FUR-EH! – CODE OF CONDUCT

ARTICLE 1 – APPLICATION

1.1 Upon receiving or purchasing a membership to attend Fur-Eh! (the “Attendees”), you agree to be bound to this Code of Conduct. The provisions of this Code of Conduct applies to all Attendees, including, but not limited to, members, staff, volunteers, dealers, vendors, and exhibitors.

ARTICLE 2 – MEMBERSHIP & ADMISSION

2.1 A membership at Fur-Eh! includes a conditional pass to convention events (the “Badge”, which consists of either a Regular Badge or a Minor Badge, as defined in Section 2.3). The Badge remains the property of Fur-Eh! until the end of the convention and may be revoked by Fur-Eh! at any time. Once the convention has ended, the Badge becomes the property of the Attendee, but will be of no further use and effect for any subsequent conventions.
2.2 Prior to the end of the convention, the Badge shall not be altered or defaced as it contains information pertinent to access events and must remain easily readable to all convention staff and volunteers. The Badge must be presented when entering any convention sanctioned panels or events. Any alterations to the Badge will result in revocation of the Badge and membership. Access to panels and events will not be permitted to Attendees without a Badge.
2.3 At the start of the convention, all Attendees that are at least eighteen (18) years old as of the date of the convention will be issued a regular badge (the “Regular Badge”). Any Attendees that do not provide satisfactory proof of being at least eighteen (18) years old will be issued a minor badge (the “Minor Badge”). A Regular Badge permits access to all panels and events, except for events where a separate additional admission is required. Photo ID may be requested by a staff member or volunteer of Fur-Eh! to confirm the possession of a Regular Badge before entry is permitted to any panel or event that has a minimum age requirement.

ARTICLE 3 – NON-TRANSFERABLE

3.1 Subject to Article 4, any member found to be sharing a Badge will have their membership immediately revoked or suspended as determined by executive event staff. No access to any convention spaces will be permitted to revoked or suspended members. No refunds, exchanges, or transfers of the event membership will be permitted for revoked or suspended memberships.

ARTICLE 4 – NO REFUNDS

4.1 In the event that you are unable to attend the event, please be advised that we do not offer refunds. However, at the discretion of executive event staff, each instance may be reviewed to explore alternatives. One such alternative may include allowing you to transfer your registration value to another attendee, or offering a credit that can be applied to the following year’s convention.

ARTICLE 5 – INADMISSIBLE ATTENDEES

5.1 As Fur-Eh! is a privately run event, Fur-Eh! reserves the right to revoke or refuse admittance at any time without notice. Individuals that (i) have been convicted of crimes of either a violent nature or a sexual nature or (ii) may put other Attendees at risk of harm of any nature, as determined in the sole discretion of Fur-Eh! executive staff, will be inadmissible. Fur-Eh! executive staff and the convention hotel management will involve local law enforcement if required to remove such inadmissible Attendees from the convention. 

