Security at Dragon*Con 2011

[m-cubicle.livejournal.com]

EDIT: With the great response this post is getting, let's try and make something happen here. Send Dragon*con security any ideas you may have in ways to improve security for the 2011 show. Go to the contact security form through the D*Con web page. Get as many people as you can to do the same. Pass the word along. Select "security" from the drop down menu. The hotels and Dragon*con MUST agree to start checking badges or room keys at the hotel entrances  to keep the non-con goers out.  Why should we pay and others not?!

dragoncon.org/dc_contact.php

Since it doesn't seem like anyone has addressed this issue for D*Con 2011 recently, I will go ahead and put it on the table.

As I'm sure many others noticed, last year there were several security concerns during the convention. I remember reading all the different posts of women being accosted and "felt up" by individuals who had no badge and nothing to do with the convention itself. Letters were mailed to the hotel and complaints filed. Since then, it has all gone quiet.... Has anything been done by the hotel or Dragon*Con to alleviate this problem? Or, are the powers that be just hoping we would all forget about it and just deal for next year?

I have noticed every year the convention getting more and more filled with people who have come to the hotels thinking they would be getting a free "freaks on parade" show. Individuals include: Football fans, nearby college students, and random people off the street hoping to get a free good time at the expense of those who paid to be there. It's not the same convention it was 5 years ago, the con is changing and not for the good.

Before I go dumping more hard earned money on a convention that is already getting ridiculously priced, are any of these issues going to be addressed? What is to keep random grabby pervs away from my girlfriend or friends? With everything getting expensive these days, I need some re-assurances that this will be a safe convention and the money will be well spent. I wonder what the ratio is of people who just wander in off the streets is, to those who actually paid for a badge?

Comments

[grimthorn.livejournal.com]

The Hyatt and Marriott will have hotel security outside of every entrance checking room keys and badges (no badge or room key, no getting in.. period)

The other host hotels will be encouraged to adopt a similar policy, but there is no definitive word on how they will do that.

[meinken.livejournal.com]

As the problem generally does not occur until the evening alcohol binges begin, the room key/badge checking will begin in the evening. I presume around 5-6pm, though I don't know for sure.

[m-cubicle.livejournal.com]

Let's see what's more important to the hotel, making money selling booze, or protecting nerds from getting grabbed.

[trybutez.livejournal.com]

If this policy is really enforced, they can, and will, still make money selling booze. But only to people staying at the hotel or wearing a Con Badge.

[paradisacorbasi.livejournal.com]

Considering they can be sued for not looking after the safety of their guests? I think protecting the nerds (geeks, thanks) will have to rank higher.

[cuppaco.livejournal.com]

As long as their security measures are reasonable and appropriate, and D*C was not negligent - I don't believe a lawsuit would be successful. Culpability (and monetary damages) would follow the perpetrator. Not the hotel or D*C unless there is negligence on their part(s).

Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule - an injured party can only recover if it is determined that his or her fault in causing the injury is 49% or less. If injured party’s fault level reaches 50%, he or she cannot recover any damages resulting from the accident. The courts also follow a pure several liability approach in entering judgment against multiple defendants. The amount for which each defendant is financially liable is proportionate to his or her share of the fault. In other words, a defendant that caused the majority of the damages will be responsible for a majority of the financial judgment. The perpetrator would be the majority at fault in *any* analysis although he may not be the "deep pocket".

I wouldn't want to think of the defense an aggressive attorney would put on for the hotel or D*C about a half-dressed intoxicated con*goer out at 3:00 a.m. and how she/he was partially at fault for any unfortunate incident that occurred. It may not be right - but that's what would happen.

[veracity]

I wouldn't want to think of the defense an aggressive attorney would put on for the hotel or D*C about a half-dressed intoxicated con*goer out at 3:00 a.m. and how she/he was partially at fault for any unfortunate incident that occurred. It may not be right - but that's what would happen.

Not to mention the insistence on changing our laws regarding assaults on women in the past year. Even if most of us voters are still going WTF over these attempts. It would be a living hell for a woman pressing charges. I can't speak of a male perspective/experience, so I'm not sure on that side.

[alexdelarge78.livejournal.com]

Well, lets consider that the rapidly going Dragon Con *is* the majority source of of Hotel $ over that weekend :) Let's also consider that a percentage of the 'invaders' likely won't be purchasing from hotel bars and mini bars, that makes for an expensive party when all you want to do is crash :)

[m-cubicle.livejournal.com]

Hrmm, I hope they adhere to that. The Hyatt and Marriott "security" are more or less directing traffic every time I see them. *here's to hoping*