Policies & Rules

Archon is a volunteer-run convention dedicated to creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all attendees. The following policies help ensure that everyone can enjoy the event comfortably and respectfully.

Accessibility Policy

The Archon Committee and Staff believe that all attendees should feel welcome and be able to enjoy their time at the convention, including those with visible or invisible accessibility needs.

If you require assistance, support, or specific accommodations to participate comfortably and safely, please contact us in advance at conchair@archonstl.org, or visit Con HQ during the convention and ask for a Con Chair.

• We trust that you are the best judge of your own needs.
• We will not ask for details about your medical history or disability.
• We will work with you to determine what accommodations can be provided.
• All attendees will be treated with respect.

We are committed to continually improving accessibility at Archon and welcome feedback to help us improve your experience.

Harassment Policy

All attendees are expected to treat others—including guests, staff, and the public—with respect. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

Harassment includes (but is not limited to):

• Physical assault, intimidation, or stalking
• Unwanted photography or physical contact
• Sexual advances or inappropriate comments
• Obscene gestures, leering, or demeaning language

Depending on the situation, consequences may include:

• A warning to cease behavior
• Removal from the convention
• Referral to local law enforcement

If you experience harassment, please contact Archon Security (orange ribbon) or an Archon Committee member (black ribbon). We are here to help.

While false reports are rare, they will be taken seriously. However, no one will be penalized for reporting a situation they believe to be genuine.

Weapons Policy

Archon allows prop weapons as part of costumes while maintaining a safe environment for all attendees. You may carry and display approved prop weapons throughout the Gateway Convention Center.

Prop weapons may also be carried in the DoubleTree Hotel until 9:00 p.m., provided they meet all guidelines. After 9:00 p.m., all prop weapons must be peace-bonded or returned to your room.

General Guidelines

• No real firearms are permitted.
• All props must comply with federal and Illinois law.
• Metal or edged weapons must be peace-bonded.
• Projectile weapons must be rendered inoperable.
• Airsoft guns must retain their orange safety tip.

Security may inspect prop weapons at any time. Failure to comply may result in removal from the convention.

Enforcement

• You may be asked to return the item to your room or vehicle
• Removal from the convention
• Referral to law enforcement if injury or damage occurs

Hall Costume Contest

Peace-bonding may be temporarily removed for photos within the contest area but must be reapplied before leaving.

Please be mindful when outside the convention space, as costumes and props may cause concern in public areas.

Art Show Policy: AI-Generated Artwork

To preserve artistic originality and maintain a fair environment for creators, Archon does not allow AI-generated artwork in the Art Show.

AI-generated artwork includes any visual work where a generative AI tool performed the primary creative process, regardless of prompts or editing.

Examples include:

• Images created entirely using AI tools
• Works where AI-generated elements dominate the composition
• Prints derived from AI-generated designs

Hand-created, digital, and mixed media works are welcome, provided the primary creative effort is that of the artist.

If you are unsure whether your work qualifies, contact the Art Show Department Head at artshow@archonstl.org.

Submitting artists who misrepresent their work may be permanently banned from future participation. Decisions by the Art Show Department Head are final.