Code of Conduct

For reference, KNCA and “we” refers to KuroNeko Cultural Association, KNC refers to KuroNekoCon, and the Facility refers to any venue where events are held, such as the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Spokane City Center. Attendees refers to individuals who attend KNCA events.

1. General

KNC fosters a positive and encouraging environment so that all attendees can enjoy a safe, fun, and memorable event. KNCA welcomes diversity of races, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, and personal beliefs. KNCA prohibits any behavior that could result in Attendees feeling unsafe or unwelcome. Any conduct outside of staff sanctioned 18+ events deemed inappropriate for persons under the age of 18 shall be grounds for immediate action by KNCA. Individuals whose actions violate KNCA’s policies may face disciplinary strikes against their attendance or expulsion from the event. Non-compliance with the Facility’s policies, rules, and regulations will be subject to KNCA’s review as well as that of the facility. Violations of law, both state and federal, will be referred to law enforcement.

Attendees are required to follow all policies set forth by KNCA in this document and others as they may be established. Additionally, Attendees must observe all policies of the Facility.

At the discretion of KNCA, the following activities are not permitted at KNCA events:

• Loitering
• Disruptive or unsafe behavior
• Excessive swearing or use of inappropriate language
• Threat of or commitment of physical or verbal harassment
• Acts that may result in substantial risk or harm to people or property
• Sexual misconduct such as indecent exposure, offensive touching, sexual harassment, or overt sexual behavior
• Unlawful acts
• Possession of weapons

2 Identification and Badges

A valid form of government issued photo identification is required for all registration purchases and pre-registration badge pickup. Identification may also be required for admittance to 18+ events regardless of your type of badge. It is highly recommended that Attendees keep a valid form of identification on themselves at all times.

All adults 18 and over are required to wear an adult badge. Minors under 18 are required to wear a minor badge.

Badges are non-transferable as they represent the membership of an individual.

Badges must be worn above the waist and remain visible at all times during KNC. Identifying information on badges may not be removed, obscured, or modified. Individuals not showing a badge will be asked to remove themselves from the Facility.

If a badge is found it must be reported to lost and found immediately. A fee will be charged for replacement of a lost badge.

Some KNCA events may have other restrictions for admission beyond your badge. Refer to the programming guide for details on individual events. Restrictions may include being 18 years or older, 21 years or older, and obtaining tickets or hand stamps. This is not a comprehensive list and is subject to change.

3. Minors

Minors must have the physical presence of a paid attending adult while at KNC and must be accompanied by their attending adult when picking up their badges. Attending adults must be at least 18 years of age.

For all minors a parental permission slip must be submitted online in order for their badge to be mailed in advance or picked up the at the convention.

Minors age 12 and under must be accompanied by their attending adult at all times while present at the event.

4. Suspicious Activity

If you witness suspicious behavior, tell a Staff member immediately. Incident report forms can be found at the Information Booth. Thank you for helping us spot possible issues so that we can ensure all attendees have a safe and fun convention.

5. Criminal Acts

KNCA condemns all criminal acts as defined by Title 9A RCW of the Washington Criminal Code, including but not limited to assault, physical harm, custodial interference, sex offenses, harassment, malicious mischief, lasers, theft and robbery, false identifications and public disturbance. KNC does not publicly comment on alleged specific instances of criminal acts. The views and opinions expressed by KNCA staff do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of KNCA.

If a crime occurs, call 911 immediately, seek safety, and then report the matter to a KNCA staff member and/or Facility security. KNCA staff will attempt to assist attendees in contacting local security or law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist attendees to feel safe for the duration of the event.

Offenders may face immediate issuance of a third Strike to their membership. Strike Three (3) will result in immediate badge revocation without refund, removal from the Facility, and a ban from KNCA events. Violations of law, both state and federal, will be referred to law enforcement.

6. Anti-Harassment Policy

Definition

Harassment is any behavior that intentionally annoys, threatens, or alarms another person. This includes any unwanted physical contact, following someone without a legitimate reason, or threatening to physically harm someone. If someone seeks your attention and you tell them to leave you alone, their business with you is finished. If they do not leave you alone as you have requested, then their actions may be considered harassment.

These policies apply to instances including but not limited to harassment on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or religion.

Examples of harassment can include:

• Offensive comments or disparaging jokes, including those made both in conversation or as part of a panel presentation;
• Recording or taking photos of an individual without their permission;
• Non-consensual flirting or sexual advances;
• Touching someone without their consent, including hugs;
• Repeatedly asking for personal or contact information including phone numbers, social media contacts, etc. after being told no;
• Refusing to refer to an individual as they have requested, including use of preferred name and/or pronouns;
• Any persistent action that creates a hostile or threatening environment for the person being targeted.

Reporting

STEP 1: Notifying Staff

If you experience or witness an act of Harassment, please notify staff immediately. Prompt and accurate notification helps KNCA address issues as efficiently as possible. You can contact via: 

• Text message at the security hotline.
  The phone number will be added to this page closer to the convention date.
• Notify any KNCA staff member in person.
  The Tsuki Brigade is a department of Staff whose sole purpose is to help Attendees, including helping in Harassment incidents. Tsuki Brigade can be identified by their green arm bands.
  And If you cannot find a staff member, the Info Booth will be able to summon one for you.
• Email our security hotline at senpai@kuronekocon.com, which will immediately notify the Operations Director and Staff Dispatch.
  This will immediately notify the Operations Director and Staff Dispatch department. 

