This Code of Conduct is to ensure that ProtoCON BC Attendees can enjoy our event while also working with our venue respectfully and safely. This code of conduct sets expectations of behavior at our event that we expect everyone to follow. If there is a conflict between departmental policies and the code of conduct, the code of conduct shall take precedence.

The code of conduct is not an exhaustive list of dos and don’ts. Any behavior that adversely affects or causes interference with the event and operations of ProtoCON BC, including but not limited to its relations and reputation within the community, municipality, venue, and/or public, is strictly forbidden. This includes disregarding or interfering with instructions or guidance from event or venue staff during the performance of their duties.

Violation of the code of conduct may result in the revocation of your access to ProtoCON BC and a ban from future events. If any event or venue staff believe you may be a danger to yourself or others, the venue, or other guests, you will be asked to stop immediately. If the behavior persists, your badge will be revoked and you will be asked to leave. If the infraction is severe enough, such as harassment or violence (sexual or otherwise), or multiple first-hand credible behavior complaints, it may result in a ban from future ProtoCON events. Should someone be found to be an inadmissible attendee who has registered, they will have their registration revoked and be removed without refund.

Attendees are advised that anything illegal outside of the event is also illegal inside the event, and that unlawful behavior may be reported to authorities and your badge revoked should event staff receive credible complaints from other attendees, the venue, or the public. This includes local bylaws, as well as provincial and federal laws.

Badges and Admission

Your ticket purchase includes a badge that is your pass to convention events. This badge remains the property of ProtoCON BC until the end of the convention. At the end of the last scheduled convention event, it becomes the property of the ticket holder.

While at the con, the badge must be worn and visible at all times. Anyone attempting to access convention-specific areas without a badge will be asked to display their badge or will be denied entry and asked to leave. You may also NOT alter your badge in any way, which includes attempting to elevate your badge’s membership access. If you are found to have tampered with your badge, your event access may be revoked. 

Government-issued photo ID must be presented at registration to complete your registration and receive your conference badge. Government ID  must be current, and can include a Government ID card, Driver’s License, or Passport. Vaccine status and requirements will be determined closer to the date as advised by the Health Authority of BC and Canada.

Inadmissible Attendees

We reserve the right to refuse admittance to persons who have been convicted of a crime of a violent nature, or other crimes as deemed reasonable for barring entrance. ProtoCON BC reserves the right, at the chair and executives’ discretion, to refuse or revoke access to our event for any reason to protect the safety of attendees. Some of these reasons may include, but are not limited to: person(s) convicted of crimes of a violent nature, sexual violence, or crimes of a sexual nature involving minors, harassment, threats against the safety of the convention, threats toward or harassment of staff or attendees.

Refunds

If you find that you cannot attend the even,t please be advised that we do not do cash refunds for purchased tickets. However, we will consider each instance on a case by case basis to determine if issuing a refund or credit for the following year is appropriate based on individual circumstances. We will not issue refunds if you are removed for violating this Code of Conduct or other inappropriate behavior.

Event Space

ProtoCON BC is a private event taking place in a public venue. Event space is limited to attendees with a valid badge; however, members of the general public may be present in open or public spaces.

Alcohol is not permitted in any area within the event space. Illegal recreational drugs are prohibited. Marijuana is legal in BC; however, it may only be consumed in designated smoking areas outside of the venue. Vaping and smoking of any kind are prohibited in the venue. Vaping or smoking is permitted only in designated areas.

Photography & Media

ProtoCON BC is a private event. As such, media/reporters/youtubers/podcasters are permitted in convention space only after registering as media in advance and obtaining a press pass from ProtoCON BC.

Media coverage, filming, and photography are prohibited without prior authorization and written approval. Recordings or photography for private use are permitted. Unauthorized media shall be removed from convention spaces. 

ProtoCON BC reserves the right to take photography or video footage for promotional purposes.

Photographers and videographers authorized as ‘staff photographers’ will wear identifying badges to show their status as convention photographers.

Inquiries or requests regarding media, video, or press appearances at ProtoCON BC may be made to protoconbc@gmail.com. Requests made at, or just prior to, the event may not be responded to immediately. Please refer to our staff if there are any inquiries during the convention dates.

Harassment and Assault

ProtoCON BC wants to provide a safe and welcoming environment for people of all genders, gender-expression, sexual orientation, dress, age, race, religion, national origin or ancestry, creed, disability, or involvement/non-involvement in any group or activity at ProtoCON events or venues. We expect staff and attendees to behave in a respectful and reasonable manner at all times. Any harassment or discrimination against any individual or group is unwelcome at our event.

ProtoCON BC has zero tolerance for criminal harassment as defined in Section 264 of the Criminal Code of Canada. This also includes Sexual assault as per Section 150 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

If an attendee feels they are being criminally harassed or assaulted, fear for their safety, witness harassment of others, or sexual assault of others, IMMEDIATELY contact Con Staff, venue staff, or contact the police. Upon receiving a complaint, the ProtoCON BC event staff will offer sanctuary in a safe and controlled location, and/or offer a phone to contact emergency services or relevant support group(s). Each complaint will be documented, investigated, and dealt with thoroughly, with consequences potentially including, but not limited to, revocation of the offender’s ticket without refund, ejection from the site, and/or the involvement of local authorities.

Attendees are encouraged to report incidents to Con Staff or venue staff IMMEDIATELY. Your safety is a priority, and we are committed to treating every incident with respect and professionalism. Please don’t leave your report until later, as once the event is over, our ability to address the issue is limited.

ProtoCON BC is NOT the place to start or continue disputes. Our staff cannot resolve existing external (outside of con) interpersonal conflicts or pre-emptively ban someone from attending based solely upon such. Our events are gathering places where one can meet and share common interests with others.

Behavior that is disruptive and detrimental will not be tolerated.

ProtoCON will enforce a peace bond, or restraining order, provided the appropriate legal paperwork has been submitted to protoconbc@gmail.com prior to the event start date.

No means no. Always ask for photos, hugs, etc, and respect that no means no.

Limitation of Liability

ProtoCON BC aims to take reasonable care to ensure the safety of its attendees. However, attendees should be aware of their well-being at all times. 

By registering for the convention and accepting a convention badge, you agree to release ProtoCON BC,  ProtoCON, and its associated directors, staff, and volunteers from any liability or claims arising from loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by you or by your property arising from attendance at the convention. This agreement is binding upon you, as well as your heirs, next of kin, executors and administrators.

Violations and Appeals

When you purchase a ProtoCON BC ticket, you agree to abide by and be bound by the rules outlined in this Code of Conduct. The Convention Staff have the authority to enforce the Code of Conduct. Violations at the event, depending on severity, may result in a badge being revoked temporarily or permanently, or a temporary or permanent ban from ProtoCON events.

Code of Conduct violations may result in one or more of the following actions taken against those responsible:

• Warning issued by Convention Staff

• Suspension of access to ProtoCON BC

• Temporary or indefinite revocation of attendance/participation to ProtoCON BC events without refund.

• Further action taken by venue management.

• Notification and involvement of law enforcement.

• Civil and/or criminal prosecution.

In the case of dispute, appeals may be made to the Event Chair, whose decision is final at the event. Appeals after the event may be made to ProtoCON BC. 

Conclusion

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! We appreciate attendees’ efforts to be considerate of others and uphold the positive reputation and values of our community while enjoying our event. Questions regarding this Code of Conduct may be directed to protoconbc@gmail.com