Security Industry Association Names William D. Squires as 2026 Insightful Practitioner Award Honoree

Bill Squires will be recognized for his implementation of innovative security solutions at SIA Honors Night.

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named William D. (Bill) Squires as the 2026 recipient of the SIA Insightful Practitioner Award, an honor recognizing excellence in promoting the implementation of innovative security solutions. Squires will be recognized Nov. 4 during the 2026 SIA Honors Night event.

Bill Squires began his career in the sports and entertainment facilities and events management industry in 1987 and has managed several large professional sports venues. Squires oversaw all aspects of events and operations for these venues. He was the chief venues officer for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup New York New Jersey Host Committee. Squires is a past president of the Stadium Managers Association and sits on several boards supporting sports and entertainment facilities and events. He teaches the Sports Facilities and Events Management (2007) course and co-teaches the Sustainability in Sports: Theory and Practice (2024) course in Columbia University’s Master of Science in the Sports and Sustainability Management programs. Squires is a United States Naval Academy graduate and was an active-duty naval aviator for 12 years before joining the New York Yankees. He served an additional 12 years in the Naval Reserves and retired as a commander.

Squires’ involvement in SIA has included delivering multiple presentations to the SIA Artificial Intelligence Advisory Board, participating in SIA’s Vertical Insights Stadium Security Symposium and serving as an executive speaker for The Table, a peer-to-peer business leadership master class from SIA and PSA. In addition, he is the keynote speaker for SIA’s upcoming Veterans in Security Leadership Forum, scheduled for Nov. 3 in New York City, in conjunction with ISC East.

“It is an absolute honor to receive the 2026 SIA Insightful Practitioner Award. As a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, I promised to serve my country to the best of my ability. As a member of the sports and entertainment facilities and events management industry for the past 39+ years, I have committed to doing the same,” said Squires. “The primary objective is to ensure the safety and security of everyone attending these events, and to protect the complex infrastructure that supports some of America’s most cherished pastimes. The Security Industry Association shares these goals, and I am grateful for their continued support.”

“Bill Squires is a talented security practitioner and leader who has made major impacts in sports, venue and event security during his impressive career,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “He has offered considerable time and expertise to SIA through speaking at SIA events and engaging with the AI Advisory Board and Veterans in Security community. We commend Bill for his outstanding innovation and accomplishments and thank him for his support of SIA and the industry overall, and we look forward to celebrating him at SIA Honors Night.”

SIA’s Insightful Practitioner Award was created to honor security practitioners who demonstrate leadership and excellence in promoting the implementation of innovative security solutions through education, advocacy and teamwork with the security industry and other stakeholders.

Squires will be recognized at SIA Honors Night, an evening of celebration, recognition and giving, taking place Nov. 4 in New York City in conjunction with ISC East. This year’s event, held at the beautiful City Winery in New York City, includes top-tier security industry networking, great entertainment, delicious food and drinks and an elegant gala recognizing exceptional members of the security industry for their leadership, commitment and service to the industry. SIA Honors Night will once again benefit the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST), bringing even more meaning to the celebration. In addition to presenting the Insightful Practitioner Award, SIA will also present the 2026 Progress Award and Jay Hauhn Excellence in Partnerships Award. Learn more about SIA Honors Night and register to attend here.

About the Security Industry Association

SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,700 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As the premier sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision-makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.