Published Policies

MISTI-Con is dedicated to a welcoming, harassment-free experience for all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body type, race, color, religion, political affiliation, veteran status, house affiliation, or even your favorite ship or wizard rock band.

We expect all of our staff, volunteers, attendees, invited guests, and anyone else participating in the convention to maximize comfort, safety, inclusivity, cooperation, and a welcoming environment for everyone present. Harming or threatening other attendees or staff is strictly prohibited. We do not tolerate harassment in any form, including offensive verbal comments or unwanted physical touching. When warranted, the authorities will be contacted. Anyone who behaves inappropriately may be sanctioned or expelled from the convention without a refund, at the sole discretion of the convention organizers.

What if someone’s behavior has disturbed me?

If someone's behavior makes you feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe, it is our priority to take care of you.

If you feel okay doing so, ask that person to stop the troubling behavior. Remember to challenge the behavior, not the person. If you’d like and you are able to, you can explain why the behavior was problematic.

If you don't feel comfortable speaking directly to the person bothering you, speak to an organizer so they can talk to the other person. If you'd rather not give details about your concerns, that will be respected. It may limit how much we can address the problem, but we will lean in favor of the endangered party when facts are scarce. If you can express your full concerns, even anonymously, that will help us address the behavior and do our best to maximize your safety.

If you feel you have been threatened, or you feel endangered as part of your participation with MISTI-Con, and legal authorities are involved, we ask that you please email us at info@misti-con.com and provide us with a copy of the report.

What if my behavior has disturbed someone?

We all misstep sometimes. As long as you are willing to listen and try to understand how your actions were harmful, you regret the harm you’ve caused, and you will endeavor not to make similar mistakes, we'll most likely be able to move forward together, with very little delay or drama.

After an earnest conversation, anyone who is asked to alter their behavior is expected to comply immediately. You will be asked to apologize and change behavior, or perhaps to leave. We will use our best judgment, but please understand these situations rarely involve sufficient evidence; where there is ambiguity, we will lean in favor of the injured party.

What about micro-aggressions against marginalized communities?

All of us may potentially commit micro-aggressions that we may not consciously intend, but still cause harm. Learning how to stop harming marginalized communities and repair the damage is necessary work. We will do our best to be mindful, listen, and learn from one another.

Consent

There may be a lot of hugging and similar pleasantries. Consent is vital. Always ask for consent before touching someone. Respect their wishes when they do not give consent, withdraw it, or apply conditions to it.

If someone violates your consent a little, let them know. If they violate your consent more than once, or more than a little, let the organizers know. If you don't want us to take any action, we will respect your wishes - but as organizers, we need to be aware of each instance that may indicate a pattern of inappropriate behavior.

Online Interactions

Any content on any of our social media platforms that violates this policy will be removed. We have the exclusive right to determine what content is on our sites, and will respond accordingly, at our sole discretion. We are not responsible for content outside of our platforms. However, we encourage each person to monitor their own platforms, and report any content you feel is inappropriate to the appropriate organizations.

Community Guidelines

All of this can be a lot to take in. For more on the subject, check out our Community Guidelines.

We will revise this policy as necessary in an effort to maximize comfort and safety for all.

Humans are unpredictable and emotional beings, and we are all doing our best to navigate returning to conventions in These Unprecedented Times. While we hope your experience at MISTI-Con is fun and rewarding, at times, you may find yourself feeling anxious, sad, angry, annoyed, frustrated, disappointed, or any number of various uncomfortable emotions.

What can you do?

First, don't beat yourself up about it: It's common and very normal.

Second, recognize your emotions: Whether they’re rational or not, the feelings are real and should be treated that way.

Third, decide what to do about it: If you conclude your discomfort is minor and fleeting, you can try to push through it. If you're not sure, or you find your discomfort wasn't as minor as you thought, consider the following options:

• Take a breather. Everyone is always free to step out of the convention, out of the room, or out of the building, as they please. If you want to tell someone where you’re going, that's helpful, but your priority is your own well-being. You may walk away, take a nap, get some water, ask a friend to come with you, or take some time alone. You are welcome to return when you feel better.

• Find an ear to bend or a shoulder to cry on. Feel free to ask whomever you are most comfortable with. You are always welcome to talk to the organizers if you need this kind of support. The important thing is that you take your personal well-being seriously.

