Code of Conduct
LAST UPDATED: JULY 30, 2023
By Participating in the Event or any part of the Event, each individual (each a “Participant”) acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Code of Conduct. As used herein, to “Participate” (or a Participant’s “Participation”) shall mean registering for, attending, accessing, entering, or viewing the Event or any part of the Event, whether such Event is in a physical and digital format. If any Participant does not agree to this Code of Conduct, such Participant should not Participate in the Event.
As used in these Terms of Service, “Organizer” shall be defined as Konnect'd Entertainment and, to the extent applicable, any partner organizations that work with Konnect'd Entertainment to produce or manage the Event. The “Event” shall be defined as any event managed or produced by Konnect'd Entertainment ., including any live and/or virtual component(s) to it. The “Venue” shall be defined as each venue where any live component(s) of the Event is held. The “Platform” shall be defined collectively as each distribution platform and/or digital service provider utilized by the Organizer in connection with the Event, including, but not limited to, the Event website(s). A Participant’s “Credentials” shall be defined as a valid individual identifier provided by the Organizer that entitles a Participant to Participate in the Event in some way, whether such Credentials are a physical object (including, but not limited to, a badge, ticket, wristband, or other authorized means of entry), or an intangible object (including, but not limited to, a unique code, account, log in, link, or other digital identifiers).
At any time, the Organizer may amend these Code of Conduct without notice to the Participant by posting the amended Code of Conduct on the Event website. A participant's continued Participation in the Event shall constitute acceptance of any such amended Code of Conduct.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RELEASE
Participant acknowledges that hazards and risks are incidental to Participating in the Event or any Event produced by Konnect'd Entertainment. By accepting Credentials and by Participating in the Event, the Participant freely and voluntarily assumes any and all risks that are incidental to the Event, regardless of severity and regardless of whether or not caused by the negligence of the Organizer, including, but not limited to, loss, property damage, injury or damage to persons and/or death. Further, Participant acknowledges that there is an inherent risk of exposure to communicable disease, including, but not limited to, COVID-19, in any public place where people are present, and, by Participating in the Event, Participant freely and voluntarily assumes any and all risks related to such exposure. Participant agrees to follow all health and safety instructions, guidelines, or standards issued by local, state, and federal governmental authorities, as well as any health and safety instructions, guidelines, or standards for the Event which may be posted on-site at the Venue, within the Platform (including on the Event website), or as otherwise provided to Participant by Organizer.
In consideration for Participating in the Event, the Participant hereby releases and forever discharges Organizer, the Venue, the city in which the Venue is located (if the city owns the Venue), the Platform, each of their parent, affiliated, and subsidiary companies, and each of their respective agents, employees, officers, directors, trustees, shareholders, contractors, sponsors, and any third parties acting on their behalf (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, actions, damages, liabilities, costs or expenses (including attorney fees) which are related to, arise from or out of, or are in any way connected to Participant’s Participation in the Event, whether or not such claims, actions, damages, liabilities, costs or expenses are caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or by the infringement or violation of any right. This release shall be effective and binding upon any heirs, agents, personal representatives or assigns of Participant.
ACCESS TO THE EVENT
Except as may be required by applicable law, Participant is solely responsible for ensuring that Participant himself or herself is able to Participate in the Event, including, but not limited to, any requirements that Organizer specifies or makes available on the Event website, at the Venue or within the Platform. Organizer is not responsible for any technical difficulties arising as a result of Participant’s use of their own technology in connection with the Event.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Upon entry to any portions or areas of the Event Venue, all participants, their bags and other personal property may be subject to screening or security checks. Organizer expressly reserves the right to prohibit any personal property from entry into the Venue.
All personal property brought to the Event is done so at Participant’s own risk and Participant is responsible for safeguarding such property at all times. Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that Organizer is not responsible for, and shall have no liability resulting from, any loss or damage to any personal property belonging to Participant, including, but not limited to, loss or damage resulting from fire, storms, acts of God, air conditioning or heating failure, theft, pilferage, bomb threats, roof leaks, other attendees participating in the Event or other causes, to the extent consistent with applicable law.
No personal property may be left unattended while in or around the Venue. Organizer will handle unattended property however Organizer deems appropriate in its sole and absolute discretion. Any personal property which is left within the Venue upon the conclusion of the Event shall be considered abandoned and handled by Organizer accordingly.
