Code of Conduct

By purchasing a badge for KinshokuCon 2025 you agree to follow the rules and policies outlined on this page.

Kinshoku Productions, Inc./KinshokuCon is dedicated to providing a harassment-free convention experience for everyone (regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, age or religion). We are committed to taking all steps within our power to create a space where people feel safe to express themselves free from harassment. As such, we expect everyone who attends our convention, whether as an attendee, volunteer, staff, guest, panelist, artist or vendor, to read and agree to this code of conduct.

A reminder that all applicable local, state, and federal laws must be obeyed while in attendance at KinshokuCon. Kinshoku Productions, Inc. does not condone any illegal activities such as underage drinking, drug use, etc. Perpetrators will be swiftly turned over to the proper law enforcement. 

Be aware that the rules and standards put forth in this document are not intended to encompass every scenario. This is a living document and is subject to amendments without prior or posted notice. If you have any questions, please direct them to our email: kinshokucon@gmail.com.

By purchasing a badge, you agree to release Kinshoku Productions, Inc., and all directors, employees, agents, and affiliates (collectively “KinshokuCon”) from all liability relating to injuries that may occur during the course of KinshokuCon and you agree to hold KinshokuCon entirely free from any liability, including financial responsibility for any injuries incurred, regardless of whether injuries are caused by negligence. By purchasing a badge, you forfeit all right to bring a suit against KinshokuCon for any reason. In return, you will be able to participate in all KinshokuCon activities, and be granted access to amenities of the host venue. 

You also acknowledge the risks involved in attending an anime convention, including participating in potentially strenuous or dangerous physical activities, and being exposed to flashing lights and loud music. You affirm that you are participating voluntarily, and that all risks have been made clear to you. You agree to make every effort to obey safety precautions as listed in writing and as explained verbally, and will ask for clarification when needed.

Consent

“No” means no and is a complete answer to any question. We believe in creating a space of mutual respect and comfort. This means that people, at all levels of the convention, respect the boundaries of others and have the ability and expectation to have their own respected. Consent is not only about potential sexual situations, but also includes things like “Can I sit with you?” or “Would you like to chat?” If someone tells you “no,” verbally declines, or provides non-verbal cues that they are not comfortable with your request: respect their boundaries. If you are found violating the above, disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the convention (without a refund) and being banned from future KinshokuCons and Kinshoku Productions, Inc. events, at the discretion of the convention organizers.

Cosplay is NOT Consent

Cosplay is the combination of the words “costume” and “play”. Cosplayers dress in costume with the expectations that they will be allowed to have fun and express themselves while in the costume. It does not mean that they agree to having their photos taken and that you are able to interact with them in ways that they are not comfortable with. If you want to take photos of cosplayers, ask for their permission first. Many cosplayers will agree to a photo but there are also those who are not comfortable having their photo taken by people they are not familiar with. The decision is theirs alone to make. Similarly, do not touch or otherwise interact with cosplayers without their consent. People reported not respecting cosplayers or harassing them will be subjected to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the convention (without a refund) and being banned from future KinshokuCons and Kinshoku Productions, Inc. events, at the discretion of the convention organizers.

Harassment

We do not tolerate harassment of convention participants at any level and in any form. Convention participants violating these rules may be subjected to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the convention (without a refund) and being banned from future KinshokuCons and Kinshoku Productions, Inc. events, at the discretion of the convention organizers.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

  • Verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination [related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, age, religion];
  • Inappropriate images in public spaces;
  • Intimidation, stalking, or following;
  • Photography or recording without the consent of the subject(s);
  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events;
  • Inappropriate and/or unwelcome physical contact;
  • Unwelcome sexual attention;
  • Creating social situations to mock, ridicule, or harrass attendees for content;
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.

Any actions that make you feel uncomfortable should be considered a form of harassment and can be reported. Even if you think ‘they didn’t mean it’ or ‘it was an accident’ if something occurs that makes you uncomfortable, report it to security or a member of staff. We will create a report and speak with both parties regarding the best course of action and if disciplinary action is required. See the section, “Reporting,” for more information on this process.

