Policies

Alcohol

This is an all ages family event; no alcohol will be permitted on site. If you are suspected of drinking, you will be asked to leave the convention immediately. 

Badges/Wristbands

Must be displayed at all times, non-transferable and no refunds if lost. 

Costumes

Costumes deemed to be offensive may result in expulsion from the convention. 

Convention Centre Guidelines

Please treat Northern Ontario Expo staff, volunteers and McIntyre Arena staff with courtesy and respect.

Photography of Attendees

Please remember to be courteous and ask permission before taking photos with, or of other people. It is inappropriate to take high or low angle shots, place your hands on a person or request sexual poses without prior consent. Please do not request personal information from individuals with whom you are unfamiliar.

Ticket returns/Refund policy 

The purchase of any ticket constitutes accepting all of the Terms & Conditions. Tickets are non-refundable. To transfer tickets to another ticket holder, please contact us. Paper tickets do not require our involvement and can be sold to another attendee without a transfer being required. Northern Ontario Expo has no responsibility for secondary market transactions. There will be no refunds on lost/stolen tickets or wristbands or if you are removed from the convention by staff or security. 

Guest appearances are subject to change or cancellation due to professional obligations. Please check the Northern Ontario Expo website for the most current listing prior to the convention. Refunds cannot be issued in the event of a guest cancellation. 

Cosplay Weapon Policies 

Prop weapons are permitted but must be inspected by event staff. All actual weapons and items that could be considered dangerous are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, knives, tazers, pepper spray, BB guns, cap guns, airsoft weapons, paintball guns, water guns, martial arts weaponry, including wooden practice weapons, etc. They will be confiscated as well as reported to local authorities. Participants must demonstrate that they are able to carry their prop weapons respectfully and responsibly, otherwise it will be confiscated by N.O.E. staff.

Any items purchased at the convention, once removed from their packaging, are regarded the same as any prop weapon brought into the convention and must comply with these rules. If your costume prop takes up a significant amount of space—enough to obstruct hallways or walking areas—or is so cumbersome so as to impede your movement, we recommend you only have it for the costume contest.

Anti-Harassment & Anti-Bullying Policy

Northern Ontario Expo is dedicated to providing a harassment-free (including bullying-free) convention experience for everyone regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion.

We will not tolerate harassment or bullying of convention participants (including attendees, press, exhibitors, volunteers, staff, etc.) in any form. Anyone violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the convention, without a refund, at the discretion of the convention organizers. 

Exhibitors are also subject to the anti-harassment policy.

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments, (related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, etc.) sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of convention staff immediately. Convention staff can be identified by their volunteer shirts and special badges.

Convention staff will be happy to help participants contact hotel/venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the convention. We value your attendance.