To help ensure our members’ enjoyment and a successful convention, we have established a code of Conduct and Behaviour Policies for all members.

We have no desire to police our membership, but we do have some reasonable requests and expectations that will help ensure a pleasurable weekend for all. We will happily refund the membership fee of anyone who finds the policies listed below unacceptable.

1. Harassment and Assault at the Convention

Ad Astra is dedicated to providing a harassment-free convention experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. “No”, “Stop”, and “Go away” are specific. We do not tolerate harassment of convention participants in any form. Convention participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the convention without a refund at the discretion of the convention organizers. If someone is bothering you, immediately contact one of the Convention Committee (ConCom) or Ad Astra Response Corps (AARC) team members. These individuals will investigate and have the right to remove an attendee’s badge and eject them without refund for not respecting these simple rules.

2. Harassment and Assault outside of the Convention

Ad Astra tries its best to ensure that all convention members have a harassment-free and fun time. Issues relating to Harassment that has been experienced off the property of the convention grounds or outside of the convention weekend must be conducted directly with the appropriate authorities (I.e. the Police). If the external occurring harassment will affect your enjoyment at the current Ad Astra convention, please ensure that all appropriate proof of said external occurring harassment is given only to the Board of Directors, Chair(s) and/or the head of the Ad Astra Response Corps (AARC). This will ensure that only the people who have the authority to make the appropriate decisions are notified. These folks will do their due diligence to come to a formal and informed decision.

3. Costumes and Clothing

NO nudity beyond what would be ordinarily expected in a family oriented venue is permitted. Bare feet are ONLY allowed on the stage in the Masquerade. Convention attendees will respect this or be advised to cover up/wear shoes. One warning only – thereafter the attendee’s badge will be removed and they will be asked to leave immediately.

4. Parties and Alcohol

Ad Astra does not tolerate intoxication or selling/providing alcohol to anyone under age. If you are hosting a party where alcohol is served YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ABIDING BY THE LAW.

Violation will result in immediate loss of your badge and convention.

5. Weapons Policy (Water Pistols, Silly String, Swords, etc.)

Attendees MUST adhere to the Ad Astra weapons policy and the law. Use of water pistols, silly string, etc. in public/convention space will not be tolerated due to the potential for damage to property.

6. Photography and Videotaping

When photographing or videotaping individuals or costumes, please use common courtesy and ask before photographing them. Please respect their rights if they do not wish to be photographed or videotaped. If someone asks or otherwise indicates that they do not wish to be photographed, DO NOT PHOTOGRAPH THEM.

NOTE:  Attendees should also be aware that footage of the convention and attendees is gathered by staff members and others, including events and panels, and may be used in a highlights tape, marketing endeavour or other use. Acceptance of an Ad Astra membership constitutes consent to be filmed or photographed by Ad Astra staff or approved industry or media during the convention without compensation to you. Your acceptance of a membership and attendance at Ad Astra, constitutes a grant of rights to use said footage in any manner whatsoever for promotional and advertising purposes.

7. Buying, Selling and Solicitation

Ad Astra has a few main areas where merchandise is sold. Anyone who receives payment for goods in convention space must comply with all the convention’s rules regarding this.

8. General

Please be prepared to show your badge any time you need access to convention space or events – it identifies you as a fully-paid attendee of the convention. Ad Astra hopes that each attendee enjoys the fun that our event and our wide-ranging community can provide. Please consider how your actions reflect on the convention and how they may impact or affect others, and respect others enjoyment and sensibilities. Use your common sense in public areas; if you wonder at all about whether it is appropriate to do something in public, or you notice others are uncomfortable with your costume or activities, take it to your hotel room.