Health + Safety

Check this page for updates about health and safety recommendations.

Our community’s well-being is extremely important to us, and creating a safe, worry-free event is our top priority. We will adjust our health and safety protocols as needed while updating this page with information about plans for our attendees onsite. We continue to look to local municipality guidelines to make the best and most informed decisions around onsite safety and requirements. All in-person attendance requirements are subject to change based on local guidelines.

The Linux Foundation / CNCF and the RAI Amsterdam attach great importance to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors, exhibitors and partners. The Netherlands is internationally known as a stable and safe country for international exhibitions and conferences. At the same time, we are aware that current geopolitical developments may raise questions worldwide about security and societal tensions.

Together with the Linux Foundation / CNCF, the City of Amsterdam, the police, security services and the RAI’s own security organization, the RAI continuously works to ensure a safe environment for everyone attending our events. Safety and hospitality go hand in hand: we want everyone to feel welcome at the RAI, regardless of background, nationality or beliefs.

For every event, the RAI Security Team, the Linux Foundation and its security partner, JRM, carefully assess potential risks and take additional measures where necessary. RAI Amsterdam has extensive experience in organising international events and welcomes approximately 1.5 million visitors from around the world each year.

RAI & Amsterdam Safety FAQs:

Q. Is the Netherlands a safe country for international events?
A. The Netherlands is considered a stable country with a well-established security structure and strong cooperation between government, police and security services. Large international events take place here safely every year.

Q. Is it safe for attendees of all faiths and backgrounds to attend the event in Amsterdam?
A. Yes. Amsterdam is a diverse, global city that prides itself on being a safe and welcoming destination for people of all cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds. The Netherlands maintains a strong tradition of freedom of expression and is generally considered a very safe country for international visitors.

The RAI Amsterdam, located in the South district, and the Central Amsterdam areas are high-traffic, international zones where attendees should feel very secure. These areas are well connected, regularly visited by international guests and supported by a strong local security and public safety infrastructure.

However, like many major cities worldwide, Amsterdam can experience heightened sensitivities related to global geopolitical developments. While incidents are rare, we recommend that all attendees exercise a standard level of situational awareness; attendees may choose to exercise extra caution if wearing visible religious symbols or attire.

Q. What does the national threat level mean?
A. The current threat level is classified as “substantial” (level 4 out of 5). This means that an attack is considered conceivable, but there is no specific threat. This level applies nationwide and is comparable to that in other European countries. Note, the Netherlands has been at a Level 4 since December 2023.

Q. What does RAI Amsterdam do in terms of security?
A. The RAI has an extensive security organisation and works closely with the City of Amsterdam, the police and the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region, and the Linux Foundation / CNCF. For every event, a security plan is prepared, including crowd management, access control and crisis procedures.

Q. Can demonstrations take place near events?
A. In the Netherlands, the right to demonstrate is a fundamental right. Depending on the theme or dynamics, demonstrations may take place in the city or near events, for example in response to the presence of an organisation (exhibitor), a speaker or a topic that may be sensitive for certain groups. When this happens, demonstrations are coordinated by the municipality and police to ensure that visitors and exhibitors can continue to access the RAI convention center, and events taking place there safely.

Q. What does RAI Amsterdam do to create a safe and inclusive environment?
A. The RAI stands for an open and inclusive environment where all visitors and exhibitors should feel welcome and safe, regardless of background or nationality. Safety, respect and hospitality form the foundation of all our events.

Onsite Personal Protection

• We respectfully remind all attendees, speakers, sponsors, and staff to:
  • Stay home if you experience any cold or flu-like symptoms.
  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
  • Stay healthy! Engage in responsible health practices such as avoiding touching eyes/nose/mouth with unwashed hands.

Food Allergies

The Linux Foundation believes it’s essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of all attendees, including those with food allergies.

• We aim to provide a variety of choices to cater to various needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and peanut-free.
• All food items will be clearly labeled at the event, indicating the ingredients used and any potential allergens present.

If you have a food allergy we need to be aware of, please email us at events@cncf.io.

Attendee safety is our top priority. Always exercise common sense and good judgment when traveling.

General Safety

• When walking around the city, remember to take off your conference badge.
• Safety in numbers: Exploring the city can be safer when done with a friend or colleague.
• Walk with purpose and stick to well-lit areas and on main streets.  
• If alone after dark, use a ride service such as Lyft, Uber or a taxi. 
• Save the address and phone number of where you’re staying in your phone.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes up and not on your phone.
• If something doesn’t feel right, walk into a business/hotel for help.
• Be careful and alert when using a cash machine.
• Carry your purse or wallet safely. Purses should be closed and held in front of your body. Wallets should be carried in a front pants pocket or in an interior jacket pocket.

When Visiting Any Venue

• Know where you are; the venue name, street address or cross street.
• Take a moment to identify at least two exit routes from any building or event and emergency exit signs.
• If an alarm sounds, evacuate immediately. Follow directions from First Responders and venue staff.
• Do not carry any unnecessary valuables with you, or leave personal items unattended.
• Do not leave drinks unattended, or accept open drinks or food products from strangers.

Emergency Evacuations

• In the event of an emergency evacuation, make your way quickly and calmly to an emergency exit. Be aware of any hazards or dangers around you and proceed to a safe area.
• Follow the advice of venue staff, security personnel and First Responders.
• Do not put yourself in danger by stopping to collect belongings unless directed by First Responders.

Safety Chaperone Program

Safety Chaperone Program Details:

The Safety Chaperone Program is a complimentary service available to all participants of KubeCon + CloudNativeCon. Trained safety chaperones in plain street clothes will be available to escort attendees both onsite at the conference venue and between the conference venue, offsite events hosted by sponsors, parking areas, nearby hotels, and public transportation hubs, etc. Whether walking in groups or one-on-one, the chaperones are there to provide peace of mind and assist with personal safety concerns. All safety chaperones are managed by our security partner.

Safety Chaperones can be requested in person with a JRM staff member at the Safety and Lost + Found Desk or by emailing us at events@cncf.io.

Safety and Lost + Found Desk Location: Entrance C

Program Operating Hours:

Lost + Found

If an item is lost or misplaced, please visit the Safety and Lost + Found Desk or check the RAI’s iLost page to see if your item has been found (items will be posted within 24 hours of being recovered). This desk will be managed by our security partner staff.

Safety and Lost + Found Desk Location: Entrance C

Medical Resources

Hospital

VU University Medical Center

De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands

Phone: +31 (0)20 – 444 4444

Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Medical Center

Tourist Medical Center

De Ruijterkade 24a, 1012 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Phone: +31 (0)20 – 235 78 24

Hours: 8:30 – 21:30, 7 days a week

Pharmacy

Amsterdam Central Pharmacy

De Ruijterkade 24, A, 1012 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Phone: +31 (0)20 235 7822

Hours:

• Monday-Thursday 8:30 – 19:00
• Friday 8:30 – 20:00
• Saturday-Sunday 10:00 – 20:00

In an Emergency

Always dial 112.

Safety + Trauma Resources

Code of Conduct

By attending or participating in this event, you agree to abide by the Linux Foundation Code of Conduct.

If you believe you’ve observed or experienced a violation of the Code of Conduct, please contact any of the following:

Weapon Policy

The Linux Foundation does not allow firearms or other weapons, regardless of whether they are permitted or not, or whether they are concealed or not, to be brought into our events. By registering for the event, you are agreeing that you understand this policy and will not bring a firearm or other weapons into the event.

Contact us at events@cncf.io for any questions you may have.