Event safety policy

A SAFER SPACE

Shumicon does not tolerate any forms of harassment or discrimination on the event premises. By following the rules to build a safer space, we can assure a safer event for everyone.

• Respect everyone’s boundaries. Remember, that ”no” always means ”no.” Even comments or jokes that are meant to be harmless, can make someone else feel uncomfortable. Always ask first. Do not touch anyone without their permission. Please also remember to be mindful in the crowd; no shoving or pushing anyone.
  
  
• Do not assume things about other people based on their physical appearance or how they present themselves. Do not make assumptions on anyone’s sexuality, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, values, socioeconomical standing, or health.
  
  
• Do not mock, insult, humiliate or exclude anyone with your words, behavior or actions. Keep from talking ill of others based on their appearance, rumoring about others behind their backs or keeping up harmful stereotypes.
  
  
• Be willing to apologize and change your behavior, should it be appropriate to do so.
  
  
• Real people are always more important than any fictional character. Shumicon does not condone starting or joining any targeted harassment in the event or outside of the event (eg. on social media.)
  
  
• Hate symbols are strictly prohibited, even if they are part of a costume. Regardless of costume, it is prohibited to purposefully cause fear or anxiety in other attendees.
  
  

HARASSMENT CONTACT PERSONNEL

There are separate harassment contact personnel at Shumicon, who offer support and will hear out anyone who encounters harassment or any other inappropriate situation at Shumicon. Harassment contact personnel will help out everyone – guests, volunteers and programme organizers and performers alike. All conversations with harassment contact personnel are confidential, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them. You can get in touch with the harassment contact personnel via the info-desk and security guards.

ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND SMOKING

• Shumicon is a fully alcohol- and drug-free event. Intoxication on the premises is strictly prohibited. Smoking should be taken care of in the separate smoking areas outside the event area.
  
  

GENERAL CONDUCT

• Do not crowd public areas by hanging out or talking to your friends in hallways, the vendor hall, the artist alley, or other tight areas. Crowding on the stairs is also prohibited. Please be patient and do not run inside the premises.
  
  
• Since the event will already be loud as is, do not play music or media from your own devices; Bluetooth speakers, phones, etc. If you want to listen to your own music, bring headphones.
  
  
• Be respectful and mindful of other people with your behavior. If you are unsure or have a question, the event’s security guards will kindly help you.
  
  
• Please take care of your own trash and dispose of it accordingly in the many trash cans across the premises.
  
  
• Please do not bring your bikes, e-scooters etc. inside the premises. There are parking spaces for bikes outdoors nearby.
  
  
• Offenders will be required to leave the convention. Ticket price will not be refunded.
  
  

COSPLAY GUIDELINES

Every cosplayer is welcome to show off their costume at Shumicon! There are just a handful of rules that you should follow to ensure everyones’ enjoyment of the event.

• Historically offensive costumes are prohibited.
  
  
• Costumes should not realistically mimic the uniforms of the Finnish authorities. These include the police, the navy, the army, the fire department and paramedics. ”Vintage” historical uniforms may be checked by the security staff upon entrance to the event. If your costume include hate symbols or if your costume resembles actual uniforms too much you will be asked to change or remove the costume.
  
  
• Costumes should be appropriate for all ages.
  
  
• Costumes should not include sharp parts that might harm other attendees; such as unfinished wood, metal or spikes.
  
  
• Costumes including fake blood, glitter, face paint or other materials that may easily flake off should be safe to the touch, as to not stain other attendees or the space.
  
  
• Props are allowed, though we suggest to take into consideration how crowded the area can become and how easy it is to transport larger props through crowded areas without you, other people or the prop getting injured. Larger props are better for outdoor wear.
  
  
• All objects and weapons designed to harm or injury other attendees are strictly prohibited by the Finnish law. These include:
  • sharp weapons, broken glass objects and other similar objects suitable for cutting or stabbing;
  • batons, chains, springs, cables, baseball bats and other similar objects suitable for hitting;
  • airsoft weapons, spring-loaded weapons, harpoons, slingshots and other similar objects suitable for shooting;
    
    
• Please note that this also applies to the following:
  • shinai and bokken
  • sharpened props regardless of the material
  • gas and electric powered airsoft guns
  • unsharpened metal daggers, swords, katanas and the like
  • bows and arrows
    
    
• While choosing your prop, be mindful of the fact that Shumicon is located in the heart of Eastern Helsinki and that our goal is not to frighten people who do not know of the event. 
  
  
• Notice that props crafted of foam or other easily breaking materials are allowed as long as you cannot seriously harm another person with it.
  
  
• Your prop might be checked by the security.
  
  
• If your prop is a part of a cosplay in the cosplay competition, weapon-like props are allowed to be shown off on the stage indoors.
  
  
• If you have any questions regarding cosplay guidelines, please contact us at: cosplay@shumicon.fi