ARTICLE 6 – MINORS

6.1 Fur-Eh! strives to provide events and activities for all ages, however some events may be intended for a mature audience (at least eighteen (18) years old). Such events will be clearly noted on the schedule and at the door. Access to these panels or events will be monitored by staff or volunteers who will ensure the age of Attendees is at least eighteen (18) years old. An Attendee with a Minor Badge will not be permitted to attend or participate in any panel or event designated as “18+”, even if accompanied by a guardian with a Regular Badge. Fur-Eh! will not provide guardianship, daycare, or supervision for any minors at any time. 
6.2 Minors under the age of sixteen (16) years old at the start of the convention must be accompanied by an adult guardian. The minor’s guardian will have a Regular Badge that is linked to the minor. The conditions for guardianship-modified attendance are as follows:
(a) The adult guardian registers a membership at a regular rate online in advance or on site at our registration desk.
(b) Upon arrival on site, during badge pickup, a membership and badge is issued to the minor(s) at no additional cost. There is a limit of two (2) complimentary Minor Badges for each paid Regular Badge. If you would like the Minor Badge to include the same benefits as our premium registration levels (dining experience tickets, t-shirt, etc.), you must register each child for the premium badge registration as you would an adult. Linking of your badges will be done on site at time of badge pick up.
(c) The Regular Badge held by the guardian and the Minor Badge are linked with a reference to each other.
(d) The minor must always be accompanied by the guardian to access convention panels and events that do not have a minimum age requirement.
6.3 Minors aged sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) years old on the first day of the convention may attend the convention without an adult guardian, subject to the below conditions (“Minor-Modified Attendance”). The adult guardian is to provide identification and sign a copy of this document at registration on behalf of the Attendee. Contact information for the guardian must also be provided in case of emergency. Copies of the provided ID will be destroyed within thirty (30) days of the end of the event. The conditions for Minor-Modified Attendance are as follows:
(a) The minor attends the registration desk with an adult guardian for the purpose of confirming adult guardian approval for the minor to attend the convention alone, or alternatively, if the adult guardian is not able to attend the registration desk, the minor shall provide an originally signed consent form notarized by a notary public in Alberta.
(b) The minor registers a membership at a regular rate online in advance or on site at our registration desk.
(c) The minor shall not access any panel or event that has a minimum age requirement of eighteen (18) years of age.
(d) The minor must not possess or attempt to purchase any alcoholic beverages while on site.
6.4 Attendees that are seventeen (17) years old at the start of the convention, with a birth date that occurs during the convention, will be issued a Minors Badge upon registration. On or after their birthday they may come to Fur-Eh! operations or registration to exchange their Minor Badge for a Regular Badge.

ARTICLE 7 – PUBLIC SPACES and private spaces

7.1 “Public Space” is any space that is visible to the General Public (as later defined). 7.2 “General Public” includes, but is not limited to, hotel staff, third party contractors hired by the hotel, and other hotel guests. Attendees are to behave in accordance with an all age’s audience. Attendees are required to obey all local bylaws, as well as provincial and federal laws and regulations.
7.3 Provocative displays or behaviours are prohibited, and shall include but are not limited to: 
(a) Provocative signage or illustrations;
(b) Provocative actions or activities;
(c) Discriminatory speech (including, but not limited to, anything considered discriminatory towards protected classes pursuant to the Alberta Human Rights Act);
(d) Menacing behaviour;
(e) Violent behaviour; or
(f) Anything considered generally disturbing.
  7.4 Do not block halls and doorways. In accordance with national, provincial and municipal indoor special event fire codes and standards, if you are blocking or impeding foot-traffic, you will be asked to step to the side or make, and keep, a space for travel. People with mobility limitations should be given first priority access to the elevator. Second priority should be given to fursuit performers and their handlers. Ensure you are mindful of the General Public and be considerate of their personal space.
7.5 Attendees must keep music to a reduced volume while in Public Spaces.
Consideration shall be given to Attendees with hearing difficulties and sensitivities, along with the General Public who may also be disturbed by loud sounds.
7.6 If a panel is not marked as eighteen (18) years of age or older, then it is assumed to be all ages, and the audience and panelists should behave in a respectful manner, appropriate to all ages.
7.7 If a panel is marked as eighteen (18) years of age or older, although the audience will consist of adults, the audience cannot be assumed to grant consent to provocative displays (see Section 7.2) unless the panel is clearly described as being inclusive of such behavior (i.e., adult-themed panels, writing panels involving discussions of provocative topics, etc.). If a panel is marked eighteen (18) years of age or older or is in any other way engaging a topic that may be personally distressing to an Attendee, then we ask the Attendee to consider the personal effect of the panel subject matter before attending or participating in the panel or event. Fur-Eh! will not be held accountable for the content presented and/or discussed during a panel having a minimum age requirement of eighteen (18) years of age. 
7.8 Activities conducted within with hotel property shall not disturb or endanger any property, other persons, or violate the law. 

