Codes of conduct & Policies
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.
PROPS & WEAPONS POLICY
Please read this entire policy before attending ThunderCon
Intent
ThunderCon is invested in the safety of our volunteers, vendors, and guests. ThunderCon has adopted this policy to ensure that we minimize the threat of injuries associated with weapons or props at our events. As such, possession of a weapon is prohibited while on the event premises. Due to the nature of our events a series of guidelines for safe weapon and prop rules have been established.
Policy
• All ThunderCon attendees, vendors and volunteers must comply with all Federal, Provincial and local laws and regulations regarding weapons, imitation weapons and props, as well as their usage.
• Attendees are reminded that while travelling to and from the event, to make sure due care is taken on your behalf to ensure any weapons or props, which could cause public alarm, are stored in bag or in a storage container.
• ThunderCon attendees are, under no circumstances, allowed to possess or bring to the convention grounds any actual weapons. Unlawful possession of weapons is an offence and will result in denied admission into the convention or prosecution.
• All weapons and props must be in plain sight at all times and are subject to mandatory inspections performed by ThunderCon staff. As a general rule, no metal prop weapons are allowed. Additional rules are outlined below.
• Any weapon, prop, or item not covered in this policy must be inspected by ThunderCon staff at the Prop Check Area; these items will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
1. Prop Check Area
ThunderCon attendees with a prop may be stopped by ThunderCon staff and sent to the Prop Check Area. At the Prop Check Area, staff will inspect that your prop complies with the below rules and regulations regarding props. If approved, you may enter the convention with your prop. If not approved, attendees have the option of storing their prop in their car, home or hotel room. For full rules and regulations regarding props, please see below.
2. Guns and projectile weapons
Live firearms including airsoft, modern, hunting or historic, either functioning or decommissioned, are not permitted at ThunderCon. Replica firearms made from metal, solid resin/plastic/rubber are not to be brought onto convention grounds. All other firearms/projectile weapons are required to have orange safety tips at all times on convention grounds, however they can be removable for photography or competition purposes as long as they are re-attached when moving around the convention.
No props or weapons capable of firing any projectile or powder charge of any kind. This is for the safety of both yourself and the people around you. Nerf guns and other foam dart guns ARE allowed, but they must not have any foam darts loaded at any time.
Bows and slingshots are allowed, however, they must be de-strung. There must be no capacity to fire any object from the bow or slingshot. Arrows and other items used in bows or slingshots are prohibited.
3. Swords, blades, knives and other melee weapons
Metal swords, metal knives and other active martial arts weapons are not allowed to be brought onto the convention grounds. Failure to comply will result in being banned from the event without refund and local authorities will be contacted. If you buy a metal sword, knife or martial arts weapons at the convention, this is covered below in Section 5. Blunt weapons such as baseball bats and hockey sticks are prohibited.
4. Prop weight and shape restrictions No items can have sharp points, sharp edges, excessive weight or any other features that could be deemed dangerous to others (E.g. we do not allow metal replica samurai swords, “BB guns/air guns” even if they are not loaded). If the items are not approved during security inspection, they are forbidden on convention grounds. Non-approved items must be stored at the attendee’s hotel room, vehicle or home. Failure to comply will result in being escorted off the event premises and banned from the event without refund.
Props with an excessive weight are subject to approval by staff at the convention entrance or Prop Check Area. There is no set weight limit, however, if it is deemed to be too heavy or unsafe, it will be requested that the item is stored at the attendee’s hotel room, vehicle or home for the duration of the event. Please consider how heavy your props are as you are going to either be carrying them all day, or be instructed to check them.
5. Items purchased while at ThunderCon
Attendees who purchase imitation or replica weapon such as metal movie swords or knives from the vendors must not remove items from their original packaging until they have been secured in their hotel room or vehicle. To use the purchased item as a prop or costume piece, items must be presented to Prop Check Area staff in their original packaging. If ThunderCon staff approves the item, it may be used in accordance with our props and weapons policy guidelines. Again, if the items are not approved, then they are forbidden on convention grounds out of their original packaging. Non-approved items must then be securely stored in the attendee’s hotel room or vehicle until they are leaving the event. Failure to comply will result in being escorted off premises and banned from the event without refund.
6. Important Legal Stuff ThunderCon will not be held legally responsible or liable for any misconduct, damages, injuries or death resulting from the actions of any ThunderCon attendee. Any inappropriate behavior or misconduct by any attendee will be not be tolerated by ThunderCon and may result in expulsion without refund and local authorities being contacted. Please use your best judgment and discretion by refraining from swinging weapons around, or using them in intimidating or threatening manner.
COSPLAY IS NOT CONSENT
The idea is a simple one... the culture of Cosplay is one of fun, creativity, and mutual respect. Unfortunately, we saw a lack of the “respect” part at conventions around the world. So we decided to start working with the fans and conventions to create programs, educational panels and policies to help protect and react to unwanted behavior. Cosplay is NOT Consent - despite what you’re wearing no fan should accept inappropriate behavior from their peers.
Check out the Cosplay is Not Consent Webpage HERE for more info.
If you have any more questions or inquiries about any of our policies, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
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.
