Our Commitment

Penguicon is committed to inclusivity, respect, and safety for all attendees, both in-person and virtual. This page outlines the guidelines to ensure a welcoming, enjoyable, and respectful environment for everyone.

Core Policies

Inclusivity

Penguicon values diverse identities, including but not limited to:

  • Gender, race, and sexual orientation.
  • Disabilities, neurodivergences, and cultural backgrounds.

Consent

  • Ask First: Always seek explicit, enthusiastic consent before:
    • Touching someone’s personal space or costume.
    • Taking their photo or recording them.
  • Silence Is Not Consent: Lack of objection is not agreement.

Respect and Behavior

  • Respect others’ boundaries and privacy.
  • Avoid disruptive or inappropriate behavior.
  • Maintain PG-13 public displays of affection.

Code of Conduct

Expected Behavior

  • Foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.
  • Comply with Penguicon policies, hotel rules, and state laws.

Unacceptable Behavior

  • Harassment, stalking, or uninvited attention (physical or virtual).
  • Discrimination based on gender, sexuality, disability, appearance, race, or religion.
  • Recording or photographing individuals without their permission.
  • Disrupting events, panels, or talks.
  • Displaying inappropriate images or topics in public areas.

Virtual-Specific Misconduct

  • “Zoom bombing” or disrupting virtual events.
  • Recording or screenshotting participants without consent.
  • Sharing private platform links publicly.

Safety and Accessibility

Reporting Issues

Accessibility Commitments

Penguicon strives to ensure accessibility for all. For questions or requests, contact the Accessibility Department in advance or during the event.

Photography and Recording

Guidelines

  • Obtain permission before photographing or recording individuals, including panelists.
  • Do not make individuals the focal point of photos without consent.
  • Respect requests to delete identifiable images or recordings.

Privacy Policy

For more information on our privacy policy, please see our Privacy Policy page.

Children & Families

Children under 12 must be accompanied by a registered adult attendee at all times.Programming may not be suitable for children, especially in the evening.

Alcohol and Legal Compliance

  • Alcohol is served by the hotel, requiring proof of age (21+). Con badges are not valid IDs.
  • Open containers are prohibited outside private spaces.

Enforcement

Consequences for Misconduct

  • Immediate removal from Penguicon without a refund.
  • Potential multi-year ban based on severity or repeated violations.

What to Do if You Experience Misconduct

  • Speak up if you feel safe doing so.
  • Seek assistance from Ops for help resolving the situation.
  • All reports are confidential and taken seriously.

Final Notes

Penguicon’s policies aim to foster a vibrant, respectful, and inclusive community. Whether in-person or virtual, let’s make Penguicon a fun, welcoming space for everyone!