Suggestion for night walking next year

[Ghost]

I’m not exactly sure where to put this so I’ll stick it here and it can be moved if necessary.

Maybe there isn’t really any need for it but I started thinking about something for late night crossings between the Hilton and Red Lion.  It might be because I thought it was a little creepy walking between them around midnight with no one around but ever since I heard the con was going to be there again next year I couldn’t get this idea out of my head.

The idea is starting around ten or so every night a group of volunteers with something like an armband or a sign would start hanging around the lobbies of both hotels.  If someone feels uncomfortable with walking between the two hotels alone or would like to increase the size of their group then they can locate one of these volunteers and have them walk with them.  It might not do much to ward of some creep stalking the night but it might make some think twice about approaching or trying anything. 

Depending on the willingness of the Walker they could also escort people to locations in the surrounding blocks and back if it’s just a quick stop like picking up a takeout order.  For organizing they should try to keep a minimum of two Walkers at each hotel to help keep the possibility of no Walkers being able to be found when they’re needed to a minimum. 

For organization there are two ways to handle it.  They could be completely autonomous or, if the staff is willing, an official group under staff regulation.  For autonomous they would just be a group of people organized through the forum that state when they would be willing to fill the role and agreeing to use a specific visual identifier during the con.  This has some inherent issues as it would be much easier for someone with bad intentions to impersonate a Walker and then fade away if no one happened to pay them enough attention. 

If they were incorporated as a semi-staff group then there could be something like an official armband to signify that they are what they are supposed to be and if they did anything they could be reported and staff would have all their information and know who to look for from basic descriptions based on who is registered to the group.  If they are willing to go so far as to provide Walkers with radios to use then a dispatch system could be arranged where someone organizes the Walkers and keeps track of who is currently where and whether too many are ending up at one hotel and need to shuffle back.  If the Walkers looked official enough and had clearly visible radios then it would increase the chances that their presence would scare off all but the most out of it weirdo or jerk. 

If you have any thoughts on whether this is a worthwhile idea to pursue or what could be done to make it better I would appreciate hearing them.  As I said at the start I don’t know if anyone would even want this or if it’s just another random thought from my fairly paranoid mind.  I’m really considering going again next year and would be willing to be involved with this if it looks like people want it.

Condensed version:  Rent-A-Buddy system for late night walking outside the hotels with no cost.  Yes/no?

[Wrath-Chan19]

I stayed at my house in Portland and never really left the Hilton so I'm not sure how it was around the Red Lion around midnight but I did see some people that would make me feel nervous going down there late. Especially when I'm dressed up as a cat girl in a short skirt (Sailor Luna). Something like this would make me feel a lot safer.

[JRock]

I like this idea! I found it creepy enough to walk around by myself when it was just getting dark, so I'm sure others who go out at even later hours could use this to feel safer! Get a bunch of big, tough looking guys ormaidswithfryingpans...youneverknow to walk around with you and you're sure to be fine

[veraca]

I was thinking of buff and tall, bigger build, men staff members who are willing to stand between the two hotels every 30-50 ft or so with camping lanterns or something and not going outside of a certain range they walk. That way there is lighting (would be nice for under the bridge), and there's staff helping to watch the minors who are out since their curfew is at midnight.

I really think the idea of a small line of staffers to make sure people get between the two hotels safely when there's less traffic between the two would be nice. For minors, hesitant people, and people with small groups. They wouldn't be as uneasy walking between the two locations then. And it'd be nice for people who are staying at the Red Lion but want to attend late night panels and things.

That said, if police or staff could be spared to keep an eye on the park... That would be nice too. I wasn't out there around dark this year, but from what I recall in 2007 the lighting wasn't great at night.

Also having two or more at the Park and Go entrances would be nice to let people in after the gates close- I realize the Hilton was very kind about it, but we kept having to ask them to send a staff member over themselves to help (also we were confused on how to get the gates to open when leaving).

[Serika]

Personally I never felt unsafe around the area at night.  It's not the prettiest of places inbetween hotels, but Vancouver is pretty safe.  If you were wearing a skimpy costume walking alone, the short and simple answer would be to put on a large coat that covers up (people wearing revealing costumes should carry overcoats and things anyways) and look like you know where you're going.  Plus, despite its appearances at night (there were always congoers around in my experience) it's only two or three blocks between each hotel.  Any sort of shout would have grabbed attention from both sides. 