For incidents of harassment involving KNCA staff, Board Members, Convention Center Staff, Volunteers, Guests, Artists, Exhibitors, or Industry:

• Notify a member of the Board of Directors.
  The Board can be identified by their large pink and black name badges. Photos of the Board and more information about their departments can be viewed on the Staff Directory website page. If you cannot immediately find a board member, any member of KNCA staff can summon one for you.

When possible, the Board Member responsible for the specific department in question will assist you. For incidents involving members of the Board, the Chair, Vice Chair, or Human Relations Manager will assist you.

If the situation is an emergency, immediately call 911.

STEP 2: Filing an Incident Report Form

Incident Report Forms provide KNCA with the tools to complete a thorough follow up investigation and take important safety measures to protect attendees. Filing an Incident Report Form is not required, but if no form is filed, it may limit the options available to Staff to help. An incident report form can be filed: 

• Digital Copy
  Forms submitted involving KNCA staff, Board Members, Convention Center Staff, Volunteers, Guests, Artists, Exhibitors, or Industry are forwarded securely and directly to the Board of Directors.
• Paper Incident Report Form at the Info Booth
  If you have already notified a staff or board member in person, they can provide you with an incident report form. There is a quiet area available to fill out the paperwork available upon request, and/or staff can assist in filling out the form.

Investigations

Upon notification of an incident KNCA will begin an investigation in an effort to ascertain as many facts about the incident as possible. This information will be taken into account when determining if any disciplinary action should be taken.

Follow up investigations may include, but are not limited to: obtaining additional identification information of any or all parties involved, witness information, written statements from any or all parties, parental/legal guardian information, as well as interviews of any or all of the parties involved in or witnessing the incident.

Additional information requested during follow up investigations is not required, but in certain situations may greatly assist in our ability to resolve incidents. Staff will never require you to submit sensitive personal information, information that makes you feel uncomfortable, or that may compromise your situation. Staff will never share the information provided to third party entities without your consent unless the situation necessitates the involvement of law enforcement.

If requested there is a quiet area available to fill out any additional paperwork.

Follow up investigations for harassment reports against attendees will be conducted by one or more trained board members with assistance from trained staff if necessary.

Follow up investigations for harassment reports against KNCA staff, Board Members, Convention Center Staff, Volunteers, Guests, Artists, Exhibitors, or Industry, will be conducted by the Chair, Vice Chair and Human Relations Manager. If any of these members are unavailable, for any reason, other KNCA board members may fill one of these roles.

Consequences

Information obtained in any investigation will be heavily weighed when determining if and/or what level of disciplinary action should be taken against anyone who has had a harassment complaint filed against them.

If anyone has been found to be in violation of KNCA’s anti-harassment policy, one or more of the following actions may be taken:

1. One or more strikes may be issued, depending on level of severity, against the person found to be in violation (see Three Strikes Policy)
2. Issuance of an automatic third strike
   • In the case of an attendee, this would result in the revocation of the attendee’s badge, as well as a ban from attending any future KNCA events.
   • In the case of a vendor, guest or exhibitor, that person will be removed from the event and not be allowed to return to that event, or any future KNCA events.
   • In the case of a convention center staff member, this issue would be elevated to the convention center management, and KNCA will require that this person be removed from the event.
   • In the case of a KNCA staff member, including the board, it will result in removal from the convention premises, a temporary revocation of voting rights, partial suspension from all duties, and an automatic motion will be passed for the removal of the Staff or Assistant Staff Member. The potential removal of the Staff or Assistant Staff Member will then be placed on the agenda of the next General Meeting.
3. Filing a criminal police report
   • If the nature of the harassment is such that it violates state laws, KNCA may file a report with the police department.

7. Animals

Service animals as defined by Washington State Law are permitted in the convention space. Washington state law defines a service animal as any dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Non-Service animals are not permitted.

8. Autographs

KuroNekoCon 2023 will not feature a designated autograph area. Guests may sign autographs at their discretion between their panels or at their vendor booth if they have one. Please present only properly licensed products for autographing. The Guests are not to be lifted or picked up in any fashion or touched without consent. We require that you respect their personal space. Photos are at the discretion of the Guest.

9. Costumes and Attire

KNCA reserves the right to decide whether costumes are acceptable and appropriate and may ask the wearer to make modifications as necessary. At minimum, attire must be equivalent to that of a bikini swimsuit. Shoes are required at all times in the Facility as required by public health and safety laws.

10. Weapons and Props

No real or functioning weapons, projectiles, uncovered cutting blades, or anything used or brandished as a weapon is allowed at KNC. Prop weapons must be approved and marked as such by KNC staff at the Peace Bonding booth. For further details please see the Peace Bonding Policy .