COSTS TO PARTICIPATE
Participant acknowledges that he or she is solely responsible for any costs incurred in connection with any incidentals or expenses required in order to Participate in the Event or use the Credentials, including, but not limited to, travel, accommodations, Internet connection, mobile access, and/or the use of any personal devices. Except as may be required by applicable law, Organizer will not be responsible or liable for any costs associated with Participation in the Event and all such costs shall be borne solely by the Participant.
REMOVAL FROM THE EVENT
Organizer expressly reserves its rights to deny admission or entry, to remove, ban, or eject a Participant, or to revoke or terminate any Participant’s Credentials or access to any part of the Event, without refund, liability or compensation, as a result of: (1) failure to comply with these Terms of Service; (2) any illegal, unsafe, offensive or threatened behavior which Organizer could reasonably consider to be disruptive of the Event; or (3) circumstances which Organizer determines impact the safety, security, or order of the Event, each in Organizer's sole and absolute discretion. Any such determination by Organizer shall be final.
PROPER ATTIRE
At all times in connection with the Event, Participant will wear proper attire, including shoes and shirts. Organizer reserves the right to deny access or remove from the Event any participant wearing inappropriate attire or attire that could detract from the Event overall, in Organizer's sole and absolute discretion.
EVENT DETAILS
The Event’s operating hours, schedules, floor plans, exhibitors, vendors, guests, and performers are subject to change or cancellation without notice to Participants. All Event Details (as defined herein) are subject to availability and access is not guaranteed for all Participants. The “Event Details” shall be defined as any panels, special events, sessions, themed activities, autographing sessions, photo ops, performances, screenings, webinars, networking events, or other activities held by Organizer (whether in-person or virtually) as part of the Event.
Access to certain Event Features may require an additional separately priced fee and/or will only be available to designated participants or types of Credentials. To the extent an Event Feature occurs at a specific time and for a specific set of participants, each authorized participant will only be permitted access to such Event Feature during the specific time determined by Organizer. Organizer reserves all rights to deny entry, ban, or remove any unauthorized participants from any such Event Details.
Participant is solely responsible for Participating in the Event in a timely manner and for observing any specific times or time limits provided to Participant by Organizer. In the event Participant fails to Participate in any part of the Event at a specific time and Participant is subsequently unable to Participate in such part of the Event, Organizer shall have no obligation to provide a full or partial refund. Organizer is not responsible for delays and/or wait times in connection with any Event Details or with the Event itself. Organizer may reasonably change the time of an Event Feature in order to accommodate unexpected events, other Event Features being delayed, or ending earlier than expected or later than expected.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Organizer reserves the right to cancel or postpone the Event, or any part of the Event, on limited or no notice in Organizer's sole discretion. In the event of a cancellation or postponement of the Event, Organizer shall not be responsible or liable for any costs, damages, fees, expenses or other compensation associated with the Event.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
(Release of Likeness)
For good and valuable consideration, and in exchange for the opportunity to Participate in the Event, Participant hereby authorizes, permits, and grants to Organizer, its parents, affiliates, sublicensees, designees, agents and assignees (including, without limitation, any sponsors, exhibitors or contractors to the Event), and each of their respective assignees, sublicensees and successors (collectively, the “Oragnizer Parties”), the royalty-free, absolute and irrevocable right and license to (i) record, photograph, and/or film the likeness, voice, appearance and/or image of such Participant while Participating in the Event (collectively, the “Likeness”); and (ii) publish, reproduce, portray, distribute and/or otherwise use the Likeness in all media formats (whether now known or hereafter existing), worldwide, solely in connection with the distribution, promotion and publicity of both the Event (including future editions thereof) and Organizer's general business, services or products.
(Release of Participant Content)
From time to time, certain parts of the Event may allow Participants to submit, share, post, create, or otherwise distribute (collectively, “Distribute” or “Distributing”) content, which may include, but is not limited to messages, text, sound, images, videos, data or other materials originating with Participant (collectively, the “Participant Content”). For good and valuable consideration, and in exchange for the opportunity to Participate in the Event, Participant acknowledges that by Distributing any Participant Content as part of the Event, whether to Organizer directly, to the Organizer Parties, on the Platform or at the Venue generally, Participant thereby authorizes, permits, and grants to the Organizer a royalty-free, irrevocable, non-exclusive, sublicensable, assignable, unrestricted right and license to publish, reproduce, portray, modify, adapt, transmit, distribute, create derivative works from, and/or otherwise use the Participant Content in all media formats (whether now known or hereafter existing), worldwide, solely in connection with the distribution, promotion and publicity of both the Event (including future editions thereof) and Organizer's general business, services or products.
