Code of Conduct
This page contains the Code of Conduct for Chicon 7. Anyone attending a Chicon 7 event is expected to be aware of and follow this Code for the entire duration of the event. The Code is presented in full below, and can also be downloaded in
PDF format.
Chicon 7 Code of Conduct, August 17, 2012
Chicon 7 exists for the enjoyment and enrichment of the fannish community. This Code of Conduct seeks to ensure that the behavior of any one small group does not disturb the membership as a whole or detract from the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere of our events.
It is important that you read and understand this Code. Anyone who attends a Chicon 7 event is expected to follow this Code for the entire duration of the event, including any informal pre- or post-event activities.
Chicon 7 reserves the right to amend these rules at any time without prior or posted notice and reserves the sole right of interpretation. Please keep in mind that these rules involve, of course, "worst-case" scenarios and are put in place to ensure the safety and comfort of our members. They are not all-inclusive; in all cases, the singular rule that supersedes all others is,
"Any action or behavior that is illegal or causes significant interference with event operations, excessive discomfort to other attendees, or adversely affects Chicon 7's relationship with its guests, its venue, or the public is strictly forbidden and may result in revocation of membership privileges."
Although we believe our members and attendees as a whole are rational and responsible adults, Chicon 7 is prepared to deal with any issues related to the Code in as rapid and efficient a manner as possible should they occur. We thank our members and attendees for their assistance in making Chicon 7 events enjoyable experiences for everyone. Have fun - just please remember to be courteous of those around you while doing so!
Respect for Others
All Chicon 7 events should be a space where everyone feels welcomed and comfortable.
Discrimination (based on, but not limited to, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical / mental disability) is not tolerated. Harassment of any kind is not tolerated. If someone tells you
"no" or asks you to leave them alone, your business with them is done.
If you feel that you are being discriminated against or harassed, or if you notice someone behaving inappropriately (such as violating hotel or convention policies), we respectfully suggest the following:
- If you feel comfortable doing so, point out the inappropriate behavior to the person(s) involved. Often this will solve the problem immediately.
- If you do not feel comfortable talking with the person(s) involved or if talking to them does not resolve the issue, please report the situation immediately to any Chicon 7 event coordinator (i.e., Board Members, Convention Committee Members, or Operations Staff). Try to provide a name, badge name / number and / or physical description of the person(s) involved. Note that we need to know about any incidents during the event in order to take action.
Privacy, Photographs, and Recording Electronic Information
Photography and video and/or audio recordings are frequently made by Chicon 7 during events. The likenesses of event attendees and members may appear in those recordings. Attendees and members agree to assign without compensation the use of their likeness in promotional material.
Personal Photography / Recordings:
Please be polite and ask before taking photographs or recordings of attendees and members whenever possible. Video and audio recording and photography for personal archival use only is generally acceptable unless individuals make it clear that they do not wish to be photographed or recorded. In that case, any photography or recording of them is expressly forbidden.
Media Relations:
Chicon 7 welcomes members of the press at its events. All journalists, media photographers, and any other members of the press are required to display an official Chicon 7 Press Badge or be accompanied by a Chicon 7 staff member at all times while at Chicon 7 events. Members of the press who have not been issued a Press Badge may not conduct interviews or take photographs or audio or video footage without an escort.
Financial Transactions
Checks that are presented against insufficient funds will be charged a fee of $30 per check.
Anyone who owes an outstanding balance to Chicon 7 must settle that balance before being permitted to attend Chicon 7.
Revocation of Membership
Chicon 7 reserves the right to revoke membership from and eject anyone at any time from a Chicon 7 event without a refund.
Failure to adhere to any of the above policies may result in possible consequences that include but are not limited to:
- Talking with all parties involved and attempting to mediate a solution
- Issuing verbal warnings
- Revoking memberships and requesting that the person(s) leave the event
- Involving hotel or facility staff or security
- Contacting local law enforcement
- Banning of attendance and membership to future Chicon 7 events, including any post-Chicon 7 events.
Badges
Chicon 7 is a membership-only event. All members must wear their membership badges at all times. A badge is valid only for the person to whom it was issued; badges may not be shared under any circumstances. Children aged 7 or older must have a purchased membership for the convention, while children aged 6 and under must either be registered as a Kid-in-Tow or have a purchased membership.
