Background
Nerd Louisville (‘NL’) and the Dukes of Highland (‘Dukes’) are co-organizers of Game Con Junction 2026. To ensure a smooth, fun, and repeatable convention experience, this set of policies, releases, and waivers shall control for all attendees (whether paid, vendor, or volunteer).
Code of Conduct
At each of our events and online, NL and Dukes strive to create an inclusive, fun, and safe atmosphere for everyone. We require that all attendees of Game Con Junction 2026 conduct themselves in a manner conducive to the enjoyment and safety of other attendees.
Failure to abide by this Code of Conduct will result in appropriate action by the convention organizers, including the possibility of an attendee being removed from the convention without a refund.
We require attendees to:
- Adhere to all applicable state, federal, and local laws and regulations, as well as the Game Con Junction 2026 Anti-Harassment Policy and Personal Hygiene Policy.
- Immediately comply with any request by another attendee to stop unacceptable behavior.
- Use the preferred names and pronouns of other attendees.
- Obtain permission before photographing or recording others.
- Note that NL and Dukes have permission to photograph or record the convention by virtue of the Media Release below
- Respect everyone’s physical and social boundaries and personal property.
Anti-Harassment Policy
NL and Dukes have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, theft, or aggressive behavior at Game Con Junction 2026.
NL and Dukes are committed to providing a safe environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Harassment or unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical, visual or in any other form, is strictly prohibited. NL and Dukes will not tolerate harassment of anyone by anyone, including attendees or agents of NL or Dukes.
NL and Dukes define harassment as any behavior that threatens a person or group or produces an unsafe and non-inclusive environment. Harassment includes but is not limited to offensive verbal comments or non-verbal expressions related to gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, age, or religious beliefs.
Furthermore, harassment includes but is not limited to, sexual or discriminatory images in public and quasi-public spaces (online and offline), intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Harassment may take the form of comments, epithets, slurs, discriminatory or insensitive jokes, teasing, display or discussion of written or graphic material, repeatedly standing too close to or brushing up against a person or giving gifts of an unwanted or sexual nature. Advocating or encouraging any of the above is also considered harassment.
This policy extends to real-world interactions as well as those within role-playing, board, or other games that may be considered ‘in character’ or otherwise within the confines of the game.
Personal Hygiene and Illness Policy
All attendees are required to undertake regular personal hygiene befitting to being in relatively close proximity to other people for extended periods of time. At a minimum, this involves an appropriate application of deodorant and, recognizing that some people have allergies, refraining from the use of strong scents such as perfume or cologne.
Additionally, all attendees are required to stay home should they have a potentially contagious illness. Don’t be the cause of Con Crud!
Badge Refund and Resale Policy
All badge sales for Game Con Junction 2026 are final and non-refundable, including circumstances where Game Con Junction 2026 is rescheduled, limited, or canceled for reasons outside of the organizers’ control (e.g. severe weather that imperils the safety of attendees). Additionally, badges are non-transferable.
If you see someone offering or selling badges outside of either our After Games Event page or our Registration Desk – IT’S A SCAM.
Minors Policy
Minors are welcome at Game Con Junction 2026! However, minors under the age of 16 must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Additionally, anyone, regardless of age, who persistently engages in acts that interfere with an enjoyable convention experience for all (e.g. inconsolable babies, unduly sullen teenagers, etc.) will be required to leave the convention without a refund.
Organizers and attendees of all types are encouraged to interact with minors in our public spaces. After all, an important point of a convention is to meet new friends and have fun together! However, non-public interactions with minors by attendees is strictly prohibited (except of course if you are a parent, guardian, family member, or pre-existing friend of the minor). Use common sense and keep the fun in the public spaces of the convention!
Enforcement and Assistance
Game Con Junction 2026 organizers cannot be in all places at all times. Should an issue under these policies arise, please inform an organizer so we can address the situation. Organizers can be located by speaking with someone at the Registration Desk. With input from you, an organizer will speak with the involved parties and issue corrective action. Corrective action may include a warning, a badge revocation, removal from Game Con Junction 2026, and/or a ban from future conventions.
The particulars of corrective action will necessarily depend upon the unique circumstances that have occurred, as well as an offending party’s recognition of and contrition for harm done, and will ultimately be at the organizer’s discretion. Our guiding principle is to ensure a smooth, fun, and repeatable convention experience for all who abide by our policies.
Please note that information regarding offenders may be shared amongst the organizing staff (e.g. to ensure a removed person can be identified by other organizers and does not return later in the convention) and amongst our peer conventions (to aid in keeping problematic individuals out of our broader community).
Radical Hospitality and Accessibility
NL and Dukes believe in extending radical hospitality to all who come to Game Con Junction 2026 and respect our policies. Should you need accessibility accommodations of any kind, please see an organizer and we will be happy to assist you. Organizers can be located by inquiring at the Registration Desk.
ADA-recognized service animals are welcome at Game Con Junction 2026, as are emotional support animals with proper documentation. All other animals are prohibited based upon our host hotel’s policies. Please note that the owners of all service or support animals are responsible for any damage they may cause, and any such damage is cause for removal of the animal from hotel property.
Media Release
NL and Dukes often photograph, audio, and/or video record their events (collectively, ‘media’) in order to show the greater community the impact of their work and encourage others to take part. Attendee grants NL and Dukes (individually and jointly) the right to take media of attendee taking part in Game Con Junction 2026. Furthermore, NL may distribute such media as appropriate to its not-for-profit mission, including on social media and for fundraising purposes. Additionally, Dukes may distribute such media for commercial purposes, including on social media and in advertisements. However, neither NL nor Dukes will use an attendee’s name alongside the media without additional prior consent.
Liability Waiver
Attendee waives all potential liability against NL and/or Dukes (including against their officers, agents, or other representatives, as well as their successors or assigns) for any alleged injury, loss, or damages of any kind incurred while taking part in or relating to Game Con Junction 2026. This waiver is made regardless of legal theory (e.g. negligence) and to the maximum extent allowable under the law. Furthermore, attendee agrees to pay all attorneys’ fees and expenses and for the fair market value of any other time (e.g. a Game Con Junction organizer’s time) incurred to enforce this waiver.