But regardless of my feelings, I don't know if there would be enough staff members to handle this.  That's a lot more volunteers needed to essentially "sit around," while still being constantly kept track of.  To higher-up staff members, having volunteers sitting around doing nothing for long periods of time would be a waste of staff when there are a lot of things that need to be done and could use extra help at any point during the day.  On top of this, there'd be a lot of staff who wouldn't want the job of doing nothing for a really long time when they could be spending time with friends, going to late night panels and dances, or gaming, or whatever else.  There aren't actually going to be a lot of people constantly flowing every night to need these kind of late night safety escorts.  Even more on top of this, some people would want men to be helping them, since men are potentially scarier to any predators.  But then there will also be the sheepish or silly young girls who think OH NO, I'LL BE ALONE WITH THIS MALE STAFF MEMBER WHAT IF HE TRIES TO TOUCH ME OR MAKES EYE CONTACT WITH ME ONCE HE'S SUCH A CREEPER and then won't even take advantage of the service, or offend staff who are just trying to help. 

What might be a bit more appropriate is only having one or two staff who could be "on call" to walk to the other hotel (if needed) and pick up people and walk them back.  But again, that'd be pulling staff from where they're needed.

[veraca]

You forgot to mention sleep in there, Serika.

But I do agree and see your point.

However, talking to a 5' petite 22 year old girl wearing a yukata over her Yuna costume and walking between the two hotels alone, I'd rather not do it if I can avoid it. Even with the yukata painted on my back, or in casual dress in baggy clothes to make myself look more unappealing, I have a target painted on my back that I'd like to erase. That won't happen unless I can carry a metal base ball bat that I can swing at will at anyone who comes up to me looking like they're going to harm me, which would cause a million issues with the Weapon's Policy.

What I mean is, if the Hilton can spare staff to let us into the Park and Go at any time during the night while the convention is going on, I'm sure the Con Staff can let someone outside to walk with someone from one hotel to another. Yes, while most people will want men since they're an automatic detraction, it is always safer to walk with at least one other person. I rather would be traveling in groups of 3 or more, but that's because I'm paranoid.

Also, no matter how "safe" some area is, for someone who does not live in the area, has past circumstances, or is walking alone, or is in general feeling unsafe walking between two hotels, they have the right to ask for an escort. We could ask the Vancouver police to see if they'd be willing to patrol the area, one around the Red Lion side of the bridge, and one closer to the Hilton's garage, since they are already looking after the park.

[Serika]

However, talking to a 5' petite 22 year old girl wearing a yukata over her Yuna costume

I am exactly 5 feet tall and I was wearing http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_full_width_scaled/hash/68/c9/catherine01.png at the con when I was walking alone.  I am a tiny girl also, but regardless, I never felt unsafe at any point.  I never walked between the hotels that late, but I did have to walk to my car, which was the same distance but further out from the hotels more where the "normal" people were.  I don't live in Vancouver either.  I have had a traumatic experience in a location EXTREMELY similar to the Vancouver Red Lion, but was not that location (it was enough to discourage me completely me from selling in the artist alley as i typically do, once I heard it would be held there). 

Either way, there are tinier people who will feel safe and there are larger people will feel unsafe.  My point was that it's a little impractical to expect staff to have the sheer number of people necessary to make this happen when, in my opinion, it's a small handful of people who will be walking alone between hotels and feel unsafe when doing so.  The police especially wouldn't be able to sacrifice officers for the sake of a couple teenage girls walking 4 blocks alone in a semi-crowded area.  Again, having one or two staff members on call might be a little bit more practical, but there's simply no way they could work out an escort system with how few staff members they already have trying to handle what some would consider more important tasks that do affect a larger number of people.  It's unfair, but that's probably just the way it is. 

[veraca]

True.

But I still say it'd be nice to have for those who would feel uneasy.

I didn't feel uncomfortable walking in the dark at any point either, but I also was here in 2007, so I somewhat recognized the area and knew where stuff was.

And if it's the idea of staff being busy with other things, there isn't a huge amount of stuff going on other than line and badge control for the panels and raves. Most everything else is closed. Sparing 5 staff or staffed volunteers wouldn't be asking for an arm and a leg, especially if they are volunteers.

I'd be willing to do it myself since I'm a night owl, but no one wants protection from someone who looks like they need it themselves.

[Wrath-Chan19]

I don't care who I go with as long as it's a group of people (5 or more)
Veraca brought up a good point about past experiences. I have been stalked before and it's kept me on edge for awhile now. If I hear footsteps behind me while I'm a lone I look back to see who it is. Being with others helps me.