(Content Distribution at Participant’s own risk)
To the furthest extent permitted by applicable law, Participant hereby agrees that Organizer shall not be liable for any unauthorized copying, use, disclosure or distribution of any Participant Content by third parties and Participant releases and forever waives any claims against Organizer for any such unauthorized copying or usage of the Participant Content under any situation. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Organizer reserves the right to remove, discard, screen or edit any Participant Content at any time without notice to Participant in Organizer's sole discretion and without any liability to Participant whatsoever. While Organizer has no obligation to monitor any Participant Content, Organizer reserves the right to do so and reserves the right to enforce the intellectual property rights of Organizer or of any third party.
Representations and Warranties Regarding Intellectual Property
Organizer reserves all rights and remedies against any participants who breach or violate these representations and warranties. Organizer is not liable for any Intellectual Property or for any loss or damage resulting therefrom and Organizer is under no obligation to store or return any Intellectual Property. While Organizer takes reasonable security measures in connection with the Event, Organizer does not guarantee the safety of any Intellectual Property and has no responsibility to do so.
EVENT GUIDELINES
At all times in connection with the Event, Participant is required to comply with and behave in accordance with (i) these Code of Conduct; (ii) all applicable laws, ordinances, codes, regulations, standards and judicial or administrative orders; and (iii) any additional Event rules, regulations, policies, or procedures which may be posted at the Venue, on the Platform, or otherwise distributed to Participants by Organizer and as may be updated from time to time by Organizer (collectively, the “Event Guidelines”). By Participating in the Event, Participant acknowledges and agrees that Participant has read, agrees to comply with, and will behave in accordance with the Event Guidelines.
The Event Guidelines apply to everyone Participating in the Event in any manner whatsoever, including, but not limited to, all Participants, exhibitors, speakers, guests, professionals, media, staff members, workers, contractors, volunteers, security or any other attendees or participants to the Event. Each Participant to the Event is solely responsible for their own conduct while Participating in the Event or any part of the Event.
As part of the Event Policies, each Participant agrees that they will not, and will not directly or indirectly cause others to, do any of the following “Prohibited Activities” in connection with the Event:
A. interfere with, damage, or engage in any act which disrupts the operation of the Event in any way, including but not limited to, obstructing aisles or entrances or exits, running, cutting in line, saving places in lines for others, jumping over barriers or guardrails, using foul language, screaming, yelling, encouraging disruptive behavior from others, disobeying any time limits, directions or prohibitions provided to Participant by Organizer's staff and/or moderators, or preventing any other participant from Participating in the Event by any means;
B. distribute, wear, transmit, upload, display or otherwise circulate any content which is inaccurate, unlawful, infringing, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, invasive of privacy or publicity rights, harassing, threatening, abusive, inflammatory, or otherwise objectionable to Organizer in Organizer's sole discretion;
C. distribute printed or recorded materials of any kind unless prior written approval has been obtained from Organizer; impersonate any other person or entity or perform any similar fraudulent activities;
D. sell goods or services, display goods or services, make solicitations of any kind, or conduct any commercial activities without the prior written approval of Organizer;
E. harvest, collect, or attempt to collect the personal information, email addresses or other contact information of other participants in the Event without the consent of such participants;
F. defame, harass, abuse, threaten or defraud other participants in the Event.
G. Organizer has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment of any kind;
H. circumvent, disable, damage, remove or otherwise interfere with the security, integrity, or proper conduct of the Event;
I. access any unauthorized part of the Event designated as only for Organizer use;
J. access the Platform by means of any robot, spider, scraper, crawler or other automated means for any purpose;
K. participate in the Event for any illegal purpose, or in violation of any applicable local, state, national, or international law or regulation, including, without limitation, laws governing intellectual property and other proprietary rights, data protection and privacy;
L. smoke within the Venue for a live Event, which includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, vape pens, and marijuana;
M. drink or possess alcohol within the Venue outside of the specifically designated areas. No one under the age of 21 may consume alcohol within or around the Venue;
N. use, sell, possess, or distribute any illegal drugs or other illegal substances, including, but not limited to, any medication that has not been legally obtained, is not being used in its intended dosage or for its intended purpose;
O. assault, steal, fight, engage in or incite violence of any kind, including, but not limited to, verbal threats of violence;
P. possess and/or use any of the following prohibited items in connection with the Event (Organizer has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for weapons of any kind): a firearm, ammunition, knife, or weapon of any kind.
