Code of Conduct
ThunderCon Code of Conduct
We believe that in creating a convention we are doing more than just hosting an event, we are working to build community by creating a space that is safe for all attendees and guests to celebrate their shared passions. As such we are committed to protecting that space through our code of conduct and harassment policy. ThunderCon will not tolerate any form of harassment of convention participants, specifically in the form of gender, sexuality, relationship status, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, national origin, or religious discrimination. ThunderCon participants found to be engaging in harassment may be expelled from the convention without refund and/or banned from future attendance.
What is Harassment:
Harassment includes:
If you feel comfortable attempting to resolve the situation yourself, you can set boundaries by addressing a person you find whose behavior is harassing by saying “no,” or “please leave me alone,” or “I didn’t give you permission to do that,” or walking away. We would appreciate if you still informed convention staff of the situation to help us identify any repeat offenders. If you feel threatened or unsafe, or if your attempts to resolve the situation yourself are unsuccessful, please seek help from a convention staff member immediately. Convention staff can be identified by team lanyards
Creating a safe space at ThunderCon is shared responsibility of all in attendance. We rely on you to help keep others safe as well. If you notice someone else being harassed, go to any convention staff member for help. At that time, the convention staff will assist by contacting venue security, providing escorts, or contact law enforcement if necessary. Retaliating against a person who reports or complains about harassment will not be tolerated. Our first priority is to believe those who approach us about harassment.
Should you choose to report harassment to ThunderCon, you can expect a member of our team to be called in to provide support, investigate, and take the necessary actions to ensure that the situation is handled with utmost care and concern through clear and concise actions.
PDAs
PDAs- Public Displays of Affection: Please be considerate of others while you are in convention space. Simple PDAs like holding hands hugging, brief kisses are fine but keep anything more intimate for your hotel room so bystanders won’t be forced to be part of your love life. Any couple, regardless of gender/sex, are entitled to express affection the same as a male-female couple without drawing attention, positive or negative.
Attire and Cosplay
The proper attire shall be worn at all times in public and function areas which includes covering all body parts that would have to be covered if one were outdoors. Further, all attendees must wear footwear in convention spaces at all times. Failure to be properly attired could mean immediate removal from the premises by the hotel or the convention without refund.
Remember, Cosplay is not consent, Watch this video for a fun and relevant explanation!
Children
ThunderCon is an all ages event and we welcome children as attendees. Children under 12 must be monitored at all times by a parent or guardian including children participating in KidZone activities.
Legal
Drugs, theft, and vandalism are illegal and will be reported to law enforcement
The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19. No alcohol may be consumed in convention space except that sold by the venue.
ThunderCon is a non-smoking convention. Smoking is prohibited except where venue policy permits. Use of e-cigarettes is not allowed in convention space.
Selling by individuals in any area controlled by the convention or its venues, including the parking areas, is strictly prohibited without the express permission of the convention.
Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency, please call 911 and ask someone to inform either the closest hotel or convention staff member.
We believe that in creating a convention we are doing more than just hosting an event, we are working to build community by creating a space that is safe for all attendees and guests to celebrate their shared passions. As such we are committed to protecting that space through our code of conduct and harassment policy. ThunderCon will not tolerate any form of harassment of convention participants, specifically in the form of gender, sexuality, relationship status, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, national origin, or religious discrimination. ThunderCon participants found to be engaging in harassment may be expelled from the convention without refund and/or banned from future attendance.
What is Harassment:
Harassment includes:
- Making offensive verbal comments, creating an unwelcoming environment, or preventing attendee from entering or participating in con by drawing negative attention to gender, sexuality, relationship status, physical appearance, body size, race, national origin, or religion
- Showing sexual images or conducting discussion about sexual topics in public spaces when the images or discussion do not allow attendees the opportunity to leave beforehand or are not presented in a respectful manner
- Intimidation, stalking, or following
- Photographing or recording someone without their consent
- Sustained disruption of talks or other events
- Physical contact without expressed consent
- Attention of a sexual nature without consent
- The above list applies to digital communication and social media as well. Attendees or guests who are harassed through digital communication and/or social media by other attendees or guests can still be banned for future attendance or asked to leave the convention
If you feel comfortable attempting to resolve the situation yourself, you can set boundaries by addressing a person you find whose behavior is harassing by saying “no,” or “please leave me alone,” or “I didn’t give you permission to do that,” or walking away. We would appreciate if you still informed convention staff of the situation to help us identify any repeat offenders. If you feel threatened or unsafe, or if your attempts to resolve the situation yourself are unsuccessful, please seek help from a convention staff member immediately. Convention staff can be identified by team lanyards
Creating a safe space at ThunderCon is shared responsibility of all in attendance. We rely on you to help keep others safe as well. If you notice someone else being harassed, go to any convention staff member for help. At that time, the convention staff will assist by contacting venue security, providing escorts, or contact law enforcement if necessary. Retaliating against a person who reports or complains about harassment will not be tolerated. Our first priority is to believe those who approach us about harassment.
Should you choose to report harassment to ThunderCon, you can expect a member of our team to be called in to provide support, investigate, and take the necessary actions to ensure that the situation is handled with utmost care and concern through clear and concise actions.
PDAs
PDAs- Public Displays of Affection: Please be considerate of others while you are in convention space. Simple PDAs like holding hands hugging, brief kisses are fine but keep anything more intimate for your hotel room so bystanders won’t be forced to be part of your love life. Any couple, regardless of gender/sex, are entitled to express affection the same as a male-female couple without drawing attention, positive or negative.
Attire and Cosplay
The proper attire shall be worn at all times in public and function areas which includes covering all body parts that would have to be covered if one were outdoors. Further, all attendees must wear footwear in convention spaces at all times. Failure to be properly attired could mean immediate removal from the premises by the hotel or the convention without refund.
Remember, Cosplay is not consent, Watch this video for a fun and relevant explanation!
Children
ThunderCon is an all ages event and we welcome children as attendees. Children under 12 must be monitored at all times by a parent or guardian including children participating in KidZone activities.
Legal
Drugs, theft, and vandalism are illegal and will be reported to law enforcement
The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19. No alcohol may be consumed in convention space except that sold by the venue.
ThunderCon is a non-smoking convention. Smoking is prohibited except where venue policy permits. Use of e-cigarettes is not allowed in convention space.
Selling by individuals in any area controlled by the convention or its venues, including the parking areas, is strictly prohibited without the express permission of the convention.
Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency, please call 911 and ask someone to inform either the closest hotel or convention staff member.