Midwest
FurFest's guiding principle of behavior is "'use common
sense, and be courteous of others." In order to achieve
our goal of providing a safe, fun, and enjoyable atmosphere
for all convention attendees, each attending member of Midwest
FurFest agrees to abide by the Midwest FurFest Code of Conduct
as a condition of attendance and receiving a badge. By following
the simple guidelines below you will ensure that you, as
well as the people around you, have a safe and enjoyable
convention experience.
Convention security volunteers
enforce our Code of Conduct. A security ribbon affixed
to their badge easily identifies them. Enforcement is
a two-step process. On first offense, you will be given
a warning. If a second offense occurs, security will confiscate
your badge and all convention membership privileges will
be revoked without a refund. In extreme cases, the warning
may be bypassed.
Convention badges are the property
of Midwest FurFest for the duration of the convention
and must be presented and/or surrendered to any Midwest
FurFest staff member upon request. If you have a complaint
about any action taken by a staff member, you may take
the matter up with the Security Director or the Convention
Chairman. While every attempt at reasonable complaint
resolution will be made, behavior which threatens the
well-being of our members will not be tolerated.
Midwest
FurFest reserves the right to change, amend, or modify
these rules at any time without prior notice.
CONTROLLED & ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES
Midwest
FurFest is a dry convention. Alcoholic beverages are not
permitted in convention spaces. Convention members observed
to be visibly intoxicated in public convention space will
be asked to retire to their private hotel room.
Midwest
FurFest has a zero tolerance policy towards illegal substances.
Any convention member found to be selling or otherwise
distributing any controlled substance will have their
membership immediately revoked, and will be reported to
the local police.
GENERAL RATING
Public space open to patrons of our host hotel is rated
'PG' at all times. All programming during the day will
be open and appropriate for all members of Midwest FurFest.
During the evening hours, some events may contain strong
language or adult themes; these events will be restricted
to mature audiences only, and minors under the age of
18 will not be admitted with out their parent or guardian.
We will have Convention Security checking badges at the
doors of these events.
As
part of the PG rating, we require that parents accompanying
children under the age of 16 be aware of where and what
their child is doing at all times.
Individuals
violating the public rating will be warned once. A second
offense will result in the confiscation of their convention
badge, and revocation of their membership privileges.
Violations can include, but are not limited to: wearing
unacceptably revealing clothing, openly displaying adult
artwork, and overly lewd public displays of affection.
WEAPONS
& REPLICAS
No functioning or realistic appearing firearm may be carried
or displayed in convention space at any time. If
the weapon can fire something dangerous (bullets, arrows,
rabid weasels) or damaging (water), it is not allowed.
Edged
weapons may be worn as a costume accessory only if they
are covered by a sheath which covers all sharp edges and
points. The weapon must also be secured from removal by
a cord or tie (often referred to as 'peace bonding').
Temporary exceptions may be made for newly
purchased weapons carried DIRECTLY to one's room or out
of the hotel.
Pocketknives
with blades less than 5 inches in length are exempt.
Brandishing
any weapon for any reason is not allowed, and will result
in the confiscation of the weapon for the duration of
the conention, and a warning from security.
PHOTOGRAPHY
& VIDEO FILMING
Photography
and video filming by convention members for personal use
is generally allowed in all common areas of Midwest FurFest.
Please note that there is no photography or filming allowed
in the Art Show. Show courtesy when photographing or filming
individuals or costumes and ask permission first. If an
individual does not wish to be photographed or filmed,
please respect their wishes.
Midwest
FurFest will be videotaping many events for the purposes
of producing a convention highlights video. Videotaping
may also occur in public areas of the convention. No filming
by convention staff will occur in private hotel guest
rooms, or in other areas where a convention member has
a reasonable expectation of privacy. Convention members
agree to assign without compensation the use of their
likeness at Midwest FurFest for use in convention sponsored
or distributed video productions.
Photography,
filming, or taping for the purpose of sale, publication,
public media, or dissemination is expressly prohibited
without written authorization from Midwest FurFest. All
pictures, film, and tape shall be for personal use only.
Midwest
FurFest prides itself in welcoming furry fans from all
walks of life, but we acknowledge that we also have a
responsibility to help ensure the safety of congoers.
Thus: Any member who is deemed by the chairman of Midwest
FurFest (or his or her designee) to have seriously violated
these Rules of Conduct may have their membership suspended
for the duration of the convention. Additionally, that
individual is automatically prohibited from registering
for the next year's convention as well as any subsequent
events sponsored by Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc. until such
time as their attendance is approved by the Board of Directors
of Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc.
A
suspended member may appeal their prohibition in writing,
and only in writing, to the Board of Directors at Post
Office Box 2574, Glen Ellyn, IL 60138 before the next
convention. The Board of Directors reserves the final
authority to grant or deny membership.
If
a member is prohibited by the hotel management from its
premises for any reason, Midwest FurFest has no choice
but to revoke current membership and deny future membership
for the duration of the hotel ban. Because Midwest FurFest
is responsible to the hotel for the behavior of its members,
these Rules of Conduct apply for the duration of members'
time the hotel premises regardless of whether the convention
has officially begun or ended.