Rules
Any violation of these rules can result in warnings and/or being asked to leave the convention with your ticket refunded.
I. All forms of discrimination and harassment are strictly banned. Harassment is a form of discrimination which involves verbal, written, physical or electronic conduct that is: unwelcome; occurs because the person(s) subject to the treatment is a member of a Protected Class when the conduct occurs; and rises above the level of what a reasonable person, who is subject to harassment with the same protected characteristic, would consider more than a petty slight or trivial inconvenience. Further information can be found on the University’s Policy page. To report any instance of harassment please fill out this form, call Public Safety @ (585) 275-3333 or email [email protected]. To report an issue with a Staff member or to notify the SIMCON Director directly please fill out this form, or ask for the SIMCON Director at the information table.
II. The University of Rochester is a smoke-free environment. No smoking, vaping or e-cigarette usage is permitted in any University of Rochester buildings. There are some designed smoking spots scattered around the campus.
III. No alcoholic beverages or controlled substances may be brought onto the University of Rochester campus. Further information can be found on the relevant policy page.
IV. No real weapons or explosives may be brought onto the University of Rochester campus.
V. Costumes are encouraged, so long as they are not offensive or in poor taste, in which case the wearer will be asked to discontinue wearing such or be asked to leave.
VI. The decisions of the judges, referees, staff, and game-masters are final.
VII. The University of Rochester, the University of Rochester Simulation Gaming Association, and the SIMCON staff, in whole or in part, are not responsible for items left unattended.
FAQ
Q: What’s a SIMCON?
A: Western New York’s Longest Running Boardgaming Convention! However, despite the fact that we advertise ourselves as a boardgame convention, you’ll be able to find a wide variety of nerdy activities to suit a variety of tastes, including but not limited to role playing games (such as Dungeons and Dragons), cosplay, anime, and so much more. And, of course, if you find your particular interests underrepresented, we would love to have you run something.
Q: Is parking free?
A: Parking in campus parking lots is free after 7:00 pm on Friday and will be free for the rest of the weekend. Before 7:00 pm on Friday, attendees may need to obtain campus parking information from the traffic kiosk on Wilson Blvd., or risk parking illegally on campus.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Unfortunately, no. We can only accept cash. There are ATMs nearby on campus if you need cash. Some vendors do accept card, especially the game stores.
Q: Is re-entry allowed?
A: Yep! When you register at the desk you will receive a convention badge that allows you unlimited access to all SIMCON events happening during the weekend, even if you leave campus.
Q: Is there a minimum age you have to be to participate in SIMCON?
A: We welcome gamers of all ages! However, we do ask that minors are accompanied by an adult at all times, and that any content warnings and age restrictions on our programming are respected.
Q: Will there be food at SIMCON?
A: While SIMCON will not directly be selling food, there are several places to find food during the weekend. The Wilson Commons adjacent to Douglass building sells takeout-style food during the weekend, and there is also a dining center on the 1st floor of Douglass, both of which accept both cash and credit cards. In addition, if you have not had the chance to see the greater city of Rochester, we highly recommend checking out some dining options in the surrounding area.
Q: Can I buy out ad space in the SIMCON booklet?
A: Absolutely! Contact us at [email protected] for more information.
Q: I represent another convention. Can I come to SIMCON to advertise?
A: Please do! SIMCON will provide you with a table and chair to help you promote your convention. Get in touch with us at [email protected] to let us know you’re coming.
Q: Is cosplaying allowed at SIMCON?
A: Yes! In fact we encourage it, and there may be a cosplay contest during the convention. However, we do ask that you avoid extreme gore, graphic imagery or explicit content, as this is a family friendly convention, and that you leave any weapons at home, for safety.