Washington State Summer Con Rules and Policies
General Code of Conduct
The following rules must be followed by all Washington State Summer Con attendees and staff in order to provide a safe, secure, and pleasant environment for everyone.
These activities and behaviors are not allowed during the Summer Con:
- Loitering
- Engaging in destructive and unsafe behavior that disturbs the public or staff
- Physical or verbal harassment of public or staff
- Any act which could result in substantial risk or harm to people or property
- Drunkenness
- Use of recreational drugs
- Sexual misconduct, such as indecent exposure, offensive touching, or sexual harassment
- Engaging in any activity prohibited by law
- Possession of any item defined as a weapon, illegal or not
Individuals whose actions violate these rules will be asked to stop such actions. The Washington State Summer Con and its security agents reserve the right to require anyone violating these rules of conduct to leave the event without a refund. Any violation of the rules of conduct, which involves activities prohibited by law, will result in the notification of proper authorities.
Cosplay Rules and Code of Conduct
Please CLICK HERE to read the complete Rules and Code of Conduct that Govern Attendees and Cosplayers alike.
For show attendees, please remember the following:
- Please wear appropriate clothing while attending this family-friendly event.
- Cosplay is not consent for inappropriate, suggestive, or abusive behavior.
- Always ask a cosplayer before taking photos.
- Always keep your hands to yourself.
Smart Glasses, Wearable Recorders, and Covert Recording
Prohibited devices
The following devices are not permitted on the show floor, in celebrity areas, photo-ops, autograph lines, panels, vendor aisles, or any other event space, whether powered on or off:
- Meta / Ray-Ban Meta glasses and any similar camera-enabled smart glasses
- Oakley, Ray-Ban, or other frames with built-in cameras, microphones, or live-streaming
- Hidden, concealed, or “spy” cameras and microphones (buttons, pens, pins, jewelry, bags, or clothing)
- Body cameras, audio pendants, and wearable recorders used without clear, visible notice and consent
- Any device used to capture audio or video of another person without that person’s knowledge, permission, and consent
Ordinary prescription glasses with no camera or microphone are allowed. If your only pair is camera-equipped, bring a non-recording pair. Devices must be left outside the venue or secured off the floor before entry.
Celebrity Autograph Areas and Pro Photo Op Areas
Unauthorized recording of exchanges or interactions in celebrity areas is prohibited. Autographs, photo-ops, and table conversations may be recorded only if the guest and the convention have authorized a specific paid video or audio package. Wearable devices must be off and stored before entering these zones.
Handheld phones and conventional cameras remain allowed in general public areas, subject to posted signs, staff direction, and basic consent:
- Ask before photographing a person
- Cosplay is not consent
- Do not photograph or record minors without a parent or guardian’s permission
- Stop immediately if someone objects
- No recording of panels, screenings, or unreleased footage
Intent must be obvious. A phone held in the open is not the same as a camera in an eyeglass frame.
If a wearable device is a documented disability-related aid (for example captioning or navigation) and not used to record others, contact the convention in advance. We will consider a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis. There is no walk-up exception for Meta-style recording glasses.
Enforcement
Staff and security may inspect eyewear and require removal of a device. Anyone found wearing, carrying, or using a prohibited recorder may be removed without refund and may forfeit unused autographs, photo-ops, and other paid items. Serious or covert recording may be referred to law enforcement. Attendees should report suspected secret recording to staff or security during the show, while the person can still be identified.
By entering Washington State Horror Con, you agree to this policy.
Harassment and Assault
The Washington State Summer Con does not tolerate verbal or physical harassment in any form by anyone.
Harassment includes verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion. Harassment also includes sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation; stalking; following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the Washington State Summer Con staff may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the convention without a refund. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the Security staff immediately.
The Washington State Summer Con staff will be happy to help participants contact event security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the convention.
Minors
Well-behaved Minors aged 13 to 17 may attend without a parent or guardian. Any Conduct or Behavior that is a violation of these Convention Rules will be grounds for removal. Any behavior by unattended minors that disrupts the enjoyment of other event attendees will not be tolerated. Repeated warnings will be grounds for removal from the event immediately.
All children age 12 and under must be accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian.
The Washington State Summer Con is open to people of all ages. Specific Summer Con programming, which we deem to be for adult audiences only, is not accessible to those under 18 and requires ID check. This will be strictly enforced and appropriate signs will be posted.
Public Display and Signage
While in the Event Space, please refrain from displaying or wearing signs that offer or solicit services (ex: “free hugs”) or promote political, religious, or divisive statements. This includes the parking lot and open areas of the event. Signs that are an established part of the costume are allowed. Event staff has the discretion and authority to ask you to remove or destroy any signs that do not meet the Summer Con Guidelines.
Limits of Liability
The Washington State Summer Con, its personnel, and its affiliates are not responsible for any damage, theft, injury, or loss. Attendees of the convention are responsible for their own actions, as well as for any resulting repercussions. Staff is on hand for assistance in most situations. However, any civil or medical emergencies that may occur must be handled directly by the appropriate authorities.
Photography and the Public Space
Any photographs or videos of attendees taken by the Washington State Summer Con staff in an official capacity may be used or published by the Washington State Summer Con without further consent of the attendees being recorded. Furthermore, it should be expected in an environment like this that there will be many photos and videos taken by the public at any time.
Attendees taking photographs and videos are allowed in most public areas of the event. However, specific events, panels, or areas may restrict photography or video recording. Please respect the wishes of anybody who asks not to be photographed or video-recorded.
Photography and Video recording in any celebrity line or in front of the celebrity area is not allowed except for paid selfies with the guest. Ambush selfies and/or interviews are cause for removal from the convention.
Parking Lot Areas
The parking lot at the event is to be considered Event Space and all rules and regulations apply to that area as well. Selling is prohibited in all Parking Areas.
Appeals
If you feel that you have been given an unfair warning on attire, conduct, or policy infringement, or for any other reason you may submit an appeal at the Official Washington State Summer Con Information Booth. Any decision then reached by at least two Event Executive Staff and the staff member who made the original decision will then be final. Decisions can take up to two weeks to be made based on the information required.
Some special events, such as the VIP Dinner, Closed Panels, Live Events, etc. may require additional payment for admittance. The policies listed are subject to change at any time deemed necessary. The most current version will be available on the event website the days of the event.
Policies last updated on January 20, 2024.

