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Equal Opportunity Geeks is dedicated to providing a harassment-free convention experience for everyone (regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion). We are committed to taking all steps within our power to create a space in which people feel safe and free from harassment. As such, we expect everyone who attends our convention, whether as a guest, panelist, artist or vendor, to read and agree to this code of conduct.
We do not tolerate harassment of convention participants in any form. Convention participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the convention (without a refund) at the discretion of the convention organizers.
We believe in creating a space that is pro-consent. This means a space where people feel comfortable asking about others' boundaries, and being able to express their own. Consent is not only about potential sexual situations, but also includes minor things, like “Can I sit with you?”, “Would you like to chat?” or “Do you mind if I take your photo?”
The culture of Cosplay is one of fun, creativity, and mutual respect. Unfortunately, not every fan adheres to the "respect" part. Cosplay is NOT Consent - and cosplayers who dress in (sometimes) revealing costumes should not have to accept inappropriate behavior from anyone. Speak out; speak up; and help keep cosplay comfortable and fun!
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
*Verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination [related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion
*Overtly Sexual images in public spaces
*Intimidation, stalking, or following
*Harassing photography or recording
*Sustained disruption of talks or other events
*Inappropriate and/or unwelcome physical contact
*Unwelcome sexual attention
*Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior
Any actions that make you feel uncomfortable should be considered a form of harassment and can be reported. Even if you think ‘they didn’t mean it’ or ‘it was an accident’ if something occurs that you are not okay with, please feel free to bring it up with us, and we will discuss with you the best way to handle the situation.
If at any time during the convention you feel unsafe, threatened, harassed, or are just uncomfortable about something that is occurring, please contact a member of the committee (easily identified by their badges). We are available to be a sounding board for the issue, and if appropriate we will take further action. If you feel a committee member is behaving inappropriately you can report this to Cherie Alberski (Equal Opportunity Geeks President) or Chris Spink (Equal Opportunity Geeks Vice President)
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
If a participant engages in harassing behavior, event staff retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the convention (with no refund).
Event staff may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants.
We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related activities. We think people should follow these rules outside event activities too!
If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible. Convention staff can be identified by special badges. Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone. We want you to be happy at our event. People like you make our event a better place.
You can make a report by:
Email our Convention Staff, eogeeks@gmail.com
Contacting a staff member, identified by STAFF badges.
When taking a report, our staff will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other event staff to ensure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we'll ask you to tell us about what happened. This can be upsetting, but we'll handle it as respectfully as possible, and you can bring someone to support you. You won't be asked to confront anyone and we won't tell anyone who you are.
Our team will be happy to help you contact local law enforcement, local support services, provide escorts, or otherwise assist you to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.
Convention Staff Email: eogeeks@gmail.com
Convention Staff Phone: (315)534-8901
Law and/or Medical Emergency: 9-1-1
YWCA of Mohawk Valley Rape Crisis & Domestic Violence:(315) 732-2159
Local Taxi Companies:
CNY Cab and Car Service: (315) 922-7330
Ace Taxi Service: (315) 735-5055
Uber
Lyft
If a convention attendee engages in behavior deemed inappropriate, the Committee may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender, expelling them from the convention or even banning them from future events.
All reports of harassment or inappropriate behavior will be treated in confidence, and actions will only take place after consultation with the complainant.
Equal Opportunity GeekCon is a family friendly convention. Children are welcome in all convention spaces [unless otherwise specified]. All material displayed at the convention will be family friendly unless otherwise marked. Breastfeeding is acceptable in any area of the con, as it is in all public spaces, and any objections to this will be treated as per our harassment policy above. Quiet areas will be available for those breastfeeding that wish to use them, but they should feel free to feed their child where they are most comfortable.
All children at the convention are the responsibility of the adults that they are attending with, and are expected to remain in the presence of at least one of those adults at all times. Children over 14 may be unaccompanied, however we will be holding them to the same standards of conduct as our adult guests, and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Any guests aged under 18 attending without an adult present will be asked to provide us with the details of an emergency contact.
Our panelists have put a lot of time and energy into preparing discussions for your enjoyment and education, so please help to make it as positive an experience as possible.
We believe that the best way to facilitate conversation between panelists and the audience is through structured questions and answers. If you wish to ask the panelists a question, please raise your hand, and the moderator will call upon you when appropriate. Anyone refusing to comply with this process may be asked to leave by the moderator.
If you arrive late or wish to leave early for a panel, please do so as quietly as possible. Similarly, please make sure all devices are switched to silent. Tweeting, taking notes, or working on crafts are all acceptable in panels as long as they are not disruptive to other audience guests or panelists.
If you wish to take photographs or recordings of individuals or small groups (fewer than 6 people), please make sure you ask for their permission first. Please be aware that by attending the convention you may end up in photos people take of the space, or in the backgrounds of other people’s photos.
