Attendee Code of Conduct
OFFKAI EXPO CODE OF CONDUCT
Updated for OffKai Expo Gen4
Last Updated: Nov 20th, 2024
GENERAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
OffKai Expo is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and harassment-free experience for everyone. This code of conduct applies to all attendees, guests, sponsors, volunteers, and staff to ensure an inclusive and respectful environment. Discrimination and harassment are strictly prohibited, and all participants are expected to act with kindness and respect. Violations of this code may result in removal from the event without a refund at the discretion of the organizers.
RECORDING AND PHOTOGRAPHY NOTICE
By entering OffKai Expo, you consent to being photographed, audio-recorded, and/or video-recorded, as OffKai Expo may capture media for streaming, promotional purposes, and social media. Be aware that third parties may also take photos or videos in public areas. If privacy is a concern, please take appropriate precautions.
GENERAL RULES
- Compliance with Laws: All federal, state, and local laws apply within OffKai Expo. Illegal activities are strictly prohibited.
- Badge Display: Badges must be worn and visible at all times. Lost badges should be reported to Registration or Con Operations for replacement.
- Child Attendees: Minors with Child badges must have a guardian present at all times.
- Badge Non-Transferability: Badges are non-transferable and may be revoked by staff at any time.
- Obeying Signage: Follow all posted signs, including restrictions on photography or filming.
- Alcohol and Substance Use: Outside alcohol and illegal drugs are prohibited in event spaces. If you are visibly intoxicated, you will be asked to leave. Alcohol is permitted only in private spaces, such as hotel rooms.
- Smoking and Vaping: Smoking and vaping are not allowed in event spaces, inside the hotel, or within 25 feet of entrances.
- Hotel Property: Do not move, tamper with, or affix items to hotel fixtures or furniture. Report any damages to staff immediately.
- Advertising: Limit advertising to designated areas or tables only.
- Pets and Service Animals: While the hotel is pet-friendly, pets are not allowed in event spaces. Service animals are permitted as required by law.
- Drone Use: Drones are prohibited in convention space without prior written permission.
COSPLAY & CONSENT
- Cosplay Is Not Consent: Always ask cosplayers for permission before taking photos or initiating any physical contact. Consent may be revoked at any time.
- Peace Bonding: All cosplay weapons must be peace-bound and inspected at the designated Prop Check location.
- Appropriate Attire: Convention space is a public area; attire, including cosplay, must comply with public decency laws. Full or partial nudity is not permitted. Clothing should cover areas that a swimsuit would.
- Footwear: Shoes or appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.
- Cosplay Size Restrictions: Costumes must not obstruct or impede foot traffic and should fit through all entrances. Consider bringing a “handler” if your cosplay is large, obstructs vision, or has protrusions.
- Body Paint: Any paint, including body paint, must be dry and non-transferrable. You will be held liable for any damage caused to property due to paint transfer.
WEAPONS & PROPS POLICY
- Prop Inspections: All props must be inspected and approved at Prop Check.
- Prop Size Limit: Props must not exceed 6 feet in any direction.
- Identifiable Replicas: Prop weapons should be easily identifiable as replicas and must not be capable of firing projectiles.
- Firearms: Prop firearms must be made of plastic, have no moving parts, and display a non-removable orange tip.
- Restricted Props: Prohibited items include live steel, explosives, hazardous chemicals, lasers, and props that create live flames, sparks, or jets.
- Prohibited Actions: Brandishing, swinging recklessly, or sparring with props is strictly prohibited and may result in removal from the event space.
LIST OF PROHIBITED ACTIONS AND ITEMS
- Full or partial nudity; attire should cover any areas a swimsuit does.
- Rollerblades, Heelies, hoverboards, or stilts.
- Functioning wheels, except for accessibility purposes.
- Realistic depictions of American law enforcement.
- Dangerous or sharp protrusions.
- Any props capable of shooting projectiles.
- Firing mechanisms must be disabled (e.g., immobilizing the trigger with a zip tie) with no ammunition loaded.
- Live Steel: Any metal prop that can hold an edge, even if dulled.
- Explosives and hazardous chemicals.
- Nunchaku, flails with hard heads, or chains longer than 3 feet.
- Handcuffs.
- Lasers.
- Props intentionally producing live flames, sparks, aerosols, electrical arcs, liquid sprays, confetti, glitter, or other messy substances.
ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY
OffKai Expo has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, including but not limited to:
- Stalking or intimidation.
- Offensive verbal comments.
- Physical assault or threats.
- Non-consensual photography or recording.
- Disruption of talks, presentations, or events.
- Unwelcome physical contact or attention.
- Sexually explicit or suggestive behavior, language, or signs.
- Hate symbols.
Anyone violating this policy may face removal from the event, badge revocation, or referral to law enforcement.
PRIVACY AND PERSONAL INFORMATION GUIDELINES
As a VTuber-centered convention, OffKai Expo believes that the right to privacy is paramount for all attendees, staff, volunteers, and guests. To ensure a safe environment, OffKai Expo may revoke badges and/or remove from the convention any individuals who endanger the privacy of others. Actions that violate this policy include, but are not limited to:
- Attempting to gain access to private details of anyone without their consent.
- Spreading, discussing, questioning, or making threats regarding private details in public spaces.
- Any and all actions that could be considered doxxing or revealing private information.
While gossip and speculation may be tempting, all participants at OffKai—including attendees, staff, volunteers, and guests—are asked to refrain from discussing the private details of any individual in public settings or presentations. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Personally identifiable information and private life details, such as legal names, gender identity, age, addresses, places of work, sexual orientation, relationship or marital status, etc.
- Unconfirmed connections between an individual and their past, such as past professional or personal affiliations.
- Making jokes or implications that suggest connections to private or sensitive information.
Please remain mindful of everyone’s privacy and consider the safety of all individuals at OffKai Expo. The final decision on what constitutes a breach of this policy lies with OffKai Expo staff.
We ask that everyone play an active role in respecting privacy so that all attendees, including VTubers, feel safe and encouraged to participate fully in future conventions.
PHOTOGRAPHY, RECORDING, AND STREAMING GUIDELINES
- Follow Signage: Respect all signs regarding photography and recording restrictions.
- Event-Specific Rules: Photography, recording, and streaming are not permitted during panels or events unless stated otherwise.
- Consent and Courtesy: Obtain permission before photographing attendees, guests, or cosplayers. Flash photography is not permitted for safety reasons.
INDEMNIFICATION
Attendance is at your own risk. OffKai Expo, the venue, and associated staff or volunteers are not liable for any claims or losses arising from the event.
MODIFICATIONS
OffKai Expo reserves the right to modify this Code of Conduct at any time without notice.