Code of Conduct
Revised 10/17/24
AnthrOhio welcomes those with an interest in anthropomorphic animal characters. AnthrOhio strives to provide a fun and safe environment for its attending members. To that end, AnthrOhio requires all attendees to follow a Code of Conduct. By encouraging all who take part in the event to behave in a way that is acceptable and inoffensive to the majority of the attendees, we can help to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time at AnthrOhio.
Upon accepting membership to AnthrOhio and/or entering the Hilton Columbus Downtown property, the member agrees to hold harmless AnthrOhio, Hilton Columbus Downtown, and their staff from any legal action resulting from personal injury or property damage or loss due to the actions of any individual within the event or otherwise, including members of the AnthrOhio staff. AnthrOhio holds the right to alter this Code of Conduct at any time with or without notice. In the event of an occurrence during the convention that is not covered by this Code of Conduct, but is covered by the venue rules and regulations and/or local, state, or federal laws, that situation will be turned over to proper authorities and handled according to those guidelines.
Membership
Membership to AnthrOhio events may be purchased in several ways including online or at the registration desk during registration business hours. Persons requesting membership must present a State or National government issued photo identification to receive their membership identification or badge for the event. In addition, they must sign a formal agreement to adhere to the Code of Conduct standards. Every member will receive a membership badge. This membership badge must be openly visible at all times while the member is within the convention area. Any member without a membership badge on display will be denied entry to convention events. They may also be asked to leave the convention space until they can return with a valid membership badge.
A Regular Member is defined as any individual 18 years of age or older at the start date of the AnthrOhio convention. Minor Members are defined as any individual under 18 years of age.
All Minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a Regular Member who is either their Parent or Legal Guardian or has been designated as an Escort by their Parent or Legal Guardian. All Minors of 16 or 17 years of age may attend without accompaniment with the permission of their Parent or Legal Guardian. No Minors are allowed to attend any activities designated Mature (18+), even if accompanied by a Parent or Legal Guardian.
Any Minor under the age of 14 will be given a free KIT (Kid In Tow) Badge that allows them access to all standard age appropriate activities for AnthrOhio. The KIT Badge does not allow access to any activities that require a ticket for entry such as the Guest of Honor Dinner. KIT Badges do not have any digital data on their recipient and instead are attached to the digital data of their accompanying Adult to stay compliant with COPPA.
No Minors will be allowed to attend without a signed copy of the “AnthrOhio Incorporated Parental Consent Form for All Attendees Under the Age of 18” that has been signed by a Parent or Legal Guardian in front of either a Member of AnthrOhio Staff or a public notary.
AnthrOhio tries to maintain an atmosphere enjoyable for adults and children alike. However, while family attendees are welcomed, the AnthrOhio staff, venue staff, and other members of the convention should not be expected to provide Minor supervision.
Denial or Revocation of Membership
AnthrOhio reserves the right to deny or revoke the membership of any individual at any time for any reason. The removal of an attendee’s membership status and privileges will most likely be enacted if that attendee’s actions or behavior is found to be disruptive to the safety or enjoyment of other attendees, inhibits or interferes with convention operations or with the staff and operation of any supporting venues.
Anyone discovered to have forged a membership badge or to be using another member’s badge under false pretenses will be asked to leave the event and could possibly be referred to local police under a complaint of trespassing. In addition, any member discovered allowing others to “borrow” their membership badge will have their membership immediately revoked and will be asked to leave the event. Any member falsely representing themselves as a staff member of AnthrOhio for any reason may have membership privileges revoked and asked to leave the event.
Convention Space vs. Public Space
Convention space is defined as those areas of the venue contracted for use by AnthrOhio staff and attendees. Public spaces are those areas of the venue shared between AnthrOhio attendees and the general public such as other guests of the hotel. The standards of conduct for AnthrOhio attendees shall apply to attendee conduct in both convention and public spaces. Anyone not registered as an attendee of the convention may be asked to leave any area designated as convention space.
Convention Rating Designation
All public spaces and convention spaces shall have a “PG-13” rating. Any convention event containing materials of an adult nature will be noted in the convention book listings and entrance to the event will be monitored. No minors will be permitted entry to convention events given “Mature +18” classifications.
According to venue rules and state regulations, attendees must wear appropriate attire at all times. Typical attire includes a shirt or blouse; shoes or other footwear; and pants, shorts, or skirts unless the attendee is utilizing the pool/spa area. Any attendee wearing clothing deemed inappropriate or disruptive to the atmosphere of the convention, including but not limited to overly revealing or of blatant sexual or fetish purposes will be asked to re-attire themselves.
Failure to comply with this request may result in the loss of convention privileges. “Fursuits” are considered acceptable attire provided their design and construction falls within the “PG-13” rating of the convention.
Public displays of affection must be limited to friendly contact. Overtly sexual public behavior will not be allowed.
Personal Conduct
All AnthrOhio attendees are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and orderly fashion. Attendees fighting, rough-housing, vandalizing the venue, yelling, creating excessive noise or excessive vulgarities will be considered disorderly conduct.