ARTICLE 8 – GENERAL BEHAVIOUR

8.1 Fur-Eh! is a private event that utilizes a public venue. Participation in convention sanctioned events is restricted to Attendees, however, the General Public may be in close proximity when in any open space or Public Space. The General Public shall always be assumed to be an all age’s audience.
8.2 If any Fur-Eh! staff member believes, within reason, that you are posing a potential danger to yourself, other guests, or to property, you will be asked to cease immediately. If your behavior continues, your Badge will be revoked, and you will be asked to leave the hotel property.
8.3 Violation of the terms described herein may result in immediate suspension or revocation of your Fur-Eh! membership. A suspension or revocation of your membership means the Badge will be reclaimed by the Fur-Eh! staff, and your access into convention spaces and events is likewise immediately suspended or revoked.

ARTICLE 9 – Costumes, Fursuits, and Attire

9.1 Costumes, fursuits, accessories, and attire of all designs and materials, including, but not limited to, faux fur, latex, lycra, neoprene are welcome so long as they are constructed and displayed in a manner appropriate for the Public Spaces and convention spaces, provided however, under no circumstances will costumes impersonating a member of law enforcement (i.e. police officers, security guards, or military personnel, including but not limited to, any Nazi apparel) be permitted at the convention.
9.2 As Fur-Eh! is an all ages event, fetish wear or overt bondage or BDSM wear or activities must be suitably modest in Public Spaces as per Section 9.3. While items, including but not limited to, cuffs, collars, leashes, and harnesses may be considered fetish wear, they may be worn in conjunction with shirts and pants or their equivalent, in a modest manner as per Section 9.3 at all times. Zentai, rubber, and sexually suggestive attire are permitted after 9:00 PM and must still comply with Section 9.3. If you are unsure whether your attire is acceptable for any event, please consult a member of staff at any time so that the appropriate staff members can provide an assessment and guidance.
9.3 Anatomically correct costumes and fursuits must be appropriately clothed in Public Spaces and convention spaces. Private anatomy of the wearer that is visible through the costume or fursuit will not be permitted in Public Spaces and convention spaces. In such circumstances, you will be asked to wear an appropriate garment while in Public Spaces and convention spaces.
9.4 Leashes are not to be held by any other person except the performer at any time.
9.5 If any component of your costume or fursuit presents a risk of injury, or if an Attendee or a member of the General Public expresses legitimate concern, you will be asked to temporarily modify or amend your costume or fursuit for such spaces. If your costume or fursuit cannot be modified to satisfy such spaces, then the costume or fursuit will not be allowed in those spaces. If your costume or fursuit contains any substance that may be transferred to, or may cause harm to, other Attendees, the General Public, or hotel property, it may be deemed inappropriate by Fur-Eh! staff and not permitted while in the Public Spaces and convention spaces. If you have any questions about permissible costumes, fursuits or attire, please contact Fur-Eh! beforehand at general@fureh.ca.

ARTICLE 10 – Weapons

10.1 For the safety of other attending members and hotel guests, absolutely no weapons will be permitted in the hotel, hotel-owned spaces (i.e., parking lot), or general Fur-Eh! spaces, whether as part of a costume or not. This includes, but is not limited to, projectile and bladed weapons. For the comfort of other attending members and hotel guests, no replica weapons are permitted, whether as part of a costume or not. This includes, but is not limited to, projectile and bladed replicas or articles/items that could be mistaken for a real weapon (e.g. Airsoft guns, paintball guns, or disabled firearms).
10.2 Unmodified NERF-styled toys as part of a costume are permitted. Modified NERF-styled toys may be permitted only at Fur-Eh! staff discretion. Approved modified items will be indicated with a non-permanent security tag to be applied by staff.
10.3 To ensure safety of all persons and property no projectiles shall be thrown or launched. This includes, but is not limited to, water guns, silly string, or any other items which may damage property or cause harm to Attendees or the General Public.