PROPS & WEAPONS POLICY
Please read this entire policy before attending ThunderCon
Intent
ThunderCon is invested in the safety of our volunteers, vendors, and guests. ThunderCon has adopted this policy to ensure that we minimize the threat of injuries associated with weapons or props at our events. As such, possession of a weapon is prohibited while on the event premises. Due to the nature of our events a series of guidelines for safe weapon and prop rules have been established.
Policy
• All ThunderCon attendees, vendors and volunteers must comply with all Federal, Provincial and local laws and regulations regarding weapons, imitation weapons and props, as well as their usage.
• Attendees are reminded that while travelling to and from the event, to make sure due care is taken on your behalf to ensure any weapons or props, which could cause public alarm, are stored in bag or in a storage container.
• ThunderCon attendees are, under no circumstances, allowed to possess or bring to the convention grounds any actual weapons. Unlawful possession of weapons is an offence and will result in denied admission into the convention or prosecution.
• All weapons and props must be in plain sight at all times and are subject to mandatory inspections performed by ThunderCon staff. As a general rule, no metal prop weapons are allowed. Additional rules are outlined below.
• Any weapon, prop, or item not covered in this policy must be inspected by ThunderCon staff at the Prop Check Area; these items will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
1. Prop Check Area
ThunderCon attendees with a prop may be stopped by ThunderCon staff and sent to the Prop Check Area. At the Prop Check Area, staff will inspect that your prop complies with the below rules and regulations regarding props. If approved, you may enter the convention with your prop. If not approved, attendees have the option of storing their prop in their car, home or hotel room. For full rules and regulations regarding props, please see below.
2. Guns and projectile weapons
Live firearms including airsoft, modern, hunting or historic, either functioning or decommissioned, are not permitted at ThunderCon. Replica firearms made from metal, solid resin/plastic/rubber are not to be brought onto convention grounds. All other firearms/projectile weapons are required to have orange safety tips at all times on convention grounds, however they can be removable for photography or competition purposes as long as they are re-attached when moving around the convention.
No props or weapons capable of firing any projectile or powder charge of any kind. This is for the safety of both yourself and the people around you. Nerf guns and other foam dart guns ARE allowed, but they must not have any foam darts loaded at any time.
Bows and slingshots are allowed, however, they must be de-strung. There must be no capacity to fire any object from the bow or slingshot. Arrows and other items used in bows or slingshots are prohibited.
3. Swords, blades, knives and other melee weapons
Metal swords, metal knives and other active martial arts weapons are not allowed to be brought onto the convention grounds. Failure to comply will result in being banned from the event without refund and local authorities will be contacted. If you buy a metal sword, knife or martial arts weapons at the convention, this is covered below in Section 5. Blunt weapons such as baseball bats and hockey sticks are prohibited.
4. Prop weight and shape restrictions No items can have sharp points, sharp edges, excessive weight or any other features that could be deemed dangerous to others (E.g. we do not allow metal replica samurai swords, “BB guns/air guns” even if they are not loaded). If the items are not approved during security inspection, they are forbidden on convention grounds. Non-approved items must be stored at the attendee’s hotel room, vehicle or home. Failure to comply will result in being escorted off the event premises and banned from the event without refund.
Props with an excessive weight are subject to approval by staff at the convention entrance or Prop Check Area. There is no set weight limit, however, if it is deemed to be too heavy or unsafe, it will be requested that the item is stored at the attendee’s hotel room, vehicle or home for the duration of the event. Please consider how heavy your props are as you are going to either be carrying them all day, or be instructed to check them.
5. Items purchased while at ThunderCon
Attendees who purchase imitation or replica weapon such as metal movie swords or knives from the vendors must not remove items from their original packaging until they have been secured in their hotel room or vehicle. To use the purchased item as a prop or costume piece, items must be presented to Prop Check Area staff in their original packaging. If ThunderCon staff approves the item, it may be used in accordance with our props and weapons policy guidelines. Again, if the items are not approved, then they are forbidden on convention grounds out of their original packaging. Non-approved items must then be securely stored in the attendee’s hotel room or vehicle until they are leaving the event. Failure to comply will result in being escorted off premises and banned from the event without refund.
6. Important Legal Stuff ThunderCon will not be held legally responsible or liable for any misconduct, damages, injuries or death resulting from the actions of any ThunderCon attendee. Any inappropriate behavior or misconduct by any attendee will be not be tolerated by ThunderCon and may result in expulsion without refund and local authorities being contacted. Please use your best judgment and discretion by refraining from swinging weapons around, or using them in intimidating or threatening manner.
COSPLAY IS NOT CONSENT
The idea is a simple one... the culture of Cosplay is one of fun, creativity, and mutual respect. Unfortunately, we saw a lack of the “respect” part at conventions around the world. So we decided to start working with the fans and conventions to create programs, educational panels and policies to help protect and react to unwanted behavior. Cosplay is NOT Consent - despite what you’re wearing no fan should accept inappropriate behavior from their peers.
Check out the Cosplay is Not Consent Webpage HERE for more info.
If you have any more questions or inquiries about any of our policies, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]