Reporting

If at any time during the convention you feel unsafe, threatened, harassed, or are uncomfortable about something that is occurring, please contact a member of the staff (easily identified by their yellow shirts, badges, and name tags). If you feel a staff member at any level is behaving inappropriately you can report this to any board member of Kinshoku Productions, Inc.;

  • Audrey Grout – President
  • Taylor Baker – Vice President
  • Brianne Hain – Secretary
  • Nicholas Lewandowski – Treasurer

You can also email the complaint to kinshokucon@gmail.com.

Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone. One of our core values is to create events where people have the ability to have fun in a safe and welcoming environment. People who create unsafe, unwelcoming, or dangerous situations are not welcome at our event.

Compliance with our harassment policy is not limited to attendees and instead is expected of all levels of our convention staff. There will be no retaliation from any persons associated with Kinshoku Productions, Inc. in the event that a report is made against any staff member. Kinshoku Productions, Inc. will do everything in its power to remain impartial when handling complaints of this nature.

Making a Report

You can make a report by:

  • Emailing us at kinshokucon@gmail.com;
  • Contacting a staff member, identified by staff badges/shirts; and/or
  • Visiting the ConOps Table located on the first floor by the main stairwell.

When taking a report, our staff will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other event staff to ensure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we’ll ask you to tell us about what happened. We understand that making a report can be upsetting and detracts from your convention experience. We will handle the situation as respectfully as possible and you will never be asked to confront or otherwise interact with anyone regarding your report. Your report will remain confidential unless you specifically ask us to identify you. You are more than welcome to bring an additional person with you for support while you make the report. Please remember that we are not law enforcement and we will not contact them unless we deem the offender presents a clear and imminent danger to you, themselves, and/or other attendees. 

All reports of harassment or inappropriate behavior will be treated in confidence, and actions will only take place after consultation with the complainant.

Resources

Our team will be happy to help you contact hotel/venue security, local law enforcement, local support services, provide escorts, and/or otherwise assist you to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.

Convention Staff Email: kinshokucon@gmail.com

DoubleTree Niagara Falls: (716) 524-3333

Law and/or Medical Emergency: 9-1-1

Niagara County Sheriff Office Non-Emergency Number: (716) 438-3393

211 WNY: 2-1-1

24-Hour Crisis Services: (716) 285-3515

Domestic Violence Hotline: (716) 299-0909

Haven House: (716) 884-6000

LoveIsRespect: 1-866-331-9474

New York State Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline: (800) 942-6906

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 9-8-8

National Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741

Enforcement

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related activities. Event staff may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants. If a participant engages in any behavior prohibited in this Code of Conduct, event staff retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all attendees. This includes disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the convention (without a refund) and being banned from future KinshokuCons and Kinshoku Productions, Inc. events, at the discretion of the convention organizers.

Junior Guests

KinshokuCon is an all ages convention. Children are welcome in all convention spaces, unless otherwise specified. All material displayed at the convention will be family friendly unless otherwise marked. 

Breastfeeding is acceptable in any area of the con, as it is in all public spaces, and any objections to this will be treated as per our harassment policy above. Quiet areas will be available for those breastfeeding that wish to use them, but they should feel free to feed their child where they are most comfortable.

All children at the convention are the responsibility of the adults that they are attending with, and are expected to remain in the presence of at least one of those adults at all times. Children over 14 may be unaccompanied, however we will be holding them to the same standards of conduct as our adult guests, and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.All guests will be asked to provide us with the details of an emergency contact when you purchase a badge. If you are under 18 years of age, you will be required to list a parent or trusted guardian as your emergency contact.

Dress Code

It should be noted that our dress code is not a reflection of a moral judgement, but one thoughtfully crafted with the safety and comfort of all guests in mind. If an organizer asks you to change your attire in order to remain on the premises, it is a request made to promote these values of safety and comfort. Please be mindful that KinshokuCon is an all ages convention and all attire be that costume or streetwear must reflect this fact.

The dress code applies to all areas within the bounds of our convention and the publicly accessible areas of our venue (e.g., the main lobby, elevators, bathrooms, restaurant, or patios).