ARTICLE 11 – Harassment, Consent, and Assault

11.1 Fur-Eh! is committed to ensuring an environment that is free from all forms of harassment, discrimination, conduct that can be considered coercive, or likely to create a hostile environment, including sexual harassment. Discrimination or harassment based on race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status, sexual orientation or other protected categories of the Alberta Human Rights Act is not allowed under any circumstances.
11.2 Harassment occurs when someone: 
(a) Threatens or intimidates someone because of their race, religion, sex, age, disability or any other of the grounds of discrimination;
(b) Attempts or engages in any sort of unwarranted physical contact, such as touching, patting, or pinching;
(c) Following an individual around a public area against their wishes; or
(d) Or threatening violence (physical, mental or emotional) against someone.
The above are not meant to be an exhaustive list, but are provided as examples of harassment.
  11.3 Harassment of any nature is not permitted at Fur-Eh! If an Attendee has demonstrated that they are actively engaging in the harassment of any Attendee, the Attendee accused of harassment will be removed from the event, their membership revoked, and they may be barred from future events, at the sole discretion of Fur-Eh! staff. This includes actions conducted prior to the event where it can be demonstrated that harassment has taken place.
11.4 At all times, “No” means no and “Stop” means stop. Consent is a voluntary, ongoing, active, and conscious agreement to engage in the activity in question. As an Attendee, you acknowledge that you have read and familiarized yourself with the Government of Alberta guidance on sexual violence prevention – sexual consent (https://www.alberta.ca/sexual-violence-prevention-sexual-consent.aspx). There is no consent when, including, but not limited to, the following circumstances:
(a) obtained through pressure, coercion, force, threats, or by inducing intoxication, impairment (alcohol, drugs, sleeping or unconscious), or incapacity (i.e. dementia);
(b) Silence or passivity;
(c) It is given by someone else;
(d) The person is unconscious, sleeping, or lacks the capacity to consent;
(e) It was obtained through the abuse of a position of power, trust, or authority;
(f) The person does not indicate “yes”, says “no”, or implies “no” through words or behaviours; or
(g) At any point the person changes their mind and withdraws their consent. 
11.5 If you have been turned away by someone, you are not to pursue them any further. Leave that person alone. If they change their mind about interaction, it is entirely up to them to re-engage you, and they cannot be coerced into re-engaging. It is the responsibility of all parties wanting to engage in an activity to obtain clear consent from the other, and to recognize that consent can be withdrawn at any time.
11.6 Harassment and/or assault complaints will be dealt with strictly and may result in the offender’s ejection from the event and hotel property without refund or recourse, in addition to the potential involvement of local law enforcement. If you feel you are being harassed or you have been assaulted, please report it immediately to a member of the Fur-Eh! event staff and hotel staff.
11.7 Costumes DO NOT equal consent to physical contact or harassing behavior. There is a person in there! Be respectful towards the performer and their handler.
11.8 Costumes DO NOT grant consent to a performer. Performing as a character does not absolve you of responsibility to adhere to convention policies.
11.9 Harassment of Fur-Eh! staff or volunteers will not be permitted at any time.
Any Attendee found to be harassing Fur-Eh! staff or volunteers may be removed from the convention and barred from any future events at the discretion of Fur-Eh! executive staff. 

