Policies and Code of Conduct
AnchorCon’s mission is to create a fun, safe, welcoming, awesome event where fans of all kinds can come together and celebrate. We want you to not only have the most amazing weekend ever, but to experience it in an environment where you are safe and accepted. As fans ourselves, we understand the importance of creating a safe space for everyone who attends AC.
REMEMBER: When in doubt, ASK!
Code of Conduct
AnchorCon has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment of any kind, including but not limited to:
• stalking
• intimidation
• offensive verbal comments
• physical assault and/or battery
• harassing or non-consensual photography or recording
• sustained disruption of Panels, signings, and other events
• bathroom policing
• inappropriate physical contact
• unwelcome physical attention
• hate symbols
Hate symbols are not permitted at AnchorCon, including as part of cosplay, and AC will not allow costumes that contain hate symbols or appropriate the symbolism of hate groups, including, but not limited to, historical/comic-related/satirical costumes that are associated with Nazis. Whether a behavior or a costume violates this policy shall be determined by AC in its sole discretion. Hate symbols may include but are not limited to referencing:
• race
• color
• national origin
• gender
• gender identity
• gender presentation
• sexual orientation
• age
• body size
• disability
• appearance
• religion
• citizenship
• pregnancy
If a person engages in harassing behavior, AC Staff will take prompt action in any form they deem appropriate, including expulsion from AC with no refund. Our policy applies to EVERYONE at the convention. Exhibitors, fans (attendees), speakers, guests, professionals, press, staff, crew, and security are all subject to our Anti-Harassment Policy.
Anyone can report harassment. If someone’s behavior has made you uncomfortable, or if you witness the same happening to someone else, you should immediately contact AC Staff, Security Team, or a Crew member.
If necessary, we will contact local law enforcement, provide escort, offer a safe place or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to make sure they feel safe for the rest of AC.
Keep your hands to yourself. If you would like to take a picture with or of another AC fan, always ask first and respect that person's right to say no. When at AC, be respectful, be nice, be cool and be kind to each other.
AnchorCon’s mission is to create a fun, safe, welcoming, awesome event where fans of all kinds can come together and celebrate. We want you to not only have the most amazing weekend ever, but to experience it in an environment where you are safe and accepted. As fans ourselves, we understand the importance of creating a safe space for everyone who attends AC.
Cosplay Policy
All costumes and cosplays must be public convention appropriate. All cosplays MUST cover body areas covered by regular age-appropriate swimwear attire. Genitals and upper torso of all expressions of gender must be covered. Costumes are expected to be PG in nature. AnchorCon reserves the right to deem a costume as unacceptable and request the wearer make modifications as necessary, change out of the costume entirely into more appropriate clothing. Management reserves the right to refuse entry for any over-sexualized imagery or portrayal of characters. AnchorCon is a family-friendly event, and any material/cosplay/presentation of the two that is not considered safely suitable for minors will not be permitted.
Costumes that may be confused with LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OR OTHER EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL UNIFORMS are not permitted. AnchorCon has the absolute right and sole discretion to determine whether a uniform costume is permitted or too close to a real world uniform and to ask an attendee who is wearing a costume that is too close to a real world uniform to adjust it or remove it.
Weapons Policy
We want every attendee to have a good experience at AnchorCon. Your safety and security is our top concern.
Anyone entering the building with a mask on may be asked to remove it upon entry. You may put it back on once you pass the prop check point. All attendees are required to pass through security upon entry and re-entry to AnchorCon. All bags are subject to safety check. Anyone not consenting to a search at the request of a security officer will be asked to leave without refund. Any items found to be prohibited will not be allowed into the AnchorCon venue. Attendees may either return the item to their vehicle and then reenter the security line or the prohibited item may be given to AnchorCon security to be tagged and stored until the close of AnchorCon for the day. Attendees MUST present the tag in order to have the item returned.
On all issues pertaining to the safety and security of AnchorCon, AnchorCon security personnel have the final say. Anyone arguing with security will be removed from AnchorCon. Their ticket fee will not be returned.
AnchorCon has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for GUNS and for REAL and/or REALISTIC weapons of any kind. No weapons are allowed, period. "Cartoon weapons" are considered props. Lightsabers and Phasers are ok. Airsoft and BB guns are not. Any prop or weapon MUST follow convention rules and MUST follow all state and local laws. Cosplay/prop weapons MAY NOT be constructed of metal. Wood and PVC are permitted. All weapons that resemble ANY type of gun MUST be checked and tagged by AnchorCon security upon entering the convention. Per NYS law, prop guns MUST have a completely visible orange marker on the tip of the muzzle (paint, tape, ziptie etc.). BLADED weapons must be dull-edged and checked by security. ALL weapons at AnchorCon will be tagged with an orange marker. AnchorCon reserves the right to refuse entry of ANY prop weapons of ANY material if they are deemed potentially harmful.
Projectile costume weapons must be rendered inoperable. Functional (real) arrows must have their tips removed and be bundled and zip tied to a quiver. Functional projectile weapons (think Nerf and Airsoft guns) must be disabled and unloaded.
Solid props such as staves which are weighty enough to bludgeon someone with a moderate force swing will not be allowed.
Aiming, brandishing, pointing, etc, any and all weapons at other attendees is not acceptable. You may mean it in fun, but your fun isn’t worth the alarm you will cause everyone else. In the event of severe infractions, attendees may be asked to leave.