General Rating of the Convention
All convention areas are open to members of all ages, with the exception of events or exhibits that are specifically noted to be inappropriate for minors and access to which is controlled.
Hotel
Please follow any and all rules set by the convention hotels. Chicon 7 asks that you pay special attention to the following:
Damages:
Any act of vandalism, deliberate or excessive damage to hotel property, or interference with hotel staff in the performance of their duties will have negative consequences for individuals and the convention. Consequences for individuals could range from being billed for damages, evicted from the hotels and/or convention, and criminal charges. These types of incidents can also harm the relationship Chicon 7 has with the hotels, resulting in monetary losses or cancellation of our contract.
The person in whose name a sleeping room is rented is
solely responsible for the conduct of all individuals in the room as well as for the condition of the room. Excessive trash, soiling or other damage to hotel property, or any circumstance that may present a hazard to hotel housekeeping staff will also result in negative consequences as noted above.
Smoking:
Illinois has an indoor clean air ordinance; this is beyond the control of Chicon 7 and the hotels. Smoking is not allowed in any public buildings, including restaurants and bars, nor within 15 feet of building entrances. Designated smoking locations can be found outside the entrances to the hotels. The hotels do not allow smoking in sleeping rooms.
NOTE: Members who smoke in sleeping rooms are subject to cleaning charges.
Pets:
The Hyatt does not allow pets. The Sheraton allows only small dogs and cats. Service animals are permitted in either hotel in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Signs:
Signs may be posted only in designated areas. Any signs posted in designated areas must be affixed using removable "blue tape" ONLY. Do not affix anything to the walls of the hotel, to the elevators, or to ANY item that is hotel property, or to Chicon 7 signage. Any signs found posted inappropriately will be removed and destroyed.
Non-Convention Guests/General Public
Be respectful of the hotel's non-fan guests and use common sense, especially in the public areas of the hotels.
Weapons
- No actual weapon or any item that can be mistaken for one may be carried either openly or concealed at any time on properties being used for Chicon 7, regardless of any government permits which you may possess, unless it has been peace-bonded by Operations. If you want to carry such a weapon or are unsure whether your weapon might be considered realistic, you must present it to Operations, which is the final arbiter of which weapons require peace-bonding. In some instances, particular weapons may be prohibited.
- Any actual weapon or any item purchased in the Dealers' Room that can be mistaken for one must be wrapped and immediately transported to your room or vehicle. If you want to use the item at the convention, please refer to point 1.
- If an actual weapon or any item that can be mistaken for one is part of your Masquerade costume, you must transport it to and from the Masquerade Green Room wrapped securely unless the item is peace-bonded. The Masquerade director must approve your use of any weapons during the masquerade.
- Live steel is prohibited. Operations is the final arbiter of what constitutes live steel.
- Any weapon, whether actual, realistic, or toy/prop, that is used in a threatening or harmful manner may result in confiscation of the item and/or removal of your membership without refund.
- Failure to adhere to any of the above policies is grounds for the removal of your membership without refund.
Common Sense Footnote
Party floors are crowded; we encourage you to leave your weapons/props in your room or vehicle.
Parties
Only certain convention hotel rooms are available for hospitality events, and all hospitality events (parties) must be coordinated with the Chicon 7 Party Liaison. Any food or drinks served at these events must remain on floors designated for hospitality events.
Alcohol
The legal drinking age in Illinois is 21. Hosts of registered hospitality events are required to card anyone who wants to drink at their event. Alcohol served by the hotel is allowed in convention function space. Please follow the hotel policies on alcohol consumption / transportation in hotel public spaces, such as the lobby.
Privacy, Photographs, and Recording Electronic Information
The usage of photographic or recording devices is prohibited within certain areas of the convention, including the Film Festival Room, Anime Room, Art Show, and Art Auction. Where allowed, we suggest that photographs be taken before or after a program event to avoid distracting panelists and audience members.
Sales of Merchandise
The offering for sale of any merchandise at the convention may be undertaken only in designated spaces with permission from the convention.
At A
Contact
