Midwest FurFest's guiding principle of behavior is:
"Use common sense, and be courteous of others."

Because Midwest FurFest is responsible to the hotel for the behavior of its members, this Code of Conduct applies for the duration of members' time the hotel premises regardless of whether the convention has officially begun or ended.

In order to provide 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.

GENERAL RATING AND BEHAVIOR

Public spaces open to patrons of our host hotels are 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 without their parent or guardian. Convention Security will check 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.

Shirts, pants, and footwear must be worn when in areas of the hotel or convention center that are accessible to non-Midwest FurFest attendees, such as lobbies, restaurants and concourses, except for the pool area. Swimwear is not considered appropriate attire for any public area outside of the pool area. Collars are acceptable attire, however leashes are not.

For safety reasons, fursuits are not permitted in the hotel swimming pool area or in the hotel restaurants.

Sleeping in the public spaces of the hotel or in The Den is not permitted.

Midwest FurFest events and function spaces are open only to members, and all attendees should 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.

There is no smoking in any area within the Westin, including the guest rooms. Smokers are asked to use designated smoking areas and to comply with any other smoking rules imposed by the Westin. Cigarette butts must be disposed of properly and not left on the ground.

Do not affix anything to the walls of the hotel, to the elevators, to Midwest FurFest signage, or to hotel room doors. Midwest FurFest provides a message board in a public area where members may post messages or place announcements.

The offering for sale of any merchandise or service at the convention may be undertaken only in the Dealers Room or Artists Alley; in all cases the sale will be governed by the rules applicable to those areas. It is forbidden to sell any other merchandise or services in any other areas, including The Den.

Elevators have historically been a difficult issue for furry conventions, and Midwest FurFest is no exception. At peak times when the elevator traffic becomes too congested, it may be necessary for Convention Security to handle traffic flow. Attendees are requested to form orderly lines and wait for an elevator as instructed. The following are permitted to move to the head of the line without question (in order of priority):

1. Non-convention attendees (including food deliveries)
2. Those with impaired mobility
3. Fursuiters (with ONE handler)

No other exceptions will be made.

MINORS AT MIDWEST FURFEST

Anyone who is under the age of 18 years at any time during the convention must present a signed and notarized parental permission form unless accompanied by a parent or able to produce evidence of legal emancipation. There are no exceptions.

Minors are not permitted under any circumstances to enter areas that have been designated for mature audiences.

Anyone providing false documentation of identity or age will be denied membership and reported to the police.

CONVENTION SECURITY

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 Convention Chairman. While every attempt at reasonable complaint resolution will be made, behavior that threatens the well being of our members will not be tolerated.

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 immediately reported to the local police.

Anyone knowingly or unknowingly providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 will be guilty of a felony and will be turned over to the authorities. It is the sole responsibility of persons serving alcohol in room parties to ensure that every person in attendance is over the age of 21, even if that person is not drinking alcohol

WEAPONS & REPLICAS

No functioning or realistic appearing firearm may be carried or displayed in convention space at any time. If the weapon can fire any projectile or cause annoyance to others, it is not allowed.

Edged weapons may be worn as a costume accessory only if they are covered by a sheath that 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 single-edged 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 convention, and a warning from security. Repeated warnings will result in revocation of membership.

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.

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.

All journalists, media photographers, and any other members of the press are required to display an official Midwest FurFest Press Badge and be accompanied by a member of Midwest FurFest staff at all times while in the Westin, or any Midwest FurFest hotel. Members of the press who have not been issued a Press Badge may not conduct interviews or take photographs, audio or video footage without an escort and may be subject to removal from hotel property. Media representatives who do not have Press Badges and are not escorted by Midwest FurFest staff member should be reported to Convention Security staff or to Convention Operations immediately.

The names "Midwest FurFest" and "FurFest" are registered service marks of Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc., and must not be used in any fashion that disparages or dilutes that mark. Members agree to remove from circulation or publication any image or recording that in the sole opinion of Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc. misrepresents or defames its service mark.

REVOCATION OF MEMBERSHIP

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 508, Mount Prospect, IL 60056 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.

Midwest FurFest reserves the right to change, amend, or modify these rules at any time without prior notice.