Decepta-con Rules and Policies

Code of Conduct:

Attendees must respect common sense rules for public behavior, personal interaction, common courtesy, and respect for private property. Harassing or offensive behavior will not be tolerated. Decepta-con reserves the right to remove without refund any attendee who is not in compliance with this policy. Persons who see any such situations should immediately report to our show staff or our security team members.

Cosplay is NOT Consent

The culture of Cosplay is one of fun, creativity, and mutual respect. Unfortunately, not every fan adheres to the “respect” part. Cosplay is NOT Consent – and cosplayers who dress in (sometimes) revealing costumes should not have to accept inappropriate behavior from anyone. Speak out; speak up; and help keep cosplay comfortable and fun!

Harassment

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
  • Verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination [related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion
  • Overtly Sexual images in public spaces
  • Intimidation, stalking, or following
  • Harassing photography or recording
  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events
  • Inappropriate and/or unwelcome physical contact
  • Unwelcome sexual attention
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior
Any actions that make you feel uncomfortable should be considered a form of harassment and can be reported.  Even if you think ‘they didn’t mean it’ or ‘it was an accident’ if something occurs that you are not okay with, please feel free to bring it up with us, and we will discuss with you the best way to handle the situation.
 

Costume Weapons Policy:

No functional weapons are allowed at Decepta-con. Simulated or costume weapons are allowed as a part of your costume however all costume weapons must conform to state and federal law. Projectile costume weapons must be rendered inoperable. Functional (real) arrows must have their tips removed and be bundled and zip tied to a quiver.  Functional projectile weapons (think Nerf and Airsoft guns) must be disabled and unloaded.
 
Costume swords must be tied to your costume in such a way that they can’t be drawn. Security will remove any attendee that does not follow these basic rules.
 
If the weapon is steel, such as a sword, it will NOT be permitted in the building.
 
Solid props such as staves which are weighty enough to bludgeon someone with a moderate force swing will not be allowed.
 
Aiming, brandishing, pointing, etc, any and all weapons at other attendees is not acceptable.  You may mean it in fun, but your fun isn’t worth the alarm you will cause everyone else.  In the event of severe infractions, attendees may be asked to leave.
 

Recording during panels:

Recording during panels is prohibited. We do NOT allow Video or Audio Recording of movies, Q & A sessions or panels. Also, please turn off your device’s (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) screens and put them away during the screening of panel footage. Not doing so interferes with everyone’s viewing quality and causes security to think you’re recording the clip.
 

No Smoking, Including E-cigarettes and Vaping Products and Devices:

No smoking is allowed at Decepta-con. The no smoking policy includes traditional cigarettes, pipes, cigars, plus E-cigarettes and any vaping product or device. This policy includes the Events room and the rest rooms. This policy is in place not only for the comfort of attendees but also to comply with local ordinances prohibiting smoking at public events within 20 feet of any doorway, entrance, exit or operable window. Please comply with this policy; noncompliance may result in being ejected from the convention.
 
Decepta-con thanks you in advance for your cooperation in these comic con rules and policies.