Please note that the stated COVID policy below is for 2023. Per that policy, we will be conducting an annual review of our planned safety protocols and providing updates in summer 2024. Refunds will be available for anyone in need, should our policy change for this year.
Can*Con is more than just a convention: it’s our community. As such, we all have a duty to protect each other and keep our community safe. Here is our updated policy for 2023:
- The wearing of masks is mandatory in all the Can*Con programming areas, excluding the con suite where attendees can unmask while eating/drinking. These areas will be marked with signs and the policy will be enforced. Attendees not complying could have their membership revoked and be asked to leave. The public areas of the hotel not rented by the conference unfortunately do not fall under this policy.
- That attendance cap will be raised from 2022 levels, but not yet to pre-COVID levels.
- Base vaccinations and booster vaccines will be encouraged for attendees.
- If attendees have new or increasing symptoms of respiratory illness, they should, out of respect for other conference attendees, not attend. They can choose to receive a full refund, or attend the virtual portion of Can*Con.
HOW SERIOUS ARE YOU ABOUT THIS MASK THING?
COVID-19 vaccines are an important tool to help stop the pandemic, but we are requiring masks as an additional precaution. Properly worn medical masks (for example surgical, KN95, KF94 or N95 masks) covering nose and mouth are required for all convention members and guests in all convention spaces, except when actively eating or drinking. We expect that our community will exercise sound judgment around this; obviously having a drink of water during a panel is expected. Failure to comply will be considered a Code of Conduct violation and may result in your badge being revoked. Masks with exhalation valves are not permitted. If you have questions about whether your mask meets Can*Con requirements, please email can.spec.lit@gmail.com.
In-person attendees who refuse to wear a mask or are found to remove their masks when not permitted will be asked to leave. Those that refuse to leave will face disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to, the cancellation of their membership and being refused entry to future Can*Con events.
WHAT ABOUT PANELISTS AND MASKS?
In-person panelists may have the choice to have their masks on or off while they are on a panel. Panelists may be allowed to remove their mask while on a in-person panel. The Chair reserves the right to make masks mandatory while on panels. Panelists attending virtually of course can be mask free.
WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO CAN’T WEAR A MASK OR CHOOSE NOT TO WEAR A MASK?
We would be delighted if you would attend the virtual portion of Can*Con. We recognize there are individuals who cannot wear a mask or choose not to wear a mask, so we wanted to make sure there was a safe option for them to attend virtually. This includes persons who have medical or personal reasons for not wearing a mask and children who are too young to wear a mask.
WHAT IF I’M DUE TO ATTEND IN PERSON AND NEW OR WORSENING SYMPTOMS LIKE COUGH, ACHES, ETC?
Please let us know right away and we will offer a full refund. We know flus and colds are running around, but public health officials have been very clear: if you have covid symptoms, assume you have covid and act accordingly. We appreciate that you are caring enough about your fellow fans and writers and members of the community to do this to avoid passing covid on to anyone else.
WHAT IF I’M DUE TO ATTEND IN PERSON AND I TEST POSITIVE?
Oh no! Take care of yourself, and let us know right away! We can offer you a full refund.
WHAT IF I DEVELOP COUGH, ACHES, ETC OR TEST POSITIVE AFTER I HAVE ARRIVED AT CAN*CON OR AFTER THE CON FINISHES?
If you’re at the conference, isolate away from the conference and send us an email right away. We’ll answer and ask where you were during the conference so that we can let others at the conference know where there might have been possible contact. This will allow people who attended the conference to make informed decisions about managing the risks for themselves and their families and work colleagues.
WILL THE DEALERS’ ROOM STILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
Yes, it will. As in past years, our Dealers’ Room will be open to the public. However, we will still require masks to enter these spaces.
WILL THIS POLICY CHANGE?
Can*Con reserves the rights to change and adapt this policy due to any changes in laws, regulations or bylaws applicable to Ottawa, Ontario.