EmpowHER Safety Tips

At WAVIT, your safety is paramount. We're sharing crucial safety tips to improve tradeshow and event security for all, especially women with EmpowHER Safety Tips. Check out our social media for best practices and resources to help keep you safe. 

Our goal is to raise awareness and develop and promote safety practices to prevent harm and protect individuals from violence, abuse, and harassment. We will help create a safe environment and pathways to communicate violations and offer an avenue where everyone feels empowered to speak up and take action to prevent personal safety threats in the AV and IT industries. Let's build safer spaces together. Follow our EmpowerHer Safety Tips and drive change.

Tips and Resources 

  1. Trust your instincts. If a situation or a person feels off, it’s ok to leave or seek help.
  2. Look out for other women around you. If you see someone who looks uncomfortable or in trouble, offer help or alert event staff.
  3. Recognize and respect personal boundaries. Consent and comfort should always be top priorities. Respect earns respect!
  4. Always report suspicious activity to event staff or security. If something doesn't feel right, it's okay to speak out. Eyes open, stay safe!
  5. Support and amplify the voices of other women at events. When one speaks up, back her up. Empower each other!
  6. Know the Schedule: Keep track of the event schedule and plan your movements accordingly. Avoid isolated areas, especially during late hours.
  7. While you are in transit, inside an uber, cab, etc… activate your google maps and mute it to make sure your driver is going the right way.
  8. Take Breaks: If you feel overwhelmed, take a break in a well-lit, populated area. Use this time to regroup and regain your composure.

  9. Set Boundaries 

    Be clear and firm about your boundaries when networking. It’s okay to step back or remove yourself from interactions that make you feel uncomfortable.
  10. Control Your Personal Space Use assertive body language and voice to keep unwanted visitors at bay.
  11. Participate in Safety Workshops If available, join sessions on self-defense or safety awareness at trade shows or conferences.
  12. Use the Buddy System Whenever possible, move around the trade show with a colleague or friend. There’s safety in numbers, and it often makes navigating large events easier.
  13. Promote Open Communication Encourage a community environment where female attendees share experiences and look out for one another.
  14. Speak Out Men can be great allies by speaking out if they witness inappropriate behavior and setting an example of respectful conduct.
  15. Be Selective with Sessions Choose sessions wisely, attending those with larger groups or in major conference areas during early or late hours.
  16. Pre-Event Planning Register early and plan your schedule. Familiarize yourself with the event layout to locate exits, restrooms, and help desks.
  17. Keep Essentials Close Always keep your essentials close and stay aware of your surroundings at trade shows. Being prepared means being empowered.
  18. Respect Personal Boundaries Recognize and respect personal space. Consent and comfort should always be top priorities.
  19. Watch Each Other’s Backs Trade shows can be crowded and overwhelming, but there’s power in community. Make a plan with fellow women to check in and step in when something feels off.
  20. Hide Your Badge After Hours Once the floor closes, stash your credentials. No need to broadcast where you’re staying or working.
  21. Practice a Graceful Exit Line Prepare a polite but effective exit line for uncomfortable conversations—“I need to check in with my team” works every time.