Our events are places where people should be able to relax and enjoy themselves.  Common sense and respect for others are usually sufficient to keep everybody happy.  However, it is important to note a few rules that we expect everyone to abide by.  This policy must be followed by all attendees at our events, including staff members.  All attendees at the convention will be required to sign a copy of this policy and provide proof of identification in order to receive their badge.

Morphicon cannot permit violation of local, state, or national law.  We can and must discriminate against legal transgressions.  We will take severe and immediate action against anyone who brings illegal drugs to our events, engages in vandalism, or blatantly violates law in a manner that would seriously compromise our relationship with the convention hotel or with the local community.  Additionally, alcohol is not allowed in the public spaces of our events, excepting drinks provided by designated commercial authorities (such as restaurants and bars licensed to sell alcohol).

Morphicon does not allow mature subject matter to be displayed in areas where either minors, or adults who do not wish to see it, may be exposed to it.  This includes explicit artwork, but also includes overtly mature discussions and excessive displays of public affection (no public tongue-battling or groping of naughty bits, please).  Like most anthropomorphics conventions, we try to maintain a delicate balance between acceptance of lifestyle choices and public discretion.  We expect that all attendees will conduct themselves appropriately in public areas, just as they would in any business or restaurant.

Morphicon expects attendees to dress appropriately.  Costumes and strange clothing are fine, but if you're showing too much skin or dressed in a manner that prominently displays sexual areas, you may be asked by security to cover up.  Collars and leashes are fine, but overt bondage-related behavior is not acceptable in public--so no dragging people around on leashes, please.  Minor exceptions to the leash-pulling rule may be made in closed events (such as the convention dance) and for fursuiters performing (if use of the leash appears to be a part of the costume, for example).

Minors must have parental consent to attend Morphicon's events.  Children under 6 years of age may attend the convention at no charge, but must be under constant supervision by a legal guardian while in convention space.  Children under 6 must also be constantly supervised by a legal guardian at other Morphicon events.  Older children will not be permitted in programming areas without a badge.  No children under 16 will be permitted at the convention without a parent or guardian also in attendance.  Children under 16 will be allowed at other Morphicon events, but we ask that they use discretion and maintain an open line of communication with legal guardians.  Morphicon will not allow a child under 16 to attend our events if a legal guardian contacts us requesting that the child not attend our events.  Attendees age 16 and 17 must have a notarized letter of permission from a parent or guardian to attend the convention, but may freely attend our other events.  If an attendee's age changes during the course of the convention or event, the policy regarding that attendee will change, provided that staff are notified of the birthday and proof of age is given.

Morphicon is the mediator between attendees and the hotel (and/or the community).  If you have a problem with something involving event  operations, staff, or another attendee of the convention, you must address it to Morphicon staff (preferrably to security); not to the hotel, and not to other local authorities.  We will involve the hotel or other local authorities if it becomes necessary.  At the convention, Morphicon security will be identifiable with colored armbands or t-shirts that clearly designate them.  At other events, Morphicon staff should be readily identifiable by other means.

Morphicon reserves the right to revoke a member's registration or eject a member from attendance at an event if they break this policy.  During the convention, your convention badge is Morphicon's property.  If a staff member asks to see it, please hand it to them.

Morphicon Dealer/Artist Policy

In addition to the conduct policy, dealers and artists who sell materials at Morphicon's convention must agree to the following policy.  Below, "dealer" refers to anyone involved in the sale of materials while at the convention.  Dealers will be required to sign a copy of this policy, at the convention.

Dealers who are approved for sale of merchandise may not transfer their space to other parties.  Anyone selling on a dealer's behalf is also bound by this policy, and must sign a copy of it before they can sell.  Nobody may sell on an artist's behalf in the Artist's Alley; artists there are only allowed to sell works they have produced themselves.

Dealers may only sell material that they have a legal right to sell, and only from approved slots available in the Dealer's Den or the Artist's Alley.  Material that is generally illegal, or material for which the dealer does not have copyright to, express permission from the copyright holder, or other legal authority to sell, may not be sold at Morphicon.

Dealers in the Dealer's Den must have a legal sales permit for Ohio.  Dealers must show us the permit before they can begin selling.  This does not apply to artists in the Artist's Alley, for whom Morphicon takes responsibility for collecting and reporting tax.

Dealers and artists are also expected to keep a close eye on any mature subject matter they intend to sell at the convention.  Dealers selling any mature content must sell or expose mature content only to attendees with adult badges who express desire to examine mature content.  Dealers selling mature imagery must keep the imagery in a clearly-marked and closed binder, and use discretion to allow the images to be viewed only by individual customers with adult badges who expressly choose to view it.  When not in use, the binder must be kept closed.  Even when open, stickers or covers should be used at all times to hide any parts of the display item which may be considered mature imagery.  Dealers selling mature imagery should provide a bag or sleeve for the image so that the buyer can easily hide the image from public view.

Morphicon Media Policy

There will be no outside media allowed in the convention or other events, with the possible exception of sanctioned members whose purpose is to create an official video of the event for convention purposes.  Morphicon is a private event, and the facilities we use are well aware of our position on outside media.

Individuals may generally take photographs and video for personal use only.  However, please respect the wishes of others if they elect not to be photographed or filmed.  Traditionally, people may post photographs of the convention online in public forums as long as the photographs are not being sold.  Videotape of our events (in particular, of convention performance events) may not be distributed publicly for any reason without express consent of Morphicon Corporation, irrespective of where or by whom the videotape was acquired.

Please respect anonymity and artist copyright.  Do not take detailed photographs of an artist's works or photograph someone in partial fursuit (such as a performer with the head off of a costume) without the express permission of the artist or costumer.  Fully assembled costumes in public spaces are traditionally considered fair game for photographs.

If you have any concerns about event security or issues involving harassment, you may contact our security staff.  The link should be available from the staff list on the current convention year (to left).