YOUMACON SAFETY RULES & POLICIES

General Policies:

• You are expected to follow all state, local, federal laws. 
• Cosplay is not consent. Period. Ask for consent.
• No mock fighting, staged fights, or sword play is allowed inside the convention center.
• Selfie sticks are not allowed outside of the cosplay photoshoot area.
• You are expected to follow all rules and policies at Huntington Place Convention Center. If someone from Huntington Place Convention Center asks you to leave, we will respect their decision.
• Do not run in the convention center. 
• Do not drop anything from the balconies, walkways, stairs, or escalators.
• Signs that promote any sort of solicitation are prohibited.
• If you are caught sleeping in the convention halls, you will be asked to leave.
• Everyone is expected to always wear their badge during the event. All badges must be visible before badge check areas. 
• Bikes, skateboards, roller skates, Heelys ™, or hoverboards are not allowed for use at the convention center. All attendees must wear shoes and clothing at all times.
• Any damage that you, or those you are responsible for (children, service pets, etc.) cause is your responsibility.
• Treat everyone with respect. No hate/racist speech or remarks, derogatory comments, racial slurs, homophobic, transphobic remarks, or comments about disabilities, community, etc. 
• Attendees are requested to have a state or government issued photo ID with them at all times.
• If a replica sword, blade, firearm, etc. is purchased in the vendor's room, it must be boxed or wrapped and stored promptly in a hotel room or a car.
• No laser devices are allowed in the convention center.
• Don’t block any exits, staircases, or doorways and all walkways must stay clear at all times.
• Any signs that are promoting solicitation of any kind are prohibited.
• No live steel weapons, nerf guns, airsoft guns, or real guns allowed at the Convention Center. All cosplay props must be checked at security before they are allowed around the convention halls. 
• All alcoholic beverages purchased in the convention center must be consumed in the food court only. You are not permitted to walk with an alcoholic beverage around the convention center. 
• No outside alcohol permitted in the convention center.
• All children under 1: must be accompanied by an accompanying adult guardian or parent at all times. 
• All children 13 – 18, that are not accompanied by an accompanying adult guardian or parent, must have parental consent form with them at all times.
• Fireworks, lighter fluid, incendiary devices, smoke machines, or items that create smoke or flashes are not allowed in the convention center.
• If you see something dangerous in progress, say something and call 911 immediately.

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Anti-Harassment Policy

Anti-harassment & Bullying Policies:

Youmacon provides a no-judgment, no bullying, and no harassment experience and environment for all and will not tolerate any forms of harassment. Violators will be removed from the convention and asked not to return to future events if found on behavior that includes, but is not limited to:

• Unwanted & unwelcome forms of attention.
• Unwanted & unwelcome forms and advances that are physical/sexual.
• Unwanted & unwelcome forms of verbal/psychological harassment.
• Retaliation.
• Unwanted & unwelcome forms of visual/written harassment.
• Degrading jokes/comments/judgment regarding a race of people, their nationality, age, disability & neurodiversity, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual identity or sexual orientation, physical ability, or appearance.
• Not asking for consent for taking pictures or video.
• Persistent, belittling, and deliberate misgendering of people. 
• Stalking.
• Making use of threats or acts of intimidation.
• Quid pro quo sexual harassment.

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Anti-racism policy & statement:

The purpose of this policy & statement is to raise awareness of and compliance with Youmacon’s commitment to providing an environment that is culturally inclusive and free from racial discrimination and harassment. Racism is best understood when acknowledging the context of power, oppression, and privilege. Youmacon welcomes all. Everyone has a right to attend and enjoy this event like the next person. Discrimination stops at the door of all venues that Youmacon is hosted at and will highly encourage anti-racial behavior the same of our attendees. This behavior that includes, but is not limited to:

• Discrimination against a race of people, their nationality, age, disability & neurodiversity, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual identity or sexual orientation, physical ability, or appearance.
• Racial vilification.
• Cultural inclusiveness or inclusive culture.
• Offensive behavior is based on racial discrimination.
• Prejudice and overt bias.
• Stereotyping.
• Racial profiling.
• Subtle forms of racial discrimination.

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Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia statement:

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Youmacon provides a safe environment for the LGBTQIA+ community and will continue to improve on creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for LGBTQIA+ community. We also want to continue to strengthen and supports people of diverse sexes, gender identities or expressions, and sexual orientations; and develop visible and vibrant communities for all. Discrimination against races, nationalities, gender identity and expression, sexual identity or sexual orientation is not welcome and encourages our attendees to report any crew members or security on acts of discrimination, harassment, or violence.

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Accessibility Services and Accommodation Policy:

Youmacon is constantly striving to provide equal access for all attendees, regardless of any disabilities or individual needs they may have. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, empowered, respected, and valued. We encourage everyone to let us know if they require any accommodation or have suggestions for how we can improve our accessibility services. 

Huntington Place is an ADA compliant center. HPCC makes it a priority to welcome and accommodate all guests. Wheelchairs are available upon request. The number of chairs is limited and distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis. If available, wheelchairs can be requested at the concourse Information Desk. Please call 313.877.8777 with any questions or for further assistance regarding wheelchair availability.

Please note there will be events, panels, live events and autograph sessions that are wildly popular and we ask you to show up at least 30 minutes before the event starts so you can be assisted with seating and lines.