Google moves conference from crime-ridden San Francisco.

Google Moves Technology Conference Out of San ⁢Francisco

Google is shaking things up by relocating⁢ its technology conference from San Francisco to Las Vegas. The decision​ comes as the city grapples with rising crime rates and ⁤widespread drug use.

The annual Google Cloud Next conference, previously held at⁤ San Francisco’s Moscone Center, took place last week for the first time since the ‍start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Google has now decided to move the ‍2024 edition of the conference out of San Francisco, canceling its booking⁢ in July. While the company did not provide a specific reason to SFGATE, it​ aligns with ⁢the trend of businesses ‌scaling back their operations in the⁣ city due to crime, homelessness, and ​drug-related issues.

San Francisco has experienced a 40 percent increase in homicides between 2020 and 2022, along with a spike in fentanyl-related ​deaths. These alarming statistics have ⁣prompted numerous companies to relocate events, headquarters, and office spaces away from the city. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff recently expressed concerns about public safety and hinted⁢ at the possibility of moving the “Dreamforce”‌ conference out of San‍ Francisco next year.

Notable companies like Old Navy, Whole Foods, Nordstrom, Uber, and Airbnb have already closed‌ stores or attempted ⁢to⁤ abandon their ‍offices in San Francisco. This exodus has resulted in nearly a third of the city’s office space remaining vacant.