Safety at NDiSTEM

SACNAS wants to ensure that your time at the conference is as safe and comfortable as possible. The information below is to ensure the safety of our attendees and maintaining a safe environment. We strive to uphold the Code of Conduct, and anyone who violates the code of conduct will be asked to leave the convention center immediately. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at info@sacnas.org.

Stay Safe with a Buddy System 

Whenever you leave the convention center, always use the buddy system to enhance safety in the busy downtown area and avoid traveling alone. 

Street Smarts and General Safety 

• Limit Valuables – Avoid carrying high-value items when walking downtown. Keep belongings secure and out of sight. 
• Stay Aware – Be mindful of your surroundings, as downtown areas have high levels of foot and vehicle traffic, including pedestrians, cars, buses and bikes. 
• Avoid Walking Alone at Night – Stick to well-lit, populated areas and travel with a group when possible. 
• Follow Traffic Rules – Use designated crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals 
• Carry your purse or bag in front of you.
• If using headphones, keep the volume low to stay aware of your surroundings.

Transportation and Travel Tips 

• Consider Rideshare Services – If your destination is too far to walk, use a taxi or rideshare service (Uber, Lyft, etc.). Only use verified rideshare services or hotel taxis; never accept unsolicited rides. 
• Remove Your Badge When Outside – To avoid drawing unnecessary attention, remove your conference badge or store it inside your bag when leaving the venue. 
• Know Your Surroundings – Research areas in advance and plan accordingly. Some neighborhoods may be unsafe, particularly at night.
• REAL ID – Be sure to upgrade to a REAL ID to ensure there are no issues at the airport if you are arriving to the conference by plane.

Additional Personal Safety Tips 

• Share Your Itinerary – Let a trusted friend or family member know your plans and check in periodically. 
• Enable Location Sharing – Use your smartphone’s location-sharing feature for added security. 
• Trust Your Instincts – If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation. 
• Drink Safety – Never accept open drinks from strangers and keep your drink covered in crowded spaces. Remember, SACNAS is always a dry conference. 

Hotel Safety Precautions 

• Secure Your Room – Lock all doors and windows when inside. 
• Protect Your Keycard – Treat it like your home key; report any loss to the front desk immediately. 
• Use In-Room Safes – Store valuables securely and consider extra security measures like a door jammer or placing a rolled-up towel under the door. 
• Request Privacy – Use the “Do Not Disturb” sign for privacy. 
• Verify Visitors – Never allow strangers into your room. If someone claims to be hotel staff, call the front desk to confirm their identity before opening the door. 

Hotel Safety Information

What to do in the case of an emergency may vary depending on the hotel you are staying at. Here is information for the two hotels connected to the Greater Columbus Convention Center:

• Hilton Columbus Downtown: If you are experiencing an emergency, dial *55 from any guest room or house phone as it goes to the Operator Emergency Line and the operator will call 911. If you call 911 directly, please use a landline so they can locate where the emergency is.

• Hyatt Regency Columbus: If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 55 from any guest room or house phone in any meeting room or foyer space and share information about where you are. This is the direct contact with the hotel’s emergency response team. Do not call 911 as it may result in a delay with Fire or EMS taking longer to arrive at the hotel.