[kylite]

Officially we cnanot offer a safe escort service.

Un-Officially If we are not overly busy and asked most of us will help if asked nicely

[TomtheFanboy]

I think the best thing to do is get a hayride wagon to shuttle people back and forth at night.
How much would that cost I wonder? a couple hundred a night?

I know that the yojimbo don't have the personnel for escorts, and the convention doesn't want to have to do the background checks their lawyer would suggest for such a position. We had similar discussions for escorts to parking lots last year.

I think maybe if the Vancouver Police could just be asked to have a patrol car come down the street every 15 minutes or so after dark, that would go a long way. Not sure what approach is most impractical, but I think the most likely thing to work would be a group of altruistic volunteers. Guardian Angels style.

[veraca]

Volunteers does sound like the best way to go with them all agreeing to wear something or have something the identify them as safe. Maybe if asked for at the Info Booth or either front desk, said Guardian Angels could be pointed out.

I would suggest patrol cars from the police, however to save on gas, maybe just having two from the park that were watching it, wander down to the Red Lion's doors and then walking back once an hour. So the police would have a total of at least two pairs, one to watch the park at all times during night and one that can walk away to make the run to the Red Lion. And if that be the case, they can rotate which of the pairs is making the longer walk to the other hotel.

[TomtheFanboy]

I would suggest patrol cars from the police, however to save on gas, maybe just having two from the park that were watching it, wander down to the Red Lion's doors and then walking back once an hour.

Derp, of course!
That makes way more sense! I was hardly ever outside at night so I never noticed the cops on patrol. It would be a great thing to ask of them. Heck, maybe it would make another good bit of press for the newspaper.

I wonder how many of the attendees that dislike authority figures also fall into the category of attendees that are uncomfortable walking between the hotels at night? 

[Ghost]

I didn’t know that police were already wandering around outside.  If they’d be willing to walk between hotels occasionally next year then people could keep an eye out for them and tag along.  They’d be a much better deterrent than a regular person.

I didn’t really think about any legal problems there might be behind any official group run by the con.  I can see why now that I think about that aspect.  So if it ended up as something that people wanted then it would have to be the freelance kind which has its own problems.  Oh well, I had to get the idea out of my head or it would have bugged me for quite a while.  If nothing comes out of it in the end then nothing was lost.  If it leads to some possible police patrols down that way next year then quite a bit was gained.  There’s a whole year for this idea to sit before it would even be needed anyway, so there is plenty of time should anyone decide it has enough merit to try and organize a freelance group.  Thanks for your thoughts on the idea and if you feel there is more to add feel free to post more.

[veraca]

I would suggest patrol cars from the police, however to save on gas, maybe just having two from the park that were watching it, wander down to the Red Lion's doors and then walking back once an hour.

Derp, of course!
That makes way more sense! I was hardly ever outside at night so I never noticed the cops on patrol. It would be a great thing to ask of them. Heck, maybe it would make another good bit of press for the newspaper.

They always would love a good bit of press :3 And to hear it was to help people feel safe (like those minors from the raves), then that's a lot gained of good merit.

As for the freelance thing, that is great and all. But there is a line that has to be drawn publicly between "being a good sumaritan" and "being a pedo" sadly because of that recent pedo sex issue from a convention. To which, if any parents read it, they would not feel comfortable with their children/friends walking with people they didn't know. They'd generally trust police more.

That said, there will always be people having issues with authority figures, but maybe if we had a patrol of this sort that could've helped whatever happened that night I saw an ambulance, police car and a fire truck down at 5th and Columbia o.o; Who knows?

[Wrath-Chan19]

I was thinking it might be nice to gather up a small group of people and then leave with a "Guardian Angel"
Because it would be easier in my mind and we could avoid the whole, "Pedo sex issues at cons"

[reppy]

There was a time or two when I would call my younger brother (18) to walk with me to the parking garage.  It was pretty poorly lit and not a very high traffic area.  I might not have worried so much, but when I was wearing a dress I felt like 1) people would think I would make an easy target 2) I wouldn't be able to defend myself as easily because it's hard to see out of the corners of my eyes and generally just not the easiest thing to move around in.

I know on the 2nd night I ended up escorting a few ladies home ^_~ and then walking one back so she could continue to get her dance on.

