Canterbury Gaming Convention is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment for everyone. We believe gaming is for everyone and expect all attendees, exhibitors, traders, guests, volunteers, game hosts, and staff to treat one another with kindness, courtesy, and respect.
We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind, including that based on gender, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic.
Respect Others and the Community
People enjoy games in different ways and come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Whether you are playing a board game, roleplaying game, card game, miniature game, taking part in a demonstration, or visiting our traders, we ask that you help create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Be considerate of others, play fairly, respect personal boundaries, and always ask before touching another person or their belongings, including gaming materials, displays, and personal equipment.
What is Harassment?
Harassment is any unwelcome behaviour that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Offensive comments, jokes, language, or imagery relating to a person’s identity or personal characteristics.
- Bullying, intimidation, threats, stalking, or deliberate attempts to disrupt another person’s enjoyment of the convention.
- Unwanted physical contact or invasion of personal space.
- Unwanted attention, persistent interaction after being asked to stop, or inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature.
- Harassing photography, recording, or online behaviour connected to the convention.
- Deliberate exclusion or any behaviour intended to make another person feel unsafe or unwelcome.
If someone asks you to stop behaviour that is making them uncomfortable, you are expected to comply immediately.
Reporting Concerns
If you experience or witness harassment, unsafe behaviour, or any incident that concerns you, please speak to a member of the Canterbury Gaming Convention team as soon as possible.
All volunteers and staff are aware of this policy and are trained in how to respond to concerns. Any report made to a member of the team will be treated seriously and passed to the designated Convention Conduct Lead, who is responsible for overseeing investigations and appropriate action.
The convention team will:
- Listen to and support the person making the report.
- Record details of the incident where appropriate.
- Speak with those involved and any witnesses.
- Take proportionate action, which may include a warning, removal from a game or activity, removal from the convention without refund, or involving venue security or emergency services where necessary.
- Update the person who made the report on the outcome and any action taken where appropriate and legally possible.
Reports will be handled sensitively and, where possible, confidentially.
Staff and Organiser Responsibilities
All convention volunteers, staff, and organisers are responsible for maintaining a respectful environment. The Convention Conduct Lead and Convention Organisers have ultimate responsibility for enforcing this Code of Conduct and ensuring incidents are dealt with fairly and appropriately.
Looking After the Convention
Please respect the venue, convention equipment, traders’ displays, and the personal property of others. Behaviour that damages property, disrupts activities, or negatively impacts the experience of others may result in action being taken by the convention team.
Visibility of this Policy
This Code of Conduct will be displayed clearly on the Canterbury Gaming Convention website, included in the convention programme, and made available throughout the venue.
Our Community
Our goal is simple: be welcoming, be respectful, and help everyone have a great time gaming.
By attending Canterbury Gaming Convention, you agree to follow this Code of Conduct and help us create a safe and enjoyable event for all.