Policies - Penguicon

Our Commitment#

Penguicon is committed to inclusivity, respect, and safety for all attendees, both in-person and virtual. This page outlines the guidelines to ensure a welcoming, enjoyable, and respectful environment for everyone.

Core Policies#

Inclusivity#

Penguicon values diverse identities, including but not limited to:

• Gender, race, and sexual orientation.
• Disabilities, neurodivergences, and cultural backgrounds.

Consent#

• Ask First: Always seek explicit, enthusiastic consent before:
  • Touching someone’s personal space or costume.
  • Taking their photo or recording them.
• Silence Is Not Consent: Lack of objection is not agreement.

Respect and Behavior#

• Respect others’ boundaries and privacy.
• Avoid disruptive or inappropriate behavior.
• Maintain PG-13 public displays of affection.

Code of Conduct#

Expected Behavior#

• Foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.
• Comply with Penguicon policies, hotel rules, and state laws.

Unacceptable Behavior#

• Harassment, stalking, or uninvited attention (physical or virtual).
• Discrimination based on gender, sexuality, disability, appearance, race, or religion.
• Recording or photographing individuals without their permission.
• Disrupting events, panels, or talks.
• Displaying inappropriate images or topics in public areas.

Virtual-Specific Misconduct#

• “Zoom bombing” or disrupting virtual events.
• Recording or screenshotting participants without consent.
• Sharing private platform links publicly.

Safety and Accessibility#

Reporting Issues#

• Report misconduct to the Ops Desk (in-person or via Discord #desk-trifecta channel).
• Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

Accessibility Commitments#

Penguicon strives to ensure accessibility for all. For questions or requests, contact the Accessibility Department in advance or during the event.

Photography and Recording#

Guidelines#

• Obtain permission before photographing or recording individuals, including panelists.
• Do not make individuals the focal point of photos without consent.
• Respect requests to delete identifiable images or recordings.

Privacy Policy#

For more information on our privacy policy, please see our Privacy Policy page.

Children & Families#

Children under 12 must be accompanied by a registered adult attendee at all times. Programming may not be suitable for children, especially in the evening.

Alcohol and Legal Compliance#

• Alcohol is served by the hotel, requiring proof of age (21+). Con badges are not valid IDs.
• Open containers are prohibited outside private spaces.

Enforcement#

Consequences for Misconduct#

• Immediate removal from Penguicon without a refund.
• Potential multi-year ban based on severity or repeated violations.

What to Do if You Experience Misconduct#

• Speak up if you feel safe doing so.
• Seek assistance from Ops for help resolving the situation.
• All reports are confidential and taken seriously.

Final Notes#

Penguicon’s policies aim to foster a vibrant, respectful, and inclusive community. Whether in-person or virtual, let’s make Penguicon a fun, welcoming space for everyone!