Safety Tips While in Los Angeles for WE23!

Welcome to LA! We are excited for you to enjoy everything that WE23 and Los Angeles have to offer. As you explore one of the largest cities in the world, both in population and geographic size, it’s important to remember that all big cities and all downtown areas require additional safety precautions.  Below are a few safety tips to remember as you venture out.

• Avoid looking like a target. A good target has their valuables visible and easy to grab. A good target won’t notice if someone gets close to them. A good target is unfamiliar with the area. Always be aware of your surroundings and those around you. If wearing headphones, make sure you can still hear your surroundings.  Avoid loud music and noise-cancellation features when walking.  We recommend that you remove your conference badge when leaving the convention center.  Consider traveling in groups.
• Greater LA was built around our cars and roads. What looks close on a map isn’t necessarily walkable. If you plan to visit the Arts District or Koreatown, consider a taxi or using a ride sharing app. LA Metro offers easy routes to both locations, but we recommend avoiding this option during the evening or when traveling alone.
• Los Angeles has the largest homeless population in the United States. Most will not engage you. It is ill-advised to respond if they do. You’ll find many unhoused people in Skid Row and the surrounding neighborhoods as well as the Metro stations.
• Jaywalking is a fine-able offense, only cross at designated crosswalks unless you feel like you are in an unsafe sitaution.
• Consider keeping your valuables close whether walking around outside the conference and even during the conference. Avoid putting your bag on the floor, under your chair, or behind your chair.