CODE OF CONDUCT

GENERAL

The heart of Ōzokucon is to establish an environment that is safe, fun, and an escape for all of our attendees. In order to secure this culture, we must be abundantly clear that there are guidelines, parameters, and expectations for all of our con attendees.

Con attendees are expected to abide by the governing rules of The Blue Water Convention Center that are in addition to Ōzokucon's own policies
You are expected to follow all state, local, federal laws.
Cosplay is never, under any circumstances, consent. Consent must be clear, communicated, and agreed upon at all times throughout the convention.
No mock fighting, staged fights, or sword play is allowed inside the convention center.
No running/sprinting in the Convention Center
No throwing of objects
Signs that promote any sort of solicitation are prohibited.
Con attendees must keep badges present and visible during the duration of attendance at the con
Bikes, skateboards, roller skates, Heelys ™, or hoverboards are not allowed for use at the convention center. All attendees must wear shoes and clothing at all times.
Any damage that you, or those you are responsible for (children, service pets, etc.) cause is your responsibility.
Treat everyone with respect. No hate/racist speech or remarks, derogatory comments, racial slurs, homophobic, transphobic remarks, or comments about disabilities, community, etc.
Attendees are requested to have a state or government issued photo ID with them at all times.
If a replica sword, blade, firearm, etc. is purchased in the vendor's room, it must be boxed or wrapped and stored promptly in a hotel room or a car.
No laser devices are allowed in the convention center.
Don’t block any exits, staircases, or doorways and all walkways must stay clear at all times.
No live steel weapons, nerf guns, airsoft guns, or real guns allowed at the Convention Center. All cosplay props must be checked at security before they are allowed around the convention halls.
All alcoholic beverages purchased in the convention center must be consumed in the appropriate location. You are not permitted to walk with an alcoholic beverage around the convention center.
No outside alcohol permitted in the convention center.
All children under 1: must be accompanied by an accompanying adult guardian or parent at all times.
All children 13 – 17, that are not accompanied by an accompanying adult guardian or parent, must have parental consent form with them at all times.
Fireworks, lighter fluid, incendiary devices, smoke machines, or items that create smoke or flashes are not allowed in the convention center.
If you see something dangerous in progress, say something and call 911 immediately.
By attending Ōzokucon, you are agreeing to be an ally to your fellow con attendees, meaning you are expected to report unusual behavior, suspicious activity, discriminatory language/acts, threatening advances, or any other situational instances that would cause you to believe a fellow con attendee would be harmed, discouraged, threatened, or hurt

ANTI-HARASSMENT

The culture of Ōzokucon is one that does not tolerate bullying and harassment. Violators will be removed from the convention and may be asked not to return to future years of Ōzokucon if found guilty of behavior that includes, but is not limited to:

Unsolicited physical/sexual touching, comments, forms, and advances.
Unsolicited forms of verbal/psychological harassment.
Physical/Verbal Retaliation.
Unsolicited forms of visual/written harassment.
Degrading jokes/comments/judgment regarding a race of people, their nationality, age, disability & neurodiversity, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual identity or sexual orientation, physical ability, or appearance.
Unsolicited photos.
Persistent, belittling, and deliberate misgendering of people.
Stalking behavior of any sort.
Threats, intimidation, or hostile advances.
Quid pro quo sexual harassment.

ANTI-RACISM

Ōzokucon is committed to providing an environment that is culturally inclusive and free from racial discrimination and harassment. Ōzokucon at our core is a convention that welcomes all. Everyone has a right to attend, enjoy this event, to feel equal, to feel valued, and to feel unified. Ōzokucon recognizes discrimination as the following, but not limited to:

Discrimination against a race of people, nationality, age, disability, neurodiversity, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual identity or sexual orientation, physical ability, or appearance.
Racial vilification.
Cultural inclusiveness or inclusive culture.
Offensive behavior based on racial discrimination.
Prejudice and overt bias.
Stereotyping.
Racial profiling.
Subtle forms of racial discrimination.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Ōzokucon is proud to cultivate a safe environment that is both welcoming and inclusive of all con attendees regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or any additional traits, characteristics, or physical presentations. It is our priority to continue to develop visible and vibrant communities for all. Discrimination against races, nationalities, gender identity and expression, sexual identity or sexual orientation is not welcome and the Ōzokucon team encourages our attendees to report instances of discrimination, harassment, or violence to any Ōzokucon Team Member or Security Staff.

DRESS CODE

Ōzokucon welcomes cosplay expression of all sorts and nature. While we love and celebrate cosplay, we must ask that for the safety and consideration of all attendees, cosplay be limited to PG-13 during regular con hours (10a-9:30p)

The following is strictly prohibited during Ōzokucon:

Attire that includes offensive religious language/imagery
Political attire (both positive and negative)
Attire with obscenities/profanity
Attire with discriminatory language or tones
Body painting that is offensive, hurtful, and disrespectful to other races, cultures, and groups of people
Erotic/Adult-themed exposure
Real weaponry or any sort/nature