Convention Rules
Weapons Policy
All weapons must use peace-bonding. No projectile weapons of any type may be carried or used. If you need an item peace-bonded or if you are uncertain your item would be considered a weapon or a prop, go to the Hub, and it will be determined there. Exceptions may be made for certain weapons that are part of the Masquerade & Cosplay competition, provided that arrangements have been made in advance with the Masquerade & Cosplay Department Head. Exceptions may be made for certain programming events, provided that the ConCom and Ranger staff are informed in advance and a notice is posted on all entrances to the room. Any violations of the weapons policy or refusal to cooperate with the requests of our staff regarding weapons matters may result in actions ranging from confiscation of weapons to being evicted from the convention.
Drinking Policy
The legal drinking age in Iowa is 21. We cannot and will not serve any alcoholic beverages to persons born after May 4, 1997. If you turn 21 during the convention, come see us at Registration so we can arrange a special badge for you. The barkeep has the right to card anyone, even if I.D. has been previously presented. Persons hosting room parties are responsible for ensuring that their guests are of legal age before serving them alcohol. Anyone serving alcohol has a right and legal responsibility to refuse service to anyone who may be imbibing irresponsibly.
If DemiCon authorities determine that a member’s (attendee’s) level of intoxication poses a risk, the intoxicated member will no longer be served or allowed to possess alcohol in con areas, including open room parties, and may be temporarily banned from con areas. These constraints will be enforced by modifying the left side of the con badge for Friday restrictions, and modifying the right side of the con badge for Saturday restrictions.
Badge Policy
Badges are required for all convention functions for all DemiCon attendees. Any attendee not wearing a badge will be asked to produce it, or be escorted to Registration to obtain a badge, or leave the function space. DemiCon does allow the general public to walk through the Dealer Room and Art Show for the purpose of browsing and making purchases. If you lose your badge, report it immediately to the Registration table. If you find someone’s badge, please return it to the Registration table. Burden of proof of lost badges rests with the badge holder, not the convention staff. It’s our decision whether we replace the badge with a charge or at no charge.
Kids-in-Tow Policy
All children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult when in convention areas. Parents/guardians are responsible for controlling the behavior of their offspring/wards. DemiCon is not a day care facility.
Concerns and Suggestion Policy
If you have any problems, suggestions or complaints, please contact a DemiCon staff member or go to the Hub, not a hotel staff person (unless the problem is with your personal sleeping room). There is always a radio at the Art Show and ConSuite if you need assistance summoning a Ranger or member of ConCom.
Respect All Hotel Policies
All areas of the hotel are designated as non-smoking. If you smoke outside, please stand away from the door and dispose of cigarette butts appropriately.
Pool hours are 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. Please follow all pool rules and cooperate if you are asked to leave by our Ranger or by hotel staff. The pool is on the first floor and you need a sleeping room key to access the pool and hot tub area.
Hotel and DemiCon regulations prohibit the ConSuite’s food and all alcoholic beverages from being taken from the fifth floor.
Photo/Video Disclaimer
During the convention on May 4 through May 6, 2018, please be advised that unless you expressly prohibit DemiCon’s official photographers/videographers from capturing you on camera, you hereby waive all rights associated with their publication and grant the Des Moines Science Fiction Society, Ltd., all publication rights.
Photos are intended for use only as promotional materials to appear in print, television, DemiCon Channel, Internet advertising, the Paradox publication, and publicity, including video.
DemiCon members (attendees) should give the courtesy of asking the subject’s permission before taking a photograph of that person.
DemiCon Membership Transfers
The deadline to submit a request to transfer your DemiCon 29 membership to next year’s DemiCon 30 convention is April 15, 2018, if you cannot attend. This is a straight transfer. There are no pricing adjustments. You must contact registration@demicon.org to make your request. The Registration Department will notify you by e-mail to let you know whether or not your request for transfer to DemiCon has been approved.
If you are transferring your membership to another person who is attending this year’s DemiCon 29, the person who is attending in your stead must have a letter signed by you giving the person permission to use your membership. You must notify our Registration Department in writing (an e-mail to registration@demicon.org will suffice) and provide your full name, plus the full name and contact information of the person who will attend DemiCon in your place. We cannot transfer your membership to another person without your written consent. We prefer that you arrange the transfer at least a week in advance of the convention.
If you have any questions, please contact registration@demicon.org.
Harassment Policy of the Des Moines Science Fiction Society, Ltd., and DemiCon
Definition of Harassment
Harassment is any form of behavior that is unwelcome, unreciprocated and unsolicited which makes an unpleasant, humiliating or intimidating environment for the person who is the target of that behavior.
To provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all convention attendees/club members and allow for a wide diversity of beliefs, lifestyles and morals, we will adopt and maintain the following behavior protocols.
If you mean NO — say NO.
If you hear NO — STOP!
If you witness someone having trouble saying or hearing NO — get involved using your best judgment.
If you see harassment, contact Con Staff at The Hub or speak with a designated DemiCon Ranger in your area. If circumstances warrant, intervene as good judgment dictates until a Ranger arrives.
Saying NO
Sometimes out of politeness, people may not be direct when trying to communicate “no.” We need to make it okay to say “no” and mean “no.” Do not joke away, ignore, or minimize unwanted attention. Speak up right away and make your feelings clear. There is nothing wrong nor is there any shame in saying “no.”
Hearing NO
When someone says “no,” then all relevant actions, verbal and/or physical, must stop immediately. There should be no questions, clarifications, cajoling, debate, coercion or any continuation of any sort of the unwanted attentions. If someone tells you “no,” you will not wait for it to be repeated, and you will not retaliate in any way. It is understood that any continuation of the subject in question is incumbent upon the person saying “no” to initiate.
Witnessing an incomplete NO
There are times when we may be witness to someone struggling or unable to voice a “no,” or there may be someone who has not recognized that “no” was spoken. In either case, we have an obligation as convention attendees/club members to intercede in the situation to make sure all parties reach the correct understanding.
If there is a complaint issued against you
You will have no direct contact of any sort with the convention attendees/club members registering the complaint(s). This includes voice, written, electronic, and face-to-face contact. Inadvertent contact during the course of club and convention events is sometimes unavoidable, and must not be used as a method of initiating unwanted attention.
If you see harassment, contact Con Staff at The Hub or speak with a designated DemiCon Ranger in your area. If circumstances warrant, intervene as good judgment dictates until a Ranger arrives.
Consequences
Failure to adhere to DemiCon’s policies will result in:
1. Mediation by the ConCom and convention’s Rangers with all parties involved in an incident
2. Verbal warning
3. Removal of membership and ejection from DemiCon
4. Contacting local law enforcement
DemiCon/DMSFS is prepared to deal with any violations of our policies as legally, rapidly, and efficiently as possible. We hope that all members will help to make DemiCon an enjoyable experience for all, by respecting the rights of all attendees while in attendance.
DemiCon/DMSFS reserves the right to revoke membership and eject any individual at any time from DemiCon. No refunds will be provided.
If you have questions about any of DemiCon’s policies, please concom@demicon.org, our head committee.