CODE OF CONDUCT
It is vital to us that Politicon be a safe place for all attendees. Politicon is a private event, and people who mistreat or disrespect other people will be removed and not allowed for the duration of the event. Politicon reserves the right to permanently ban attendees and guests who do not comply with the code of conduct, including for future events put on by Politicon, LLC.
Please keep in mind that we are sharing the convention center campus and hotels with others, and it is our responsibility to be courteous to our neighbors. By registering to attend Politicon, you hereby agree to the following:
ACCESS
The venue opens at 10am each day.
Politicon wristbands are required for attendance to all official Politicon events. Wristbands or laminated passes must be worn and be visible at all times. Wristbands are non-transferable.
Unlawful sale or attempted sale of wristbands or laminated passes will result in the revocation of those credentials without refund.
All activities have limited capacity as set by the Fire Marshal, so even though your wristband is required to access all activities, it does not guarantee you access to any activity if it has reached its capacity.
All attendees are subject to search upon entry.
Ins and outs will be allowed.
Line ups and panel times are subject to change
There are NO REFUNDS under any circumstances
HARASSMENT
Disorderly conduct includes (but isn’t limited to) any behavior that is illegal, unsafe, disruptive, discriminatory or causes excessive discomfort to our attendees or guests. If someone doesn’t want to talk to you, don’t keep talking to them. If you do not have permission to touch someone, do not touch them. Please view our Anti-Harassment Policy for more information.
Pranks that are emotionally or physically harmful to any people or property at Politicon, actually or potentially, are prohibited. If we hear about anyone pranking in ways that are disruptive to the well-being of our guests or attendees, disciplinary action may be taken, including being removed from the event and being banned from future events put on by Politicon.
LISTEN TO STAFF
All Politicon attendees must adhere to the instructions of all Politicon employees and agents, all security employees and agents, the staff of Music City Center, and any and all law enforcement personnel.
MINORS
All ages are welcome. Children ages 10 and under are free. Minors must have a Politicon wristband and be accompanied by a wristbanded adult (18+) at all times. Parents or adult supervisors of minors are responsible for the actions of minors they are supervising.
LIABILITY
You assume any and all risks occurring before, during, or after Politicon. You release Politicon and the Music City Center and their agents, licensees, assignees, and their respective affiliates and representatives from any related claims.
Politicon reserves the right to change or modify any policy or rule at any time and without notice.
POLICIES
Along with our Code of Conduct, we have some Terms of Use. By using our services, you’re agreeing to the following terms and policies.
ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY
Politicon is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, age, race, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. Use of lewd or discriminatory language and imagery is never appropriate at Politicon. Anyone violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event at the discretion of the event organizers.
Definition of Harassment:
Harassment includes, but is not limited to, offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, national origin, religion, age, marital status, military status, or any other status protected by law; deliberate intimidation; stalking; following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; display of offensive signs, gestures, tee-shirts, symbols, etc. Attendees asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
Definition of Sexual Harassment:
Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional compliments or other generally acceptable social behavior. Sexual harassment refers to verbal, physical, and visual conduct of a sexual nature that is unwelcome and offensive to the recipient. By way of example, sexual harassment may include such conduct as sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions; verbal comments or physical actions of a sexual nature; sexually degrading words used to describe an individual; an unwelcome display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; sexually explicit jokes; and offensive, unwanted physical contact such as patting, pinching, grabbing, groping, or constant brushing against another’s body. Overly-revealing cosplay may result in requesting violators to cover and/or leave the convention floor. Attendees asked to stop any sexually harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
Scope of Policy:
This Anti-Harassment Policy applies to all attendees at Politicon including: participants/attendees, guests, staff, sponsors, and exhibitors. All attendees are expected to comply with this Event Anti-Harassment Policy at the event venue and all event-related social events.
Reporting an Incident:
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a Politicon staff member immediately. All complaints will be treated seriously. If you cannot find a staff member to assist you, please go to Registration located at the main entrance.
