Convention Etiquette: Discussion and Advice on Do's and Don'ts

[discodiva]

Sad ...very very sad...

[ScifigirlSG]

Going to a convention these days isn't as fun anymore when "you" have to watch your back.

[BruTak]

I've had to make it clear to several people in various Facebook convention groups that we are not vigilantes, we do not advocate physically harming this person and others of his ilk (even though we'd like to) we're just ordinary members of the public expressing ourselves through our hobby.

If you see something suspicious at a convention, if something or someone strikes you as being out of place, go to a member of event staff and express your concerns.

[Falcon Horus]

They even have entire articles about it: Cosplay is Not Consent: How to Make Your Con or Expo Harassment-Free

[BruTak]

And here we go again with some knobhead behaving in a threatening and abusive manner.

Lewis "Falcon" Williams.

Claiming he's going to bring a gun to MCM Birmingham and start a mass shooting, also threatening to rape several young women.

[BruTak]

News from MCM Scotland in Glasgow.

Apparently one Derek Hartley AKA Del Hart - convicted of possessing child pornography, spent 12 months in jail for it. Subsequently banned from any and all events in Scotland - has been sighted at the SECC.

[BruTak]

UPDATE: The person in question was Derek Hartley. Event security were notified of his presence, and he was escorted from the premises.

[WraithRichard]

They even have entire articles about it: Cosplay is Not Consent: How to Make Your Con or Expo Harassment-Free

Krakencon hands out pamphlets about that (and photo etiquette) to all members. Sadly, I just went to the last one.

[BruTak]

Does anyone in the UK have any feedback for cons run by Millennium Events?

[Falcon Horus]

Krakencon hands out pamphlets about that (and photo etiquette) to all members. Sadly, I just went to the last one.

Same with FACTS at Ghent. Pamphlets and posters, and they have an Harrassment point where you can file complaints, and where there are police officers even to escort people out.

[WraithRichard]

Same with FACTS at Ghent. Pamphlets and posters, and they have an Harrassment point where you can file complaints, and where there are police officers even to escort people out.

Unfortunately, cons can't do anything if you go outside to eat or chill. Stay safe people and don't underestimate weirdos.

[BruTak]

News from Glasgow's anime and manga convention, Rai-Con.

SECURITY NOTICE

Please be aware that the security and safety for all those present at our events is a top priority. Due to recent events and concerns raised we are now adopting a NO REMOVAL, NO ENTRY policy on cosplay themed masks, helmets and headgear which covers facial identifying features. This only applies upon entry to the event and venue and requests for this is at the discretion of our staff. As always, spot checks and bag checks will continue to be carried out as per venue's security staff's discretion. Any queries about this can be directed via message to our Facebook page. Thank you for your cooperation on this matter.

[ScifigirlSG]

After the cosplay fiasco at the Phoenix Comicon 2017 convention(now Phoenix Fan Fusion), the organizers had to hire a security company that uses TSA/airport style screening. Inside and outside the convention center, cameras are everywhere. This new company(same one used by Phoenix Zoo for black tie/formal events) was used at the 2018 convention, and IMO scared off people who wanted to attend, including newbies, and weren't aware of the new security policy.

[Falcon Horus]

Unfortunately, cons can't do anything if you go outside to eat or chill. Stay safe people and don't underestimate weirdos.

There's only the IKEA and they are quite accommodating when it comes to cosplayers coming for food when the convention is happening. Much amusement.

...NO REMOVAL, NO ENTRY policy on cosplay themed masks, helmets and headgear which covers facial identifying features.

Has been a rule since as long as I can remember. The weapon's rule is literally younger than this rule.

[WraithRichard]

There's only the IKEA and they are quite accommodating when it comes to cosplayers coming for food when the convention is happening. Much amusement.

That's pretty comforting. I got a lot of skeevy looks when I went outside of Krakencon.

After the cosplay fiasco at the Phoenix Comicon 2017 convention(now Phoenix Fan Fusion), the organizers had to hire a security company that uses TSA/airport style screening. Inside and outside the convention center, cameras are everywhere. This new company(same one used by Phoenix Zoo for black tie/formal events) was used at the 2018 convention, and IMO scared off people who wanted to attend, including newbies, and weren't aware of the new security policy.

That'd scare me a way and I've been doing cons before I could vote. I do NOT want to be frisked, manhandled, or made to take off my belt (which was functional) in public again. TSA also made me go barefoot for an enfitrethree hours.

Hard NO.