May 8-11, 2014
Arizona's Destination for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Art and Literature
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LepreCon 2014: 50 Shades of Green May 8-11, 2014 Arizona's Destination for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Art and Literature |
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LepreCon 2014 PoliciesGeneral PoliciesPlease keep in mind that first and foremost, the rules of polite society apply while attending the convention. Convention Security will be onsite and if you are observed doing anything out of line, you will be politely informed that your actions are unacceptable. Remember that your convention badge is your key to not only your attendance at convention functions, but also your key to special room rates. The badge remains the property of the Convention and those causing serious problems will have their badges confiscated and memberships revoked. There are no refunds. If that happens, the hotel will be informed that the convention discount no longer applies to that person and you will be charged the full rate. Also keep in mind that Convention Security personnel are not law enforcement officers. They are merely volunteers that try to act as a buffer between the convention members and hotel security and/or the local police. Basically, Convention Security tries to diffuse difficult situations before the hotel security people deem it necessary to get involved. They’re not trying to ruin your good time... they’re trying to keep you and the convention as a whole out of trouble. We all want to have a good time and enjoy the convention. That includes the people working Security. They’re not “the bad guys.” Work with them.
LepreCon wishes to provide a safe, hospitable, harassment-free convention experience foreveryone, regardless of gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, maritalstatus, physical or mental ability or disability, physical appearance, coloration, physical attributes,age, body size, body shape, race, ethnicity, citizenship status, employment, socioeconomic status,financial status, familial status, military or veteran status, achievements, national origin, ancestry,worldview, political party preference, political belief, political affiliation, operating systems,platform preference, programming language, text editor preference, creed, or religion (or lackthereof). The purpose of this policy is to deter and address harassment and harmful conduct, notto limit consensual interaction and free and open discussion. We expect all attendees, participants, guests, members, volunteers, and staff to act responsibly,courteously. and considerately, and to follow this code of conduct during all conventions,convention-related events, and LepreCon meetings. “Yes” means yes, “no” means no, and “maybe” means no. Please take “no” for an answer for anyrequest or activity and do not repeat your request again. Do not corner people socially – ifsomeone is looking apprehensive or trapped, give them space. If someone tells you to go away orto leave him or her alone, your business with that person is done and you should not attempt toinitiate further contact with that person. No touching or photographing other people without consent. This includes glomping, hugging,kissing, fondling, and hands on knees, backs, shoulders, and hair – ask first! The fact that someoneis in costume does not imply consent for photographs or touching – ask first! Obtain permissionbefore posting images of people or recordings of the convention online. Do not assume thatphysical contact will be welcome or appreciated. Some folks do not like to be touched and willrespect and like you more if you respect their personal space. You are encouraged to ask forunequivocal consent for all activities. LepreCon welcomes families with children and expects all attendees, participants, guests,members, and staff to treat these families with courtesy. Use of explicit sexual language andimagery should be limited to panels, events, and situations where those in attendance know thatsuch content may be presented. Parents or guardians should be aware not all panels or events maybe suitable for children. Parents or guardians bringing children are responsible for the children’sbehavior. LepreCon does not tolerate harmful conduct or harassment of or by attendees, participants, guests,members, volunteers, and staff in any form. Harmful conduct or harassment is verbal or physicalconduct that creates an unpleasant or hostile situation. This includes, but is not limited to:
Reasonable and objective examination of beliefs, including critical commentary on anotherperson’s views, does not by itself constitute harassment. One of the underlying rationales of thispolicy is to promote – not inhibit – discussion and free exchanges of ideas between persons ofdiffering views. Furthermore, the responsibility for settling interpersonal disputes lies solely withthe individuals involved, and LepreCon will not tolerate being used as a leveraging point in suchdisputes. Persons asked to stop any harmful conduct or harassing behavior are expected to complyimmediately. The exact remedy for harmful conduct or harassing conduct will depend on anevaluation of all relevant circumstances, such as the severity of the conduct and prior violationsby the person engaging in prohibited conduct. Anyone violating this policy may be expelled fromthe meeting, event, or convention without a refund at the discretion of the convention organizers,and sanctions may include permanent suspension of membership in LepreCon. When there is areasonable basis for believing the conduct is illegal, appropriate law enforcement authorities willbe notified. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed or engaging in harmfulconduct, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of convention staff or a LepreConBoard member immediately. Convention staff can be identified by special badges. Where convention staff or a LepreCon Board member witnesses to the prohibited conduct,immediate remedial action may be taken. Where a report of harmful conduct or harassment ismade to convention staff or a LepreCon Board member after the conduct has occurred, reasonablemeasures will be taken to establish the facts. This will typically include discussion with witnesses,if any, and the person accused of engaging in the prohibited conduct. Inquiries into harmfulconduct or harassing conduct will be carried out as confidentially as possible given thecircumstances. Convention staff will be happy to help participants contact hotel/venue security or local lawenforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for theduration of the convention. We value your attendance.
Taking Videos/Photos: It is always best to ask permission before taking a photo or video of someone or a group of someones. Program participants may or may not allow recording of their likeness or voice. Ask to be sure. We will have FREE Drawings for T-shirts and Books at all three of the LIVE Virtual Panels on Saturday starting at 10am. You must be present to win! Convention Operations is the Con Office during LepreCon. We will be located in the Boardroom located just inside the East entrance of the hotel convention space. We expect to be open 24 hours from the start of our convention. Con Ops is primarily for supporting the convention departments with things like pens, paper, etc. We also handle phone calls for information from the public. After Registration closes, we become the late night registration location for folks who want to be part of our event, but can’t get there earlier in the day. Finally, if you have any questions, or if you have a problem that needs resolving where you’ve exhausted all other ways to get it done, come by and we’ll see what we can do. This includes hotel issues, other member issues, complaints about something we did or didn’t do, etc. You can call this room or just drop by. In the event that we’re out for any reason, there will be a cell phone number posted on the door for use in contacting us. Carrying and wearing of weapons of any kind will not be permitted, except as part of a hall costume if peace-bonded by our Security Director. No real or realistic looking firearms are allowed and all bladed weapons must be sheathed. Any weapons purchased in the Dealers Room must be securely wrapped before they are taken out of the room. The committee realizes that most people who would like to carry and wear weapons are sensible and careful individuals. However, because of the present liability laws, the risk of weapons causing accident or distress, and in observance of the hotel’s weapons policy, we have no choice but to comply. The safety of convention members is our overriding consideration, as well as cooperating fully with the hotel’s security personnel. The LepreCon 2014 Hospitality Suite will be located in the Room 115 in the east hall of the first floor of the hotel. Our hours of operation will be listed in the Pocket Program. It is open to all members of LepreCon. We will be serving light food and munchies such as chips, salsa, nuts, etc. We also plan to offer nonalcoholic beverages such as sodas, iced tea, lemonade, coffee, hot tea, etc. Please come by for some socializing and feeding that empty spot in your day. |
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