Meeting Experience

Personal Safety

The best way to stay safe is to remain aware of your surroundings and avoid situations that make you feel uncomfortable. When traveling to and from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center or attending official SOT events:

• Wear your meeting badge while inside the Convention Center and during official SOT functions. Remove your badge when leaving meeting facilities or traveling around the city, as it identifies you as a visitor.
• Whenever practical, travel with colleagues, particularly during evening hours or when walking to hotels, restaurants, or parking facilities.
• Keep your mobile phone charged and avoid becoming distracted while walking. If available, consider enabling emergency location sharing with a trusted colleague or family member.
• Know your destination and use well-lit, populated routes. Avoid isolated areas and unnecessary shortcuts.
• Keep wallets, phones, laptops, and other valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive electronics or jewelry.
• Never leave laptops, meeting materials, or personal belongings unattended in meeting rooms, restaurants, hotel common areas, or other public spaces.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation or individual makes you uncomfortable, leave the area and notify security if appropriate. If you observe suspicious activity or behavior that appears threatening, notify the nearest SOT staff member, security officer, Convention Center security officer, or call 911 if there is an immediate emergency.

Hotel Safety

While staying at your hotel:

• Keep your room door locked at all times and use all available security features.
• Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door.
• Avoid discussing or displaying your hotel room number in public.
• Store valuables securely and do not leave electronics or meeting materials unattended in public areas.
• Contact hotel security or the front desk immediately if something doesn’t seem right.

Social Media and Photography

Many attendees enjoy sharing their meeting experience on social media. Please do so thoughtfully:

• Consider limiting real-time posts that reveal your location or travel plans.
• Be aware that demonstrations may include individuals photographing attendees entering or leaving meeting facilities.
• Avoid engaging with individuals attempting to provoke a reaction or create a confrontation.
• Notify SOT security immediately if you believe someone is intentionally following, harassing, or threatening your or other attendees.

Downtown Safety Resources

The Centro Ambassadors serve as highly visible stewards of downtown San Antonio and are dedicated to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for residents and visitors. Ambassadors are available throughout the downtown area to provide directions, assistance, and help coordinate resources when needed.

Demonstrations and Protest Activity

Because of the nature of toxicology research, demonstrations may occasionally occur during the Annual Meeting. Historically, demonstrations associated with SOT meetings have been peaceful and professionally managed.

If you encounter a demonstration:

• Continue to your destination and avoid engaging with demonstrators.
• Do not engage, argue, respond to provocation, or attempt to interfere with protest activities.
• Notify the nearest SOT staff member or security officer immediately if you observe behavior that appears threatening or disruptive.
• Refer all media inquiries to designated SOT representatives. Please do not provide interviews or comments on behalf of the Society.
• Follow the instructions of Session Chairs, SOT staff, and security personnel if a Scientific Session or meeting event is disrupted. If directed to relocate or evacuate, do so promptly and avoid congregating near the disruption.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

Please immediately report any of the following:

• Unattended bags or packages.
• Individuals attempting unauthorized access to restricted meeting areas.
• Threatening, intimidating, or harassing behavior.
• Suspicious photography or surveillance of restricted areas.
• Anyone who appears to be following or targeting attendees.
• Any other activity that seems unusual or inconsistent with the meeting environment.

Emergency Assistance

For emergencies requiring immediate police, fire, or medical assistance, call 911.

For non-emergency security concerns during the Annual Meeting, notify the nearest SOT staff member or security officer. Security personnel are available throughout the meeting to assist attendees and coordinate with local emergency responders when necessary.

Thank you for helping SOT maintain a safe, welcoming, and professional environment for everyone attending the Annual Meeting and ToxExpo.