11. Sales and Solicitation

Sales and solicitation inside the Convention Facility is restricted to the Exhibitors, Artists, and Industry groups who have booth space with the convention. Whether verbal, written, or through the use of signage, all solicitation at KNC for monetary payment or exchange of services that does not comply with these restrictions is prohibited.

12. Distribution of Literature

KNCA does not allow distribution of literature including fliers, books, pamphlets, postcards, or other written media without express permission of the Board of Directors. Generally, groups looking to distribute materials at KuroNekoCon must either (A) be approved for an Industry Booth prior to the convention, in which case materials may be distributed from the booth or (B) contact info@kuronekocon.com prior to the convention with a request to include materials along with our booklet. Sharing of business cards and information among private parties is permitted, but this permission may be revoked at the discretion of KNCA.

13. Consent to Photography and Video Recording

Attendance at KNC constitutes consent to photography and video recordings by KNC staff. Consent grants irrevocable and unrestricted right to KNCA to use and publish photographs for editorial, trade, advertising, and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; and to alter and composite the same without restriction and without Attendee inspection, approval, or compensation.

14. Photography and Video Recording

Photography and video recording is allowed in most public areas of the Facility as long as it does not disrupt events or impede pedestrian traffic. Please be considerate and ask first before taking pictures of guests, Attendees, staff, or the general public. Specific events, panels, or areas may restrict or prohibit photography or video recording.

All professional level equipment within the convention center excluding handheld DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and softbox lighting; but including stand-alone audio/visual recording equipment and aids (such as boom mics) must be accompanied by a Staff Badge or Press Badge. KNCA reserves the right for final approval of all equipment, as well as the right to require equipment be moved or removed if it interferes in convention function or the flow of foot traffic.

15. Alcohol, Drugs, Controlled Substances

Alcohol purchased from the Doubletree may be consumed by responsible adults 21+ in designated serving locations. Individuals or groups that are deemed unsafe or disorderly due to intoxication may be subject to our three strike policy. Attendees found to possess, consume, or be under the influence of drugs or controlled substances will be asked to remove themselves from the Facility and will be reported to law enforcement.

16. Outside Food and Beverage

Outside food is allowed, but no outside alcohol and no outside catering is allowed. 

17. Personal Hygiene

Please keep a minimum standard of health and personal hygiene at all times. It is recommended to shower and wear a change of clean clothing at least once per day. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap throughout the day and especially before eating and after using the restroom. This will help prevent the spread of illness and contagions.

18. Damages Caused by Attendee

Please be respectful of the Facility by cleaning up after yourself and reporting any messes or spills to Facility or KNC staff. Intentional damage to property of KNCA or the Facility will result in removal from KNC and a ban from future KNCA events. “Accidental” damage will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Attendees may be held liable to compensate the affected party for the full amount of damages.

19. Theft

Without exception, individuals found to have committed theft at KNC will be reported to law enforcement, have their Attendee badge revoked, and be refused access to all future KNCA events.

20. Liability

KNCA and its affiliates will not be held responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or injury. Attendees are responsible for their individual actions and any repercussions that may result. Civil or medical emergencies are to be handled by the proper authorities.

21. Three Strikes Policy

Infractions of policies established by KNCA will garner a record in the form of a “strike” marked against the Attendee. Attendees are allotted three infractions before they are banned from KNCA events. Explanation of each strike is as follows.

• Strike One (1) will serve as a first warning. No limitations will be placed on the Attendee.
• Strike Two (2) will serve as a second and final warning. Access to KNCA events may be restricted for up to 8 weeks after the issue date of the second strike.
• Strike Three (3) will result in immediate revocation of your badge without refund, removal from the Facility, and a ban from KNCA events.

KNCA may issue a strike for any reason it deems necessary and may issue it several months after the initial infraction. If the offense is severe KNCA may issue an automatic third strike. Examples of an infraction warranting an automatic third strike include but are not limited to:

• Refusal to sign a Notice of Attendee Infraction
• Acts of violence or actions that put others in danger
• Theft

At the time each strike is issued, the attendee will be asked to sign a Notice of Attendee Infraction verifying their knowledge of the strike marked against them. Signing this form is not required but refusal to sign will result in an automatic third strike and action will be taken as described above. Refusal to sign will be taken into account in the event of an appeal.

If you believe that a strike has been wrongly issued to you, an appeal must be sent within six weeks of the infraction issue date. After review of your appeal a decision by KNCA is final.

This policy may be updated without notification.

22. Consent for Communication

By registering for attendee membership with KuroNeko Cultural Association you expressly consent to receiving communications, including but not limited to emails, from KuroNeko Cultural Association’s agents and affiliates. Your contact information will never be shared with or sold to any third party individuals or organizations.

23. Covid Prevention Policy

To attend KNC you must provide either: 

• Proof of up to date vaccination as described by current CDC guidelines

OR

• Proof of a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours of the first day of KNC

It is highly recommended, but not required, for attendees to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth while at large gatherings per CDC guidelines for prevention of COVID and other illnesses.

It is required for all staff, volunteers, artists, vendors, and other agents of KNCA to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth at all times while acting in official capacity at KNC.