Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct and Related Policies

The most important rule of Unpub is for everyone to have a good time and have meaningful interactions through playtesting, networking, and educational panels. 

Policies while attending ANY Unpub hosted event: 

  1. Harassment will not be tolerated. 

    1. If you are being harassed by anyone in attendance at an Unpub event, please let staff know immediately and we will handle it. See our full harassment policy below. 

  2. Good Sportsmanship is important. 

    1. Though the games may be competitive, Unpub is a cooperative event. The goal is to help everybody make good games. With that in mind, please be nice while playing and realize who wins and who loses isn't as important as getting good feedback for the designers.

  3. Food, Drinks, and Alcohol Rules

    1. Outside food, drink, and alcohol may be restricted based on the policies of the venue. You will be informed of the rules of the specific event. 

  4. Absolutely NO weapons or illegal drugs are permitted at an Unpub hosted event, period. 

    1. Absolutely no real weapons at an Unpub hosted event.

    2. Absolutely no illegal drugs at an Unpub hosted event. 

  5. Smoking is not permitted in any Unpub event areas. 

    1. Each venue and locality has their own laws and regulations regarding smoking in and around public spaces, however, Unpub will not allow smoking inside any Unpub event venue even if the venue or locality would allow it.

  6. Mask and Vaccination rules must be followed. 

    1. It is important for all Unpub events to be as safe as possible to those in attendance. Our mask and vaccination requirements will be listed when tickets are being purchased as well as at the entrance to the event. 

    2. Acceptable forms of vaccination proof are:

      1. The actual vaccination card

      2. A picture of the vaccination card, showing your name 

      3. A state or government sponsored or third party mobile application. Examples: New York State Excelsior Pass, Key to NYC Pass, California’s Myvaccinerecord, CLEAR, My IR Mobile, and Verifly.

    3. A valid ID must also be presented with your vaccination proof. 

    4. Masks will be available at registration in the event an attendee does not have one or their mask breaks. 

  7. Lost Items/Theft – Unpub is not responsible for any lost or stolen property.

    1. For in-person events, Unpub will keep a lost & found at our registration desk. 

  8. Children

    1. Badges are required for children over the age of 4 (four). 

    2. Children under the age of 10 should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. 

  9. Valid Badge Required

    1. A valid badge is required for entry to any Unpub hosted event. 

    2. Many Unpub hosted events are part of a larger convention and a badge for that convention MUST be obtained (Examples: Origins Game Fair, PAX East, BGGcon, PAX Unplugged)

    3. Online events hosted on the Unpub Discord server do not require the purchase of a badge, just acceptance of our online code of conduct. However, online events hosted by other entities, which Unpub is also involved with, may require the purchase of a badge. 

    4. Refund policy will vary based on the venue and hosting entity. Please pay special attention to the refund policy deadline date and terms and conditions. 

Unpub’s Statement on Harassment

Unpub has adopted this policy to create a harassment-free and inclusive experience for everyone. Therefore, we do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Please familiarize yourself with our definition of harassment, and what we expect of all Unpub attendees and staff.

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, or gender identity; sexual images portrayed in games, marketing materials, clothing, or in any other way in public spaces; deliberate intimidation; stalking; following; harassing photography or recording; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If you, as an attendee, feel harassed, you may inform the offender that you would like the harassing behavior to stop immediately. If you are not comfortable doing this, you may contact an Unpub staff member who will address the concern. Likewise, if you feel that someone else is being harassed, you may notify a Unpub staff member who will address the concern.

If you, as an attendee, are asked to stop behaving in a way that is interpreted as harassment, you are expected to stop, immediately. Arguing about the situation or trying to convince someone that your behavior is not harassment will not get you anywhere. Just stop. If you disagree that your behavior is harassment, that is fine, but the behavior should stop anyway.

If anyone engages in harassing behavior, Unpub organizers may take any action they, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion with no refund. 

We expect participants to follow these rules at all Unpub sponsored events.

How to Report Harassment

To report harassment at any in person event, go to the Unpub registration desk (or use contact information below) and let a staff member know that harassment has occurred. Staff members of different genders are available to talk with you, in private or in a public space. The Unpub staff will listen to your report and will work with you to take appropriate action. 

To report harassment at one of our Nonepub online events hosted on our Discord, please refer to the Nonepub Code of Conduct.

We consider your report anonymous and will not share it with anyone without your permission unless we think there is a violation of the law. In many cases, someone who has been harassed will ask only that we are aware and that we take action if a pattern develops. We respect that wish and understand that it is often the best approach. Please do not hesitate to talk with us out of fear that you might be “outed.”

Unpub Contact Information 

Please note that this is a living document and may be updated at any time as the need arises. Last updated: March 10, 2023.