EVERYONE should have a safe, fun, and productive conference experience, so we’ve pulled together some tips and tools to help when traveling, socializing, and beyond. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but we hope these reminders will help.

If you need transportation: 

1. While using public transportation, be aware of your surroundings, try to have what you need (e.g., credit card or cash, phone) easily accessible to avoid digging in your bags. Plan your route ahead and check for any maintenance closures. 
2. While using private transportation like Uber or Lyft, check that the door you enter the vehicle through isn’t child locked, and check the license plate number and confirm your driver’s location with the app before getting in! 

At a social event or while drinking:
(Adapted from Spoon University’s How to Make Sure Your Drink Doesn’t Get Roofied at a Party)

1. Use the buddy system (and have a mutually agreed upon plan for the event).
2. Watch your drink being made. Once in hand, don’t put it down or leave it unattended.
3. Hold your drink on the top (so your hand blocks anyone slipping something in; also check out the drink covers below as an alternative).
4. If it tastes funny, stop drinking! (Check out the drink test kit below; there are a few different options on Amazon as well.) 
5. Be aware – if you’ve only had a drink or two and feel like you’ve had 2-3 times as many, something is wrong! 
6. Make sure someone knows where you are, what your plans are, and when you’re safely back in your hotel room.

Drink covers – night cap or cup condom

Drink tests for drugs – test strips

In your hotel room:

1. Always use the deadbolt or similar type lock when you are in for the night.  
2. If someone knocks on the door, check through the peephole to see who it is before opening the door. 
3. Don’t say your room number out loud in public places.   

Hotel safety tip series on TikTok – Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Most importantly: trust your gut! If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it! Many of us have realized in hindsight that we were fortunate that a situation we experienced didn’t end badly, because we didn’t trust our instincts. Don’t worry about being polite or hurting someone’s feelings; your safety is number one! And stay with a friend, trusted colleague, or fish sister.

To our allies: 

Keep an eye on everyone, especially if someone looks to be alone and/or uncomfortable. Ask what you can do to help them, or just say hi and introduce yourself. Let’s work together to make everyone feel safe and welcomed! 

Also, be aware of what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior, how to report unacceptable behavior, and the consequences of unacceptable behavior. Organizations like the American Fisheries Society have this information published on their AFS Meetings Code of Conduct website.