• 18-21 July, 2024
  • Buffalo, New York

Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct is to provide guidance to all Buffalo in 2024 NASFiC (hereafter referred to as “BUFFALO”) convention members. It is to help ensure that the behavior of one individual does not adversely disturb the rest of the members. It applies to all pre-con, at con, and post-con activities that are related to BUFFALO. All members are encouraged to read this Code and ask questions of anything that they do not understand.

BUFFALO is prepared to deal with any violations of the code as legally, rapidly, and efficiently as possible. We hope that all members will help to make BUFFALO an enjoy-able experience for all, by respecting the rights of all attendees while in attendance. BUFFALO reserves the right to revoke membership and eject any individual at any time from BUFFALO. No refunds will be provided. Failure to adhere to the code of conduct may result in:

  1. Mediation by the Con Chair and Convention Operations talking to all parties involved in an incident.
  2. Verbal warnings.
  3. Turning the individual in to hotel/convention center staff/security.
  4. Revocation of membership and ejection from BUFFALO.
  5. Contacting local law enforcement.

BADGES

BUFFALO is a membership event and membership badges must be worn at all times by all members and staff. There are always mundanes (normal people) running around the hotel. We want to be able to tell US from THEM. A badge is only valid for the individual to whom it was issued. Badges may not be shared. BUFFALO requires that all individuals 12 and over have membership badges for the convention, and that they be clearly visible by being worn above the waist when at BUFFALO.

Badges are the property of the convention and a staff member can confiscate them as required.

PERSONAL INTERACTION: We ask that you respect others so that everyone is comfortable and feels safe while attending BUFFALO.

  1. Harassment of others will not be tolerated and is a violation of the code of conduct.
  2. If someone asks you to leave them alone or tells you no, you walk away, and you do not approach them again. There is no reason for you to have any further interaction with them.
  3. Discrimination of any sort is not tolerated and is a violation of the code of conduct.
  4. Discrimination is not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical / mental disability.
  5. If you feel that you have been harassed or discriminated against: a. Tell the individual that their behavior is inappropriate. Sometimes this is sufficient. b. If you do not feel comfortable talking with the individuals involved, or if talking to them once does not work, please immediately report the situation to any BUFFALO committee or staff member. If possible provide a badge name or name and a physical description of the person or persons involved. The committee or staff member will notify Convention Operations and / or the Con Chair.
  6. PLEASE: Keep in mind that unless an incident is reported, nothing can be done.
  7. PUBLIC PARTIES: Specific party rules will be published separately and provided to all party hosts.
  8. Due to crowding, costume props should not be taken to parties. Please especially leave all props that resemble weapons safely in your room; save them for Masquerade night.
  9. Only certain convention hotel rooms are available for parties and all parties must be coordinated with BUFFALO.
  10. No one under 21 will be served alcohol. Hosts are required to card anyone who wishes to drink at their event. Attempting to drink while under 21 or knowingly serving alcohol to someone under 21 is a violation of the code of conduct, and could subject you to removal from BUFFALO.
  11. Recreational Pharmaceuticals (the usual and unusual illegal drugs) are also illegal at the con. In fact if whatever you are going to do is illegal outside of the convention, then it is illegal at the convention. We the convention committee will not defend or support anyone caught violating the law. We will instead revoke your membership and leave you to the mercy of the courts.

HOTEL INTERACTIONS

We ask that you follow any and all rules set by the convention hotel.

  1. The person whose name the room is rented is solely responsible for the conduct of all individuals in the room and the condition of the room. Excessive trash, any act of vandalism, deliberate or excessive damage to hotel room and its contents, or any negative interference with hotel staff that may present a hazard to said hotel staff will result in the hotel taking control of the situation. Individuals, regardless of whose name the room is rented in, will be billed for said damages by the hotel. In addition, individuals may be evicted from the hotel and / or the convention and may also face criminal charges.

SMOKING

The City of Buffalo and County of Erie does not allow smoking in any public buildings, including hotels, restaurants, or the convention center.

PETS

Only service animals are allowed in hotel and convention function spaces.

WEAPONS

  1. Regardless of any government permits, no actual weapon or item that can be mistaken for a weapon may be carried (openly or concealed) on properties being used for BUFFALO at any time, unless it has been peacebonded by Convention Operations. If a member wishes to carry such a weapon, it must be presented to Convention Operations upon entry to BUFFALO. The Convention Operations staff is the final arbiter of what weapons require peacebonding, or if a particular weapon is prohibited. If anyone is unsure what is realistic, Convention Operations will be happy to check it. Working firearms will not be allowed! Peace-bonding materials will be available at registration.
  2. Any actual weapon or item that can be mistaken for a weapon that is purchased in the dealer room must be wrapped and immediately transported to a hotel room or vehicle. If the purchaser wishes to use the item during the convention, refer to the previous section.
  3. If an actual weapon or item that can be mistaken for a weapon is part of a masquerade costume, it must be transported to and from the masquerade wrapped securely unless it is peacebonded. The masquerade director must approve of any weapons used in the masquerade.
  4. Live steel is prohibited. Convention Operations is the final arbiter of what is considered live steel.
  5. Any weapon (actual, realistic or toy) that is utilized in a threatening or harmful manner is a violation of the code of conduct.