Safety and Security 

Following the tragic events in Minnesota, we have heightened security measures. The city of Boston is well prepared to host the Summit, with extensive experience in safely managing major events. In addition to NCSL’s standard security protocols, we are instituting several enhanced measures to provide additional layers of protection for all attendees. These measures complement the safety procedures put in place by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, TD Garden, the Leader Bank Pavilion and conference hotels. 

We ask that all attendees report any questionable or concerning activity to NCSL or venue staff for immediate action. No concern is too small. If you see something, say something. In the event of an emergency, dial 911 and report any incidents to the convention center’s Command Center at 617-954-2222.  

• Public safety officers: The convention center is staffed with uniformed public safety officers stationed at every entrance and throughout the center. These officers are trained to respond to emergency situations. 
• Controlled access points: All entrances at the convention center are security controlled. All attendees will be required to submit to security screenings, including passing through magnetometers. All attendees should carry their state-issued identification at all times. 
• Weapons prohibited: Per the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority: “Weapons of any type, functional or non-functional, such as firearms, swords, knives, throwing stars, crossbows, clubs, bludgeons, etc. are strictly prohibited within MCCA facilities. The MCCA strictly prohibits all persons from carrying a firearm or other prohibited item while on MCCA property or within a facility under MCCA control, including those persons licensed to carry a firearm.” 
• Registration required: Every attendee must be registered and wear an official NCSL Legislative Summit credential to access the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and the official social events. Lost credentials must be reported to registration where replacements can be issued for a $100 fee. 
• Coordination with local, state and federal public safety agencies: NCSL is coordinating its security plan with the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, TD Garden, the Leader Bank Pavilion, conference hotels and local, state and federal public safety authorities. 
• Command Center: The convention center Command Center is staffed 24 hours a day. Contact the Command Center at 617-954-2222. According to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, the Command Center provides “facilities monitoring, digital CCTV service, access control systems, as well as direct access to first responders. In the event of a major emergency, the Command Center communicates directly with the Boston Police Department, the Boston Fire Department, the Boston Emergency Medical Service, and the Massachusetts State Police, who can dispatch the appropriate assistance.”  

Health

Attendees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with guidance provided by the CDC and the appropriate state and local public health authorities in areas they are traveling. By attending an NCSL meeting, you agree to follow any on-site health and safety protocols recommended by NCSL, the venue, and local and state governments.

• First Aid: EMS will be stationed in Room 105 of the convention center. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and bleeding control kits are located on each floor of the convention center. Convention center public safety officers are certified in CPR.
• Hospitals: The closest hospitals to the convention center are: 

  • Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St., Boston

  • Boston Medical Center, 275 Cambridge St., Boston

  • Massachusetts General Hospital, 275 Cambridge St., Boston

• Pharmacies: The closest pharmacies to the convention center are: 
  • CVS, 91 Seaport Blvd., Boston 
  • CVS, 423 W. Broadway, South Boston
  • Walgreens, 710 E. Broadway, South Boston

Travel Tips

• Remove your name tag or meeting badge when you exit the meeting hotel, convention center or social events.
• Keep your personal items (purse/briefcase) closed and close to your body and carry these items toward the building side of the sidewalk rather than the street side. 
• Use the buddy system when going to and from event venues and networking locations during early or late hours.
• Don’t leave personal property unattended anywhere, anytime. 
• Stay alert to your surroundings. 
• Know who is around you. 
• Don’t be preoccupied.  
• Plan where you are going before you leave.