Health & Safety

San Francisco has expanded visible police deployment in high-traffic areas, including Union Square and the Financial District, and increased coordination across city agencies during major events like GDC Festival of Gaming.

The city has also implemented coordinated street safety initiatives that bring together transportation, public safety, and public health agencies. Attendees may encounter official San Francisco Welcome Ambassadors, stationed throughout downtown, transit hubs, and key visitor corridors. These ambassadors are available to assist with directions, transit questions, and safety concerns.

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 GDC-approved events will be noted on the Agenda, as well as within the Affiliate Partner Program webpage. These activities are connected to the event and will have our event and security teams present.

In the event of an emergency evacuation or shelter-in-place order, make your way quickly and calmly to a designated "Emergency Exit Only" or the designated sheltering area.

For more information about Moscone's emergency preparedness plans, please visit their website below

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 report your lost cards.

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 Welcome Ambassador wearing an orange vest or orange jacket stationed throughout the city.

Upon leaving Moscone Center, 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 put away on city streets and on public transportation. This will lower the chance of theft and keep you safe on San Francisco’s busy streets.

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.

For attendees interested in learning more about San Francisco’s ongoing public safety efforts and visitor-focused initiatives, the following city updates and resources provide additional context:

• Citywide Street Safety Strategy
• Downtown Public Safety Improvements & Holiday Readiness
• New Leadership at the San Francisco Police Department
• Tap-to-Pay Across MUNI & BART
• Expanding Mental Health & Behavioral Health Resources

For GDC Festival of Gaming 2027, we do not have a vaccine requirement.

Please respect the personal space and boundaries of other attendees. If you need more space or feel uncomfortable, Festival Crew members are available to assist.

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

GDC will feature contactless registration, making the process quicker, easier, and safer with less face-to-face interaction.

Moscone Center maintains high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, with regular sanitization of high-touch areas including door handles, restrooms, and common spaces throughout the event.

Moscone Center holds the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR facility accreditation, the gold standard for safe facilities.

Moscone Center maintains high air quality standards with advanced HVAC systems and frequent air filter changes in accordance with LEED Platinum certification.