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Latest Health & Safety Updates for GDC

This page will be updated closer to the event. Please check back for additional health & safety information. 

GDC organizers are working closely with the city of San Francisco and Moscone Center to ensure we can come together safely this March. 

The event will be organized in accordance with the Informa AllSecure health and safety standards, and GDC works in conjunction with state and local health authorities to adhere to all regulations and guidelines at the time of the event.

Learn more about some of our initiatives below, or review the full list of Health, Safety, & Security Terms & Conditions. We will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.

 

Health at GDC

Vaccine Requirements

For GDC 2024, we do not have a vaccine requirement.

Mask Policy

A face mask will not be required to wear while indoors but is strongly encouraged. Face masks will be available throughout the facility.

Social Distancing

Please maintain appropriate social distance and respect the personal boundaries of other attendees.

Contactless Registration

GDC will feature contactless registration making the process quicker, easier, and safer with less face-to-face interaction. For GDC 2024, we have additional registration stations to minimize queue wait times.

Hand Sanitizing

GDC will have fixed hand sanitizer units throughout the facility available for all to use.

Enhanced Cleaning

Enhanced, deep cleaning before, during, and after the event will take place, working with the Moscone Center to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness.

This includes continuous sanitization throughout the course of an event, with a focus on high-touch areas such as door handles, restrooms, and food and beverage areas.

The Moscone Convention Center was awarded the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR facility accreditation by ISSA, the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. Considered the gold standard for safe facilities, the GBAC program was designed to control the risks associated with infectious agents.

Air Ventilation

The Moscone Center uses MERV 13 pocket filters with MERV 8 pre-filters in accordance with LEED Platinum standards. The Moscone has also optimized their HVAC systems to provide the maximum number of air exchanges per hour in each space and are changing their air filters three times more often than pre-COVID protocols dictated.

Wellness

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and carrying a reusable water bottle. 

  • Keep phones charged and carry any important numbers with you. 

  • Carry details of any medications and allergies with you. 

  • Be mindful of the weather each day and dress accordingly. 

  • Wear comfortable shoes. 

  • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. 

  • Get an appropriate amount of sleep. 

  • Look out for others. Help others when safe to do so. When you are at GDC, if you become aware of someone who is ill or needs help, inform event or venue staff, or someone from Moscone Security. 

 

 

 

Safety Around San Francisco 

General Advice  

  • Upon leaving Moscone, be sure to remove your attendee badge and put it away.  

  • Always be aware of your surroundings and what is happening around you.  

  • Carry your wallet in the inside front pocket of your pants or your jacket. Carry shoulder bags or other hand-bags under your arm, not by the handle. While sitting, keep the bag in your lap. In a restaurant, keep your purse in your lap, not over the back of the chair.  

  • Be alert, particularly in crowded situations. Staged distractions are a favorite ploy of pickpockets.   

  • Keep your eyes up, your ears open, and your phone down on city streets and on public transportation. This will lower the chance of theft and keep you safe on San Francisco’s busy streets.

 

Visiting Offsite Venues 

Know your location, including venue name and address, and cross streets when possible. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, it is ok to leave. If you feel unsafe and you feel it should be reported, GDC will have a dedicated hotline available during the event to contact.  

All official GDC-sanctioned events are noted on the Schedule Viewer tab. Anything listed on the Schedule Viewer tab is connected to the event and will have our event and security teams present. 

Emergency Evacuations In the event of an emergency evacuation or shelter-in-place order, make your way quickly and calmly to an emergency exit or the designated sheltering area.
Protecting your property 
  • Make a note of your hotel address and store it separately from other items. 

  • Never write your hotel room number on your room key. 

  • If parking, lock your vehicle and never leave valuables or personal items on display. 

  • If you lose property such as a purse or wallet containing credit cards, driver's license, Social Security card or passport, file a police report immediately by dialing 311, or contact the San Francisco Police Department at (415) 553-0123. Remember to contact your credit card companies or bank immediately to inform them of your lost cards. 

Suspicious Activity 

Please report all suspicious activity or behavior by dialing 311, or contact the San Francisco Police Department at (415) 553-0123. You can also notify a San Francisco Ambassador wearing an orange vest or orange jacket stationed throughout the city. 

Weather Awareness 

The weather in San Francisco during March can change rapidly. Make note of local weather forecasts and pay special attention to any weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service. 

  

 

Additional Resources

Free 24/7 Helpline

GDC is providing an attendee Safety Helpline for the 2024 event from March 14 – April 5.

Helplines are staffed 24/7. Call +1 925-852-4361 to report an issue.

Please email Katie Tirschel and/or Stephenie Hawkins for any other urgent issues.

Safety Welcome Ambassadors 

While visiting San Francisco, keep an eye out for the city’s official Welcome Ambassadors – in their signature bright orange jackets, with the words “Welcome Ambassador” written on the back. These ambassadors can help with directions, transit questions, and safety concerns. You can find them at the Moscone Center, along with downtown BART stations, transit hubs, and key tourist locations. 

SF Travel

Learn how San Francisco Travel is working with major stakeholders to ensure attendees have a safe and wonderful experience. Also check out Tips for Attendees. 

 SF Safety Initiatives 

San Francisco is actively helping attendees stay safe. You can read the full San Francisco safety initiatives here.

Moscone Safety Procedures 

Please find the Moscone safety procedures here.

  

Important Contact Information

Emergencies- Outside of Moscone Center: 

  • Dial 9-1-1 to contact Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) outside of Moscone Center. 
Emergencies- At Moscone Center: 
  • Please dial 5-1-1 from any house phone (listed on handset) OR 415-978-3511 from an outside line. Please do not call “9-1-1” as it will take longer for help to arrive.  
Hospital Closest to Moscone Center: 
The closest downtown hospital with emergency room services is: 
Saint Francis Memorial Hospital 
900 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 353-6000 
 
Non-Emergency Assistance 
Dial 3-1-1, or contact the San Francisco Police Department at (415) 553-0123 
 
Covid Testing 
If you need a Covid test, this guide can direct you to the closest location.
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