Press Release: Summit on Public Safety and the 2026 Soccer Tournament Features Global Crowd Safety Expert Professor Clifford Stott and U.S. Soccer Federation Vice President of Security Frank Pannell

New Jersey — A public conversation on crowd psychology, public safety and readiness ahead of the 2026 international soccer tournament will take place Wednesday, April 1, 2026, hosted by Seton Hall University’s Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute. The event is produced by Kicking It to 2026: The Countdown to the Game, a docuseries.

Lori Tarke, DHSc, executive director of the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute at Seton Hall University, said the institute is proud to host the summit and highlighted the strong cultural and academic connection between soccer, the Latino community and the university.

“In the spirit of sport, unity and celebration, we are honored to host world-renowned crowd safety expert Clifford Stott and U.S. Soccer Federation security leader Frank Pannell, and to help our communities engage with this global moment,” Tarke said.

The summit will be moderated by Rafael Bello, a five-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, host and media entrepreneur. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Rafael Bello Network and host of “The Rafael Bello Show” and “El Pulso con Rafael Bello,” Bello brings more than two decades of experience in broadcast, television and digital media, with deep roots in sports storytelling. A former on-air figure at Univision 41 New York and host of “Desde las Gradas Podcast,” his career spans the intersection of Latino culture, community and sports media.

Keynote speaker Professor Clifford Stott, MBE, Ph.D., a globally recognized expert in crowd safety and security at major sporting events, will examine preparedness for the 2026 tournament, including public safety, crowd engagement, public trust and coordination among host countries, cities and institutions. A professor of policing research at The Open University in the United Kingdom, Stott’s research has influenced public safety planning, law enforcement strategy and event management across multiple countries. Drawing on more than three decades of work at major soccer tournaments, protests and large public gatherings, he will address misconceptions about crowd risk and share evidence-based approaches that improve safety, reduce disorder and strengthen cooperation between institutions and communities.

Frank Pannell, Vice President of Security for the U.S. Soccer Federation, will join the summit as a special guest, bringing a national federation perspective on security planning, operational coordination and fan safety ahead of the tournament. A nationally recognized security executive, Pannell brings two decades of experience spanning state and federal law enforcement, private industry and global security operations. Before joining U.S. Soccer Federation, he led high-risk executive protection operations for top executives at Google and YouTube, and co-founded The Pannell Adamantine Group, a private security firm specializing in National Special Security Event planning and crisis response. A former Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service, Pannell led elite teams within the Special Operations Division and played a critical role in protective missions for U.S. presidents, vice presidents and foreign heads of state. His expertise spans threat mitigation, executive protection, chemical and nuclear warfare, and operational risk management.

The program will also feature Christopher Modarelli, Deputy Incident Commander for the 2026 tournament, representing the New Jersey State Police under Acting Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan Hengemuhle. A representative from the FIFA Host Committee is also expected to participate; that designation is to be confirmed.

The executive producers of Kicking It to 2026 will recognize Vereliz Santana with the Champion of Advocacy award. Recently appointed by Governor Mikie Sherrill as Director of Advocacy in the governor’s office, Santana has built her career around ensuring communities have a seat at the table. She has served on the Newark Board of Education, worked alongside Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, and led grassroots outreach efforts connecting New Jersey residents to the electoral process. The honor recognizes her sustained commitment to making sure communities are heard.

“We are grateful to Seton Hall University and Lori Tarke in Seton Hall's Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute for hosting this conversation for the community. As independent producers, we thrive on support from local audiences,” said Meiling Macias-Toro, executive producer of Freedom Studios.

The summit will also explore broader U.S. factors shaping crowd experience, including policing culture, cross-border travel, community engagement and public perceptions of safety during major global events.

“The finals are coming to New Jersey, and this summit is where that conversation gets real. Honoring Vereliz alongside these global experts makes sense, good advocacy and smart public safety planning are part of our responsible storytelling mission,” said Director and Executive Producer Giovanna Aguilar.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Summit Details

When: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Where: Event Room in the University Center

Time:

4:00 p.m. (VIP Meet and Greet by invitation only)

Doors open: 5:00 p.m.

Program: 5:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute at Seton Hall University

Register Here.

About:

Kicking It to 2026: The Countdown to the Game is an independent storytelling docuseries highlighting the energy and anticipation of fans and communities preparing for the 2026 soccer tournament throughout Mexico, the United States and Canada. The project is not affiliated with FIFA or any official tournament organization. The docuseries is produced by Candesco Productions and Freedom Studios, Inc.

Candesco Productions is a boutique creative studio producing multimedia content and events focused on thought leadership, entrepreneurship and social impact.

Freedom Studios, Inc. develops and produces culturally rooted film, television and digital content that amplifies underrepresented voices. Through authentic storytelling, the company creates stories that connect communities across cultures and platforms.