San Francisco welcomes over 23 million visitors annually and the safety of its visitors is a top priority. Below are some general safety reminders and additional information on safety programs that San Francisco has implemented around the city.
All in-person attendees are encouraged to follow these general safety guidelines when traveling:
Here are some additional tips and resources from San Francisco Travel to help convention attendees have a safe and enjoyable experience in San Francisco.
Security personnel will be located at open entrances to the Moscone Center. Please note that security will direct you to ASTRO Registration, located in the South Lobby, upon arrival or if you do not have an ASTRO meeting badge. Please be sure to have your ASTRO meeting badge visible at all times when in the Moscone Center.
In an emergency, please dial 415-978-3511 to contact First Aid or extension 511 from a house phone, or go to ASTRO Registration, located in the South Lobby, and have a staff person contact security. For additional information on First Aid, visit our On-site Services page on the Annual Meeting Portal.
Welcome Ambassadors are knowledgeable, multi-lingual and committed to sharing their love of San Francisco with visitors. You can find them out and about during the event wearing bright orange jackets. Welcome Ambassadors are available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and can assist with directions, answering questions about tourist attractions, provide restaurant recommendations and can assist with reporting negative street behavior or conditions. Learn more about San Francisco’s Welcome Ambassador program.
San Francisco Police officers are always on patrol along the streets outside the Moscone Center on event days. You may see them on bikes, motorcycles or on foot. Additionally, officers who specialize in homeless outreach will be in the neighborhood on those mornings.
In the event of an emergency, please call 911. For non-emergency situations, you can reach the San Francisco Police Department at 415-553-0123.
The San Francisco Police Department also has a team of SFPD Community Ambassadors around the Moscone Center area from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. These are experienced, retired officers who carry police radios, allowing them to call for assistance from active officers if required.
A number of San Francisco's neighborhoods have their own designated Community Benefit Districts. This allows them to fund programs and services that keep their neighborhoods clean and safe.
Among them are the Union Square Alliance and the Yerba Buena Community Benefit Districts. Workers from each of these outfits are prepared to assist with wayfinding, street cleaning and more. They can also provide a safety escort.
Union Square Alliance
The Union Square Alliance was founded on the basis of making the Union Square District’s public and private spaces feel clean, safe and welcoming to all. Services are available daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. For assistance or to request an escort, please call or text 415-781-4456. Please allow a minimum thirty minutes notice when requesting an escort.
Yerba Buena Community Benefit District
The Yerba Buena Community Benefit District offers clean and safe services to improve the neighborhood experience for residents and visitors. Services are available daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. To report an issue or request a walking escort, please call or text 415-559-1362 or email the Yerba Buena Community Benefit District. Please allow a minimum thirty minutes notice when requesting an escort.
The tips and information provided are for informational purposes only. ASTRO cannot guarantee your safety or the outcome of following any suggestions. You are responsible for your own actions and for assessing the risks of any situation.