I think everyone should have a designated "safe buddy" they know they can get to if they need to walk somewhere they feel uncomfortable.  It sounds like the con won't do it for us, I imagine for liability issues, which is perfectly reasonable from their perspective.

[izamor]

Idea:
Set up a series of halogen work-lights between the hotels. You know - those portable lights they have at construction sites at nighttime.
Just need to have a few people bring them in along with some extension cords.
Not as safe as having an actual escort, but having it all lit up like the 4th of July would scare away a lot of creeps.

[Rathany]

Guys, having a 'sign up here to walk young, vulnerable women who are along through dark places' type thing, the wrong sort of person might sign up. Not only would there be ridiculous liability issues with Kcon setting up this either as a staff or volunteer thing, but there is a chance that it would actually cause more problems than it would prevent. 

Now, that being said, I know some Board members are looking at options to help with that walk.  I don't want to mention anything until we know what will work out, but I do know people are working on this.  Suggesting ideas is awesome, but if the Board doesn't follow up on an idea you likely wont hear anything about it until we know it won't cause legal or other problems. 

[TalaRedWolf33]

why dont we just have it be like a bus system? Have two people, one at each hotel, who can walk people that feel unsafe between the hotels at specific times. That way the staff isnt strung too thin and then people who do feel safe can just walk betxeen the hotels themselves.

[jianna]

I was fortunate enough to have a group to stick with every time I was walking between hotels late at night, but both times we were out past 1 AM, we had some creepy thing happen to us.  One was a creeper on a bike who sort of growled at us as we went by, saying "It's past kiddies' bedtime".  Fortunately he kept on going, but he could well have made a u-turn and bothered us more.  The other time, a primer gray SUV/Truck looking thing with big white numbers scrawled on it drove past us playing ice cream truck music out the windows, made a circle in the Red Lion parking lot, and then drove by again.  Weird as hell.  I'm so glad I was with a group.

[veraca]

While it's harder to avoid incidents like the car and bike from happening, they're generally less deterred to do anything directly harmful to the attendees if they have a big group or some kind of other way to deter them.

I do hope the Staff can figure something out

[Tomecko]

I like the idea of having something in place to make traveling between the two hotels safer, but Rathany has a very valid point. How would you know the person who signed up to be your walking buddy wouldn't be exactly the kind of creep you were trying to avoid? I think an escort system is probably unworkable.

But as a petite female, occasionally in costumes that hampered my ability to run away quicklikeabunny, I admit I too was spooked a little, traveling on a deserted street after karaoke ended at 2 am. Having a safety buddy doesn't work if you came to con by yourself and your roomies don't go the same panels as you. I know con can't do an official buddy system, for aforementioned reasons. But something to address after-dark travel would be very appreciated for the coming year.

[Platypus]

I would be happy to volunteer as a unofficial temporary bodyguard

[Chibiorochimaru]

During the night of day one me and two other friends witness someone being attacked literally right across the street from us, I wasn't scared to walk between the two hotels untill seeing that, for a good while we even thought about just staying in the hilton lobby till it was lighter out to venture back to the red lion because of that.
I don't think it would be so bad as long as we had a few more lights on the street between the two hotels, but having a few more people out would also help.
Or maybe later at night if we could ask people to travel in groups of 3-4 just for safety issues?

[ThiefKingsHier]

That said, there will always be people having issues with authority figures, but maybe if we had a patrol of this sort that could've helped whatever happened that night I saw an ambulance, police car and a fire truck down at 5th and Columbia o.o; Who knows?

I do. I was standing outside that night.
Someone was ganged up by a bunch fo guys at teh rave, chased out into the street and beaten up, pretty badly. Noy much later soemone fro minside the hotel ran off with a bag of items stolen from attendees. He was caught because we saw him. So, hey, there is your vanguard.
The irony. Everyone is so worried about walking OUTSIDE of the con when the only real trouble began at the con itself.
( please forgive my typos. My computer is possesed so I hav to type quickly before I'm directed away fro mthe page)

[BigGuy]

The only fight outside that I heard about didn't involve con people at all. That group was a pack of locals getting out of the bars. Someone did steal from the dance, but I heard that was not one of our attendees.

[Raveen92]

I actually felt uneasy on the second night, it was about 3 am in the morning :p, but thankfully I befriended a cute and nice cosplayer who escorted me with his friends back to my hotel, before going to there's.

I would love to have a system/volunteers for those who feel uneasy, or can't seem to get a group together to walk down to their hotel.

