Shale conferees advised to avoid protesters

By Andrew Maykuth, Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted: September 02, 2011

The organizers of next week's shale-gas conference in Philadelphia are gearing up security precautions for protests at the two-day event.

The Shale Gas Insight conference, sponsored by the Marcellus Shale Coalition to promote natural-gas drilling, on Thursday sent attendees tips for avoiding clashes with protesters who plan to demonstrate Wednesday outside the Convention Center. Gov. Corbett is scheduled to speak Thursday.

"All indications are the protest will be compliant with all local laws and regulations," the industry conference wrote in an e-mail to attendees.

Anti-drilling activists have scheduled a counter-conference and rally called "Shale Gas Outrage."

The industry event's organizers instructed attendees to wear their badges inside the convention hall, but to remove them on the street.

They suggested that conferencegoers avoid areas where protesters gather, and that "it is best not to engage in dialogue with protesters."

If protesters disrupt conference presentations, the organizers suggested, "do not personally intervene."

"The police will be monitoring all protest activity," the e-mail said.

Attendance is limited to registered participants. Fees start at $550.

Contact staff writer Andrew Maykuth at 215-854-2947 or amaykuth@phillynews.com.

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