Code of Conduct

BakkenCon attendees are expected to use commonsense and respect personal property, public interactions, common courtesy, and private property. Harassing or offensive behavior will not be tolerated, and BakkenCon reserves the right to revoke, without refund, the attendee's badge not in compliance with this policy.

If you find yourself in a situation where you feel your safety is at risk or if you become aware of an attendee not in compliance with this policy, find a member of Bakkencon staff or a member of security so that the matter can be resolved expeditiously.

No Handouts

No other than vendors shall hand out flyers, stickers, cards, or any other promotional items at the event unless they have obtained permission from the event organizers.

Do Not Block Aisles

No bicycles, scooters, segways, or hoverboards. No sitting in the Exhibit Hall aisles. We will have areas to sit and relax if someone needs to rest. Be courteous to vendors and attendees alike.

No Live Streaming /Recording Programs or Events

- This includes panels, gaming, or cosplay contests.

- Only those permitted by BakkenCon shall record videos of Panels/Events/Gaming during the convention.

No paging friends to meet up: Please know there will be no personal pages over the PA system. Set a time and place to meet with family and friends. Communicate with them via text or phone when necessary.

Prohibited Items

No outside food or drinks are allowed at BakkenCon. Bag searches may be performed at various entry points. Wanding/Metal Detectors may be used at some locations as well. Leave your drones, helium balloons, helium-filled products, fireworks, handcarts, trolleys, rolling luggage, and pets (excluding service animals) at home. No function props or weapons are allowed. Only active on-duty police officers may carry firearms within the Raymond Center. All other persons are prohibited regardless of license or status.

Keep in mind that recording footage of panels is prohibited. This includes recording devices (digital, analog, or otherwise) such as Google Glass, Snapchat Specs, or any wearable cameras.

Cosplay

Whether you've designed your own costume or bought it from a store, we want our attendees to express their love of their favorite characters.

However, it's important for us to prioritze everyone's comfort and safety during our event. We kindly request all attendees to please follow these guildelines. Thank you!

Behavior

BakkenCon wants every Cosplayer to have an amazing time at our family-friendly event. These guildelines are very important to us in trying to make sure everyone is safe and no issues occur. Any violation of thse guidelines will result in you being asked to leave the event, with no refunds issued:

Cosplay IS NOT Consent. ALWAYS ask before taking a photograph of a cosplayer. No touching of anyone, or any of their property or costume without permission.
We know attendees love to have photos taken with cosplayers and we love to see photos taken at our event, but please be considerate about where you take the photos: Do Not block doorways, walking areas, vendors booths, stairways, etc.
Act responsibly with your props. If you are found acting inappropriately with a prop, whether its yours or someone elses, you will be asked to leave the event. No refunds.

Indecency

Many members of the general public could find weapons offensive. When traveling to and from the venue or simply relaxing outside, be mindful that not everyone knows about cosplay, and that realistic props could cause worry or concern for the public's safety. Please keep ALL props covered and stowed away when not at the venue.

When deciding on a costume for your cosplay, please consider the "Social Media" test - If you were photographed and the image went viral, would the general public be offended by it? If the answer is yes, then do not bring that costume to the event. If your cosplay is deemed offensive to the causal observer, it will not be allowed inside the event. This also applies to any racist costume. Any violation will result in you being removed from the event and no refund issued.

This also applies to offensive behavior once inside the vent. This includes but is not limited to:

Touching other attendees without consent.
Aggressive behavior toward other attendees
Inappropriate gestures and poses
Inappropriate comments
Excessive swearing

We have a ZERO TOLERANCE for nudity. This is a family-friendly event. Children of all ages will be in attendance, so dress accordingly. Costumes must be no smaller than standard swimwear. Butt cheeks must be completely covered. If your cosplay is revealing, please make sure vital parts are covered at all times and consider using tape to keep your costume secure. Costumes that give off the illusion of nudity are not permitted.

Violence

Violence of any kind will not be tolerated. Aggressive behavior, theats of violence, or intimidation toward any attendees, crew members, or talent will result in immediate removal from the event. This includes simulated violence/staged fights both with and without props.

A fully choreographed scene as part of a cosplay performance shall be permitted with pre approval of the cosplay contest moderators, given there is enough stage room.

Weapons and Props

BakkenCon understands that weapons and props are an integral part of your cosplay, but we ask that you meet our requirements when it comes to props as we want to ensure a safe convention for everyone.

Allowed

Non Realistic Weapons
Replica firearms with red/orange tip. Tip must be visible from a distance
Blunt metal weapons in sheath
Unstrung bows
Coiled and secured whips
Plastic/wooden/foam weapons
Shields with no sharp edges
Prop longer than 6ft must be accompanied by an experienced spotter

Not Allowed

Real Firearms
Realistic Firearms without plastic tip
Props or Weapons with sharp edges
Bokken that aren't in sheath
Functional Bows or crossbows
Darts
Slingshots
Unsecured Whips
Pyrotechnics/explosives (including glitter and smokebombs)
Sharp Arrows
Shields with Pointed/Sharp Edges