Disciplinary Action:
All reports of harassment will be directed immediately to Politicon organizers who may consult with and engage other staff, leaders, and legal counsel as appropriate. Event security and/or local law enforcement may be involved, as appropriate, based on the specific circumstances. In response to a report of harassment, Politicon may take any action they deem appropriate. Such actions range from a verbal warning to ejection from the event without a refund. Repeat offenders may be subject to further disciplinary action, such as being banned from participating in any future events.
If, at any time, you feel you are in, or witnessing, an unsafe situation, alert a nearby security guard or Politicon staff member.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
NO Knives, Weapons or Sharp Objects. No concealed weapons are allowed at the Music City Center, regardless of your permit status.
NO Large Bags or roller bags and suitcases – Personal bags may be no larger than approximately 12” x 12” and are subject to search upon entry
NO Aerosol Products/Aerosol Cans
NO Air Horns
NO Audio Recording Devices
NO Helium Balloons
NO AVPs or MODs or Liquid Refills for E-Cigs
NO Bicycles, Skates, Scooters or Skateboards
NO Chairs or Coolers
NO Chains or Chain Wallets
NO Detachable Lens Cameras
NO Drones or Remote Control Aircraft, Cars or Toys
NO Drugs or Drug Paraphernalia, Marijuana, Marijuana products
NO Fireworks, Explosives or Road Flares
NO Flags or Capes
NO Flyers, Samples, Giveaways or Promotional Items
NO Glass or Metal Water Containers
NO Glow Sticks or LED Gloves
NO Guns, Ammunition or Tasers
NO Hula Hoops
NO Hoverboards or Segways
No Wheels! This includes skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates, roller blades, heelies, scooters, wagons, rolling bags, etc. (Wheelchairs, strollers, mobility scooters, and other necessary mobility aids are welcome)
NO Instruments. Musical or surgical.
NO Kites or Sky Lanterns
NO Laser Pointers
NO Massagers
NO Outside Food or Beverage
NO Pepper Spray or Mace
NO Pets or Other Animals (service animals welcome)
NO Selfie Sticks and Tripods
NO Sharpies, Markers or Paint Pens
NO Signs
NO Stuffed Animals
NO Toy Guns, Water Guns or Sling Shots
NO Video Cameras
No large bags, backpacks or purses. Personal bags may be no larger than approximately 12” x 12” and are subject to search upon entry.
NO smoking is allowed inside the venue at any time, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
Other items may be deemed unsafe or disruptive at show management’s discretion.
COSPLAY PROHIBITIONS
NO masks or other headpieces that cover the entire face
NO large wands, staffs, or bats
NO weapons or items that can be mistaken as weapons
NO violent props or potentially harmful pieces of clothing
Do’s
DO bookmark the Politicon website to stay informed on all the latest and greatest event news!
DO download the Politicon app to create your own schedule and receive notifications when your favorite panels are starting.
DO plan ahead. Look through the schedule of events and identify your priorities. There will be lines for panels, so make sure to pick your favorites so you have a game plan for your experience.
DO make sure to take good care of yourself! Wear comfortable shoes, drink plenty of water and take an occasional break. Walking around a convention center all day can take a toll on you!
DO bring a light jacket or sweater that you can take off or put on depending on your comfort level. The convention center temperature can vary greatly from room to room, so layers are best.
DO bring extra chargers for your mobile devices and avoid that dead battery when your favorite pundit is photo ready!
DO always keep an eye on your personal belongings and keep them with you. Unattended bags are subject to searches and confiscation.
DO turn on notifications on social media for your favorite pundits as they will more than likely post about their appearances during the event.
DO turn to staff and security with any concerns or questions you may have.
DO meet as many people as you can! Politicon is an event bringing together folks from all walks of life. Take advantage of this experience!
DO bring your sense of humor!
DO bring a great attitude!
DO bring your best smile!
DO bring those inquiring minds!