REFUND POLICY
All sales are non-refundable. If the event is rescheduled, all purchases will be honored for the next event date. If the event is canceled, all purchases will be refunded in full.
NO HARASSMENT POLICY
Organizer strives to create and maintain an environment where all people are treated with dignity, decency and respect. As such, we expect ALL parties participating in Event, including but not limited to, exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees, to behave appropriately at all times.
Organizer 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 panels, signings, presentations and other events, bathroom policing, inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome physical attention, sexually explicit, suggestive and/or provocative behavior, and hate symbols in relation to: race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, marital status, age, body size, disability, appearance, religion, citizenship and pregnancy.
If a person engages in harassing behavior at any time, Organizer staff will take prompt action in any form they deem appropriate, including expulsion from Event with no refund. This policy applies to EVERYONE participating in our Events. Exhibitors, attendees, speakers, guests, professionals, press, staff, volunteers, and security are ALL subject to our No Harassment Policy.
Anyone can report harassment to Organizer staff at any time. If someone’s behavior has made you uncomfortable, or if you witness the same happening to someone else, you should immediately contact security or Organizer staff. You may also come to the security office on site.
If necessary, Organizer staff will contact local law enforcement, provide escort, offer a safe place, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to make sure they feel safe for the rest of the Event.
EVENT OWNERSHIP
The Event is owned and/or operated by Organizer. Unless otherwise indicated, any materials provided to Participant in connection with the Event including, but not limited to, any images, videos, logos, advertisements, promotional copy, information, data, content, educational materials, trademarks, service marks, and other materials displayed or distributed in connection with the Event (but excluding any Participant Content, as defined herein) (collectively, the “Materials”) are the property of Organizer, its affiliated companies or third-party licensors.
Each Participant is granted a limited, non-sublicensable license (i.e. a personal and limited right) to Participate in the Event and utilize the Materials solely for Participant’s personal use. Organizer may terminate this license at any time, without notice. Each Participant agrees that nothing herein shall be deemed a grant of any intellectual property rights or other rights to use the Materials except as expressly provided by Organizer in writing. Any use of the Event or the Materials except as specifically authorized in these Code of Conduct, without the prior written permission of Organizer, is strictly prohibited.
Participant agrees that they have no expectation of privacy or confidentiality with respect to the Event (including, without limitation, any “private” interactions with other Event participants and/or guests) and that Participation in the Event shall at all times be subject to these Code of Conduct and may be monitored by Organizer without notice.
PRIVACY
By Participating in the Event or by submitting information to Organizer in connection with the Event, Participant agrees to the terms of Organizer's Privacy Policy which may be updated by Organizer at any time. The continued Participation in the Event shall constitute a Participant’s acceptance of any such updated Privacy Policy. All Participants are expected to review the Privacy Policy carefully before Participating in the Event and Participant acknowledges that, in the event of a conflict or inconsistency between these Code of Conduct and the Privacy Policy, the terms of the Privacy Policy shall prevail, govern and control.
In addition, Participant authorizes and permits Organizer to share Participant’s personal information, including, but not limited to, their contact information, with such affiliated entities, exhibitors, vendors, contractors, or third parties (i) with which Participant authorizes in connection with the Event, including, but not limited to, scanning Credentials in connection with a live Event, accessing such third party’s content in connection with a digital Event, or utilizing any Digital Technologies (as defined herein); and/or (ii) which may offer products, services, and/or goods that may be of interest to Participant. By use of a valid registration code, promotional code, discount code, coupon, or other code in connection with Participant’s registration for the Event, Participant thereby authorizes and permits Organizer to share Participant’s personal information, including, but not limited to, their contact information, with such entities, exhibitors, vendors, contractors, or third parties associated with such code.
SAFETY
Organizer reserves the right to modify, suspend, extend or terminate the Event, or any part thereof, or any Participant’s Participation thereto if Organizer determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that the Event or any part thereof has been, or is suspected to be, tampered with or disrupted due to causes beyond Organizer's control in a manner which may undermine or corrupt the security, integrity or feasibility of the Event or any portion thereof as contemplated herein. Although Organizer shall endeavor to ensure the security and integrity of the Event, in the event the Event or any part thereof is terminated or has any change in date, time, or location, for any reason beyond Organizer's control, Organizer shall not be liable to Participant in any way and Organizer shall have no further financial obligations to Participant.
