Attendee Code of Conduct & Terms of Service

Introduction

The primary goal of Western Michigan Anthropomorphic Events, Inc. (doing business as Michigan Anthro Weekend) is to create a welcoming experience for all members of the furry fandom. As such, every attending member of Michigan Anthro Weekend (MAW) agrees to abide by this code of conduct as a condition of attending the event. Members agree to abide by this code of conduct at all venues contracted by WMAE, Inc. including all contracted hotels during the duration of the convention, including before and after the event.

MAW staff reserves the right to deny or revoke the membership of any individual at any time for any reason. The removal or denial of membership status and convention access may be enacted if that member's actions or behavior is found to be disruptive to the safety or enjoyment of other attendees, inhibits or interferes with convention operations, causes reputational damage to the event and its membership, or interferes with the staff of the hotel or convention. Additionally if MAW feels that a person intends to attend our event solely for the purpose of disrupting the convention, disparaging its membership or otherwise interfering with the operations of the convention we reserve the right to refuse membership.

Upon accepting membership to any event operated by WMAE, Inc., the member agrees to hold harmless Western Michigan Anthropomorphic Events, Inc., its board of directors and staff from any legal action resulting from personal injury, negligence, property damage or property loss due to actions of individuals within the event or otherwise, including members of MAW staff.

Michigan Anthro Weekend reserves the right to alter this code of conduct at any point.

Membership

Membership of the convention may be purchased either online during the pre-registration period, or in person at the registration office upon arrival to the convention space. A valid government-issued photo identification is required to gain membership to the convention. Every attendee will receive a membership badge (con badge). This badge is to be kept with the attendee during the duration of the convention and must remain visible at all times while in convention space. Anyone who is not able to present a con badge to staff when asked may be denied entrance to convention space until they can return with a valid con badge. Badges are property of MAW during the duration of the event and must be surrendered to staff and/or con safety upon request.

Michigan Anthro Weekend reserves the right to deny membership to anyone based on our own discretion. All members of MAW must be at least 18 years of age by the first day of the convention. Minors (any individual ages 17 and under) may not purchase a membership badge to MAW or attend any other events operated by WMAE, Inc. We cannot be held accountable for minors who gain access to the convention through forgery or any other means. Any attendee found to have gained access through forgery or falsified documents will have their membership revoked, banned from attending future conventions, and will be referred to law enforcement. Any attendee found to have forged a false con badge or borrowing another attendees badge will face similar consequences.

All convention memberships are typically only valid for the convention year purchased. Exceptions to this rule can be made at the decision of the director of registration.

Appealing a ban or revoked membership may only be done in writing to the board of directors in advance of the convention at the following address:

Western Michigan Anthropomorphic Events, Inc.
2886 12 Mile Road
Unit 1292
Berkley, MI 48072
United States

Convention Space Rating

All public areas within the con space have a PG13 rating. When in the con space, proper attire (shirts, shoes, pants) is required unless the guest is using the pool. Under no circumstances should a member wear any attire used for blatant fetish/sexual purposes in the con space. Any attendee concerned about if their outfit is allowed or not should ask a member of the safety team (located in the convention operations office) where they will receive a decision based on this code of conduct.

Any member discovered wearing clothing that is inappropriate or disruptive to the atmosphere of the convention, its members, or the venue may be asked to re-attire themselves prior to returning to the convention area or may lose convention membership.

While we encourage the presence of fursuits and other costumes, the law of the State of Michigan prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone who cannot be identified. This will pertain to any alcohol purchased at the hotel bar as well as alcohol served during any convention events. Masks must be removed during any alcohol-related transactions.

Public displays of affection must be limited to friendly contact. Overly sexual public behavior will not be allowed.

Attendee Conduct

While in the convention space and at all con events, attendees are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Any members who become disruptive to the event and/or its attendees may face revocation of membership. In addition, any member found performing any illegal actions that violate state and federal laws will have their con badge revoked and be referred to law enforcement.

