CAN*CON’s virtual events still apply the same principles as live Can*Con. Be kind. Be courteous. Respect boundaries. The members area is a safe space, and it’s your responsibility to remain aware of our Code of Conduct.
CAN*CON exists for the enjoyment and enrichment of writers and readers of science-fiction and fantasy literature. This Code of Conduct seeks to ensure that the behavior of any one small group does not disturb the membership as a whole or detract from the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere of our events.
It is important that you read and understand this Code. Anyone who attends a CAN*CON event is expected to follow this Code for the entire duration of the event, including any informal pre- or post-event activities.
CAN*CON reserves the right to amend these rules at any time without prior or posted notice and reserves the sole right of interpretation. Please keep in mind that these rules involve, of course, “worst-case” scenarios and are put in place to ensure the safety and comfort of our members, guests, and volunteers. They are not all-inclusive; in all cases, the singular rule that supersedes all others is, “Any action or behavior that is illegal or causes significant interference with event operations, excessive discomfort to other attendees, or adversely affects CAN*CON?s relationship with its guests, its venue, or the public is strictly forbidden and may result in revocation of membership privileges.”
CAN*CON will respect and implement bans against individuals who have been banned for reasons of harassment by other conventions and conferences. Should such individuals banned by other conferences feel that the original ban was in fact due to race, religion, or any other identifiers as listed by the Ontario Human Rights Commission, they may appeal the CAN*CON ban to the co-chairs.
Although we believe our members and attendees as a whole are rational and responsible adults, CAN*CON is prepared to deal with any issues related to the Code in as rapid and efficient a manner as possible should they occur. We thank our members and attendees for their assistance in making CAN*CON events enjoyable experiences for everyone. Have fun – just please remember to be courteous of those around you while doing so!
Respect for Others
All CAN*CON events should be a space where everyone feels welcomed and comfortable.
Discrimination (based on, but not limited to, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical / mental disability) is not tolerated. Harassment of any kind is not tolerated. If someone tells you “no” or asks you to leave them alone, your business with them is done.
Do not touch anyone without their consent; this includes manipulating or moving any mobility device or aid the person may be using. Always ask first.
If you feel that you are being discriminated against or harassed, or if you notice someone behaving inappropriately (such as violating hotel or convention policies), we respectfully suggest the following:
If you feel comfortable doing so, point out the inappropriate behavior to the person(s) involved. Often this will solve the problem immediately.
If you do not feel comfortable talking with the person(s) involved or if talking to them does not resolve the issue, please report the situation immediately to any CAN*CON event coordinator (i.e., Convention Committee Members, or Operations Staff). Try to provide a name, badge name and / or physical description of the person(s) involved. Note that we need to know about any incidents during the event in order to take action.
Privacy, Photographs, and Recording Electronic Information
Photography and video and/or audio recordings are frequently made by CAN*CON during events. The likenesses of event attendees and members may appear in those recordings. Attendees and members agree to assign without compensation the use of their likeness in promotional material.
Personal Photography / Recordings:
Please be polite and ask before taking photographs or recordings of attendees and members whenever possible. Video and audio recording and photography for personal archival use only is generally acceptable unless individuals make it clear that they do not wish to be photographed or recorded. In that case, any photography or recording of them is expressly forbidden.
Media Relations:
CAN*CON welcomes members of the press at its events. All journalists, media photographers, and any other members of the press are required to display an official CAN*CON Press Badge or be accompanied by a CAN*CON staff member at all times while at CAN*CON events. Members of the press who have not been issued a Press Badge may not conduct interviews or take photographs or audio or video footage without an escort.
Note: Borrowed with much gratitude from Chicon 7’s Code of Conduct.