No objects may be thrown while in the convention area. Likewise, toys which shoot projectiles will not be allowed, with the exception of scheduled events operating under staff supervision.
Sleeping in the convention areas is not permitted.
Revocation of membership may be incurred for any individual(s) who, by their actions, become disruptive to the atmosphere of the convention or its attendees.
Use of drones, hoverboards, or any other non-medically required motorized equipment within any venue space is prohibited. Use of drones in any parking areas servicing any venue in use by AnthrOhio is also prohibited if there is any payload or non-permanently attached equipment on the drone.
Personal Electronics
Personal devices that can create audio or visual distractions or increase risk of overstimulation such as Bluetooth speakers, musical instruments, light, or odor emitting devices must be operated at an acceptable level so as to not disrupt other con-goers or the operation of business for the convention or hotel property. The use of such devices in a disruptive manner will be considered excessive and the operator will be asked to reduce or discontinue the use of equipment. Repeat offenders may be asked to leave convention space and/or risk revocation of membership without refund.
Any devices used to disrupt or jam other electronics devices such as Bluetooth or radio communications devices are not permitted in any areas of our event. Any attempts to gain access to privileged computer systems or information is also forbidden. If you are found in violation of this policy your membership privileges will be revoked and you will be reported to the proper authorities.
Harassment
AnthrOhio takes harassment very seriously. Harassment may come from any source, both within and outside the convention. Threats, stalking, deliberate intimidation, demeaning insults or unwelcome physical contact, all constitute forms of harassment. Remember: No means no and stop means stop. If you are told to stop in response to any contact with another individual, you are to immediately end your contact with that person.
If you feel you are being harassed, please alert the AnthrOhio Safety Team. If a Safety Team Member is not available, please report the harassment to any member of the AnthrOhio Staff. Every report of harassment will be investigated and dealt with on an individual basis. Actions taken in response to these reports may or may not be reported to the reporting attendees.
Weapons
Weapons are not allowed at AnthrOhio. This includes firearms, bladed weapons of any kind, flailing weapons, explosive devices or any object designed to inflict harm. Any individual discovered carrying a weapon in convention space will be ejected from the convention and referred to local authorities. This is the policy of AnthrOhio and supersedes any legally issued weapons carry permit.
Weapon replicas may only be carried if they are part of a performance at the convention and have been presented to and approved by AnthrOhio Safety Team.
Vending
Sales within AnthrOhio convention space and the Hilton Columbus Downtown are not allowed except within the Dealers’ Den, Artists’ Alley, or designated area. All sales must be by approved Vendors (Charity, Artists, or Dealers) at their designated spaces. Sales outside of these guidelines, will lead to forfeiture of Memberships of all parties involved in the unapproved sales.
Smoking & E-Cigarettes
Columbus Downtown Hilton is a non-smoking venue, thus smoking and vaping are prohibited anywhere inside the hotel. In addition, smoking indoors at public businesses is illegal. If you are a smoker, please be respectful of our non-smoking guests. We ask that you utilize designated smoking areas outside of the venue.
Illegal Substances
The sale, purchase, or use of any controlled substance is strictly forbidden at AnthrOhio. Any individual discovered selling, buying or using illegal substances in any part of the venue or surrounding area will immediately have their membership revoked and will be reported to relevant enforcement authorities without exception.
Alcohol
The legal drinking age in the state of Ohio is 21 years. It is a felony in this state to supply anyone under this age with alcohol. If an individual has been found supplying minors with alcohol, their membership will be revoked immediately and they will be reported to the local police. Likewise, any minor found drinking or can be reasonably suspected of being intoxicated will lose their membership and be turned over to proper authorities.
Public consumption of alcohol within the AnthrOhio convention space is forbidden. Likewise, the venue only permits public consumption of alcohol within their designated areas, as per their state-issued liquor license. Private consumption of alcohol within guest rooms is permitted provided the alcohol containers remain sealed until within the room.
AnthrOhio asks that its attendees drink responsibly and in moderation. Individuals being disruptive or belligerent due to inebriation may be escorted to their venue room or asked to leave the venue if deemed appropriate. Individuals failing to comply with requests or those having repetitive events involving intoxication may have their membership revoked.
Personal Belongings
We recommend personal items not be left in convention space unattended. AnthrOhio and its staff are not responsible for any items lost or stolen. Items found by our staff during the event are turned into Convention Operations. If an item is believed lost it may be retrieved there, or for up to two months following the event. Items lost but not claimed two months after the event will be disposed of in an appropriate manner. AnthrOhio will do its best to facilitate the return of any items returned to the lost and found after the convention at the attendee’s expense.
Media and Use of Video
Members of the media who wish to cover our event are required to request and obtain an approved press kit prior to arrival no less than seven days prior to the event, and may not arrive unannounced or unescorted. A person attending AnthrOhio may not function in a media capacity without the express written consent of AnthrOhio, Inc.
AnthrOhio has staff photographers and videographers, by attending AnthrOhio, you understand and consent that your image may be captured via video or photography and grant AnthrOhio permission to use your likeness in future promotions.
Be respectful of fellow attendees and ask for permission before taking photos or videos.