Some prohibited conduct examples include, but are not limited to the following:

• Fighting, threatening or using abusive language towards attendees or staff
• Vandalizing or otherwise damaging the hotel and/or convention space
• Throwing or using projectiles in the con space, including Nerf guns and silly string
• Littering and failing to properly dispose of trash in the con space
• Sleeping in the convention space, hotel lobby space, and other non-guest room areas of the property
• Being overly loud in the con space or hotel room hallways during quiet hours. This includes the use of loud speakers or boom boxes
• Blocking and/or otherwise congregating in front of hotel corridors, exits, or guest elevators
• Ignoring directions of convention staff or safety/crowd control
• Impersonating hotel or convention staff
• Accessing hotel or con staff-only areas, or any other off-limits areas of the convention space, including backstage of main events or service corridors

All attendees are encouraged to keep an eye on their personal belongings and not leave them in the con space unattended. MAW and its staff are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Lost items found by attendees or staff will be turned in to Lost & Found which is located in the operations office.

Harassment Policy

MAW is dedicated to providing a harassment-free environment for all attendees. Harassment is not tolerated towards any attendees, volunteers, staff or guests of the convention. If you feel you are being harassed at the convention, we ask that you do one or more of the following:

• Find the nearest staff member and explain your situation to them
• Flag down a member of con safety/security (wearing a bright colored vest) and have them take you somewhere safe
• Make your way to the convention operations office (where safety is also stationed) and explain the incident to them so they can handle it

All harassment reports are taken very seriously by staff and will be investigated to the full extent. Steps taken may or may not be shared with the reporting party, but will be logged in staff internal records. Convention safety is primarily responsible for attendee safety. Questions regarding safety or application of this code of conduct should be directed to safety staff. Concerns or complaints about staff conduct should be brought to the attention of the MAW board of directors.

Weapons Policy

No functioning or realistic weaponry is allowed at MAW or in the convention space. Any individual found to be carrying a weapon in the con space will be ejected and referred to law enforcement, regardless if the attendee has a legally issued carry permit. Weapon replicas as part of a costume are allowed only if they are non-functional and approved by con safety (located in the ops office) beforehand. All approved weapons will be tagged to show staff and attendees they have been approved for use in con space.

Alcohol Policy

Michigan Anthro Weekend takes place at a non-smoking hotel. The hotel asks that those who smoke do it outside & at least 50 feet from any hotel entrance. This policy also applies to e-cigarettes and vapes. The sale and/or purchase of any controlled substance is forbidden at MAW and its venue. All attendees who use controlled substances must have a prescription or proper permit. The possession and use of any controlled substance which is legal in the State of Michigan must be done in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, Kent County, city of Grand Rapids, and the rules/policies of MAW’s venue or partner hotel. Any attendee found to be buying, selling or using illegal substances will have their con badge revoked and reported to law and drug enforcement.

Technology & Network Communication Policy

Any attendee caught tampering with MAW computer hardware or attempting to interfere with any wireless communication, including WiFi, cellular networks or staff radio networks will have their convention badge revoked and banned from future events. The attendee(s) involved will have their actions reported to authorities if necessary.

Michigan Anthro Weekend and its venue utilizes video surveillance systems in order to provide a safe experience for our attendees. Any member found tampering with convention-owned or hotel surveillance cameras will be referred to law enforcement.

Media & Press Policy

Photography and video recording by attendees for personal use is generally allowed in MAW con space. Attendees should be courteous when filming or photographing others, and always ask permission first before taking a photo or video of a fursuiter or cosplayer.

All journalists, press photographers and any other members of the press are required to display a MAW press badge and be accompanied by a MAW senior staff member in the con space at all times. Members of the press who do not have a press pass may not conduct interviews or take photos and videos in the con space, and may be subject to removal from the premises. Press passes can be obtained up to 6 weeks prior to the convention by emailing the convention directly. Media members seen without a press pass or being escorted by MAW staff should be immediately reported to convention operations and/or safety.

Michigan Anthro Weekend makes no implied license for the use of our trade name or any and all logos in any media without the express written consent of Western Michigan Anthropomorphic Events, Inc. Members agree to remove from circulation any images or recordings that, in the sole opinion of WMAE, Inc. misrepresents or defames its service mark.