With the violence sweeping Baltimore threatening to scare away tourists and the city’s huge convention industry, officials are working overtime to build in new security around the downtown convention center and promising to keep people safe.
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This week’s Food Safety Summit is scheduled to open Tuesday at the convention center and officials said it is still a go because of security promises from the city.
Leaders in food safety to convene this week n Baltimore for 17th Annual Food Safety Summit http://t.co/A4A3MNAhHq #FoodSafetySummit
— Food Safety Summit (@FoodSafetySumit) April 27, 2015
“We have been assured that our guests should feel comfortable coming to the event and that travel should not be affected,” said a statement on the summit’s website.
The convention center also issued a statement that said, “The Baltimore Convention Center remains open as scheduled to service our events. We remain in contact with the Mayor’s Office, the Baltimore City Police Department, and The Downtown Partnership Safety Coalition while they monitor new developments.”
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The tourism site, Visit Baltimore, issued more of a warning on their website: “In the wake of the tragic death of Freddie Gray and days of peaceful protests, disturbances have erupted in Baltimore. While much of the police activity has been away from the downtown, groups of youth have threatened to enter the downtown area. The situation remains fluid, so visitors are encouraged to check the Baltimore Police Department website, www.baltimorepolice.org, for the latest information.”
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Looting, theft, car and store burnings began after the funeral of Freddie Gray, who died in police custody. It followed minor violence Saturday night.
Below is the full statement from the Food Safety Summit:
April 27, 2015
TRAVEL UPDATE: We understand you might have some concerns about your visit to the Food Safety Summit in light of the news reports about unrest in the city of Baltimore. We are working closely with the Mayor’s Office, the Baltimore Convention Center and City Officials to monitor this situation closely. Safety is of course is a major priority for all of our guests, staff and visitors. Accordingly there is increased security at the Baltimore Convention Center and all area hotels. We have been assured that our guests should feel comfortable coming to the event and that travel should not be affected.
The Food Safety Summit is on as scheduled to begin on Tuesday, April 28th. All updates from the City of Baltimore, the Convention Center and in regards to the Foods Safety Summit schedule will be posted to www.foodsafetysummit.com, please check here for the latest information.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
