Safety and Accessibility at CERF 2025

The safety of our attendees is of the utmost importance to CERF. We hope the resources on this page will help ensure you feel safe and welcome at CERF 2025 and in Richmond.

Code of Conduct  |  Greater Richmond Convention Center Accessibility  |  COVID-19

Abbreviated Event Code of Conduct

CERF is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all conference participants. We expect all participants to abide by this Code in all venues, whether in person or virtual.

Expected Behaviors Include:

  • Treating all participants with respect, dignity, and consideration;
  • Refraining from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech;
  • Reporting suspected inappropriate behavior directed at yourself or others.

Prohibited Behaviors Include:

  • Harassment - unwelcome or offensive verbal, visual, or physical contact;
  • Sexual harassment - unwelcome, unsolicited, and unreciprocated sexual advances, or other verbal or physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature;
  • Unruly or disruptive behavior;
  • Discriminatory conduct;
  • Deliberate intimidation, threatening, or stalking.

The full Code of Conduct can be found on the conference website.

If you are being subjected to inappropriate conduct, notice that someone else is being subjected to inappropriate conduct, or have any other concerns, contact CERF Event staff at the Registration Booth or submit an online report.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.

Greater Richmond Convention Center Accessibility

VCU Health Lactation Lounge

The VCU Health Lactation Lounge is located in the GRCC’s Ballroom Pavilion on the 1st Floor near Meeting Room B15c. It features comfortable seating, a table, power supply for pumping, nursing pads and easy access to restrooms. When the lounge door is closed, it can be locked from the inside and displays an “occupied” message on the outside. The GRCC is the only convention center in the Commonwealth of Virginia to offer a permanent lactation lounge for guests. The lounge is sponsored by VCU Health as part of its commitment to supporting mothers who want to breastfeed their babies.

Wheelchair Accessibility & Availability

The GRCC has wheelchair-accessible entrances at the following locations:

  • 3rd & Marshall GRCC Parking Deck Entrance (GRCC 2nd Floor)
  • 5th & Marshall Parking Deck Entrance (GRCC 2nd Floor)
  • 3rd & Marshall - Exhibit Hall Pavilion
  • 4th Street/Cyber Cafe - Exhibit Hall Pavilion
  • 5th & Marshall - Exhibit Hall Pavilion
  • 5th Street Exhibit Hall Entrances - Exhibit Hall Pavilion
  • 5th & Marshall - Ballroom Pavilion
  • 5th Street - Ballroom Pavilion

Open entrances may vary depending on event location and activity within the facility. The GRCC has elevators at the following locations in the facility:

  • Exhibit Hall Pavilion: 3rd & Marshall/Meeting Room E10 (1st Floor) & Meeting Room E20/Administrative Offices (2nd Floor)
  • Exhibit Hall Pavilion: Cyber Cafe/Registration Lobby (1st Floor) & Food Court/Meeting Room E21 (2nd Floor)
  • Exhibit Hall Pavilion: Exhibit Hall C (1st Floor) & Meeting Room E24 (2nd Floor)
  • Ballroom Pavilion: Meeting Room B15c (1st Floor) & Ballroom C (2nd Floor)
  • Ballroom Pavilion: Meeting Room B15a (1st Floor) & Ballroom A (2nd Floor)

Wheelchairs also are available on a first-come, first-served basis; they may not be taken out of the building. Visitors will be asked to leave an ID at the security desk while using the wheelchair. Please inquire at the main entrance at the corner of Third Street and Marshall Street or ask a staff member upon arrival.

If you have any further questions about accessibility accomodations, please contact [email protected].

COVID-19

In order to protect the health and safety of our participants and the surrounding community, we will follow COVID-19 guidelines. At this time, masks, proof of vaccination, and a negative COVID-19 test will not be required to attend CERF 2025. We will keep this page updated if requirements change.

While masks are not required, CERF 2025 will support attendees who choose to wear a face covering. Harassment or disparaging remarks related to the choice of wearing a mask will not be tolerated.

If you have COVID-19 or feel ill, please do NOT attend the event.