The sponsors of LI-CON reserve the right to refuse or revoke convention membership from anyone who either has proven to be disruptive or noncompliant with convention rules in the past or exhibits such behavior at this year’s event. Convention membership will be forfeited, without refund, by anyone causing a disturbance or violating our rules or the venue’s rules (except parking violations) and the individual will be expelled.

ICON Science Fiction Inc. is a participating member in Project Back Up (the Open Source Women Back Each Other Up Project). The goals of this project are: to encourage ourselves to be aware of situations where any member (of any gender or orientation) may feel that they are being harassed, and to help those members to the best of our abilities, rather than ignoring it as ‘Somebody Else’s Problem.’ To actively provide assistance to members who need it and who want it. To promote an atmosphere where creepy behavior, random groping, and harassment will not be silently ignored or tolerated. It will not be considered “just the way cons are” or “just something you have to deal with.” In an ideal world, that would be the default atmosphere, but we all know we don’t live in that world. If you need or see someone in need of assistance, please contact the Information Desk or one of our staff members wearing a purple “Back Up” ribbon.

Respect for Others

LI-CON should be a place where everyone feels welcomed and comfortable.
Discrimination or prejudiced behavior (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 interaction with them is over.

Dealing with Harassment

If you feel that you are being harassed or subjected discriminatory or unwelcome behavior 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 the information Desk. Try to provide a name and/or physical description of the person(s) involved.

Sanctions

LI-CON reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to take such actions as it feels appropriate where any individual or group is found to have breached this Code of Conduct. These actions include, but are not limited to:

• talking with all parties involved and attempting to mediate a solution
• issuing verbal warnings
• revoking memberships and requiring that the person(s) leave the event
• involving hotel or facility staff or security
• reporting the matter to local police
• banning membership of, and attendance at, the remainder of LI-CON
• LI-CON reserves the right to revoke membership and to eject anyone at any time from the convention without a refund.

COSTUMES/WEAPONS

• Costumes are encouraged, but keep them PG rated.
• Weapons must be fully secured and peace-bonded at all times, except during APPROVED performances or demonstrations. Bladed weapons MUST be covered at all times except during APPROVED performances and demonstrations. Whips must also be peace-bonded. If you have questions regarding your weapon or prop please see our Security Desk.
• Even the slightest infraction of these rules is cause for immediate ejection from the convention and venue with no warning and no refund.
• Do not use any projectile weapons, including but not limited to water pistols and Nerf style weapons, except during APPROVED performances or demonstrations.
• The possession and carrying of REAL firearms is restricted by New York State Law.
• Additional rules will apply to the Cosplay Competition.

ALCOHOL/DRUGS

No illegal drugs are permitted in the convention area or anywhere on hotel property. Alcohol is permitted subject to New York State Alcohol Beverage Control Laws and venue regulations.

MEMBERSHIPS

You may only wear your own badge. You are not permitted to wear someone else’s badge. The resale of LI-CON memberships for profit without permission (scalping), the counterfeiting of memberships or badges, or fraud involved in willfully gaining membership or admission without paying proper membership dues is illegal and strictly prohibited. Violators will forfeit any memberships in their possession, without refund, and will be legally prosecuted. Damaged badges will only be replaced by membership services on presentation of the damaged badge. Lost badges will NOT be replaced. If the lost valid badge is returned to membership services with the NEW badge the NEW membership cost will be refunded. Otherwise, NO REFUNDS.  You may state your case for refund to directors@iconsf.org who will then review each case at the next board meeting after the event.

CHILDREN

All children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOTAPING

Photography or recording for professional purposes is not permitted without express prior consent.

“Selfie-Sticks” are strictly prohibited.

DEALERS ROOM

Please respect the Dealers Room closing hours by leaving promptly by the designated closing times which will be posted. Also, remember that individual dealers are not required to stay open at all times.

SHOPLIFTERS

Will be immediately removed from the convention with no refund, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, regardless of age. Don’t try it!

CONSUMERS BEWARE

LI-CON has warned its dealers to follow all copyright and licensing laws as well as all state and local sales tax laws. However, we are not responsible for anything the dealers sell, or any unauthorized use by them of copyrighted material etc. When purchasing items such as videotapes, audiotapes etc. be sure to request a receipt with business name, address and phone #, in case an item turns out to be defective and has to be returned. Ask to view all videotapes and DVDs before purchasing them to ensure they are of adequate quality.