• If someone's behavior makes you feel uncomfortable, ask them to stop the troubling behavior, if you feel okay doing so. Remember to challenge the behavior, not the person. If you’d like and you are able to, you can explain why the behavior was problematic.

• If you don't feel comfortable speaking directly to the person bothering you, speak to an organizer so that they can talk to the other person. If you'd rather not give details about your concerns, that will be respected. It may limit how much we can address the problem, but we will lean in favor of the endangered party when facts are scarce. If you can express your full concerns, even anonymously, that will help us address the behavior and do our best to maximize your safety.

Considerations around granting consent

Sometimes in the moment, when someone asks if we consent to a touch, a hug, a photograph, or other behavior, it can feel like a challenge to reply with anything other than “yes.”

Consider this your permission and loving support to take a moment to think about what you need.

Do not grant consent unless you're sure you want to invite the behavior to which you are consenting. Do not hesitate to decline consent for any reason. Do not hesitate to express how enthusiastic you are when giving consent. Do not hesitate to specify conditions for consent (like "you can hug me, if you do so very gently" or "you can touch my shoulders, but only if I see you before you do").

You can always grant consent later, and you can also always withdraw consent after granting it.

If someone violates your consent a little, let them know. If they violate your consent more than once, or more than a little, let the organizers know. If you don't want us to take any action, we will respect your wishes - but as organizers, we need to be aware of each instance that may indicate a pattern of inappropriate behavior.

Considerations around bullying

Bullying is repeated inappropriate behavior that is threatening, humiliating, or intimidating, whether verbal, physical or otherwise. Bullying may be intentional or unintentional. The intention of the alleged bully is irrelevant, and will not be given consideration. Bullying and intimidation can be in person or in online forums and communities. As in sexual harassment, it is the effect of the behavior on the individual that is important. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Verbal bullying: slandering, ridiculing or maligning a person or their family, persistent name calling that is hurtful, insulting or humiliating, using a person as a butt of jokes, abusive and offensive remarks

• Physical bullying: pushing, shoving, kicking, poking, tripping, assault or threat of physical assault, damage to a person or their property

• Gesture bullying: nonverbal threatening gestures, glances that can convey threats

• Exclusion: Socially or physically excluding or disregarding a person.

• Deliberate intimidation; stalking; following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; cyber-bullying or cyber-stalking; and unwelcome sexual attention.

MISTI-Con has zero tolerance for bullying and any other behavior that violates our Code of Conduct. Anyone who behaves inappropriately may be sanctioned or expelled from the convention without a refund, at the sole discretion of the convention organizers.

We strive to make MISTI-Con an inclusive and accessible event that welcomes our whole community. We take the well-being of our con community very seriously. Many of our attendees are immunocompromised or live with loved ones who are highly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our guidelines are designed to ensure that everyone can attend programming as safely as possible.

As we have all learned over the past few years, the pandemic can change month to month, and our policies are subject to change along with it. We will notify all attendees of any updates to these policies. The most important thing is to be able to gather together, as safely as we can.

At a minimum, we will always abide by state and federal guidelines at the time of the event. Our current vaccination and masking requirements are outlined below.

If you would like to discuss applying for a reasonable accommodation or exception to this policy, please contact us at info@misti-con.com.

Attendee Agreement

By registering for and attending MISTI-Con, all attendees agree to abide by MISTI-Con's COVID policies prior to and during the convention and acknowledge they understand:

• Our policies are subject to change at any time, for any reason, including based on prevailing federal and local guidelines and at the discretion of the head organizing team.

• As with any large indoor gathering, there is inherent risk of COVID infection in attending MISTI-Con, and attendees agree not to hold MISTI-Con responsible should they become ill during or immediately after attending.

• MISTI-Con tickets are non-refundable. If any attendee becomes sick just prior to or during the event, they agree to voluntarily remove themselves from the convention to protect the other attendees and acknowledge they will not be eligible for a refund.

Vaccination Policy

MISTI-Con requires a completed primary series of COVID vaccination AND the bivalent booster. This means you must finish your primary series of two vaccines no later than March 6, 2023, and receive your bivalent booster no later than May 5, 2023, so you can reach peak immunity in time for MISTI-Con. You will be required to submit proof of vaccination before our Housing Coordinator will provide your booking code to reserve your room at the Margate. Anyone who does not comply with this requirement will not be able to reserve a room, will be refused entry to the convention, and will not be refunded.