These rules cannot and are not intended to cover all possible situations, therefore all final say is at the discretion of any senior organizers of the convention. If you are flagged for violating our dress code or the values explained above, you will be asked to remediate the violation in order to remain on the premises. This could be achieved in numerous ways such as covering the offending area or image, removal of an article of clothing or image, or changing into an article of clothing or outfit that falls within our guidelines. If no changes are willing to be made to remediate the violation, you may be expelled from the convention (without a refund).

Regardless of gender, gender expression or body type, all guests must;

  1. Utilize soled footwear: roller skates, Heelys, socks, or barefeet are not permitted.
  2. Cover nipples and a 2” radius surrounding the area with opaque fabric. This applies to a cosplay piece that attributes the look of bareskin such as a silicone chest piece.
  3. Cover the skin of the buttocks with opaque fabric. Coverage can be achieved with a pair of opaque tights under your garments.
  4. Cover the genitals with opaque fabric, loose enough as to not detail our outline any distinguishable features.
  5. Seal all body paint, prop blood, or glitter so as to not transfer onto any other surfaces or guests.
  6. Retain unobscured vision or remove any cosplay piece that obscures your vision before resuming travel through our convention.You may satisfy this rule through the use of a handler to guide you.
  7. Retain an unobstructed path behind you when traveling through our convention. For example, carry or provide yourself with the means to hike up any long trains or skirts before roaming the halls.

The following are strictly prohibited in your attire;

  1. Hate speech and/or hate symbols.This includes usage of such in any historical or fictional cosplay.
  2. Items that restrict your movement or any connective gear attached to another person such as handcuffs, leashes, or chains.
  3. Costume materials that come to a sharp point or can pose a hazard to those nearby.

The most important part of your outfit at KinshokuCon is your badge! Badges are required for entry to the bounds of our convention and must be visible or readily accessible for staff to see. We recommend affixing your badge to your person somehow, if you choose not to use the lanyards provided for you.

Props and Prohibited Items

We understand that cosplay is a HUGE part of making our con fun, so we want to make sure that everyone has a fun and safe time at the con. Please read this policy and follow the rules! If you violate this policy, you could be asked to leave KinshokuCon without a refund.

Any weapon that could seriously hurt somebody is not allowed. Specifically, but not limited to:

  • Functional firearms – that includes paintball, airsoft, bb guns, cap guns, any gun that shoots a real projectile or causes a real explosion.
  • Realistic firearms – any gun that could be confused for a real gun.
  • Prop weapons made of a hard material such as metal or glass
  • Functional projectile weapons – any weapon (crossbow, slingshot, etc) that discharges a projectile
  • Metal-bladed weapons and any “live-steel”
  • Chains
  • Whips
  • Explosives
  • Blunt weapons
  • Loud props such as whistles, horns, etc.
  • Laser pointers

Prop weapons are allowed at KinshokuCon, as long as they meet the following criteria:

  • That they are composed of cardboard, foam, or something light.
  • Prop firearms are allowed only if they cannot be mistaken for real weapons.
  • The barrel of all prop firearms must be covered with brightly-colored orange caps.
  • Prop bows will be allowed only providing that the bow has been unstrung with all arrows being soft tipped or permanently affixed to the quiver. 
  • No more than a foot taller than you and a foot wider than you. If you are unable to clear the front entryway to our space, you will not be allowed to have the prop in convention spaces.
  • All props will need to be under complete control of the owner and not pose any danger to attendees. 

Prop weapons will be allowed into KinshokuCon at the discretion of staff and uniformed security personnel. Safety is paramount, we will always err on the side of caution. There will be no place to store prohibited weapons on-site. If you have a weapon that is prohibited, you will be escorted from the building and not allowed back in with the weapon.

We are creating a safe space for everyone. Some weapons, due to their nature, will require “peace tying/bonding” in order to be allowed on site. We utilize zip ties to mark items as ‘safe’ and inspected. Once we have tagged your item, you are not permitted to remove it. Our staff reserves the right to ask to reinspect your prop at any time during the convention.

