It's Dangerous To Go It Alone: Convention Safety

The excitement is palpable as the gaming industry gears up for some of its most anticipated events of the year, including notable conventions like DICE and GDC. However, amidst the anticipation, it's crucial to address a significant aspect of these gatherings: safety. While conventions are a hub for creativity, networking, and celebration of gaming culture, they pose unique safety challenges for attendees, especially women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ attendees. Considering recent reports and the ongoing conversation about harassment and safety at such events, here are some actionable tips from a female in the gaming industry with a father who was a police chief before retiring. I know this may feel like overkill - but future you may be very thankful that you implemented some of this advice.

(Please note: I am not a safety or security specialist; this is simply a collection of information that has been shared with me over the years and many steps that I take when attending conventions or traveling.)

Know Before You Go

Strategic Preparation: Enhancing Safety at Conventions

By taking proactive steps before and during the event, you can significantly enhance your safety and minimize risks.

1. Research the Venue and Surroundings: Before attending the convention, take the time to familiarize yourself with the venue and its surrounding area. Look for maps online and identify the main entrances, exits, emergency services, and public transportation options. Understanding the layout can help you navigate more confidently and make quick decisions if needed.

2. Identify Safe Routes: Determine the safest routes for traveling to and from the convention. This includes assessing well-lit paths, avoiding isolated areas, and noting locations of public spaces where you can seek help if necessary.

3. Consult with Local Experts: Don’t hesitate to seek advice from hotel staff, local law enforcement, or event organizers regarding safety tips specific to the area. They can offer invaluable insights into which neighborhoods to avoid, local customs to be aware of, and any recent safety concerns.

4. Maintain a Low Profile: To avoid drawing undue attention, consider the visibility of your convention paraphernalia:

• Convention IDs: Remove or conceal your convention badges and IDs when outside the event premises to blend in with the general public.
• Branding and Logos: If you’re wearing apparel with your company’s logo or the event’s branding, cover it up before leaving the event space. A jacket or change of clothes can help maintain anonymity.
• Event Merchandise: Keep any event-specific items, such as bags or merchandise, in your hotel room or securely stored when not on the convention floor.

5. Secure Accommodations: Choose accommodations with good security measures, such as 24-hour front desk service, secure entry, and in-room safes. Upon arrival, inquire about any additional safety tips for guests and use hotel safes to store valuables and extra identification.

6. Emergency Contacts: Compile a list of emergency contact numbers, including local law enforcement, the nearest embassy or consulate (if traveling internationally), and a personal emergency contact. Keep this information accessible at all times during your stay (both digital and physical copies).

7. Digital Safety: In addition to physical safety, ensure your digital presence is secure. Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.

Don't Look Like a Victim

Criminals constantly seek out individuals who appear vulnerable or easily overpowered. Their expertise lies in recognizing subtle cues of fear, hesitation, or distraction in potential targets. To diminish the likelihood of becoming a target, it’s essential to embody and project an aura of confidence and alertness. Here’s a structured approach to ensuring you present yourself in a way that deters potential threats:

1. Exude Confidence: Your demeanor plays a crucial role in how you're perceived. Stand tall, walk with purpose, and maintain an upright posture to convey self-assurance. Even if you don't feel confident, the act of appearing so can significantly impact a criminal's assessment of you as a potential target.

2. Maintain Alertness: Always be conscious of your environment. This means actively scanning your surroundings, not just glancing around. Being visibly engaged with what’s happening around you signals to potential predators that you are not an easy mark.

3. Avoid Distractions: In today’s world, smartphones and other devices can easily divert your attention from your surroundings. Try to minimize the time spent looking at your screen when in public spaces. This helps you stay aware and portrays you as less distracted and, therefore, a less appealing target. For example, when walking to a destination, I pop in earplugs, turn on an audiobook, and use the turn-by-turn directions to walk without looking at maps or my phone.

4. Cultivate Spatial Awareness: Being mindful of who is around you and maintaining a comfortable distance from strangers can prevent you from appearing vulnerable. This doesn’t mean acting paranoid but rather being aware of your space and those who enter it.

5. Practice Assertive Body Language: Along with standing tall, keep your head up and make eye contact with people around you. This type of body language communicates that you’re assertive and self-assured, qualities that are less attractive to criminals looking for easy targets.

6. Prepare Mentally: Have a plan for different scenarios you might encounter. Knowing how you’d respond to a threat increases your confidence and reduces your chances of freezing or panicking in the moment.

