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.

Onsite Personal Protection

• Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the event venue.
• A limited supply of face masks will be available upon request at Registration.
• 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@linuxfoundation.org.

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.

Medical Resources

Hospital

Ghent University Hospital

Open 24 Hours

Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium

+3293322111

Dial 112 for Emergencies 100 for ambulance

13-minute drive

56-minute walk

URGENT CARE

Dialing 1733 connects people to non-urgent medical services outside regular business hours, including on weeknights, weekends, and public holidays. It is associated with local on-call medical services in Belgium.

Pharmacy

Apotheek Nys

Open 9:00 – 18:30

Veldstraat 66, 9000 Gent, Belgium

+3292253533

13-minute drive

8-minute walk

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.

Please contact Angela Brown, SVP & GM of Events, at angela@linuxfoundation.org if you believe you’ve observed or experienced a violation of the Code of Conduct.

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@linuxfoundation.org for any questions you may have.