2024 Infectious Disease Policy

Starbase Indy is not just a convention, it is our chosen family. As such, we believe we have a duty to protect each other, and the families, friends, and communities we will return to after our Geek Family Thanksgiving concludes.

DEFINITIONS

  • Convention participants: All attendee groups, including but not limited to exhibitors, guests, staff, press, professionals, volunteers, and cosplayers.

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • All convention participants be up-to-date on their COVID-19 initial vaccination and boosters as recommended by your country of origin.  Starbase Indy will not review individual attendee vaccination status for the 2024 convention.

  • Any convention participant who feels unwell should avoid the convention.   Contact registration@starbaseindy.org to request a refund or a roll-over of badge(s) to next year. 

  • All convention participants practice frequent and thorough handwashing.  Note that Monkeypox is transmitted via contact with a contagious individual or objects that have come in contact with a contagious individual.

  • We encourage convention participants to review the CDC’s recommendations for masks, and to choose to wear one if appropriate for their circumstances:
    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html

ENFORCEMENT

Security personnel may, at their discretion, remove convention participants from convention spaces who appear to be ill. 

REFUNDS

Partial or full refund for any badge type will be issued, at the discretion of the convention chair, in any of the following circumstances:

  • Unwillingness to comply with this policy is communicated to us before October 21st

  • Becoming ill immediately before or during the convention

  • Positive COVID-19 test result immediately before or during the convention

  • A shift in Marion county health department mandates which would represent a significant shift in the requirements imposed on convention participants

Please contact conchair@starbaseindy.org to request a refund.

Code of Conduct

This code of conduct applies to any individuals interacting within our virtual spaces or live events.

Individuals must respect common sense rules for public behavior, personal interaction, common courtesy, and respect for private property. Harassing or offensive behavior will not be tolerated. Starbase Indy reserves the right to revoke, without refund, the membership and badge of any attendee not in compliance with this policy. Persons finding themselves in a situation where they feel their safety is at risk or who become aware of an attendee not in compliance with this policy should immediately locate the nearest Staff member or Security personnel, so that the matter can be handled quickly and safely.

HARASSMENT

Starbase Indy is committed to providing a harassment-free convention experience for everyone, regardless of gender, 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. Convention participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the convention (without a refund) at the discretion of the convention organizers.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

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

  • Sexual images in public spaces

  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following

  • Harassing photography or recording

  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events

  • Inappropriate physical contact

  • Unwelcome sexual attention

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

WEAPONS

Keep it peaceful, folks. No functional weapons are allowed at Starbase Indy.

Simulated or costume weapons are allowed as a part of your costume, subject to compliance with the following:

  • All costume weapons are subject to inspection by members of Security staff.

  • All costume weapons must conform to state and federal law.

  • Projectile costume weapons must be rendered inoperable.

  • Functional (real) arrows must have their tips removed and be bundled and zip-tied to a quiver.

  • Weapons must be sheathed and holstered or peace-bonded.

NO assassin or similar games will be allowed on hotel premises. Security officials can spot-check costumes throughout the convention. Anyone not conforming to the rules will be required to leave.

Leash Policy

Any animal must be attached to a fixed-length leash no more than five feet in length when not in cages or crates.

Terms of Attendance

By purchasing a membership to the Starbase Indy (SBI) convention, attendee agrees to comply with the following rules and regulations:

  • Each membership admits one person to the convention; no shapeshifting is allowed. NO autographs are included with membership.

  • Con badges must be worn on the outside of all clothing/costumes and presented when entering any part of the convention.

  • Your SBI badge is non-exchangeable and non-transferrable, no matter what the reason. SBI will not be responsible for lost or stolen ID badges. A badge can only be replaced by purchasing an additional admission.

  • All members hereby release SBI, its organizers and agents from any liability for loss or damage to persons or property, or infringement of any right, claim or course of action of any kind.

  • The organizers, staff and agents of SBI reserve the right to deny entry to, or remove from, the convention facilities any person behaving, or threatening to behave, in a manner reasonably considered to be disruptive.

  • Actors and guests are people too; please don’t harass them, and be respectful, especially when they are away from their autograph table. Everyone deserves some down time.

  • Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Any children dropped off at Starbase Indy and found wandering unattended will be turned over to hotel staff.

  • By accepting the conditions of membership, you may be videotaped or photographed for future promotion of SBI.