TwitchCon Updates Security Following Jacksonville Esports Shooting

The security update follows last month’s shooting at an esports video game tournament in Jacksonville, Florida.

• By Jessica Davis
• Sep 18, 2018

Twitch announced Friday changes to its security procedures for its TwitchCon event, an annual conference for the platform’s video game streaming community that will take place in San Jose, California, this year on October 26-28. The security update follows last month’s shooting at an esports video game tournament in Jacksonville, Florida.

Three people were killed and 11 people were injured in the Jacksonville esports shooting, leading many in the video game community to raise concerns about event safety. In the aftermath, Twitch officials said they would be reviewing their security plans and “updating them accordingly.”

TwitchCon officials are “working closely with San Jose’s local law enforcement, convention staff, and additional security services” for the event, according to the security policy update on the TwitchCon blog. Attendees will be subject to bag search and security screening at every designated entrance point.

One of the main changes to security at this year’s TwitchCon is the updated bag policy. No backpacks, luggage, large bags, or bulky clothing will be allowed, and backpacks purchased at the show itself are not allowed to re-enter. Clear bags and small fanny packs that fall under the maximum size of 12” x 15” x 6” are encouraged to expedite entry.

Exhibitors may only hand-carry their products and display materials in oversized bags and rollers before 8 a.m. on show days. Press and approved crew are allowed to carry camera equipment into the show in bags larger than the restricted size.

Attendees must wear their official TwitchCon badge visibly and carry a valid photo ID or passport at all times. There are no weapons allowed at the event.

“Security at TwitchCon is our top priority and is something we take very seriously at all our events,” a spokesperson for Twitch told TechCrunch in August. “We regularly review and iterate on our policies and approach in order to provide a safe and positive experience for staff, attendees, and exhibitors.”