The below contents have been updated on 2022-04-05

Note: The below policies were written to apply to our physical, in-person events. In the case of an online event, anything below that could still apply does. Additionally, these policies also apply to direct infringement in other public forums.

These policies apply to all persons who represent the convention as staff, community guests, charities, community tables, guests of honor, musicians, vendors, others associated with the convention name, and attendees.

Any infringement of these policies may result in the infringing person being ineligible to participate in the convention. Convention participants violating these policies may be sanctioned or expelled from the convention without a refund at the discretion of the convention organizers.

Whinny City Pony Con is dedicated to providing a harassment-free convention experience for everyone, regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion.

We do not tolerate harassment of convention participants in any form, in or outside of convention space.

Unless a panel or event is both after 8 pm and is also specified as being either 18+ or 21+, sexual language or imagery is not allowed.

The Whinny City Pony Con Chair(s) have the final say in what constitutes a breach of these policies.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

– Verbal or written comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion.

– Sexual images in public spaces

– Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following

– Unwelcome photography or recording

– Behavior that makes you feel unwelcome, unsafe, or uncomfortable, and does not cease when requested, whether it is in person, on social media, by phone, text, or by other means

– Sustained disruption of talks or other events

– Inappropriate physical contact

– Unwelcome or inappropriate sexual remarks or physical advances

– Displaying symbols of hate, using racist terminology, using demeaning or vulgar language directed at a person or group as a display of hate, threat, or intimidation

– Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior

 Enforcement

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior by anyone – not just con staff – are expected to comply immediately. Depending on the severity of the behavior, participants may have their badge removed and may be evicted from the convention and possibly banned from both PVCF and WCPC by con leadership personnel.

Exhibitors in the daytime vendor hall or similar activities are also subject to the anti-harassment policies. In particular, exhibitors should not display sexualized images, activities, or other material. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes or otherwise create a sexualized environment.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, Whinny City Pony Con retains the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants, up to expulsion from the convention with no refund, and up to banning from future PVCF and WCPC events.

Whinny City Pony Con may take action to address anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the convention or making the environment hostile for any participants. We expect all attendees to follow these policies at all event venues and event-related social activities. We think people should follow these policies outside convention activities too!

Reporting

Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone. We want you to be happy at our event.

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible. Whinny City Pony Con staff can be identified by their staff t-shirts, special badges, and/or headsets.

You can make a report either personally or anonymously.

Incident Report

You can make an anonymous report here. (link coming soon)

Your report may be anonymous if you would prefer. We can’t follow up on an anonymous report with you directly, but we will fully investigate it and take whatever action is necessary to prevent a recurrence.

Personal Report

You can make a personal report by:

– Calling or messaging this phone number: 331-442-4335. This phone number will be continuously monitored for the duration of the event.

– Contacting a staff member, identified by STAFF badges, buttons, or shirts.

When taking a personal report, our staff will make sure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other event staff to make sure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we’ll ask you to tell us about what happened. This can be upsetting, but we’ll handle it as respectfully as possible, and you can bring someone to support you. You won’t be asked to confront anyone and we won’t tell anyone who you are.

Our team will be happy to help you contact hotel/venue security, local law enforcement, local support services, provide escorts, or otherwise help you to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.

Contact Info and Helpful Links

General: contact@whinnycity.com

Convention Security: 715-223-9103

Hyatt Regency Schaumburg: 262-208-6485

Schaumburg P.D., Non-Emergency: 311 from a Schaumburg area number, or 847-895-4500