ARTICLE 12 – MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

12.1 The use of drones inside of the hotel and convention spaces is strictly forbidden at all times. Drones may only be used outside of the hotel with express permission from the hotel staff or a senior member of the Fur-Eh! executive event staff. Any drone that is permitted to operate on hotel grounds must comply with the rules set forth by Transport Canada (http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/opssvs/flying-drone-safely-legally.html ). Laser pointers are permitted for instructional use during approved panels only. Laser pointers shall not be pointed at another person or used to provoke another individual in any fashion.
12.2 The hotel may be hosting other events at the same time as Fur-Eh! and the hotel, as a matter of business, must ensure the comfort of all their guests. At no time are Attendees allowed to interfere with any other events at the hotel. All interactions must be initiated only by the other event or guests. Do not involve yourself with any other event at the hotel unless invited to do so.
12.3 Do not ignore requests made by the Fur-Eh! staff and volunteers or hotel staff.
If you disagree with a request by the hotel staff, we ask that you please comply with the request and then contact a Fur-Eh! staff member for clarification. The Fur-Eh! liaison will meet with the hotel to understand the request and ensure the request was reasonable. If it is determined to be an unreasonable request Fur-Eh! will work with the hotel to rectify the situation.
12.4 As an Attendee, you are the guest of the hotel and must abide by the hotel’s rules and policies whenever you are on the hotel premises. The hotel reserves the right to reject any Attendee for any reason and if you are expelled from the hotel, you will immediately forfeit your event membership without refund or recourse. You shall be held responsible for any damage you cause to hotel property.
12.5 Sleeping is not permitted in the convention spaces and Public Spaces within the hotel. This includes the hallways, lobby, and public restrooms.
12.6 Use common courtesy and ask before photographing or video recording Attendees or costumes. Respect the Attendees wishes if they do not wish to be photographed or video recorded. Please note, some panels and areas of the convention space may have further special restrictions on photography or video recording.
12.7 Except for Section 12.8, photography or videography for the purpose of sale is expressly forbidden. No photography or videography is permitted in Headless Lounge, Dealers Den, or Art Show at any time.
12.8 Attendees agree to permit images or video gathered by Fur-Eh! staff and/or its volunteers in Public Spaces and some convention spaces, to be used, published and distributed as advertising or sales promotional literature concerning the event and Fur-Eh! Attendees hereby waive and release any claims or right Attendees may otherwise have arising out of such use, publication or distribution.
12.9 Private room parties within the hotel property shall not disturb any person (Attendees and General Public) and shall not cause damage to the hotel property. Hotel staff may contact you about your private room party if there is any complaint, allegation, or suspicion of wrongdoing. Fur-Eh! staff and/or volunteers are not responsible for monitoring room parties, as they are not part of the sanctioned convention events, and as such, the Attendees agree and acknowledge that Fur-Eh! shall not be responsible for anything that occurs within a private room party. This jurisdiction will fall to hotel staff, and as such, hotel staff will have final say “Hotel Rules”. At all times, Attendees shall comply with the Hotel Rules and be respectful towards the hotel staff.
12.10 Noise and foot traffic in and out of private rooms must be kept to an absolute minimum. All noise complaints will be handled by hotel staff. Multiple complaints may result in eviction from the venue. If at any time the hotel requires your social gathering to disperse it shall be done so immediately and without disturbance. Failure to comply may result in eviction from the venue and suspension of your convention membership, without expectation of reimbursement or compensation for the cost of the Fur-Eh! Membership or hotel costs.
12.11 It is the responsibility of anyone hosting a private room party to ensure that all persons attending are of legal drinking age in Alberta, being eighteen (18) years of age, if alcohol is being served. Federal, Provincial, and Municipal laws and regulations apply to the sale, transport, and consumption of alcohol and mind-altering substances. Anyone found in violation of these laws and regulations will face immediate revocation of their Fur-Eh! membership, may also face ejection from the venue without refund, and/or referral to the local authorities.
