security

25Jan2026
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Rethinking Stadium F&B and Hospitality: What European Clubs Can Learn from a Changing Fan Culture

In stadiums across Europe, the food and beverage conversation is no longer about fries, pints and halftime queues. It has become a discussion about identity, innovation, sustainability, commercial performance and—above all—expectation. That was the backdrop for one of the most energetic moments of the ESSMA Summit: the F&B and Hospitality panel conversation featuring Tottenham Hotspur, True Food, RSC Anderlecht and Borro, moderated by ESSMA Board Member Dimitri Huygen.

Fan Entertainment & HospitalityOperations & Ticketing