Convention Code of Conduct

Midwest FurFest's guiding principle of behavior is "'use common sense, and be courteous of others." In order to achieve our goal of providing a safe, fun, and enjoyable atmosphere for all convention attendees, each attending member of Midwest FurFest agrees to abide by the Midwest FurFest Code of Conduct as a condition of attendance and receiving a badge. By following the simple guidelines below you will ensure that you, as well as the people around you, have a safe and enjoyable convention experience.

Convention security volunteers enforce our Code of Conduct. A Security ribbon affixed to their badge easily identifies them. Enforcement is a two-step process. On first offense, you will be given a warning. If a second offense occurs, security will confiscate your badge and all convention membership privileges will be revoked without a refund. In extreme cases, the warning may be bypassed.

Convention badges are the property of Midwest FurFest for the duration of the convention and must be presented and/or surrendered to any Midwest FurFest staff member upon request. If you have a complaint about any action taken by a staff member, you may take the matter up with the Security Director or the Convention Chairman. While every attempt at reasonable complaint resolution will be made, behavior which threatens the well-being of our members will not be tolerated.

Midwest FurFest reserves the right to change, amend, or modify these rules at any time without prior notice.


General Rating of the Convention

Public space open to patrons of our host hotel is rated 'PG' at all times. All programming during the day will be open and appropriate for all members of Midwest FurFest. During the evening hours, some events may contain strong language or adult themes; these events will be restricted to mature audiences only, and minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted with out their parent or guardian. We will have Convention Security checking badges at the doors of these events.

As part of the PG rating, we require that parents accompanying children under the age of 16 be aware of where and what their child is doing at all times.

Individuals violating the public rating will be warned once. A second offense will result in the confiscation of their convention badge, and revocation of their membership privileges. Violations can include, but are not limited to: wearing unacceptably revealing clothing, openly displaying adult artwork, and overly lewd public displays of affection.

Weapons and Replicas

No functioning or realistic appearing firearm may be carried or displayed in convention space at any time. If the weapon can fire something dangerous (bullets, arrows, rabid weasels) or damaging (water), it is not allowed.

Edged weapons may be worn as a costume accessory only if they are covered by a sheath which covers all sharp edges and points. The weapon must also be secured from removal by a cord or tie (often referred to as 'peace bonding'). Temporary exceptions may be made for newly purchased weapons carried DIRECTLY to one's room or out of the hotel.

Pocketknives with blades less than 5 inches in length are exempt.

Brandishing any weapon for any reason is not allowed, and will result in the confiscation of the weapon for the duration of the conention, and a warning from security.


Controlled and Illegal Substances

Midwest FurFest is a dry convention. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in convention spaces. Convention members observed to be visibly intoxicated in public convention space will be asked to retire to their private hotel room.

Midwest FurFest has a zero tolerance policy towards illegal substances. Any convention member found to be selling or otherwise distributing any controlled substance will have their membership immediately revoked, and will be reported to the local police.


Photography and Video Filming

Photography and video filming by convention members for personal use is generally allowed in all common areas of Midwest FurFest. Please note that there is no photography or filming allowed in the Art Show. Show courtesy when photographing or filming individuals or costumes and ask permission first. If an individual does not wish to be photographed or filmed, please respect their wishes.

Midwest FurFest will be videotaping many events for the purposes of producing a convention highlights video. Videotaping may also occur in public areas of the convention. No filming by convention staff will occur in private hotel guest rooms, or in other areas where a convention member has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Convention members agree to assign without compensation the use of their likeness at Midwest FurFest for use in convention sponsored or distributed video productions.

Photography, filming, or taping for the purpose of sale, publication, public media, or dissemination is expressly prohibited without written authorization from Midwest FurFest. All pictures, film, and tape shall be for personal use only.

Midwest FurFest prides itself in welcoming furry fans from all walks of life, but we acknowledge that we also have a responsibility to help ensure the safety of congoers. Thus: Any member who is deemed by the chairman of Midwest FurFest (or his or her designee) to have seriously violated these Rules of Conduct may have their membership suspended for the duration of the convention. Additionally, that individual is automatically prohibited from registering for the next year's convention as well as any subsequent events sponsored by Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc. until such time as their attendance is approved by the Board of Directors of Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc.

A suspended member may appeal their prohibition in writing, and only in writing, to the Board of Directors at Post Office Box 2574, Glen Ellyn, IL 60138 before the next convention. The Board of Directors reserves the final authority to grant or deny membership.

If a member is prohibited by the hotel management from its premises for any reason, Midwest FurFest has no choice but to revoke current membership and deny future membership for the duration of the hotel ban. Because Midwest FurFest is responsible to the hotel for the behavior of its members, these Rules of Conduct apply for the duration of members' time the hotel premises regardless of whether the convention has officially begun or ended.