MidSouthCon Rules of Conduct
The following rules of conduct must be followed by all MidSouthCon members, guests and staff in order to provide a safe, secure, and pleasant environment for all.
These activities are not allowed during the MidSouthCon convention:
- Engaging in disruptive and unsafe behavior that disturbs the public, hotel, or MidSouthCon staff;
- Intentional physical harassment, stalking, or assault of the public, hotel, or MidSouthCon staff;
- Any act which could result in substantial risk or harm to people or property;
- Sexual misconduct, such as indecent exposure, offensive touching, or sexual harassment;
- Engaging in any activity prohibited by law;
Individuals whose actions violate these rules will be asked to stop such actions. MidSouthCon reserves the right to require anyone violating these rules of conduct to leave the event. MidSouthCon may temporarily or permanently withdraw permission for a person to re-enter the event if that person continues to violate these rules. Any violation of the rules of conduct which involve activities prohibited by law will result in notification of the proper authorities.
1. Badges
Current badges must be prominently displayed at all times. Badges must be worn above the waist, so the MidSouthCon Staff can see them without having to ask. This is a courtesy to us, and a benefit to you.
Individuals caught trying to gain access into any MidSouthCon function space with an expired badge will be detained by MidSouthCon Security and charged full price for a current membership, with one strike against it as per the “Three Strikes” policy (see article 20). Non-members will not be granted access to any of the other convention spaces. A fee will be charged for replacing a lost badge. Replacement badges will be authorized by MidSouthCon Registration. Check at the MidSouthCon Operations Room for lost badges. Please return any found badges to MidSouthCon Staff immediately.
2. Weapons
All bladed weapons and look alike props MUST be peace bonded for the duration of the convention. The only exceptions to this rule are during the official MidSouthCon Masquerade presentation, in the Dealer Room for display purposes only, and for participating panelists conducting demonstrations or workshops in Programming.
No Members will be permitted to carry any kind of functional projectile weapon. This includes bows, crossbows, potato launchers, and guns of ANY kind. Anyone found in possession of such a weapon is subject to immediate revocation of his or her membership. Individuals caught in the illegal possession of a functioning projectile weapon will be reported and turned over to the proper authorities.
Due to State and local regulations, MidSouthCon Security MUST reserve the right to examine all weapons and costume props to make sure that they are either non-functional or properly peace bonded. MidSouthCon Security will make the final determination whether or not a weapon or costuming prop will be allowed in the convention space. Please don’t be offended if they ask to see your weapon or prop. They are only doing their job.
Peace bonding will be conducted by MidSouthCon Security. Also you may go to the MidSouthCon Operations Room to obtain a convention-recognized peace bond. Complete this action BEFORE entering convention space. All bladed items must be kept in their sheaths at all times in the convention space. Weapons should never be waved around in a manner that may be construed as use of the weapon (this is considered brandishing).
Gun replica or other replica projectile weapons should not be pointed at anyone, at any time. Replica pistols need to remain in a holster; replica rifles need to be slung.
Drawing a weapon may result in immediate revocation of convention membership, regardless of the “Three Strikes” policy. Keep in mind that hotel security and police will assume all drawn weapons are functional, and will act accordingly. If you are unsure whether your weapon is acceptable in the convention space, please ask MidSouthCon Security personnel or at the Operations Room.
3. Drinking
Individuals must be 21 years of age to consume alcohol in the United States. This also applies to our international Members. Serving alcohol to minors is against the law. You must provide identification at registration so that your badge will indicate that you may obtain alcohol in the MidSouthCon ConSuite. Alcohol must be consumed in the ConSuite. No alcohol is allowed in the hotel lobby, hallways, or meeting rooms. Individuals who appear to be intoxicated will not be allowed in the convention space. If you drink, don’t drive! Please have a designated driver.
4. Smoking
The Memphis Hilton is a non-smoking facility. Smoking is not allowed in any of the function space, pre-function space, rooms, hallways or balconies of the hotel.
