POLICIES

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KhromaKon does not tolerate harassment of Attendees, Staff, Vendors/Dealers or Guests by any other Attendee, Staff, Vendor/Dealer or Guest. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Stalking
• Intimidation
• Offensive Verbal Comments
• Physical Harassment and/or Unwelcome Physical Touching or Attention
• Symbols or Statements of hate toward, but not limited to, a person’s Race, Color, National Origin, Gender, Sexual Orientation, Age, Body Size, Disability, Appearance or Religion

The above harassing actions, symbols and/or statements are also not permitted as part of a presentation, panel, exhibit, show or cosplay. KhromaKon in its sole discretion will determine if a harassing action or statement has occurred or symbol has been used. KhromaKon Staff will take prompt action in any form deemed appropriate toward anyone found in violation of this policy, which can range from asking an Attendee, Staff or Guest to leave the convention floor for a specified time up to expulsion from KhromaKon Convention with no refund or a lifetime ban from the convention or calling for police assistance.

Any Attendee, Staff, Vendor/Dealer or Guest experiencing an uncomfortable or unsafe situation is asked to bring the matter to the nearest KhromaKon staff member, identified by their convention badge. They will be escorted to the convention operations office to make an official report. Attendees, Staff, Vendors/Dealers and Guests may also go directly to the convention operations office as circumstances dictate. After making a report, KhromaKon Staff will contact local law enforcement or medical assistance, provide an escort, offer a safe place and/or otherwise assist the Attendee, Staff, Vendor/Dealer or Guest to feel safe for the remainder of the convention.

Overtly sexual imagery and language is not appropriate except during events or panels specified as covering adult topics that are open only to Attendees over 18 years of age. Attendees violating these rules may be expelled from KhromaKon without a refund at the discretion of the  department heads and/or committee.

Convention Attendees are expected to follow Maryland’s Drug and Alcohol Abuse laws. The drinking age in Maryland is 21. Violation of these laws will result in immediate expulsion from the convention. The Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel requires all alcohol consumed in the bar, restaurant or convention space be served by hotel employees. Outside purchase alcohol must be consumed in the privacy of the Attendee’s room.

Parents are responsible for the behavior of their minor children. If a child is seen behaving in a disruptive manner or in a way that might cause harm to themselves or others, KhromaKon reserves the right to ask that the parent accompany the child when in convention areas.

Attendees should be aware that convention activities are often videotaped or photographed by other Attendees and the press. The photographer should ask for your permission prior to taping or photographing you at the convention. Attendees should be aware that they may appear in the background of someone else’s video or photo and are responsible for notifying that photographer if they do not wish to be included in the image.

Celebrity Guests’ contracts may prohibit videotaping of their stage appearance. An announcement will be made from the stage prior to the celebrity’s appearance. Videotaping of other programming events is subject to the approval of the convention and person(s) on stage.

Video and still cameras may not be used to capture images in the Art Gallery or Marketplace

Requesting a Guest’s personal information is considered a privacy violation and is grounds for expulsion from the convention. Examples include an Attendee asking a Guest for their hotel room number, travel itinerary or other contact information that the Guest considers private.

On-stage presentations of gifts or awards to or by any Attendee or Guest must be pre-approved by the KhromaKon department heads. Making a presentation without this approval is grounds for expulsion from the convention.

No gunplay or swordplay is allowed at any time unless it is taking place at a demonstration event scheduled by the convention. All weapons must remain holstered or sheathed. Staff members may ask to inspect your weapon to verify it is a prop. When this happens, your weapon will be marked with a removable marker, such as a zip tie, to identify that the inspection has occurred. Items considered weapons include but are not limited to: paint ball or splatter guns; prop, blank or cap guns; laser tag guns; swords, lightsabers and similar articles with edges, blades and/or projectile capability. Laser target designators or laser pointers are not allowed in the convention areas (except as used by Guest speakers during a presentation) as they can cause injury if not used properly.  They will be escorted to the convention operations office to make an official report. Attendees, Staff, Vendors/Dealers and Guests may also go directly to the convention operations office, as circumstances dictate. After making a report, KhromaKon Staff will contact local law enforcement or medical assistance, provide an escort, offer a safe place and/or otherwise assist the Attendee, Staff, Vendor/Dealer or Guest to feel safe for the remainder of the convention.

We want KhromaKon to be a safe and fun event for everyone. We will have our own security team dedicated to your safety so you can enjoy the convention freely. 

Some things to keep in mind when planning your trip to KhromaKon. 

• All attendees will need to have their badge present and with the corresponding flag depending on the area and time they are in the convention space (I.e. those with marketplace badges are allowed entree early for setup)
• Attendees with cosplay props will go through a weapons check at this entrance.
• Functional firearms and realistic props that could be confused for real guns are not allowed at KhromaKon.

To make your entry to KhromaKon as smooth as possible, we suggest you arrive early, have your badge shipped to you in advance,  and make sure any cosplay props don’t conflict with our prop policy. We want to make sure all of our attendees  and the community stays  inclusive, welcoming, and safe 

KhromaKon is committed to curating a space where fans can count on a safe, inclusive, and fulfilling experience. In order to preserve that, KhromaKon has a zero-tolerance policy against harassment, groping, stalking, and inappropriate photography. Any and all harassment is unacceptable.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to, verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Harassment of any kind is unwelcome at KhromaKon and will not be tolerated. Violation of this policy will result in removal from the event and depending on the severity, a permanent ban from all future KhromaKon events. 

If you are being harassed, please find the nearest staff member so that a report can be made.

We love cosplay. In the convention scene, cosplay is a HUGE part of coventions across the world, so it makes sense to plan for a HUGE cosplay scene at KhromaKon. We want to make sure that everyone has a fun and safe time at the con. Please read the policy and follow the rules accordingly. If you violate this policy, you could be asked to leave KhromaKon without a refund.

Any weapon that could seriously hurt someone is not allowed. Specifically, but not limited to:

• Functional firearms – that includes paintball, airsoft, bb guns, cap guns, any gun that shoots a real projectile or causes a real explosion.
• Realistic firearms – any gun that could be confused for a real gun.  If it looks like a real gun, it cannot come into KhromaKon. Realistic prop guns with brightly-colored caps are not allowed.
• Prop weapons made of a hard material such as metal, wood, or glass
• Functional projectile weapons – any weapon (crossbow, slingshot, etc) that discharges a projectile
• Metal-bladed weapons
• Whips
• Explosives
• Paddles
• Blunt weapons like bats, clubs, or hockey sticks
• Loud props such as whistles, horns, etc.

Prop weapons are allowed at KhromaKon, as long as they meet the following criteria; That they are composed of cardboard, foam, something light. Prop firearms are allowed only if they cannot be mistaken for real weapons. Orange tips are okay. Prop bows will be allowed providing all arrows have soft tips and will not be shot.

Any weapon that could seriously hurt someone is not allowed. Specifically, but not limited to formed security personnel. Safety is paramount, and all staff members will always err on the side of caution. There will be no place to store prohibited weapons on-site. If you have a weapon that is prohibited, you will be escorted from the building and not allowed back in with the weapon.

We love costumes, good guys, bad guys, and everything in between! Hateful symbols are not welcome at KhromaKon. Historical costumes can be great, but reminders of unspeakable atrocities are not appropriate, ever. This includes any sort of “ironic” or satirical costumes that re-appropriate Nazi paraphernalia or klan member attire. 

Please be advised that the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor is a public, family  friendly space. That being said, please keep in mind the following addition to this policy:

• No one will be permitted to be topless in or on hotel property; this applies to all genders: male, female or non-binary. Liquid latex, body paint or makeup shall not be acceptable costumes or clothing. All “private parts” must be covered by actual clothing and must not be visible through the clothing. 
• Official law enforcement, emergency services, or military personnel uniforms are not  permitted, nor shall anyone impersonate or attempt to impersonate such individuals.

KhromaKon is committed to supporting our Marketplace exhibitors. That being said, counterfeit items, bootlegs, knock-offs, AI generated art, or other pirated items are not welcome at KhromaKon. If you see something, please report it to an KhromaKon staff member. Exhibitors selling counterfeit items may be removed from KhromaKon, banned from future events, and risk criminal prosecution.

• All tickets gain entry to KhromaKon.
• Separate tickets may need to be purchased for certain events.
• Any pass purchased by the mailing deadline will be mailed.  BADGES WILL NOT BE MAILED IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOUR ORDER.
• Passes purchased after the mailing deadline will need to be picked up at the convention.
• Tickets are non-refundable and subject to MD sales tax.
• All badge sales are final with no refunds or cancelations available for any badges purchased for our event.
• Upgrades can be purchased but are limited to availability for days and packages selected.
• Upgrades can be completed through TicketLeap.com
• You will need an account to complete your upgrade.
• You can create an account using the email address you used to purchase your badges.. Make sure to have your confirmation number ready for us to assist. 
• Tickets will be cheaper before the event than during the convention online and onsite.
• If you have a problem with your tickets, please contact ticketleap.com/support with your confirmation number ready.

By presenting programming at KhromaKon, programming participants (also referred to as panelists) agree to the following terms and conditions.

• Panelists understand that by accepting to present a panel at KhromaKon, they are agreeing to abide by all of KhromaKon’s policies including but not limited to our anti-harassment policy, security policy, and cosplay policy.
• Only confirmed panelists will be allowed to present on approved sessions at KhromaKon.
• Panelists agree to begin and end their program on time. Typically, there are 15 minutes in between each session, so beginning and ending on time allows for the room to clear and transition to the next event.
• Panelists must make every effort to communicate with the programming staff if their program needs to be canceled for any reason.
• Hate symbols (even as part of a cosplay) are not permitted at KhromaKon. Behavior deemed in violation of our panelist policy shall be determined by KhromaKon in its sole discretion.
• Hate speech or harassment directed toward a group of people based on race, gender, sexual orientation, appearance, age, disability, religion, etc. is not permitted before, during, or after your presentation. Behavior deemed in violation of our panelist policy shall be determined by KhromaKon in its sole discretion.
• In taking questions from the audience, panelists understand that they have no obligation to respond to any questions that make them feel uncomfortable and that they may ask the room monitor or other KhromaKon staff or crew to intervene if anyone is making the panelist or the audience uncomfortable or violating our anti-harassment policy.
• Panelists agree that KhromaKon reserves the right to adjust the time and/or location of the panelist’s programming at any time. The staff will do their best to communicate any changes that occur in advance.
• Panelists understand that most panel rooms will have microphones, a screen, a projector with either a VGA or HDMI connection, and an audio patch and that panelists will need to provide their own laptop or other way to present the information. Panelists must submit needs as far as room setup and AV to the Programming Coordinator at least 2 months before the show.
• If you have any problems that cannot be resolved, seek help from the staff immediately.
• Late programming applications will not be accepted under any circumstance.
• If you would like different passes such as VIP Passes, you may purchase them separately. In keeping with KhromaKon’s ticket policies, all sales on passes are final and cannot be refunded.
• KhromaKon DOES NOT pay speaking or appearance fees nor does it cover travel, lodging, or meals.

• We ask that all crew work a minimum of one full 5 or 6 hour shift.
• We prefer all crew work at least 1 Saturday shift. Saturday is our busiest day and we will need all the help we can get, so anyone who is able to work a shift on both Saturday AND either Friday or Sunday will get preference. If you have special scheduling needs, and are only able to work Friday and/or Sunday, please note this on your application.
• All crew must wear their name badge while in the KhromaKon occupied space or while working any possible KhromaKon events.
• Volunteer shirts are to be worn during the work shift at all times. They are not to be worn inside the event after your shift ends, but they are yours to keep after the event.
• All crew should wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Comfortable walking shoes are best as most crew will be doing a lot of standing and/or walking.
• We ask all crew to act in the best interest of KhromaKon by respecting attendees, fellow staff, as well as promoting a safe and healthy environment. Please familiarize yourself with the Harassment Policy.
• Staff must refrain from any deliberate acts that may create a dangerous or unhealthy situation during the show. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of illegal drugs, consumption of alcoholic beverages and assaulting, threatening or disregarding the safety of an individual. Anyone who might be under the influence or is exhibiting dangerous or risky behavior, will be reported to security immediately.
• Staff are not permitted to use their volunteer status to promote or conduct personal business. Anyone caught doing so will be escorted off the premises and have their badge revoked.

COVID-19 Health and Safety Update 

KhromaKon 2024 is being planned as an in-person event on March 1-3, 2024 at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor.

The health and safety of all participants is priority at all KhromaKon events. In organizing this event, we are following the state, cityounty, and CDC guidelines in order to promote a safe experience. Even so, please understand there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in visiting any public place where there are people.

We are constantly reviewing and reevaluating protocols as they relate to the current COVID-19 situation, which continues to change rapidly. We encourage you to revisit this page prior to traveling to the event.

Face Coverings

At this time, a face coverings for KhromaKon is required when approaching guests. We highly encourage attendees to continue wearing masks while indoors as recommended by the CDC.

Hygiene and Sanitization

There will be additional measures taken to support a safe environment at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor. This includes precautions like enhanced cleaning procedures and additional sanitation stations throughout the building. You can find more information as we update the Frequently Asked Questions section of KhromaKon’s website.

We ask that all attendees sanitize and/or wash their hands as often as possible.

General Wellness

We ask that all attendees self-evaluate prior to coming to the event in order to protect others at the event. If you are experiencing COVID-19 or other flu symptoms, or have been in close contact with someone who has had COVID-19 in the 7 days prior to the event, please do not enter the convention. 

COVID-19 news changes rapidly, we recommend you follow us on social media to be the first to receive new information. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at info@khromakon.com

Before you apply, please read and understand the following:

• Our marketplace is curated to a certain extent with our creator participants carefully selected. We have the right to refuse any application without explanation. 
•  Marketplace space is issued only to the creator listed on the application. Spaces are not transferable and non-refundable.
• This is a table request form. It is not a contract, and it does not guarantee space. Marketplace space is limited, and as we continue Khroma Kon, previous acceptance does not guarantee acceptance the following year.
• If accepted, you will be sent a link with payment details. You MUST make payment by the given deadline to reserve your space. Late payments will not be accepted. If payment is not received by this date, your table will be allotted to a creator on the waitlist.
• Individuals, as well as collectives or studios with multiple creators, may apply, but collectives/studios must identify each of their members within the application.
• Tables cannot be shared with any creator not listed within the application. You may not add additional artists to your table after your application has been approved.
• All applicant must be 18-years-old or older or have a parent/legal guardian 18 or older
• If you plan to share your table or exhibit with a collective/studio only ONE member should apply for an Artist Alley table. Multiple members should not apply. Multiple applications from the same collective/studio will not increase your chances of acceptance.
• Accepted creators will receive one Marketplace table/ booth depending on what was chosen on the application. No displays may extend across more than their table space unless an extra table has been purchased. This applies to both individual artists and collectives/studios.
• Accepted creators are expected to be at their table during all open hours of the market place
• Tables do not include electricity, and electricity cannot be ordered in Marketplace.
• Wifi is not included, but both free and paid wifi options are available directly from the building
• Accepted creators may purchase passes should they need it for an additional member of a studio and/or helpers. Marketplace passes allow entrance during set up hours before and after public hours each day.
• Marketplace tables must be staffed during all public hours by a minimum of one person. 
• Should you not be part of the first round of Marketplace acceptances, you will automatically be waitlisted to be considered in the event any tables become available.
• We encourage creators if all mediums. If you have questions about this, please email us at info@khromakon.com.
• We want to celebrate fans of comics, anime, and manga and their artistry, and we encourage original prints, comics, etc, but mass-produced fan works or fan works that use or are based on licensed, copyrighted material (including character art, background art, logos, etc) fall under our bootleg policy and are prohibited. Do not create buttons, pins, bags, keychains, T-Shirts, etc. with official art or any art that isn’t yours. Don’t trace, copy, or place Photoshop filters over someone else’s work , or use AI  generated art and call it your own. If you display fanart which doesn’t follow this guide, you may be asked to remove them from display by one of our Khroma Kon team members or risk being removed from Marketplace without refund.

3D PRINTING

3D printing products are allowed in the marketplace as long as no items that are being curated are copyrighted/patented items. This is to prevent any legal complications with he creator of the copyrighted design. If necessary, we may ask for proof of consent from the creator, as well as contact information within the respected timeframe before the date of our event.

MARKETPLACE FAN ARTS AND FAN CRAFTS

We encourage original prints, crafts, comics, etc, but please read to assure your table follows our guidelines. Should a staff member or publisher representative ask you to remove any item from display and sale, you must do so immediately. Failure to follow this policy puts you at risk of being removed from the event without refund, restricted from future KhromaKon events, and in some cases, criminal fines and prosecution.

• You are allowed to exhibit in the marketplace  with both art featuring characters of your own creation, as well as fan art and fan crafts based on comics, anime, manga, and pop culture series. We define “fan art and fan crafts” as original work you have created based on licensed, copyrighted material and characters.
• The sale of any item which reproduces official artwork is not allowed. You cannot use official poster art, key art, screenshots, logos, or other materials you did not draw yourself. This includes making buttons, pins, bags, keychains, etc. with official art.
• The sale of any item which reproduces the artwork of other fans is not allowed. For example, you cannot copy another artist’s work from DeviantArt or similar sites and call it your own, and you cannot use this artwork as the basis for other fanart or fan crafts. Do not trace, copy, or place Photoshop filters over any art you didn’t create. The alteration or modification of an existing work is not considered an original work.
• The original creator of the fan art must be present at your makerspace table. Booth sharing and collectives are allowed, providing each artist is at KhromaKon
• 3rd party dealers cannot sell the work of fan artists.

DISPLAY INFORMATION 

Displays in the marketplace  must adhere to the following guidelines.

• Tables may not be set up like a booth. If more space is needed you may consider purchasing a 10×10 booth. Please email at info@khromakon.com for more information.
• Backdrops, print walls, banners, and displays are not to exceed 10’ from the floor.
• Displays on top of tables are not to exceed 4’ from the tabletop. Such displays must be stable and secured to the table by means not damaging the table.
• No display is allowed in front of tables or to extend into any aisle.
• No display may infringe upon its neighboring space, including but not limited to outward side-facing displays, support brackets, extension poles, etc.
• Displays are subject to staff discretion. If any display is deemed unsafe, the artist must adjust the display to meet staff recommendations.
• Additional tables may not be added to marketplace spaces.
• Marketplace tables may not be moved, pushed out, pushed back, or otherwise rearranged. If you require more space, we suggest you upgrade to a booth space.
• Areas directly behind tables may not have any displays blocking the tables next to them and walkways between and behind tables must be accessible at all times.
• Luggage must be placed beneath the table and cannot be placed in front, behind, or beside the table.
• If a marketplace  vendor takes a chair from another artist without permission, the marketplace vendor risks being charged for the chair or being removed from marketplace.
• All work displayed must be that of the creator(s) purchasing the space, plagiarized works or the unauthorized use of copyrighted works may result in the forfeit of your table space without refund and potential banning from future events.
• Adult themed materials are allowed but must be tastefully displayed and cannot be accessed by or sold to anyone under 18.
• We encourage no  rolling racks, shelving or other display items will be allowed next to standard table space, because we want you to be courteous to  your neighbors.If you need additionally space, we suggest purchasing a booth.

Table ($175)

• One (1) 6x2 foot table
• Company Sign
• Up to Two (2) badges with marketplace flags

Booth  ($350)

• Up to two (2) 6×2”  tables 
• Company Sign
• Up to three (3) badges with marketplace flags

Electricity is not available and cannot be purchased in the Marketplace

KhromaKon is dedicated to our artists and creatives. Our promise to our audience is one of integrity. We, as the collective of creatives behind this event, understand the dedication, work, and love it takes to bring art into fruition, no matter the medium. Not only are we artists and creators, we are working to ensure that KhromaKon becomes and stays a safe space to celebrate creativity. KhromaKon is, has been, and will be created by artists and creatives, whether it’s promotional material, our marketplace vendors, our art show , and all other events at KhromaKon. We wish to value the artists who will contribute to curating this experience. We truly would not be able to create this experience if it were not for artists. 

Due to the disregard towards artists in the nature of what is AI generated art, our team has come to an understanding, and can not allow AI generated art into our space. This includes selling it in our marketplace or art show, utilizing it in our promotional material, and existing in anything that would fall under events run by KhromaKon. 

Should we find AI generated artwork in our space, it would be considered counterfeit, which is not welcome at our show. Those who sell counterfeit items may be removed from KhromaKon, banned from future events, and risk criminal prosecution. If you see something, please report it to a KhromaKon staff member. 

We will continue to watch this technology as it develops and will update this policy as needed, but as of now our stance is unwavering. 

The Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel allows pets Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor welcomes two pets up to 75 lbs for an additional fee of $100 per pet, per stay. Both dogs and cats are permitted, but pets must be crated if left unattended in rooms. There is a grassy area near the hotel where pets can be walked. 

Animals are not allowed on the convention levels except for Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) service animals. Service animals must be leashed and always wear the proper identifying tags, collar or vest on the convention levels. The ADA allows for trained service animals to accompany their matched partner in a place of business. Per the ADA, service animals are:

• Individually trained animals matched with a specific disabled person to perform assistance tasks for that person; and
• Working animals, not pets

The following animals are not considered service animals per the ADA and not allowed on the convention levels:

• Household pets
• Animals in training to be service animals who are not accompanying their matched partner; and
• Animals used for emotional support or easing anxiety

This rule also applies to Search and Rescue (SAR) animals in training. A SAR animal is trained in public at either organized training events or only after permission is granted by the owners of the public premises for the training to take place. The hotel will not grant such permission unless the public event is an SAR training event or demonstration, which KhromaKon is not.

All service animals on the convention floor are expected to behave in accordance with their training. KhromaKon and the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor will request the animal be removed if an animal becomes disruptive to the proceedings, to include (but not limited to) the following:

• Barking, growling, biting or snapping at Attendees, Staff, Vendors/Dealers or Guests
• Jumping on Attendees, Staff, Vendors/Dealers or Guests
• Knocking over, chewing on or otherwise damaging hotel or convention floors, furniture, equipment, displays and signage, including that of Guests, Vendors/Dealers and Exhibitors
• Urinating or defecating on hotel or convention floors, furniture, equipment, displays and signage, including that of Guests, Vendors/Dealers and Exhibitors
• Running loose on the convention floor and otherwise not staying with their matched partner while attending the convention

The seating area for disabled Attendees will include specified seats with enough floor space for an Attendee to keep their service animal safely next to them and out of the way of foot traffic. Attendees with service animals who do not utilize this reserved seating may be asked to relocate to this specific area and/or leave the room if the Attendee places their animal in a way that blocks foot traffic or causes a tripping hazard for Staff, Guests and Attendees.

Anyone experiencing an issue with an animal in the convention areas is asked to go to the Con Operations office, the Registration Desk, or the Information Desk and ask for the Convention Chairman to be contacted.

KhromaKon  is a public event and will take place regardless of weather or travel conditions. Convention membership tickets are non-refundable. Attendees may re-sell or gift tickets privately, with notice to KhromaKon of the registration name change.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis in all programming rooms. There is disabled Attendee and VIP (Guests and Staff) seating sections available in the ballroom. Please observe all reserved signs for these seats.

Purchase of a convention membership ticket does not guarantee a Guest’s autograph. Attendees are responsible for attending the scheduled autograph session(s) to secure a Guest’s autograph.

You must wear your KhromaKon badge to gain admittance to all convention areas. Badges are non-transferable. Lost badges will be replaced for a $20.00 fee with proper photo identification.