Scanning and Planning

Maintaining a keen sense of awareness is paramount for your safety. This includes being mindful before, during, and after events, particularly in scenarios involving alcohol. Here's a consolidated approach to ensure your vigilance is both proactive and practical:

1. Illuminate Your Path: Always choose well-lit streets and opt for the shortest and safest routes to your destinations. The visibility not only deters potential threats but also helps you navigate more confidently.

2. Stranger Caution: While conventions are social hubs, exercise caution with overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited assistance or deals. Their intentions may not always align with your safety.

3. Escape Route Acuity: Familiarize yourself with the layout of each location you visit, from meeting rooms to your accommodations. Identifying escape routes and emergency exits can be crucial in urgent situations.

4. Secure Accommodations: Ensure your lodging is equipped with robust security measures, including secure locks on doors and windows. Utilize hotel safes for storing valuables and travel documents when you're exploring.

5. Safe Delivery Practices: When ordering items to your hotel, avoid disclosing your room number for added privacy and security. Opt for lobby drop-offs to minimize direct exposure to your personal space.

6. Engaged Observation: Go beyond casual glances; actively observe your surroundings to spot potential risks or individuals showing undue interest. This heightened awareness can serve as a deterrent to would-be assailants.

7. Path Alteration: If you detect suspicious attention, don't hesitate to change your route or seek the safety of crowded areas. This can disrupt a potential follower's intentions and enhance your safety.

8. Personal Alarm Readiness: Although a last-resort measure, carrying a personal alarm or whistle can provide an immediate means of drawing attention in distressing scenarios. These devices can be discreet yet highly effective in emergencies.

The Buddy System

This approach not only enhances personal security but also fosters a collective responsibility towards each other's well-being. Here are some practices you can consider.

1. Strength in Numbers: Always try to move in groups. The mere presence of companions can deter potential threats, making it less likely for someone to target you.

2. Establish Signals: Develop discreet signals, codes, or emojies with your group that convey messages like “I need help” or “We should leave now.” This can be particularly useful in loud or crowded settings where verbal communication is challenging.

3. Solo Strategy: If you find yourself attending alone, please take the initiative to identify event staff or trusted people beforehand. Knowing who to turn to in emergencies can provide a sense of security.

4. Regular Check-Ins: Set up a system for regular updates with friends or colleagues. This could be as straightforward as sending text messages, sharing your live location, or using check-in features on social media platforms. It ensures that someone is always aware of your whereabouts.

5. Emergency Planning: Beyond the immediate buddy system, have a plan for emergencies. Know the event’s security contact information, the nearest exits and medical stations, and how to report incidents.

6. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any security announcements or updates from the event organizers. This can include changes to the schedule that might affect your safety plans.

7. Public Meeting Points: Agree on a public meeting point with your group in case you get separated. Choose a location that’s easy to find and accessible.

8. Buddy System for Accommodation: Consider rooming with a buddy if staying in a hotel or rental. This offers an extra layer of security and can be a cost-effective arrangement.

9. Travel Together: Plan to arrive and leave together, especially during late hours. Avoid isolated areas and stick to well-lit, populated paths.

Guarding Against Drink Tampering

The unsettling trend of drink spiking, notably reported during GDC 2023, underscores the critical need for heightened vigilance concerning beverage safety. To safeguard yourself and others from such malicious acts, here’s an enhanced and structured approach to navigating environments where drinks are served:

1. Never Leave Drinks Unattended: The golden rule in beverage safety is never letting your drink out of sight. If you must leave, either finish your drink or dispose of it.

2. Exercise Caution with Received Drinks: Please be careful not to accept drinks from strangers, including those given by wait staff on someone else's behalf. If there's any doubt about the drink's origin or integrity, it's safer to reject it.

3. Recognize Symptoms of Drink Spiking: Symptoms can range from sudden, excessive intoxication to more severe effects like drowsiness, memory loss, confusion, difficulty with motor functions, and even unconsciousness. Substances like GHB can induce a sedated state, further compounded by alcohol or other drugs.

4. Inspect Your Drink: Be alert for signs of tampering, such as unexpected fizziness, alterations in taste or color, or a cloudy appearance. However, some spiked drinks might not exhibit any visible signs.

5. Immediate Actions if Spiking is Suspected: Should you or someone you're with exhibit symptoms consistent with drink spiking:

• Seek Medical Help: Immediate medical attention is crucial. Do not attempt to induce vomiting.
• Contact Emergency Services: Call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room without delay.
• Stay with Trusted Company: If affected, do not go anywhere alone. Stay with a trusted friend until help is secured.

6. Preventative Measures:

• Use Drink Covers: Consider using specially designed drink covers or lids when in crowded or unfamiliar settings.
• Opt for Bottled Beverages: When possible, choose bottled drinks that you can open yourself.
• Stay Informed: Educate yourself and your peers about the dangers of drink spiking and share strategies to prevent it.

