devopsdays Chicago - Health and Safety

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.

General Health Guidelines

There are no vaccine, masking, or testing requirements to attend this event. We do encourage if you are sick to stay home. These guidelines are subject to change based on local municipality requirements and any changes in COVID-19. If you feel ill while at the event, please take a COVID-19 self-test and isolate as needed.

We ask that you respect those around you who choose to wear a mask. A limited number of masks will be available upon request at Registration onsite.

To make it clear that we want people to feel comfortable coming either with or without a mask, we consider any form of harassment, including commentary, about someone else’s masking decision to be a violation of the Code of Conduct, and we reserve the right to act on any violation up to and including expelling the offender from the conference immediately.

Food Allergies

We aim to provide a variety of choices to cater to various dietary restrictions. 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 [[email protected]].

Safety Tips

Downtown Chicago is similar to any other metropolitan area, and attendee safety is our top priority and we want to provide you with some tips to follow in and around the event.

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 or Uber. 
  • 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 an ATM.
  • 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.

Special thanks to DevOpsDays Minneapolis for the inspiration for these health and safety tips and guidelines.