[Brahp MeAhh]

I would be happy to volunteer as a unofficial temporary bodyguard

I shall guard the night with you! I have a level 10 bum defense technique ; D!

[Washougal_Otaku]

I, too, would be willing to help out with this.  However, what about the shuttle service?  Does it operate that late at night?

[@random]

I would be happy to volunteer as a unofficial temporary bodyguard

I shall guard the night with you! I have a level 10 bum defense technique ; D!

Sorry, but I couldn't resist... is this technique for defense against bums, or defense of bums? 

_{(Or maybe even both?)}

[ThiefKingsHier]

The only fight outside that I heard about didn't involve con people at all. That group was a pack of locals getting out of the bars. Someone did steal from the dance, but I heard that was not one of our attendees.

That doesn't mean it didn't happen. I was standing RIGHT there when the Ambulance came by and took the kid away.

[Rathany]

The only fight outside that I heard about didn't involve con people at all. That group was a pack of locals getting out of the bars. Someone did steal from the dance, but I heard that was not one of our attendees.

That doesn't mean it didn't happen. I was standing RIGHT there when the Ambulance came by and took the kid away.

No one is saying it didn't happen.  However, the incident did not involve attendees as your post seemed to suggest.  One could very easily read into your comment that the incident started inside con space and that it was attendees fighting. 

[kalagei]

One thing I can say for sure:

Try and travel in groups if you feel that safety is a concern. The method isn't fool-proof, but it does greatly reduce the risk of trouble when you're with all of your friends.

[ThiefKingsHier]

The only fight outside that I heard about didn't involve con people at all. That group was a pack of locals getting out of the bars. Someone did steal from the dance, but I heard that was not one of our attendees.

That doesn't mean it didn't happen. I was standing RIGHT there when the Ambulance came by and took the kid away.

No one is saying it didn't happen.  However, the incident did not involve attendees as your post seemed to suggest.  One could very easily read into your comment that the incident started inside con space and that it was attendees fighting. 

What makesy ou sure that it didn't? What are you talking about by 'reading into my comment'? Don't 'read into' anything I say there is no hidden meaning in anything say.

[Serika]

What makesy ou sure that it didn't? What are you talking about by 'reading into my comment'? Don't 'read into' anything I say there is no hidden meaning in anything say.

Because it could really damage Kumoricon's reputation if a bored journalist or blogger decided to spread around that Kumoricon's attendees picked fights that involved going to the hospital.  
Rathany is staff.  Maybe yeah you were there, but I think a staff member would know a little better about whether or not a major fight near the con involved attendees.  Please be a little more respectful to the people who help put this convention together, especially in a thread that is intended to be reaching out to staff for help.  

[Rathany]

What makesy ou sure that it didn't? What are you talking about by 'reading into my comment'? Don't 'read into' anything I say there is no hidden meaning in anything say.

Because it could really damage Kumoricon's reputation if a bored journalist or blogger decided to spread around that Kumoricon's attendees picked fights that involved going to the hospital.  
Rathany is staff.  Maybe yeah you were there, but I think a staff member would know a little better about whether or not a major fight near the con involved attendees.  Please be a little more respectful to the people who help put this convention together, especially in a thread that is intended to be reaching out to staff for help.  

I have spoken with con staff and hotel staff who were present at the incident.  If you have information that contradicts what all of them have said, please contact me with specific details and I will look into it. 

There is a very, very big difference between 'there was a problem outside that involved no one from our con' and 'attendees were ganged up on in the dance and fighting moved to the outside.'  We take this sort of thing very seriously.  If all the con and hotel staff are wrong in what happened, well, then, I will have to do a good deal of follow up on this. 

[zenneth]

if there's such a thing next year, i dont mind volunteering. more walkers equals safer cos con experience =w= not to mention getting to know a new friend. not a bad idea at all in my opinion.

[XxBelovedxSoubixX]

I think it's a good idea. :3 Regardless of how safe an area is it only takes one person to change that. No one should have to walk alone if they don't feel safe.

I don't know if someones suggested this yet but maybe someone could put up a sign in both lobby's where people could gather a group to walk from one hotel to another. That way small groups could combine with other small groups to feel safer going between area's.

[Black~Rose]

There was a time or two when I would call my younger brother (18) to walk with me to the parking garage.  It was pretty poorly lit and not a very high traffic area.  I might not have worried so much, but when I was wearing a dress I felt like 1) people would think I would make an easy target 2) I wouldn't be able to defend myself as easily because it's hard to see out of the corners of my eyes and generally just not the easiest thing to move around in.