Please Note: New York State weapon and firearms laws are in effect and no firearms will be allowed in the convention proper. 

If you threaten or strike someone with a replica weapon, you will be asked to remove the item from the convention center. Not doing so when asked is grounds for removal from the convention (without refund). 

Play-fighting in any capacity is not allowed at KinshokuCon whether conducted with prop weapons or not. Still posing with prop weapons for photographs is permitted, but must not be done to a level where a staff member of KinshokuCon would assume at a glance that you were play-fighting.

Photography and Recordings

If you wish to take photographs or recordings of individuals or small groups (fewer than 6 people), please make sure you ask for their permission first. Please be aware that by attending the convention you may end up in photos people take of the space, or in the backgrounds of other people’s photos.

If you wish to record a panel or event, you are required to obtain the consent of the participants before the event. People using recording equipment must not obstruct other people’s views or thoroughfares. Staff reserves the right to disallow filming or sound recording for any reason.

Please be aware that there is a disclaimer on your ticket stating that your purchase authorizes and permits Kinshoku Productions, Inc. and its designees which include but are not limited to all sponsors, exhibitors and contractors to use and authorize the use of his/her/their name, voice, likeness and all reproductions thereof by any means and in all media now and hereafter know for all purposes worldwide in perpetuity.

Panels, Performances, and Workshops

Our panelists, performers, and workshop hosts have put a lot of time and energy into preparing programming for your enjoyment and education, so please help to make it as positive an experience as possible.

Be respectful as an audience member or participant in any of the above events. In panels, this can include saving any questions for a time determined by the host(s), only speaking out when called to do so, and following the general structure and expectations set out by the host(s). In a performance, this can include remaining in your seat unless told otherwise, being mindful of the view of those behind you, and keeping side conversations to a whisper. In workshops, this can include following instruction on how to properly use the provided materials and ceasing talk when instructions are being given.

When in a moderated Q&A panel, please raise your hand, and the moderator will call upon you when appropriate. Anyone refusing to comply with this process may be asked to leave the room by the moderator.

If you arrive late or wish to leave early for an event, please do so as quietly as possible. Similarly, please make sure all devices are switched to silent. 

Once a panel, performance, or workshop has finished, it is up to the discretion of their respective host(s) whether or not they wish to be approached after the event. These people are attendees of KinshokuCon too and reserve the right to enjoy the convention without disruption if they please.

Vendors and Artists

Only vendors and artists that have been accepted by Kinshoku Productions, Inc. in the KinshokuCon Vendor Hall/Artist Alley are permitted to conduct business onsite. Any sales taking place outside of this capacity that have not been approved by Kinshoku Productions, Inc. are not permitted and those found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary actions. Panhandling is prohibited at KinshokuCon and is grounds for removal from the convention (without refund).

Government issued photo ID will be required to view any 18+ merchandise within the artist alley/vendor hall. The responsibility is on the seller to check and uphold this measure. 

The sale of any prohibited items, props, or weapons as defined earlier in this document must be immediately removed from the premises and stored in the attendees car or hotel room. We ask that sellers likewise take care to meaningfully seal and wrap these items before handing them over to an attendee. 

If a seller is found not complying with any of these policies, they will be subjected to disciplinary action up to and including removal of the prohibited items, expulsion from the convention (without a refund of table fee) and/or being banned from future KinshokuCons and Kinshoku Productions, Inc. events, at the discretion of the convention organizers.

Kinshoku Productions, Inc. is not responsible for any purchases made in our artist alley/vendor hall. If you are dissatisfied with your purchase, your complaint must be taken up with the individual seller and a solution will be reached in accordance with their return/refund policy. We highly recommend asking for a receipt of sale for any purchase you make.

Property and Convention Space

Please remember that you as a guest of KinshokuCon are also a guest of the DoubleTree by Hilton Niagara Falls, NY. We expect all guests to be respectful of guests staying at the hotel who are not participating in KinshokuCon. Your full cooperation is expected with any requests made or directives given to you by hotel staff or local security/law enforcement. You may be responsible for any fees incurred by your refusal to comply with hotel policies. Please be sure to maintain an appropriate noise-level while on hotel premises and refrain from any disorderly conduct that may disrupt or disturb regular hotel functions or guests. Failure to do so may be subjected to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the convention (without a refund) and being banned from future KinshokuCons and Kinshoku Productions, Inc. events, at the discretion of the convention organizers.