Organizer is not responsible for the actions of any other Event participants in connection with the Event, including, but not limited to, any participant’s attempt to circumvent or otherwise interfere with the security, integrity, or proper conduct of the Event. Participant’s interactions with third parties, including, but not limited to, guests and other participants in connection with the Event, are solely between Participant and such third party. Participant acknowledges and agrees that Organizer will not be responsible for any damages, losses, costs, expenses, or liabilities incurred as the result of such interactions with third parties. Organizer is also not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any network or lines, servers or providers, equipment or software which are beyond Organizer's control, including, but not limited to, any injury or damage to Participant or Participant’s property resulting from Participation in the Event.
HEALTH & SAFETY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Please be advised that a risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any event or public space, including the Event. Prior to registering for and attending the Event, please ensure you have read the latest CDC Guidelines for Prevention. By attending the Event, you acknowledge this inherent risk and, as a condition of entering the Event, you acknowledge, understand and confirm each of the following in accordance with applicable health guidelines and that you will abide by all Event health-and-safety requirements; and that you are not currently experiencing any of the following symptoms of COVID-19, as identified at CDC.gov, including, but not limited to: Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea.
Prior to attending the Event you have not been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine; and that you are not under any self-quarantine orders.
Please do not enter the Event or the Venue if you cannot confirm all of the above criteria. If at any point during your time at the Event you do not meet all of the above criteria, you and those in your group (which may include your exhibiting company) will be required to isolate and may be relocated or asked to leave the Venue at Organizer's sole discretion.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
PARTICIPANT AGREES THAT PARTICIPATION IN AND TO THE EVENT, INCLUDING ANY SECURITY MEASURES USED BY ORGANIZER TO PROTECT THE EVENT, ARE PROVIDED STRICTLY ON AN “AS-IS” BASIS. IN CONNECTION WITH THE EVENT, ORGANIZER SPECIFICALLY AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, GUARANTEES, CONDITIONS, ASSURANCES OR OTHER TERMS, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ANY WARRANTIES THAT MAY ARISE FROM COURSE OF DEALING, COURSE OF PERFORMANCE OR USAGE OF TRADE WITH RESPECT TO THE EVENT, AND ANY REPRESTATIONS THAT THE EVENT OR THE SECURITY MEASURES FOR THE EVENT WILL BE FREE FROM DEFECTS, OPERATE OR BE FULFILLED WITHOUT ISSUE OR DELAYS, OR THAT THERE WILL BE NO CIRCUMVENTION OF THE EVENT OR ITS SECURITY MEASURES.
IF ANY APPLICABLE AUTHORITY HOLDS ANY PORTION OF THIS SECTION TO BE UNENFORCEABLE, THEN THE RELEASED PARTIES’ LIABILITY WILL BE LIMITED TO THE FULLEST POSSIBLE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL ORGANIZER BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, LOSS, COST, EXPENSE, OR DAMAGE WHATSOEVER TO PARTICIPANT IN AN AMOUNT EXCEEDING THE SUM OF THE FEES ACTUALLY PAID TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENT.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CODE OF CONDUCT
By Participating in the Event, Participant acknowledges and agrees that Participant has read, and agrees to comply with, the Code of Conduct stated herein and agrees that these terms shall be construed by and governed in accordance with the laws of the Venue State and that, with respect to any dispute arising out of these terms, the sole and exclusive jurisdiction and venue shall lie with the state and federal courts located in the State of the Event Venue. Except where prohibited by applicable, Participant acknowledges and agrees that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with these Code of Conduct or with the Event shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action. For the avoidance of doubt, registration for the Event, Participation in the Event, and/or the purchase or use of Credentials shall be considered acknowledgment of, and agreement to, these Code of Conduct.
SURVIVAL & SEVERABILITY
Any provision of these Code of Conduct which imposes an obligation on a Participant after the Event concludes shall be deemed to survive the conclusion of the Event. If any provision of these Code of Conduct is judged to be invalid or unenforceable, the defective provision shall first be revised, limited or amended, consistent with the general intent of the provision, such that it is valid and enforceable, and the remaining provisions of these Code of Conduct shall be unaffected and shall remain enforceable.
NO WAIVER
Organizer reserves all rights not expressly disclaimed in these Code of Conduct. Organizer reserves the right to take any action that is reasonably necessary in the sole judgment of Organizer for the protection of the Event and/or the participants. Neither the failure of Organizer to require strict compliance with any provision of these Code of Conduct nor the failure, delay or omission by Organizer in exercising any right with respect to any provision of these Code of Conduct will be construed as a waiver or relinquishment to any extent of Organizer's right to assert or rely upon any such provision or right in that or any other instance.