Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions - Attendees

            As a member / attendee of the Event, you agree to follow this Code of Conduct.  The Code boils down to: do nothing illegal or immoral and do not be a jerk.  More specifics are below.

1.     At all times, you must wear your Badge, and it must be visible.  Without it, you will not be permitted into any venue.  Volunteers will ask to see your Badge.  You may not transfer, loan, or give your Badge to anyone.  You can’t lend it to someone “for a second.” 

2.     If you are under 21, you cannot possess alcohol of any sort.  It’s the law.  The Hotel controls the sale of alcohol at the Event.  Be prepared to be carded.  If you are under 21 and possess alcohol, you must leave the Event, and you will not receive a refund.

3.     Please keep politics or other potentially offensive behaviors out of public spaces.  Your rights protected by the First Amendment, do not apply to this is a private venue.

4.     We will have a lost and found but are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property or injuries sustained during the course of the Event.

5.     Announced panels, guests, activities, etc. are subject to change or cancellation without notice.  Efforts to announce any cancellation or changes via social media or otherwise will be made but not guaranteed.

6.     Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.  If we determine, in our sole distraction, that you are disruptive, we reserve the right remove you from Event without refund.  Disruptive behavior includes without limitation: (a) harassment of any kind or nature; (b) annoying behavior, (c) threats, (d) use of racial, religious, or ethnic slurs; (e) stalking, (g) use of sexually explicit or offensive language or conduct, profanity, or obscenity; or (h) any other generally offensive behavior or language.  Remember, No means No. 

7.     Weapons are not permitted.  None working and peace bonded prop weapons are permitted but must be inspected before you will be permitted into the Event.  No functioning projectile device, including without limitation, water guns, nerf guns, etc. are permitted.  Silly string or similar items are not permitted.  Prop bladed weapons may be permitted at our sole discretion but must be cased or sheathed at all times.  No clowning around or showing off with any items resembling weapons or bladed weapons is permitted.  If you violate this rule, (a) the “weapon” will be confiscated and not returned, (b) you will be removed from the Event, (c) your membership will be revoked with no refund, and (d) you may be barred from any future events.

8.     Real firearms are not permitted regardless of any special carry permit you may have from Georgia or any other state.  Our safety team, hotel security, and local law enforcement will treat anything that looks like a real firearm as a real firearm.  Anyone violating our rules regarding weapons (a) will be immediately removed from the Event (b) will have their membership revoked with no refund, and (d) may be barred from any future events.  Violators may face arrest, and we will not post bail for violators.  Of course, sworn officers are exempt from this rule.

9.     You cannot camp in hallways or other public spaces.  If you are sleeping in the halls or public spaces, you will be required to either go to your room or leave the venue.

10.  You are not permitted to abuse the hotel or facility and will be responsible for any damage you may cause to the hotel, convention space, or the property of others.  You will be required to pay for that damage and may be removed from the Event without any refund.

11.  Public nudity is not legal in Georgia.  Wear enough to avoid arrest.

12.  You may not post or hand out flyers, cards, pamphlets, etc. for other events, conventions, goods, or services.  You are welcome to apply to be a vendor through the vendor portal.

13.  The Event is not an occasion for you to make money unless you are an approved Vendor.  You may not offer any thing or service for sale while you are at the Event.  You may not video, photograph, or record anything for commercial purposes.  All members and attendees at the Event are prohibited from taking or creating video, film, or digital images, including pictures, photographs,  tapes, sound recordings, or any visual or auditory recreation of any kind whatsoever, of any Event guest, member, volunteer, employee, or attendees, including but not limited to any forum, seminar session, dance, panel, performance, for any commercial use, or for the solicitation of funds for any commercial or other purpose, without the express, written permission of us.  

14.  Regardless of the quality, importance, or significance in the outside world, you may not sell your books, drawings, paintings, photographs, crafts, or services at the Event without written permission from us.  After receiving permission, you may photograph other attendees for non-commercial purposes. Selfie sticks and other camera extenders are permitted.

15.  By accepting a Badge, you give us an unlimited perpetual right to take and use video, photographs, and audio recordings of you.  You agree that you will not receive any compensation.

16.  Drones, lighter than air devises, either powered or not, are not permitted at the Event.

17.  All public rooms used for panels, receptions, or other activities must be cleared between uses.  Please listen to our volunteers.  When asked, form lines and vacate spaces.  Don’t break lines.  Be considerate of others who need assistance. 

18.  If we are dealing with Covid-19 at the Event, you agree to abide by protocols established at the Event, even if you disagree with them and believe that they are not necessary.  We do not want to be that “super spreader” event making the news.  Remember: you risk contracting Covid-19, a variant, or other malady while attending the Event.  Under Georgia law, we are not liable to you or anyone else for an illness, injury, or death that may occur, wholly or even in part, from Covid-19 or a variant.  You assume the risk of any illness, injury, or death from Covid -19 or a variant during the Event, including travel to or from the Event, entering any the Hotel, or participating in Event activities.

19.  We reserve the right to revoke or suspend membership and badges in our sole discretion.  If you violate any Event rule, you may be removed from the Event, barred from the Event for a period of time, your membership and Badge may be revoked, or you may be barred from all future events.  If you are accused of violating any of these Rules, you may appeal to the Convention Chair, but the Chair’s decision is final and not appealable.  If you are arrested, the matter is out of our hands.  We will not assist you, bail you out, or provide you with an attorney.  Don’t break the law. 

20.  Have fun.

Terms and Conditions - Volunteers

            As a Volunteer of the Event, you are critical to our success.  You also agree to follow these commonsense rules.  The Code boils down to: be helpful and nice.  More specifics are below.

1.     Be polite.  Our attendees are here to enjoy the Event but may be upset by something.  Listen to the problem, get someone higher up to try to resolve it.

2.     Dress Code:  We have no formal dress code but ask that you not wear potentially offensive t-shirts, political items, or other things which may offend our guests and attendees.

3.     At all times, you must wear your Badge, and it must be visible. 

4.     If you are under 21, you cannot possess alcohol of any sort.  It’s the law.  If are under the influence of any drug or are intoxicated while on duty, you will be removed from our Volunteer list, ejected from the Event, and may be barred from future events.

5.     Show up for your shift a little early.

6.     Your Volunteer Badge will be held at Registration or with your director.  Don’t lose your Badge.

7.     Although you are special to us, volunteering does not give special privileges.  No priority seating, line breaking, etc.   If you are not on duty, you have the same privileges and obligations as an attendee.

8.     Get enough sleep and enough to eat.  Other conventions have described a good rule of thumb for Volunteers to keep them functioning:  the 6-3-1 daily rule:  sleep 6 hours, eat 3 times, bathe 1 time.

9.     Don’t be overwhelmed.  This is intended to be fun for you as well.  If you do not know something, ask.  Many of our Volunteers have years of experience at our events and others.  When in doubt, ask.

10.  Have fun.