If you wish to record a panel or event please get permission of the participants before the event. People using recording equipment must not obstruct other people’s views or thoroughfares. The Committee reserves the right to disallow filming or sound recording for any reason.
Please be aware that your purchase of a pass authorizes and permits Equal Opportunity Geeks and its designees which include but are not limited to all sponsors, exhibitors and contractors to use and authorize the use of his/her name, voice, likeness and all reproductions thereof by any means and in all media now and hereafter know for all purposes worldwide in perpetuity
Equal Opportunity GeekCon does not have an official dress code, though we ask that you remember that this is a family friendly event, and that all costumes and outfits are expected to comply with this.
If you will be wearing a costume either during the convention or at any associate event, please remember that costumes must not be made or trimmed with any messy substances as these can damage other participants’ costumes. You may not use anything wet, oily, or dusty such as wet paint, powder or unfixed sparkle. The same goes for poorly-set or sticky coloring and sharp, pointy or rough finishes that may become snagged.
Footwear must be worn at all times for insurance purposes.
We understand that cosplay is a HUGE part of making our Con fun, so we want to make sure that everyone has a fun and safe time at the Con. Please read this policy and follow the rules! If you violate this policy, you could be asked to leave Equal Opportunity GeekCon without a refund.
Any weapon that could seriously hurt somebody is not allowed. Specifically, but not limited to:
*Functional firearms – that includes paintball, airsoft, bb guns, cap guns, any gun that shoots a real projectile or causes a real explosion.
*Realistic firearms – any gun that could be confused for a real gun.
*Prop weapons made of a hard material such as metal or glass
*Functional projectile weapons – any weapon (crossbow, slingshot, etc) that discharges a projectile
*Metal-bladed weapons
*Whips
*Explosives
*Blunt weapons
*Loud props such as whistles, horns, etc.
Prop weapons are allowed at Equal Opportunity Geek Con, as long as they meet the following criteria:
*That they are composed of cardboard, foam, something light.
*Prop firearms are allowed only if they cannot be mistaken for real weapons.
*The barrel of all prop firearms must be covered with brightly-colored caps.
*Prop bows will be allowed providing all arrows have soft tips and will not be shot.
Prop weapons will be allowed into Equal Opportunity GeekCon at the discretion of Equal Opportunity GeekCon staff. Safety is paramount, we will always err on the side of caution. There will be no place to store prohibited weapons on-site. If you have a weapon that is prohibited, you will be escorted from the building and not allowed back in with the weapon.
Please use common sense! We are trying to create a safe space for everyone. Some weapons, due to their nature, will require “peace tying/bonding” in order to be allowed on site. We utilize zip ties to mark items as ‘safe’ and inspected. Once we have tagged your item, you are not permitted to remove it.
Please Note: New York State weapon and firearms laws are in effect and no firearms will be allowed in the convention proper.
If you threaten or strike someone with a replica weapon without their express consent, you will be asked to remove the item from the premises. Not doing so when asked is grounds for removal from the convention (without refund). Please remember that you will be expected to carry your items with you all day and think about what is really necessary to your vision.
No animals will be allowed in the venue other than guide dogs, service dogs, and hearing dogs. A service dog is a dog that has been, or is being, trained to work or perform tasks for a person with a disability (including psychiatric disabilities). A guide dog is a dog that has been, or is being, trained to assist a person who is blind, and a hearing dog is a dog that is being or has been trained to assist a person with a hearing impairment. (Note: this does not include “emotional support animals”.) We may ask you if your dog is a service animal, if it’s not clear. However, you will not be required to present a license, document, or other proof that your dog is a service animal.
Guests are responsible for any damage that they cause to any property of either the venue, Equal Opportunity Geeks. Please ensure you treat the venue with the proper care and respect, and don’t touch anything that doesn’t belong to you. And while we adore googly eyes, please refrain from vandal "eyesing" other people’s property!
While both the convention and the venue will exercise all due care and responsibility to ensure the safety of participants and their property, no liability will be accepted for loss or damage of items or personal effects brought onto the convention site.
Equal Opportunity Geeks does not serve alcohol and we ask that you do not bring alcohol onto the premises. Anyone caught with alcohol will be asked to remove it from the convention center. Possession of alcoholic beverages by anyone under 21 years of age is grounds for expulsion from the convention without refund.
The convention site is a non-smoking venue, and guests must abide by the terms and conditions set out by the venue, and any other legally governed restrictions. Guests in breach may be ejected by the operator or the Committee at their discretion. No smoking includes traditional cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or E-cigarettes and any vaping product or device. You are welcome to step outside the Parish to smoke in designated smoking areas only, but please be considerate of others when you do.