Safety and security considerations are integrated into every aspect of planning the NEA Representative Assembly. NEA’s Office of Risk and Operations Management works closely with the Denver Convention Center, local and state law enforcement agencies, and third-party security providers to help ensure a safe and secure environment for delegates, guests, and staff attending the 2026 NEA Representative Assembly in Denver, Colorado.
If you feel physically unsafe at any time during the RA, you can report that at this link, and someone will respond ASAP. The following QR code will also take you to the reporting form:

Infiltrators, Secret Recording, and Potential Bad Actors
At NEA events, we want all members to feel safe, respected, and able to participate freely. Unfortunately, outside activists with malicious intent have at times attempted to secretly record union members, staff, and leaders to create misleading or manipulated content. Unfortunately, these manipulated videos are harmful to individuals and our profession.
One of the recent actors in this sphere is Nick Shirley whose Minnesota fraud story went viral. Remember that outside the convention center, there may be people who want to listen to and record your conversations and exercise your best judgment when discussing RA or NEA business in external spaces.
To keep everyone safe, we recommend following security precautions to prevent infiltration and secret recording.

  • Always wear your badge inside the RA.
    • Everyone attending the RA will be registered, have badges, and are required to wear them at all times in the convening.
  • Take off your badge outside the RA.
    • Outside the RA, your badge is an indicator of who you are and what event you are attending. This may make you a target for bad actors who want to secretly record you and use that to create manipulated content.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings.
    • No need to be alarmed but please be aware that whether you are at the conference, walking around town or even at a restaurant, it’s possible someone is listening or recording your interactions.
  • Verify who people are.
    • Infiltrators will use fake identities. If someone does not have a badge, please let RA staff know. If they do have a badge, ensure that the information they are telling you matches.
  • Avoid speaking to press.
    • Press should always have press passes and be accompanied by an NEA Communications staffer. If they do not, let NEA staff know.
    • There will be designated spokespeople to talk to press.
    • It is ok to walk away from any conversation politely. Just say, “Thank you, but I’d rather not discuss this.”
  • Walk away if you are uncomfortable.
    • If you feel uncomfortable with an interaction, don’t worry about being rude – just walk away. Let an NEA or affiliate staff member know if things escalate, or you feel suspicious about an interaction.
    • Do not engage with people who disrupt, provoke, or are hostile. Instead, let a staff person know about the situation.
    • Be boring! If you think you are being secretly recorded or someone is engaging in conversation to provoke you, simply repeat a phrase like “I don’t want to talk right now.”

SAFETY & SECURITY TIPS

  • For emergencies in the convention center, call the 24-hour Security Base Station at 303-228-8030.
  • Familiarize yourself with your hotel’s evacuation plan and the closest exits from your room.
  • Familiarize yourself with the emergency exits at the convention center.
  • Never leave valuables unattended.

Out and About

  • Be aware of your surroundings and other people.
  • When away from the Annual Meeting events, remove your credentials badge.
  • Never flash sums of money or expensive items in public.
  • Do not place your purse on the back of your chair in public areas.
  • Use hotel safe deposit boxes for valuables.
  • Travel in groups where possible.
  • When using an automatic teller machine, use one in a well-lighted, populated area, preferably in the company of others.
  • Regardless of how secure a convention center environment may appear, keep your valuables in a safe place where you can keep an eye on them at all times.
  • Use security locks when in your hotel room.
  • Never open your hotel room door to a stranger. Verify a visit by hotel personnel with the front desk.
  • Beware of distractions set up by potential pickpockets on the street or in crowds.
  • Carry money separately from credit cards.
  • Carry purses close to your body and wallets in secure pockets.
  • Avoid poorly lit areas.

At the Hotel

  • In an emergency, contact your state’s conference coordinator immediately. They will work directly with hotel security and management to take necessary actions.
  • Familiarize yourself with your hotel’s evacuation plan and the closest exits from your room. All hotels have evacuation plans posted on the back of the hotel room doors.
  • Use the hotel safe in your guestroom for valuables.
  • Use security locks when in your hotel room.
  • Never open your hotel room door to a stranger. Verify a visit by hotel personnel with the front desk.
  • Do not share your hotel room keys.
  • Never give a stranger your room number.

At the Convention Center

  • If you see something, say something!
  • Security screening will be set up at the main entrances and the accessibility services entrance.
  • Please familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits.
  • Do not leave laptops or other electronic devices unattended.
  • Keep valuables in a secure place where they remain visible to you at all times.
  • Badges are required for access. As an added security measure, RA badges will now have a photo.
  • Floor plans showing AED locations will be included in the program book.
  • EMS will be located near the RA floor to respond quickly to medical emergencies.
  • Security presence at the convention center will include:
    • Open-gate large-volume magnetometers for walk-through security screening.
    • Unarmed uniformed security officers
    • Uniformed off-duty armed police officers
    • Canine units
    • Volunteer badge checkers

Cybersecurity

  • Be wary of emails that feature fake logos, urgent messages, or requests for personal details and payments.
  • Always confirm event information through channels and never click on suspicious links or share sensitive information via email or unsecure Wi-Fi
  • Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.
  • Never share sensitive information via email or open/unsecured Wi-Fi
  • Check the sender’s email address and look for suspicious or unexpected emails.
  • Be extra cautious of urgent or threatening language in emails, as well as emails that request sensitive information.
  • Always verify the authenticity of an email that seems suspicious. Contact the sender directly (by “known” phone or text if possible) as a compromised email account may be monitored by the attacker.

IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT – KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Report Immigration Enforcement Activity

  • Immigration enforcement activity can be reported to the Colorado Immigration Rights Coalition (CIRC) hotline: 1-844-864-8341.
  • Denver has strong protections for immigrant rights, including limits on police collaboration with ICE.
  • During the RA and Pre-Conference events, the Colorado Convention Center is a non-public space. ICE may NOT enter without a judicial warrant.
  • Avoid actions that reasonably can be understood as specifically warning individuals you know to be undocumented that an ICE action is underway. General warnings are protected speech under the First Amendment, but warnings to prevent enforcement can be a federal crime.

Right to Observe and Report

  • If it is possible and safe to do so, take photos, video, and/or notes. If you choose to record, make it obvious that you are recording.
  • You must not interfere or obstruct ICE while they are carrying out their duties.

If you are questioned by law enforcement

  • You always have the right to remain silent. Carry a rights card (Red Card).
  • If you choose to speak, do not lie.
  • Do not run. If stopped, ask if you are free to leave and walk away slowly if the answer is yes.
  • If you are over 18 and are not a U.S. citizen, always carry evidence of your valid immigration documents with you. Do not carry false documents or papers from another country with you, like a foreign passport.

If you are arrested or detained by ICE:

  • Exercise your right to remain silent.
  • State that you want to speak to your attorney. Do not answer questions or sign anything without your attorney.
  • If you or a fellow NEA delegate is arrested or detained by ICE, in addition to contacting your attorney, inform your state president or their designee, who can contact NEA for additional support.

If you are arrested or detained by ICE:

  • Exercise your right to remain silent.
  • State that you want to speak to your attorney. Do not answer questions or sign anything without your attorney.
  • If you or a fellow NEA delegate is arrested or detained by ICE, in addition to contacting your attorney, inform your state president or their designee, who can contact NEA for additional support.

For more information about safely observing and documenting ICE activity, see NEA guidance at https://www.nea.org/resource-library/observe-document-ice-activity
For more detailed Know Your Rights information, see NEA’s guidance Know Your Rights.


Visit Denver “Downtown for All Program”

The City and County of Denver, Visit Denver, the Downtown Denver Partnership, and the local business community are working together to support a downtown environment that is safe, welcoming, and vibrant for residents, visitors, and attendees.
As part of the Downtown for All program, several key initiatives are in place to enhance safety, security, and quality of life throughout the downtown area, including:

  • A dedicated downtown police unit with increased patrols, including officers on foot, bicycles, motorcycles, and mounted units.
  • 24/7 Regional Transportation District (RTD) police presence in Lower Downtown (LoDo), Union Station, and transit areas.
    The Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) program provides trained paramedics and mental health clinicians to respond to non-violent emergency situations.
  • A shared radio communication network that connects downtown security personnel, hotels, and building security teams with law enforcement to support faster response and coordination.
  • Enhanced city services, including additional infrastructure support and increased cleanliness resources through the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Clean and Safe Downtown Initiative
The Clean and Safe Downtown Initiative includes:

  • Keeping downtown camping-free
  • A rapid response “Clean and Safe” reporting app
  • Denver Ambassadors in yellow vests
  • A 24/7 security team patrolling high traffic areas
  • Expanded surveillance with HALO cameras
  • Visit Denver partners with the Colorado Convention Center, Downtown Denver Partnership and the Denver Police Department to ensure appropriate security coverage is provided during convention in the convention corridor.
    You can download the Clean and Safe app here: Apple Store Google Play

High Altitude and Weather Tips
Denver really is a Mile High, but most people don’t even notice the altitude difference. The air is just thinner and dryer. It’s best to follow these tips to stay happy and healthy.

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and during your time in Denver to help your body adjust
  • Pace your alcohol intake: Golf balls go ten percent farther…and so do cocktails. Cheers in moderation!
  • Eat potassium rich foods: Bananas, avocados, and leafy greens help balance electrolytes
  • Watch your physical activity: Even seasoned athletes feel the difference in Denver. If you are active, consider easing into your routine.
  • Pack for sun: The sky really is bluer in Colorado, but there’s 25% less protection from the sun. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and SPF lip balm are essentials
  • Dress in layers: Denver days can be sunny and warm, but mornings and evenings are often cool.

Important Emergency Phone Numbers
Police, Fire & Medical Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: (720) 913-2000


Health and Wellness Guidance

  • Individuals remain responsible for deciding how best to protect themselves. As a union, we will continue to emphasize the core principle of promoting a culture of protecting our collective health.
  • Individuals who are experiencing new or atypical symptoms of an illness that may be transmitted when in close contact with others should refrain from attending the RA.
  • Individuals who are immunocompromised or at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should consult with their healthcare provider to determine what mitigation measures they should employ as they navigate public spaces, including spaces where there is expected to be large numbers of participants.
  • NEA expects that all who participate in NEA meetings and events treat each other with respect and care as we navigate personal decisions that may impact the health and safety of others which may include wearing a mask if you are unsure of your health status.

Medical Assistance
For life-threatening situations, immediately call 911. Life-threatening situations include an apparent heart attack, stroke, or other significant injury.
If you require non-life-threatening first aid while at the convention center, notify your manager and visit NEA’s Emergency Medical Services, located in Delegate Services.
In addition to the Emergency Medical Service Room in Delegate Experience, there is an Express Emergency Medical Services area in the A Lobby. The NEA Emergency Medical Services will be open July 3 – July 7 only.

HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND PHARMACIES
Hospitals/Emergency Rooms
Denver Health
777 Bannock Street
303-435-6000

Saint Joseph Hospital
1375 E 19th Ave
303-812-2000

Urgent Care
Denver Health Urgent Care
1545 California Street
303-602-6500
Mon- Thurs 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Closed Friday – Sunday

Pharmacies
CVS Pharmacy
750 16th Street
303-534-1182
Daily 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Walgreens Pharmacy
801 16th Street Mall
303-571-5314
Mon – Sat – 10am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm