SAFETY & ACCESSIBILITY

For Information on our Health and Safety protocols please check here.

Since the early beginnings of the show, PAX has been proactive about creating and implementing policies that ensure a safe and fun environment for attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and Enforcers alike. Many of you have seen the condensed “Six Rules of PAX” circulated each and every show, but this page is dedicated to explaining each of them in their intent and use as well as our other safety and security policies, including our Booth Babe Policy, our Weapons Check policy, and our policies specific to the Expo Hall.

If at any point you feel unsafe at PAX or that any of the rules have been broken, we ask that you inform an Enforcer or member of PAX staff immediately. Your safety is our primary concern, and if you feel that safety has been compromised, we will do everything in our power to rectify the issue. Issues of violence and harassment are addressed immediately, with guarded “Safe Areas” being designated in case any incidents do arise.

If you feel any concerns about your safety prior to the show, please email us at [email protected].

Policy Overview

Everyone attending PAX East 2023 must wear an approved face covering at all times while inside the venue and while attending PAX East, save for designated eating areas. 

Definitions

For information on what constitutes an approved face covering please visit our Face Covering Guidelines page. Designated Eating Areas are clearly marked in digital and printed show guides, and are marked in the event space with signage and barriers.  Masks removed while in designated eating areas must be replaced before exiting that area.

Remediation
Anyone not wearing a face covering in accordance with approved guidelines will be asked to put one on, or adjust their mask to fit the guidelines. Repeated incidents will result in one or more of the following: Revocation of badge, removal from PAX event space, lifetime ban from the show.

Policy Overview

Illegal substances will not be tolerated at PAX. If you are caught buying, using or dealing illegal drugs while at the show, remediation steps will be taken. If you are under the influence of legal drugs and are in any way interfering with other attendees and their ability to enjoy PAX, we reserve the right to escort you from the premises with potentially even more severe remediation consequences.

Definitions
Illegal substances or illegal drugs: Any drug which is not legally obtained as defined by local laws. Any prescribed medication that has not been legally obtained; any prescribed medication not being used in its intended dosage or for its intended purpose; any over-the-counter medication being used at a dosage level other than the recommended manufacturer levels.

Remediation
Any violation of said rule with illegal substances while on PAX premises will have one or more of the following steps taken: Onsite security and police will be notified in accordance with all state laws and governing procedures, badges will be revoked, violators will be removed from the premises, and a ban on future shows will be given.

Anyone found consuming alcohol outside of regulated areas will be asked to leave the premises immediately.

Anyone whose alcohol consumption is found to be negatively impacting the enjoyment of the show or others will be asked to leave the premises immediately with the possibility of badge removal and a ban from future events.

Confidentiality
Any and all information relating to drug or alcohol abuse or the identification of persons as users of drugs and alcohol will be treated by PAX as confidential unless otherwise required by law, overriding public health and safety concerns, or authorized by the parties in question.

Policy Overview
Theft will not be tolerated at PAX. If you are caught stealing directly from another individual or taking items from any private or public areas of PAX that are not expressly indicated to be free, remediation steps will be taken.

Definitions
Theft: Any crime in which a person intentionally or fraudulently takes personal property of another entity without permission or consent and with the intent to convert it to the taker’s use, including potential sale.

Property: Includes any money or items owned by an entity. Property shall be regarded as belonging to any person or entity having in it any proprietary right or interest.

Remediation
All instances of theft while on PAX premises will result in one or more of the following: Onsite security and police will be contacted with the intent of prosecution in accordance with all state laws and governing procedures, revoking of badge, ban on future shows.

Policy Overview
Violence will not be tolerated at PAX. PAX adheres to the firm conviction that every person is entitled to an expectation of health and safety and will take action to make that expectation a reality. Violating that expectation of safety through violence or threats of violence perpetrated against another person is explicitly prohibited and will result in removal and remediation.

Definitions
Violence: Any act of aggression, physical assault or threatening behavior that occurs against a person or property within PAX.

Remediation
Incidents of violence are documented using our harassment incident reporting form, completed by Enforcers or PAX staff, whichever the complainant is comfortable with. Although a form will be filled out for all incidents, it is optional (albeit encouraged) for the complainant to go on record with their report.

Anyone who engages in violent behavior will be removed from PAX premises immediately, have their badge revoked, and be given a permanent ban to the show. Onsite security and police will be notified in accordance with all state laws and governing procedures.

Confidentiality
Any and all information relating to the victims of violence will be treated by PAX as confidential unless otherwise required by law, overriding public health and safety concerns, or authorized by the parties in question.

Policy Overview
Cheating will not be tolerated at PAX. Everyone is expected to abide by all rules and regulations when gaming or competing with each other.

Definitions
Cheating: Deliberate dishonesty or fraudulent actions intended to provide an unfair advantage in a competitive setting.

Remediation
Anyone caught cheating will be immediately disqualified from all competitive events at the show. Severe and repeated cases will result in one or more of the following: Revoking of badge, ban on future shows.

Policy Overview

PAX East and RX have a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment of any kind. If you are caught or reported to have harassed anyone at PAX, you will go through our reporting process and face remediation steps.

Please be aware of and respect the personal boundaries of your fellow participants so that everyone can enjoy their time at the event.

Definitions
PAX has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment of any kind including, but not limited to:

• stalking
• intimidation
• offensive verbal comments
• physical assault and/or battery
• threats
• harassing or non-consensual photography or recording
• sustained disruption of presentations and other events
• bathroom policing
• inappropriate physical contact
• unwelcome physical attention
• sexually explicit, suggestive and/or provocative behavior or signage
• hate symbols

in relation to, but not limited to:

• race
• color
• national origin
• gender
• gender identity
• gender presentation
• sexual orientation
• marital status
• age
• body size
• disability
• appearance
• religion
• citizenship
• pregnancy

Remediation
Harassment incidents are documented using our harassment incident reporting form, completed by either Enforcer Response Team members or PA staff, whichever the complainant is comfortable with. Although a form will be filled out for all incidents, it is optional (albeit encouraged) for the complainant to go on record with their report.

Harassment will not be tolerated at PAX, anyone found to have engaged in harassing or threatening behavior will face appropriate consequences as determined by PAX show management including but not limited to having their badge revoked and given a permanent ban to the show. Onsite security and police may be notified in accordance with all state laws and governing procedures.

Confidentiality
Any and all information relating to the victims of harassment will be treated by PAX as confidential unless otherwise required by law, overriding public health and safety concerns, or authorized by the parties in question.

Policy Overview
It is understood that all attendees will be able to operate in a state of comfort and privacy without intrusion or disturbance, and that their personal belongings will not be altered or disturbed. If anyone’s belongings are found to have been disturbed or restricted, remediation will take place.

Definitions
Privacy: A state of being free from intrusion and disturbance in one’s personal state of affairs as well as physical presence.

Personal Belongings: Includes any items owned by an entity.

Remediation
Anyone who engages in behavior or that violates the privacy intentions as stated above will be reprimanded and have their badge removed contingent on the severity of the claim as reported to PAX show management.

The Reporting Procedures for all rules are the same. Notify an Enforcer, email [email protected], or Report a Problem in our mobile app. With your help, we can keep PAX safe and secure for everyone.

PAX has a strict ‘no booth babe’ policy with the purpose of creating an environment where everyone can feel comfortable and welcome, and the focus is on games, not hired booth staff.

Booth babes are defined as staff of ANY gender used by exhibitors to promote their products at PAX by using overtly sexual or suggestive methods. Partial nudity, the aggressive display of chest and the navel, and shorts/skirts higher than 4” above the knee are not allowed. If for any reason an exhibit and/or its contents are deemed objectionable to PAX management, the exhibitor will be asked to alter the attire of its staff.

Cosplayed characters that are playable in-game are an exception to this rule (within reason), and exhibitors must obtain permission from show management prior to the show.

If for any reason an exhibit and/or its contents are deemed objectionable to PAX management, the exhibitor will be asked to alter the attire of its staff or remove those staff from the show.

Cosplaying attendees are not subject to the "booth babe" policies but may be asked to alter or modify their costume if it is deemed inappropriate, at Show Management's sole and absolute discretion.

For safety reasons, the following are not allowed to be used specifically inside the expo hall:

• Strollers (they may be carried)
• Stilts
• Remote controlled vehicles
• Rollerskates, rollerblades, and other forms of recreational wheeled transport
• Given the crowd density, situations that require mass egress would be restricted by these devices.

Stopping in Expo Hall aisles for cosplay photos is not permitted.

No functional props or weapons are allowed at PAX. Simulated or costume weapons are allowed as a part of your costume, subject to prior approval by convention staff (Enforcers) and compliance with the following rules:

• All costume props and weapons must be inspected and will be "peace bonded" by an Enforcer at the Information booth.
• Live firearms including airsoft, either functioning or de-commissioned, are not permitted.
• Replica firearms made from metal, solid resin/plastic/rubber are not permitted.
• All firearm costume props and weapons must be rendered inoperable and are required to have an orange safety tip at all times.
• Any bow-type weapons must be unstrung or strung with a low-tensile thread. All prop arrows must have soft, non-metal, blunted tips made out of foam or cardboard only.
• Metal swords, knives & spears are not permitted. Any sharp implements are likewise not permitted (to include needles, syringes, ceramic blades).
• Stilts and costumes which include stilts may be prohibited from certain convention areas. Be aware that you may be asked to remove them.
• Costume weapons are for fun! Enjoy your costume, but do not strike, swing at or brandish weapons at other attendees.

MORE INFO / FAQ

What is peace bonding?
"Peace bonding" allows convention staff and Enforcers to tell at a glance that your costume weaponry meets show expectations. Peace bonding is accomplished by attaching one or more colored zip-tie's to your cosplay weapon(s). We attempt to attach these in a way which will allow you to take pictures etc. without them subtracting from your costume/cosplay. Feel free to work with the Enforcers to peace bond your weaponry in a way that you are happy with!

I will be at the show multiple days. Do I need to get my weapon peace bonded multiple times?
Once your weapon is peace bonded you are all set for the rest of the show!

What about NERF guns?
NERF weapon are allowed if they have been rendered completely inoperable. Convention staff/Enforcers are the final arbiter of whether or not a weapon is inoperable, so please be ready to clearly show and explain what measures you have taken. Make sure to include an orange safety tip!

Look! I covered my metal sword in electrical tape! Is it OK now?
No. Altering or attempting to alter your metal, bladed or otherwise prohibited weapon will not make it acceptable.

PAX strives to be an accessible convention. PAX is completely wheelchair accessible and, upon request, will provide sign language interpreters. Requests for sign language interpreters should be made at least two weeks before the first day of PAX. Additionally, we have medical passes to help with special accommodations getting into panels and the like. If you are attending a panel and have a Medical Pass, please arrive at the theatre early. You can apply for a Medical Pass for yourself and a plus 1. To request a Medical Pass or sign language interpreter, please email [email protected].

The Games Hotline offers free, confidential, text-based emotional support to anyone who makes or plays games. For more information, visit https://gameshotline.org/

The Games and Online Harassment Hotline has extended their hours and tailored their service specifically to serve PAX attendees, vendors, and employees during the convention. If you're feeling overwhelmed, reactive or triggered, been harassed or assaulted, or just want a compassionate ear, reach out.

Text PAX to 23368 to get connected via SMS.

Click the WhatsApp button on gameshotline.org to message them there.

Hours:

From March 23-26th, the hotline will be online from 10am to 10pm (Eastern Time). You can reach out anytime, and they'll get back to you once they're on.

From March 27^th - 31st, they're keeping the PAX keyword live to support folks dealing with con crash or any other ripple effects after attending the convention. They'll be online from 6pm to 10pm (Eastern time) those days.

The safety and security of our staff, exhibitors and attendees is our priority. We work closely with the venue, corporate security, state, local and federal law enforcement authorities to identify risks, assess them and develop security plans for our events.

We have established a security room at our shows to ensure effective communication and response.

Everyone attending the Show should be aware of the following security measures:

• Security will be onsite at all times to assist you during all aspects of the Show
• Everyone must wear their Show badge at all times. This includes exhibitors, vendors, attendees, guests (speakers, talent, artists), professionals, press, staff, and crew.
• A fully operational security team following our vetted procedures is in place at the Show
• Bag checks may occur at the Show
• Walkthrough or hand held scanners may be used at the Show
• Any CCTV in operation at the Show is monitored and recorded
• Uniformed and undercover security may be in attendance at the Show
• Uniformed and undercover Police may be in attendance at the Show
• Canine Security and Detection may be used in or around the Show

Everyone attending is requested to:

• Keep personal property with you at all times and do not leave any items unattended
• If you see something, say something.  Report anything that looks unusual, suspicious, or out of place to Show staff or security immediately
• Remain patient and courteous during security checks and follow the instructions of Show staff and security at all times
• Properly dispose of your Show badge inside the venue or keep it as a souvenir – please do not sell it to scalpers or throw it away in trash cans outside the venue where it could be picked up
• Carry a valid form of photo ID at all times