Staying Safe & Healthy at GDC
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.
Safety @ 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 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 Agenda tab. These activities are 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.
- 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.
Safety @ GDC
Free 24/7 Helpline
GDC is providing an attendee Safety Helpline for the 2025 event.
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.
Emergencies @ Moscone Center
Dial 5-11 from any house phone (listed on handset) OR 415-978-3511 from an outside line.
Please do not call 9-1-1 s it will take longer for help to arrive.
GDC Travel Together
GDC Travel Together is a program created to prioritize safety. Pre-identified routes from hotels associated with GDC will be outlined as the event comes closer so you can travel with your fellow attendees to and from the event.
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.
Conference Associates
Over 400 Conference Associates will be onsite in brightly colored t-shirts to help attendees with issues and provide support as needed.
Health @ GDC
Vaccine Requirement
For GDC 2025, we do not have 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 2025, 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.
Additional Resources
| 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. |
| Emergencies – Outside Moscone Center | Dial 9-1-1 to contact Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) outside of Moscone Center. |
| Non-Emergency Assistance |
Dial 3-1-1, or contact the San Francisco Police Department at (415) 553-0123 |
| Hospital Closest to Moscone Center | The closest downtown hospital with emergency room services is: Saint Francis Memorial Hospital |
| Covid Testing | If you need a Covid test, this guide can direct you to the closest location. |