Guests are responsible for any damage that they cause to any property of either the venue, Kinshoku Productions, Inc. or of KinshokuCon. Please ensure you treat the venue with the proper care and respect and dispose of all trash in garbage cans. We want to make sure that the staff of the hotel remember us as both fun and courteous.

All technological equipment necessary for panels is the property of Kinshoku Productions, Inc. and/or our contractors. If you are not a part of the Tech Department or a volunteer/staff member who has been assigned to the Tech Department, do not change, alter, or otherwise modify the placement or connections for the tech equipment. If you are hosting a panel, workshop, or main stage performance and need assistance with any tech equipment, please seek out any of the above staff members before taking the matter into your own hands.

While both the convention and the venue will exercise all due care and responsibility to ensure the safety of participants and their property, no liability will be accepted for loss or damage of items or personal effects brought onto the convention site.

Lost Items

Kinshoku Productions, Inc., KinshokuCon staff, and DoubleTree by Hilton Niagara Falls, NY are not responsible for any lost items. Any unattended/misplaced items can be turned into Con Ops and any attendees hoping to locate a lost item may check to see if it has been turned in. Any items that are not claimed by the last day of the convention or are not discovered until tear down of the convention, will be turned over to the hotel and kept on property in accordance with their Lost and Found policies.

Animals

Under the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and New York law, KinshokuCon will not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. That being said, we must also honor the concerns and safety of everyone attending and working at our convention. Any animals other than service animals will not be permitted in the convention space.

The ADA defines a service animal as a dog, or any animal, that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The work or task a service animal has been trained to provide must be directly related to the patient’s disability. They must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s ability to perform its task. The service animal must be in the direct control of the animal owner/handler at all times. When in the presence of others, the animal is expected to be well behaved. Emotional support animals do not fall under the definition of “service animals” and will not be allowed inside of the convention spaces. 

The handler of the service animal has the responsibility to care for and supervise the service animal during all times they are attending the convention. The owner/handler is responsible for the proper disposal of animal waste. The service animal must be clean and in good health. Owners and/or users of service animals must abide by current city ordinances/laws pertaining to licensing and vaccination requirements for service animals. It is the responsibility of the owner and/or user of the animal to know about these ordinances and laws.

If a service animal misbehaves, a member of the KinshokuCon staff may ask the handler to remove the animal from the immediate area. If the animal’s improper behavior happens repeatedly, KinshokuCon staff may tell the patient/handler not to bring the animal into convention areas until significant steps have been taken to stop the behavior.

Alcohol

KinshokuCon does not serve alcohol within the limits of our convention and we ask that you do not bring alcohol onto the premises. Anyone caught with alcohol will be asked to remove it from the venue. Possession of alcoholic beverages by anyone under 21 years of age is grounds for expulsion from the convention without refund. 

Our venue, the DoubleTree by Hilton Niagara Falls, NY, offers alcoholic beverages at their Parkway Prime Restaurant located in the main lobby area. We highly recommend that our guests patronize our venue’s excellent bar/restaurant at their leisure. We ask that you consume your drink in the bar area and not bring drinks from the bar into our convention spaces. 

Be aware, local laws against drunkenness are enforced and their bartenders are legally obligated to refuse service to someone showing signs of intoxication. Similarly, the organizers of KinshokuCon reserve the right to take disciplinary action against any guests showing signs of intoxication within the convention area which disturbs or disrupts fellow guests and/or organizers.

Smoking

The convention venue is a non-smoking venue, and guests must abide by the terms and conditions set out by the venue, and any other legally governed restrictions. No smoking includes but is not limited to; traditional cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or E-cigarettes, marijuana, and any vaping product or device. You are welcome to step outside the convention space to smoke in smoking areas designated by the hotel.