I know on the 2nd night I ended up escorting a few ladies home ^_~ and then walking one back so she could continue to get her dance on.

I think everyone should have a designated "safe buddy" they know they can get to if they need to walk somewhere they feel uncomfortable.  It sounds like the con won't do it for us, I imagine for liability issues, which is perfectly reasonable from their perspective.

haha I was that one XD But on my way back to the hotel I had a phone on me so that if something happened I was able to call 911 or something. I did not feel comfortable walking alone even with the phone because of having to pass by that bar but it was a bit safer than nothing. The first day my group didnt wanna wait for me to get stuff at plaid pantry so I had to do it myself and when I was on my way back I was harrassed through the window by men in that bar, with no phone on me. Was not making that mistake twice. Hence why I enlisted Reppy's help the 2nd night lol.

[Mister_manji]

With the enormous amount of liability that comes with this kinda thing, I really don't see this as being practical. This doesn't even include the manpower limitations, as there are many things in the 11-2 timeslot that have to be monitored at all times, including the dance and many 18+ panels.

Some additional lighting, on the other hand, seems doable. I'm sure the board will give it plenty of consideration after elections.

[TomtheFanboy]

Ooh! I know!

Instead of a string of lights we can just rent two giant spotlights and put them at each end of the street, then point them at each other!

[Brahp MeAhh]

I would be happy to volunteer as a unofficial temporary bodyguard

I shall guard the night with you! I have a level 10 bum defense technique ; D!

Sorry, but I couldn't resist... is this technique for defense against bums, or defense of bums? 

_{(Or maybe even both?)}

It's actually a fighting style I picked up from a homeless Chinese individual who like to be called "Jackie Chan" which I'm pretty sure he used to defend himself against other bums. Take it how you will, I'll protect whom ever needs it!

[princessmoon]

Ooh! I know!

Instead of a string of lights we can just rent two giant spotlights and put them at each end of the street, then point them at each other!

But that would confuse Batman!!! You don't want to do that! ~
---
Don't stay out too late, kiddies. I guess we (my bro and self) are getting old since we play Cinderella and leave con premises around midnight. I've been prepared at each con to carry mace with me (it's safely tucked away and forgotten during con time) and have it ready when we walk to our car. Usually, we find parking a wee bit away from con and commute to our hotel. Walking around in an unfamiliar place makes me nervous, but traveling with a buddy system is MUCH better than alone. Always be alert, cautious, and check your surroundings.

[Griffion]

That said, there will always be people having issues with authority figures, but maybe if we had a patrol of this sort that could've helped whatever happened that night I saw an ambulance, police car and a fire truck down at 5th and Columbia o.o; Who knows?

I do. I was standing outside that night.
Someone was ganged up by a bunch fo guys at teh rave, chased out into the street and beaten up, pretty badly. Noy much later soemone fro minside the hotel ran off with a bag of items stolen from attendees. He was caught because we saw him. So, hey, there is your vanguard.
The irony. Everyone is so worried about walking OUTSIDE of the con when the only real trouble began at the con itself.
( please forgive my typos. My computer is possesed so I hav to type quickly before I'm directed away fro mthe page)

Hello everyone, Operations Director (RE: Director of Yojimbo etc) chiming in. The incident you are all referring to in fact had ZERO to do with our event. It was an altercation between Vancouver locals and some of our staff/attendees were unfortunate enough to see it occur. This is why some of you saw people associated with Kumoricon speaking to the police that night.

[The_Emo_Schemer]

I never felt unsafe, but then again, I'm one of those people with a mindset of "Oh nothing will ever happen to me~! >w> " And I was walking between them until 2am one night. I think it's definitely a good idea to ask someone to walk with you if you feel uncomfortable going it alone.

[mellonemrys]

The best advice is to talk with whoever you are going to con with/ who you are meeting at the con, and arrange buddies/groups beforehand. Even if you yourself doesn't feel like you need a group to walk between the hotels, one of your friends might. Support your friends, try not to ditch each other, and be willing to spend the extra time to wait for a friend who honestly does not want to walk alone at night.

If you go to con alone, or don't have friends that go to con...encourage your friends to go with you, they might enjoy themselves.

Staff will be looking into possible solutions to make the trek easier for next year, so suggestions are always helpful.