Masking Policy

We will require proper masking in indoor programming spaces and shared indoor spaces such as hallways. This is necessary to ensure access to the con for immunocompromised attendees; otherwise, we would be excluding many people from attending at all. There will be clearly designated zones, such as the outdoor sites and the pool, where attendees may choose to be mask-free at their own risk. In shared dining spaces, we expect attendees to remain masked except when actively eating and drinking. We recommend N95 or KN95 masks for best protection. All zones will be clearly labeled, and all attendees will be expected to comply with all posted and verbal requests to wear their masks properly (covering both noses and mouths).

Photography Policy

The event organizers and other participants may take photographs during the event. By registering for this event you give consent for the organizers and sponsors to publish these photos in printed materials or on the internet without additional notice or compensation. Individuals will not be identified/named in any photo unless prior written consent has been obtained from those individuals. MISTI-Con, Inc. maintains absolute ownership of any photographs taken on behalf of MISTI-Con, and photos will be posted at our sole discretion.

While there is no expectation of privacy at this event, if someone is the featured subject matter of your photograph, MISTI-Con encourages attendees to ask permission prior to taking the photograph. If the subject does not wish to have their photo taken, then do not take it. If you do not wish to be photographed, please be proactive about communicating your preference. Harassing photography or videography, in any form, will not be tolerated.

Unless otherwise noted, photo taking is allowed during programming and special events, but only from your seat. It is not permitted to approach the front of the stage/room and block the view of others. MISTI-Con requests that attendees be conscious of their neighbors while attempting to photograph or record during events. When stopping to take photographs in the hallways, or other traffic flow areas, please be considerate of your fellow attendees by being brief and not blocking traffic.

In purchasing this registration and/or in consideration for being admitted to MISTI-Con, each attendee consents to being recorded (by audio, visual and/or other means) for the usage described above.

Performance and Presentation Policy

All rights regarding special events and theatrical performances are reserved in full by MISTI-Con, Inc. All rights, content, and materials used during presentations are reserved by the presenters. Presenters and artists have been instructed to inform the audience of any special restrictions before the session begins. Please note -- audio recording, video recording, or photography of presenters or materials during a presentation may only be done with the presenter's permission.

Content of all performances, presentations, and events is subject to approval by MISTI-Con staff. Any content that is in violation of MISTI-Con policy will not be approved. If a presentation/performance includes such content then MISTI-Con maintains the right to take any necessary action. Any event or presentation with mature or adult content must be cleared by MISTI-Con and clearly labeled as such.

Prop and Decoration Policy

Please do not touch, move, change, add to, or remove any props or decorations. Under no circumstances should props or decorations be moved from their current location unless moved by MISTI-Con staff. Photography of props or decorations in public areas of the hotel is allowed at all times. Photography of props and decorations located inside of conference rooms is only allowed when the room is open and there are no presentations taking place.

Dress Code and Costume Weapon Policy

MISTI-Con wants to remind all attendees that this is a public hotel and that children will be attending the convention. We require that all attendees be dressed in PG-13 appropriate attire. MISTI-Con reserves the right to deem a costume as unacceptable and to request the wearer make modifications as necessary, change out of the costume entirely into more appropriate clothing, or require you to leave the convention.

If you are concerned about whether your costume meets the convention standards, please email info@misti-con.com.

Real firearms of any kind are strictly prohibited, even if unloaded. Toy, prop, or replica firearms must be clearly identifiable by non-standard bright colors or colored caps on their tips. Please keep any such firearms holstered except when posing for photographs. Real swords, daggers, knives, etc. must be peace-bonded in all public areas except for official photographic or staging areas and only for the purpose of being photographed or for use in the performance. If a staff member or volunteer sees a non-peace-bound weapon, the guest will be asked to immediately put it away or bond it. If a guest violates this rule after a second notice, they will lose the privilege of carrying weapon pieces for the duration of the con. Bows are permitted, but arrows must remain in quivers or otherwise sheathed.

As this is a wizarding convention, wands are permitted, of course. But we ask that you be careful and abstain from any foolish wand-waving or silly incantations. Do not run with wands out and try to keep them at your side except during photographs. MISTI-Con staff reserves the right to ask attendees to bind or remove any weapon or prop to ensure the safety of our guests. Failure to follow instructions from MISTI-Con senior staff regarding weapons may result in expulsion from the convention, without a refund.

