Code of Conduct
General Rules and Info
Being a small convention, we are very adaptable; so please let us know if there is something we can do to help, and we will do our best to arrange it.
- Please wear your badge at all times, in plain sight; you need it to access convention spaces.
- Bear in mind that we're a family-friendly event; there will be children around. Keep it PG.
- You are responsible for your property and personal safety. We're not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged property, or for injuries sustained during the convention.
- We reserve the right to ask attendees to leave the convention, without refund, if they are behaving inappropriately.
- Events and guests are subject to change and cancellation. We'll do our best to warn you of changes via our website and Facebook, but sometimes changes will happen without notice.
- We love photos, but please ask your subjects for their permission first - it's only polite. Also, please be aware of other hotel guests, do not block the corridors for extended periods. Please do not block doors at any time.
- Under-13s must be always accompanied by their adult. Children and young adults are subject to convention policies, and people acting as their responsible adults are accountable for the conduct of their charges
- Standard domestic pets or companion dogs are not permitted in the hotel. In alignment with the UK Equality Act, all trained assistance dogs are granted access to all guest areas, including the restaurant and bar. Please remember that assistance animals should not be disturbed whilst going about their duties.
- Smoking, vaping etc. is not permitted anywhere within the hotel.
Attendees are reminded that whilst at ArmadaCon they are also subject to the rules and policies of the venue. Please see Leonardo Hotel website for their terms & conditions.
If you have any problems or requests with regards to the convention, your first contact point is the convention Registration Desk. If you have any problems or requests with regards to the hotel, your first point of contact is the hotel Reception Desk.
Anti-Harassment Policy
ArmadaCon has a zero-tolerance anti-harassment policy to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone – attendees, volunteers, guests, and hotel staff. Harassment of any kind is strictly forbidden. This may include but is not limited to:
- Offensive comments, written or verbal abuse, slurs or hate speech related to gender, sexuality, impairment, physical appearance, body size, race or religion
- Showing sexual imagery in public spaces, non-consensual physical contact or sexual attention
- Intimidation, stalking or following
- Photographing/recording someone without their permission
- Sustained disruption of talks or other events
If you are being harassed - make your displeasure known loudly for others to hear, but only if you feel safe and confident to do so. If you witness harassment – speak out if you feel safe and confident to do so.
If you are asked to desist in a subject or action, please do so immediately, politely, and without argument. There's lots of other things to do or talk about, so why make someone else uncomfortable?
In all cases: report the incident to the con reception desk or a committee member as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. This may range from providing a safe place and a listening ear if desired, up to helping you contact the hotel or law enforcement (if that's what you'd like to do.)
Anyone found to be engaging in harassment may be sanctioned or expelled from the convention without refund.
Costumes and Weapons Policy
We love costumes at ArmadaCon and are very much looking forward to seeing all your amazing cosplay! To keep things fun and safe for everyone:
- NO REAL WEAPONS may be carried or worn. Full stop.
- No weapons, whether replica or imitation, should be carried or brandished, especially outside of convention-only spaces. A visit from police officers with very real firearms spoils everyone’s day.
- Any replica or imitation weapon should be very obviously an imitation. This means foam or light wood prop weapons, permanent orange muzzle-capped toy guns, bows that are unstrung. No projectile weapons allowed, and that includes NERF darts.
- If it could be construed by anybody as possibly a real weapon, then it's not allowed.
- The Committee reserves the right to request the removal of any item they feel is not complying with the above and remove from the convention any attendee consistently ignoring this policy.
Courtesy
ArmadaCon expects all our members to be polite, respectful and considerate to each other. This includes but is not limited to:
- Phones and other electronic devices should be silenced or turned off while in the panels and video rooms.
- Respect the guest speakers and presenters in the main convention rooms. No interrupting or holding private conversations whilst the session is in progress – the public areas, bar and lobby are available for chatting. Parents with children who become fidgety or noisy, please take them outside the main room until they’re settled - we don’t want to spoil the convention for you, but be mindful that other attendees may not be able to hear the panel.
- Attendees wearing hats or tall costumes should remove them when sitting in a panel, or sit at the back so the view of other attendees is not blocked.
- Attendees outside the main hall should keep their voices at a reasonable level so as not to disturb the programme. When the main hall doors have been closed due to hallway noise, attendees are asked to open and close the doors quietly.
- Attendees are asked to respect other attendees by not disrupting or intruding in their private conversations, videotaping/photography sessions, podcasting/recording sessions, or other activities.
Hygiene and disease mitigation
Although lockdowns are thankfully behind us, viruses like Covid-19 are still an issue. Nobody wants “con-crud” as an unwelcome souvenir, and several of our attendees are immuno-vulnerable. Please consider not attending if you feel unwell, and we strongly encourage good hygiene practices like using hand sanitisers and covering your mouth when coughing/sneezing.
Being a small convention, we are very adaptable; so please let us know if there is something we can do to help, and we will do our best to arrange it.