12.12 Alcohol that is purchased from the hotel at designated outlets operated by the venue may only be consumed within the venue including all convention spaces unless otherwise noted. This policy does not apply to alcohol purchase from outside the venue, which is not permitted to be transported into, or consumed within hotel convention spaces, but is permitted in private rooms. At no time may alcohol that is not purchased from the venue be consumed in any Public Spaces or convention space. This is a hotel policy which may be altered or rescinded at any time or any reason, without notice, by the hotel.
12.13 Cannabis consumption is not permitted at the hotel property, unless otherwise advised by the Hotel Rules.
12.14 Fur-Eh! permits sales of goods and services in designated spaces only (Dealers’ Den, Art Show, Artists Alley, etc.). Actively soliciting goods and services outside of the designated spaces is forbidden and may result in the revocation of your membership.
12.15 All dealers of goods and services in the Dealer’s Den, Artists Alley & Art Show are responsible for their own tax remittances. Fur-Eh! assumes no responsibility or liability for the quality, quantity, or any material characteristic of items and services sold by dealers in any of these venues. All transactions remain strictly between the purchaser and dealer. 
12.16 Please note that the following items are prohibited from being sold on premises:
(a) Weapons or weapon replicas;
(b) Food & Beverage, unless the hotel staff have provided prior written consent; and
(c) Anything which may violate local, provincial, or federal laws and regulations (including, but not limited to, the sale of alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia).
12.17 There are no refunds for dealers who are unable to attend Fur-Eh! Dealers may, as an option, attempt to resell their table/booth space, however the final decision as to whether a replacement dealer is permitted in your space remains with the Fur-Eh! Organizing Committee.
12.18 No refunds will be provided for items sold by Fur-Eh! at the Fur-Eh! Convention Store. Exchanges may be permitted for defective merchandise as available, as determined by the sole discretion of Fur-Eh! staff. Store credit shall be extended if a permitted exchange cannot be made.
12.19 Fur-Eh! is a privately organized and held event. As such we do not allow media coverage at the event without prior written approval from Fur-Eh! executive staff. If access to the convention is granted, the press (media) is required to check in with Fur-Eh! operations once on convention property and prior to any newsgathering. A media escort may be provided by Fur-Eh! operations during their entire stay on convention property.
12.20 Coverage of the Fur-Eh! convention and events must be limited in time and scope. All footage obtained at the convention must only be used in regard to the convention itself and must be used as one continuous segment.
12.21 Fur-Eh! organizers and/or panelists have the right to deny media access to their specific events. All Fur-Eh! Attendees have the right to refuse participation in media coverage; the media/press shall respect those rights. Attendees agree to not act as media agents in any way shape or form while attending the event. Making photographic, audio or video recordings of any convention event for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden.
12.22 Any incident that is brought to the attention of Fur-Eh! staff or volunteers will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, as determined in the sole discretion of Fur-Eh! executive staff.
12.23 Attendees expressly covenant, acknowledge and agree that they shall not, at any time before or after the convention event, engage in the making, publishing, repeating or disseminating of derogatory and/or negative written or oral statements and remarks regarding Fur-Eh!, through any medium whatsoever, including without limitation, online or through social media. Should an Attendee engage in such communications, Fur-Eh! is granted the absolute right, in its sole and absolute discretion, without the requirement of providing notice to the Attendee to (i) seek immediate injunctive relief requiring the Attendee to immediately cease and desist engaging in the aforementioned conduct, and (ii) to terminate the Attendee’s membership, all without limitation to any other remedies Fur-Eh! may have at law.
12.24 Violation of these policies will be handled as deemed appropriate by Fur-Eh! executive staff. Violators will be asked to cease and desist. Decisions made by Fur-Eh! executive staff are final. If you have any questions or comments regarding a policy, please proceed to Fur-Eh! operations and ask for a Fur-Eh! executive staff member. Violators may be asked to exit the event, or the convention, by Fur-Eh! staff, or security staff. If a person refuses to exit after being told to do so, they will be considered to be an informed trespasser and the situation may be escalated to hotel staff or local law enforcement.
12.25 Fur-Eh! cannot account for every potential scenario that may result. Fur-Eh! reserves the right to amend this Code of Conduct at any time, and particularly, during the convention to address a novel situation. These policies are in place to ensure the comfort and safety of all Attendees, the General Public, and the hotel venue. It is your responsibility as Attendees to adhere to the policies that have been set forth by this Code of Conduct.