The Akron Authors Convention Code of Conduct

Purpose

This Code of Conduct exists to ensure a safe, inclusive, professional, and welcoming environment for all attendees, authors, vendors, guests, staff, and volunteers participating in The Akron Authors Convention (“the Event”). All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects respect, courtesy, and consideration for others.

Attendance at or participation in the Event constitutes agreement to comply with this Code of Conduct.

Expected Standards of Behavior

All attendees and vendors must:

• Treat all participants with respect, professionalism, and courtesy.
• Conduct themselves in a manner that supports a positive, inclusive, and harassment-free environment.
• Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, as well as venue rules and regulations.
• Follow all instructions from Event staff, volunteers, and venue security.

Harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or disruptive behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.

Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:

• Harassment, threats, intimidation, or abuse (verbal, physical, or written).
• Discrimination or hateful conduct based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
• Excessive noise, disorderly conduct, or behavior that disrupts panels, exhibits, or Event operations.
• Possession of illegal substances or weapons.

Smoking, Vaping, and Substance Use

• Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside Emidio and Sons Banquet and Event Center and in any non-designated areas.
• Alcohol consumption, if permitted by the venue, must be responsible and lawful.
• Attendees who appear impaired or whose behavior becomes disruptive may be asked to leave the Event.

Personal Hygiene and Cleanliness

• All participants are expected to maintain reasonable personal hygiene.
• Clothing must be clean, appropriate, and comply with venue decency standards.
• Strong odors (including body odor, smoke, or fragrances) that interfere with others’ enjoyment of the Event may result in a request to correct the issue or leave the venue.

Political Activity and Materials

To ensure the Event remains focused on creativity, literature, and community:

• Political campaigning, advocacy, or solicitation for political gain is strictly prohibited.
• The display, distribution, or promotion of political materials, messaging, signage, or merchandise is not permitted.
• Exception: Political content that is intrinsic to a vendor’s or author’s published book(s) may be displayed or distributed only as part of literary materials or book-related swag, and must be clearly contextualized as part of the work itself rather than active political advocacy.

Event management reserves the right to determine whether materials fall within this exception.

Vendor and Exhibitor Conduct

Vendors and exhibitors must additionally:

• Remain within their assigned booth or table space.
• Avoid aggressive sales tactics or solicitation outside approved areas.
• Ensure all displayed or distributed materials comply with this Code of Conduct.
• Maintain their space in a clean, safe, and professional manner.

Reporting Concerns

If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct:

• Notify Event staff or security immediately.
• Reports may be made discreetly and will be handled as confidentially as possible.

The Event will take all reports seriously and investigate promptly.

Enforcement and Consequences

Event organizers reserve the right to take any action deemed appropriate in response to violations of this Code of Conduct, including but not limited to:

• Verbal warnings
• Removal of materials
• Ejection from the Event without refund
• Revocation of vendor or exhibitor privileges
• Banning from future events

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in immediate removal from the venue.

Acknowledgment

By attending, exhibiting, or participating in The Akron Authors Convention, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.