5. Illegal Substances
Any illegal substance abuse will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
6. Harassment, Stalking, and Assault
MidSouthCon does not tolerate harassment. Harassment is any behavior that intentionally annoys, threatens, or alarms another person. This includes any unwanted physical contact, following someone without a legitimate reason (stalking), or threatening to physically harm someone. Remember, if someone approaches you and you tell them to leave you alone, their business with you is done. If they do not leave you alone as you have requested, notify MidSouthCon Security or staff member immediately.
Offenders will face penalties up to revocation of their membership and notification of the incident to law enforcement.
If an assault occurs, call 911 immediately, and then please report the matter to hotel and MidSouthCon Security. MidSouthCon will IMMEDIATELY eject any attendee who commits an assault.
7. Indecent Exposure
MidSouthCon requires that all Members wear attire equivalent to a swimsuit while in the convention space. MidSouthCon Staff may, at their discretion, ask Members to change their attire if they are not complying with this policy; repeat offenders may earn a strike against their badge as per the “Three Strikes” policy.(see article 20)
Overt sexual behavior or attire will result in MidSouthCon Staff and Security asking the member to stop, and may result in a strike against the member’s badge. If there is any disagreement with the decision of MidSouthCon Staff, or if the Member feels that he or she is being treated unfairly by MidSouthCon Security, he or she may appeal to a MidSouthCon Co-Chair, but the Co-Chair’s decision is final.
8. Merchandise
All merchandise must be paid for. Members must keep receipts with them at all times. Please wait in line and do not crowd the dealer’s tables. Any weapons that are purchased from the Dealers Room must immediately be taken to a hotel room or peace bonded, as per the Weapons Policy (see article 2).
9. Theft
Any MidSouthCon Member caught in the act of shoplifting or stealing will be handed over to the authorities, have their membership revoked, and refused service into all future MidSouthCon events. No exceptions!
10. Minors
Minors age 12 and under
When minors pick up their badges, they must be accompanied by a parent or designated guardian. All minors must have a parent or guardian on the premises at all times.
All children age twelve and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a registered Member of MidSouthCon.
Any minor facing disciplinary action by the convention will have their parent(s) or guardian(s) contacted.
11. Art Show
Members my not bring food or beverages into the art show. No handbags, backpacks, packages, or other items of the same general description are allowed in the Art Show area. They are to be checked in upon entrance to the Art show.
12. Privacy, Press, Photography, and Electronic Recording
MidSouthCon members should be aware that photographs, video and audio recordings occur during the convention, and that their likenesses may appear in these recordings. Attendees and members agree to assign without compensation the use of their likenesses for the use of MidSouthCon promotional material.
Cameras and camcorders are not allowed in the Art Show. Members caught taking pictures with a cell phone will be asked to leave the Art Show. Photography of art and displays may be allowed with the permission of the MidSouthCon Art Show Coordinator and the artist. Contact the Art Show Coordinator for more details.
Press MUST check at MidSouthCon Registration, and receive a press badge. Press are expected to follow the same rules as the regular MidSouthCon members. MidSouthCon reserves the right to grant or deny approval for all video recording requests. Permissions and entry may be retracted at any time.
13. Masquerade and Costumes
We are all excited about the Masquerade, and dressing up in costumes for MidSouthCon. MidSouthCon Staff reserves the right to deem a costume unacceptable and request the wearer to make modifications as necessary. This convention is a family-friendly event. Please keep this in mind when choosing costumes and allow common sense and good taste to prevail (see article7). Remember, after the Masquerade all blade weapons must immediately be re-peace bonded or taken to your hotel room (see article 2).
14. Room Parties
MidSouthCon does not recognize or endorse room parties. MidSouthCon Staff will work with the hotel to keep records of actions taken by hotel security, and will revoke convention memberships from individuals removed from a convention hotel site by hotel security.
15. Parking
Park at your own risk! MidSouthCon is not responsible for parking arrangements, reservations, or fines due to violation of rules caused by unauthorized parking. MidSouthCon is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles. Do not leave valuables lying about, in plain sight, in a vehicle. Lock them in your trunk or hotel room.
16. Liability
MidSouthCon and its affiliates are not responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or injury. Members are responsible for their individual actions and any repercussions that may result. Civil or medical emergencies are to be handled directly by the proper authorities.