Back-up Plans

In an environment where the unexpected can happen, having a backup plan is helpful. Consider the following precautions.

1. Digital Copies: Make digital scans of your important documents, such as your ID, passport, and insurance cards. Store these securely in the cloud or on a secure, password-protected digital device. This step ensures access to your documents, even if physical copies are lost or stolen. Theft of identification is very common in trafficking scenarios.

2. Emergency Contact Information: Carry a small, discreet card with emergency contact information and any critical medical information. In addition to your physical wallet, consider adding this information to a protected section of your phone.

3. Travel Itinerary Sharing: Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. Include details of your accommodations, meetings, and any tours or excursions. Check-in regularly to confirm your safety and whereabouts.

4. Use of Safety Apps: Install safety apps on your smartphone to share your real-time location with trusted contacts. Some apps also feature emergency SOS signals or quick dial features for local emergency services.

5. Cash and Card Strategy: Always carry some cash separately from your main wallet, and if possible, have a backup credit card stored in a different location. This can be invaluable if your wallet is lost or stolen.

6. Mindful Social Media Sharing: Be cautious about what you share on social media. Posting real-time locations, travel plans, or identifying details can inadvertently expose you to risks. Consider sharing your experiences after you've safely returned from your destination.

Responding to Harassment

In the event you encounter a situation that feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it's crucial to remember that seeking assistance or removing yourself from the scenario is not just acceptable—it's strongly recommended. Here’s a detailed guide to ensuring your safety in such circumstances, along with additional considerations:

1. Immediate Action: Prioritize your safety by either exiting the situation as quickly as possible or seeking immediate help from those around you.

• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your gut feeling and prepare to leave. Your intuition is a powerful tool for recognizing danger.
• Use a Pretext: If directly exiting feels awkward or unsafe, create a plausible reason for leaving. You could mention needing to make an important phone call, use the restroom, or check on a friend.

2. Utilize Event Resources: Many events, including prominent conventions like GDC, have established comprehensive codes of conduct specifically designed to protect participants from unacceptable behavior. These measures often include:

• Support Services: Access to escorts who can safely accompany you away from a threatening situation.
• Law Enforcement Liaison: Assistance in contacting local law enforcement if the situation escalates to a level where their intervention is necessary.

3. Your Safety is Paramount: Never worry about causing a disturbance when your well-being is at stake. If you feel threatened, do not hesitate to raise your voice to attract attention and call for help. Making your distress known can be a powerful deterrent to potential aggressors. Bystanders are more likely to intervene if they're aware there's a problem.

4. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the event’s harassment policy and your rights as an attendee. Understanding the protections afforded to you can empower you to act decisively if you feel threatened.

5. Buddy System: Whenever possible, move around the event with a trusted friend or colleague. There’s safety in numbers, and having someone familiar at your side can provide both emotional and physical support in uncomfortable situations.

6. Report the Incident: If you experience or witness behavior that violates the event's code of conduct, report it to the event organizers as soon as possible. Documenting and reporting such incidents can help prevent future occurrences and contribute to a safer environment for all attendees.

7. Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of essential contacts, including the event’s security team, local emergency services, and trusted personal contacts, readily accessible on your phone or carried on your person.

By adopting these proactive measures, you can navigate events with greater confidence and security. Remember, your safety is always the top priority, and there are resources and strategies in place to protect you and ensure a positive experience at conventions and similar gatherings.

Conclusion

The responsibility for a safe convention environment is a shared one, with organizers playing a crucial role. The gaming industry, including GDC, has been vocal in condemning harassment and ensuring safety measures are in place. As attendees, I urge you to adhere to this: “If you see something, SAY SOMETHING!”

As the gaming community continues to gather and grow through conventions, fostering a culture of safety and respect is essential. By preparing, staying aware, and supporting each other, we can ensure that these events remain celebrations of creativity, innovation, and community!

If you have any tips or advice, be sure to comment so the community can benefit!

A Personal Rant

Writing an article focused on self-defense and safety precautions at conventions—a space where game developers unite—leaves me with a profound sense of frustration. The very necessity of such guidance underscores a broader societal failure to ensure safety and respect for all individuals. It's disheartening to acknowledge that we live in a world where attending events designed for networking, learning, and enjoyment comes with a risk to personal safety. We must strive for a culture where the responsibility for safety shifts from the potential victim to the collective community and organizers, ensuring environments where everyone can participate without fear. Gaming (both the act and the development of) is for EVERYONE.