General Disclaimer

The Attendee also hereby: (a) releases MISTI-Con from any liability for loss or damage to persons or property, infringement of any right or any other claim or course of action of any kind; and (b) agrees to comply with all rules and regulations of the event. MISTI-Con reserves the right to deny entry or remove from the event facilities, any person who, in our sole and absolute discretion, is behaving, or threatening to behave, in a manner which MISTI-Con reasonably considers to be disruptive of the event.

Financial Disclosure Policy

MISTI-Con, Inc will release a summary of the financial records of the organization, upon request within 2 weeks of the receipt of the request. Financial disclosures and minutes of the organizational board meetings will be prepared annually and posted publicly if requested. Summaries of the financial records of past events are posted here.

MISTI-Con will be an official “Safe Space”, free from bullying and intolerance. A Safe Space is defined as a place where anyone is able to engage in relaxed self-expression without fear due to their identity or expression. This means that all effort will be made to ensure that the environment is one in which our attendees may participate without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe on account of sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, age, or physical or mental ability. This convention puts a high value on having rules that guard each person's self-respect and dignity and we encourage all of our guests to treat each other with respect at all times.

In addition to being a Safe Space, the convention and its staff are ardent supporters of the Anti-Bullying initiative, a commitment to being a place that is free of hate speech, judgement, and intolerance.

MISTI-Con, Inc. is a U.S.-based educational non-profit organization dedicated to providing an environment that promotes the continual growth of the love of fandoms, books, films, and ancillary properties as described below:

• To assist and encourage fans everywhere to meet up and share their mutual enthusiasm, creating enduring friendships and experiences
• To act as focal point for the exploration of the creative talents of members by creating events and activities that provide an artistic outlet.
• To provide a forum for exchange of ideas and views with various national and international organizations and eminent individuals of similar interest.
• To organize, maintain, and operate conventions and athletic teams which are dedicated to the purposes described above.

MISTI-Con also promotes the benefits of reading and creative learning for both children and adults by offering reading lessons, mathematics instruction, immersive dramatics, and other disciplines both as a part of our convention programming and by creating and teaching classes around the US (and the world.)

The 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019 conventions were organized by TGTSNBN, Inc., a U.S.-based educational non-profit 501(c)(3) distinct from both MISTI-Con, Inc. and the unaffiliated Group That Shall Not Be Named (HP-NYC). The 2023 reunion was organized by MISTI-Con, Inc.

Mission

The mission of MISTI-Con is, in accordance with the mission of TGTSNBN, inc.:

• to provide an environment that promotes the continual growth of the love of the Harry Potter novels and ancillary properties.

• to promote and encourage literacy and literary engagement across all barriers.

• to assist and encourage fans everywhere to meet up and share their mutual enthusiasm, creating enduring friendships and experiences.

• to provide a safe space for discussion, engagement, and creativity.

• to encourage fans to use their connection to the show as a focal point for the exploration of their creative talents by creating events and activities that provide an artistic outlet.

Organizing principles

In order to accomplish these goals the convention has several organizing principles:

• We will have an extremely limited number of “special” guests (quite often we have none at all), we may bring in guests of any sort (actors, comedians, technicians, artists) who have been associated with the Harry Potter books, films, or theme parks, but these guests will be attending to provide programming, we remain dedicated to the fans and our attendees as our first priority.

• Creativity and fan created content such as podcasts, fan videos, fan fiction, fan art and all other forms of fan expression will be a focal point of the convention experience.

• Programming is a vital part of the convention and we encourage all levels of programming. All programming will be vetted and submissions taken in order to ensure that the programming is as strong as possible. We are also dedicated to continuing the vital influence and spread of Potter scholarship in Academia and will endeavor to provide the best and most vigorous academic programs.

• We are dedicated first and foremost to our attendees, we will strive at every moment to make the fan experience at MISTI-Con unparalleled.

Financial disclosures

MISTI-Con is dedicated to financial transparency and disclosure. The final convention budget-versus-actual forms for each of the earlier events:

• MISTI-Con 2013
• MISTI-Con 2015
• MISTI-Con 2017
• MISTI-Con 2019

Acknowledgements

MISTI-Con would like to thank the organizations who made it possible to have muggle technology (A/V and lighting design) at the 2023 reunion: Massachusetts Convention Fandom, Inc. (MCFI.org) and 4Wall Entertainment of Canton, MA.