The Penti-Con
Penticton's Annual Pop Culture Art Festival
October 26th & 27th, 2024
Code of Conduct
Penti-con is by design a welcoming and safe place for all attendees. We aim to provide a safe environment for all those who attend. This includes but is not limited to people of all backgrounds, genders, races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and abilities. Treat all attendees, staff, and guests with respect and courtesy, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. If you witness or experience any violations of this code of conduct, report them to event staff immediately. Staff members will be available at designated locations to assist and address any concerns.
By purchasing a ticket to attend the Penti-Con, you are agreeing to follow our rules and regulations.
Violations of this code of conduct may result in penalties. Depending on the violation, you will be warned and told to correct the infraction. If you are given 3 warnings by event staff or volunteers, your badge/wristband will be revoked and you will be asked to leave with no refunds given.
If the infraction is serious enough, the event organisers reserve the right to revoke your badge/bracelet and you will be asked to leave with no warnings given and no refunds. This may also include a ban from the event in the future. Serious or illegal offences will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Our Policies are separated into the following categories:
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General
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Behaviour
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Cosplay is Not Consent
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Personal Hygiene
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Health
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Acceptable Attire
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Outfits
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Footwear
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Weapons and Props
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Photography
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Personal
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Event
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Respect the Venue
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Artificial Intelligence
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Compliance with Local Laws and Regulations
1.General Policies
We want everyone attending to have fun, so we have expectations in place to ensure everyone has a good time.
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Do not use the wheelchair accessible bathrooms for changing clothing
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Always wear your badge/bracelet.
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If security cannot see your badge/bracelet, you will not be allowed to enter.
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No running in the convention space.
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No projectiles, including improvised ones.
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No emotional support animals or pets allowed in the venue. Service animals are permitted provided the proper documentation can be produced.
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Please refer to the following links for information on what constitutes a service animal: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/15017
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2.Behaviour
We will not tolerate any bullying or harassment at the convention.
This includes but is not limited to:
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Menacing gestures
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Offensive comments
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Threatening language
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Unwanted physical contact
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Physical assault
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Inappropriate photography
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Hate speech
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Disrespectful behaviour
Acts of violence or sexual harassment will not be tolerated. Please use your reasonable judgement when judging if a situation is potentially dangerous. Please report any unsafe behaviour to staff or volunteers immediately and disengage from the situation. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
2.a. Cosplay is not Consent
Cosplay is a form of self-expression and creativity. Respect cosplayers' choices and boundaries. Do not touch, grab, or invade someone's personal space without their consent. Be mindful of appropriate behaviour and avoid offensive or sexually explicit remarks about cosplayers' appearance or costumes. Please do not take photos of cosplayers that are obviously resting (i.e. sitting down) or eating.
3. Personal Hygiene
Maintain good personal hygiene and cleanliness during the event. Avoid wearing strong scents or perfumes that may cause discomfort to others or trigger allergies.
4. Health
If you are sick, we request that you stay home. We realise that unexpected illnesses happen, and can transfer your ticket if you have purchased and are unable to attend. If you suspect you are ill, please wear a mask to prevent others from getting ill. We hope to avoid the spread of con crud at our event.
5. Acceptable Attire
5.a.Outfits
The Penti-con is an all ages event and thus we require all attendees to dress appropriately.
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Buttocks, genital, and breast areas must be covered at all times. Our policies are made to be gender neutral, and apply to anyone who has bought a ticket.
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No offensive material or words allowed on outfits worn at the convention. This includes but is not limited to: The ‘Ahego’ face sweaters, and swear words on clothing, or bags.
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No hate symbols will be allowed on any outfit, cosplay or not.
5.b.Footwear:
We require all attendees to wear foot coverings at all times. The sole of your foot must be covered with a hard surface: aka shoe sole. This is for everyone's health and safety.
6.Weapons and Props
Due to the nature of the media that the Penti-con is celebrating, we realise that cosplayers will be bringing props that may look like weapons to our event. We have policies in place to protect both our staff and attendees, and make sure that everyone is safe and has a fun time.
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There are no currently or previously functioning projectiles allowed at our event. This includes but is not limited to AirSoft and NERF guns.
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Props that look like guns must have an orange painted cap or piece on the end that defines the gun as being fake.Triggers must be unable to move.
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Live steel items such as swords and knives made of metal are not allowed. Items that have sharp blades or tips are also not allowed. This includes things like metal nails or staples showing on the outside of props unless they are completely flush with the item they are attached to.
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Bows must not be strung, meaning there may be no string, cord, or other similar materials connecting the ends of the bow.
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Weapons must not be waved around in a way that could be construed as use of the weapon.
We will have peace bonding at the Cosplay Repair Booth, and all weapons must be tagged by the Cosplay Repair Booth. By having your weapon peace bonded you agree you won't hurt anyone with it or point it at anyone with malice. Posing for photos with weapons pointing is fine however so long as it's consensual between parties.
Section 6 will be present at the Cosplay Repair Booth and be required to be read in order to declare your item peace bonded.
If our policies listed above are not adhered to, a staff member or volunteer may ask you to modify or remove your prop from the convention premises. If you do not comply, your ticket may be revoked and you will need to leave the convention premises.
If you are unsure if your prop is okay to bring or require further clarification please email our cosplay coordinator at cosplay@thepenti-con.org
7.Photography
7.a. Personal photography
We request that you do not take photos or videos without the consent of the person involved, especially in situations where privacy may be expected (e.g., restrooms, changing areas). Respect individuals who decline to have their photo taken.
7.b. Event photography
There will be areas, such as the main stage and in panel rooms that will be photographed. There also may be spaces in which video is being taken. By attending the event you consent to your photo being used as promotional material to advertise for the event.
8.Respect the Venue
Treat the event venue, exhibitor booths, and merchandise with respect. Do not vandalise or damage any property. Follow event rules regarding photography, autographs, merchandise purchases, and queue lines. Be mindful of others and avoid blocking pathways or congesting areas. You also agree to abide by the Pentiction Trade and Convention Center’s policies. You can find these and more information on our venue on their website here https://pentictonconventioncentre.com/faq/
9. Artificial Intelligence
We will not be allowing any AI generated content at our convention. This includes but is not limited to:
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Books with AI generated words.
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Book covers with AI generated images.
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Artwork created by AI.
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Also includes artwork based on AI generated images.
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Signs or logos created by AI.
10. Compliance with local Laws and Regulations
You must comply with all local laws and regulations during the event. This includes, but is not limited to, restrictions on alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug use. Any illegal activities will be reported to the authorities.