Eurofurence Rules of Conduct

Eurofurence likes to present itself as a professional convention of friendly, respectful and open-minded members of the furry community and their friends. To avoid any misunderstandings about what the kind of behaviour is generally acceptable on an event as big as Eurofurence, you are advised to read and follow these rules of conduct.

Registration and badges

• Only registered attendees may enter the convention space, which consists of the whole hotel area.
• Always wear your badge in such a way that your identification as an attendee is visible at a single glance. Think of it as your admission ticket.
• Changing or hiding any information on your badge is not allowed, ie. by drawing on it.

If you'd like a badge with a picture of your persona/avatar, you can bring along your own badge or let an artist draw one for you on site!

Age restrictions

• All attendees of Eurofurence must be at least 18 years old when attending the convention. [note: That is meant literally. You must be 18 years old or older when you arrive on site]
• Public display of adult-themed art is not permitted at any time.

While there are certainly adult themes present in restricted areas, we do not wish to shove them into anyone's face.

You should consider the feelings of other attendees, hotel staff and uninvolved folks before deciding on what kind of material (comics, art, or sketchbooks for example) you want to show, pass around or otherwise display in public, for example as a sign on your hotel room door.

General behaviour and clothing

• Treat others respectfully. Not everyone you meet will have the desire to be hugged by a stranger.
• If you're asked to stop, STOP. If you're asked to leave, then LEAVE. No discussion.
• Like in any hotel, guests are expected to treat the hotel rooms and their contents reasonably and with care.
• Especially in the sauna and pool area, an appropriate and respectful behaviour is expected.
• You are responsible for any damage you cause to foreign property.
• Blatant exposure or the wearing of what could be considered fetish gear in public is not permitted, even if it is part of a costume.
• Nudity exceeding the equivalent of a non-thong bathing suit is likewise not allowed in public.
• Engaging in excessive tongue-battles, groping or worse in public is to be avoided.

Whilst "common behaviour" on a furry convention is quite different from what would be considered "common" by non-furries, keep in mind that there's still hotel staff around. Even other furries may feel awkward when confronted with certain outfits. This also applies to fursuits and costumes! For example: diapers or inflatable costumes are considered not acceptable under any circumstances, while simply additionally wearing a collar (without attached leash and "pet-play") is certainly not a problem.

Room sharing and privacy

• Treating the hotel room and its property sensibly is your responsibility as a guest.
• The cleaning crew will enter your room daily. "Do Not Disturb" signs will not be respected after 11am. Leaving a tip instead of a mess is certainly held with higher regards!
• Pets are not allowed on beds unless you bring your own sheets. You may be charged a considerable cleaning fee otherwise.
• If you are planning on having a party, it is a good idea to ask your roommates if they agree.

You may of course wear whatever you like in your room, as long as your roommates do not object to this. If you're having a room party, we kindly ask you not to be excessively loud after midnight, out of respect for the other guests in the rooms next to you, who might want to sleep. Ideally at least one sober person should stay around in case of any emergencies.

Alcohol and other drugs

• The consumption of any privately owned drinks or food is not allowed in the hotel lobby and on the patio.
• Any as illegal issued substances, as applied by the German Law (ie. THC, Speed, LSD, ecstasy, etc.), are absolutely forbidden!
• Attendees are expected to drink responsibly. You're still responsible for your actions and behaviour, even when drunk.
• Smoking is not permitted anywhere within the entire hotel building, including your room. A considerable cleaning fee will be charged for smoking within the hotel.

We do not want anyone to end up in hospital. Being a responsible adult and drinking only as much as you can safely handle is naturally expected from you. Anyone caught with any illegal substances will be handed over to the police and expelled from the convention. No exceptions, no discussion, no excuses.

Weapons, weapon look-alikes and other dangerous items

• All weapons, even look-alikes, replicas, tools and toys, must be approved by the Chief of Security during or right after your registration on site.
• Water guns and similar items are prohibited inside the buildings. Care should be taken to avoid hitting any bystanders and/or damaging anyone's property.
• Engaging in mock fights, swordplay, fire breathing or any other activity that may adversely affect bystanders is not allowed unless a member of security has been appointed by the Chief of Security to take precautions and to observe the activity.
• German Laws are rather prohibitive. Make sure you don't bring along anything illegal.
• It is important that you do not tamper with any peace-bonding that might be applied to any of your weapons by the Chief of Security.

Even the most benign items like foamcore (LARP) swords, nerf guns, pocket knives and water guns can cause significant damage to others and/or their property. Especially pieces of original art can easily be damaged beyond repair. Bringing along a small pocket knife or leatherman is not a problem, just make sure you get the approval from the Chief of Security during registration to avoid any hassle. The same restrictions apply to any weapons that are part of a costume. All weapons are supposed to be handled with proper care.

Photography and videotaping

• Photography and filming is strictly forbidden in the Art Show and Dealer's Den. Cameras and cell phones will have to be left outside!
• Flash photography is not allowed during the Pawpet Show.
• Any recording or photography for purposes of publication or sale to the press must be approved by the PR-representative first.
• Official Eurofurence camera teams will record and take photos in public areas and during events, to create an official video for publication. By taking part at the convention you explicitly agree that you may be filmed or have your picture taken in public areas by the official Eurofurence camera team.
• However, when photographing or filming individuals, their explicit permission is required!

Eurofurence wants you to keep your great memories from a fantastic convention. Nonetheless, anybody with a camera is required to make sure that those who are photographed or caught on tape agree to the publication of the material unless they are not "an essential part of the motive". When in doubt, make sure nobody objects to being filmed or photographed before filming or taking photos.

Miscellaneous

• Bodypaint can rub off. Taking extra care is required, especially around fursuits.
• No bodypaint is allowed during the dances.
• Deliberately cracking open any glowsticks and similar items, i.e. anything containing dying, sticky or corrosive material, is to be avoided.
• The sale of any merchandise in public areas outside of the Dealer's Den requires explicit permission by the Board of Directors.
• It is not permitted to bring any animals with you except for those that have been registered in advance.
• Reading and following the rules for the Art Show and the Dealer's Den is required; Damaging any exhibits or wares will have serious consequences.

Fursuits are difficult to keep clean as it is, and rubbed-off colors, no matter how water-soluble they are supposed to be, are very difficult to get out of fur and many other materials. The colorful substance in glowsticks also causes problems and easily stains carpets permanently. Take to mind that sometimes the damage can not be undone by any amount of money, for example in the Art Show, so please be careful.

The bottom line

• When in doubt, ask. Preferably before the convention starts. We'll gladly answer all your questions!
• These rules are not going to be discussed during the convention. The Chief of Security will, however, be available for you in case you feel incorrectly accused of violating any of the rules.
• Security decisions are final.
• The Chief of Security reserves the right to expel you from the convention for violation of any of these rules or otherwise inacceptable behaviour and occurrences. What exactly is deemed inacceptable behaviour is to be decided by the Chief's and the Board of Director's judgement.

That being said, it has generally been a quiet and pleasurable experience with only very few cases of misbehaviour, and we expect the convention to be as friendly and open as always. We hope you'll have a great time!