Costume College Policies

Conferences bring a large group of diverse people together. Even though we all have a love of costumes in common, we come from varying backgrounds. Remember that someone that you see only once or twice a year or have only just met, may have a different comfort level – verbally, visually, and physically – than you do.

Code of Conduct

Dress Code Policy

1. Safety Issues for Conventions

2. Minor Policy

3. Anti-Harassment Policy

4. Photography Policy

5. Weapons Policy

6. Disability and Service Animal Policy

7. Privacy Policy

These policies are subject to change without notice.

Code of Conduct

Revised 6/8/2025

In order to participate in a Costumer’s Guild West, Inc. (CGW) event or interact in CGW/Costume College social media spaces, all attendees, presenters, vendors, sponsors, and volunteers agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. CGW reserves the exclusive and sole right to enforce its code of conduct, define what constitutes unacceptable behavior, and determine what actions it will take to address incidents that occur.

In order to support an environment that builds community and positive connections, the following behaviors are expected of all participants:

• Act with respect and kindness towards everyone you encounter (in-person and online), including other attendees, presenters, vendors, event staff, and venue staff.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants.
• Ask permission before touching another person or any of their belongings. If permission is not granted, please accept that and walk away.
• Behave in accordance with all venue and event policies and applicable laws.
• If you are asked by CGW or venue staff to stop a behavior that is deemed unacceptable, you are expected to comply immediately.

To comply with this code, participants agree to avoid unacceptable behavior. Examples of such include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Violations of our Anti-Harassment Policy or Dress Code.
• Microaggressions of any kind. (A microaggression is a verbal, behavioral or environmental slight, indignity, or snub – intentional or unintentional – that demeans, invalidates the experience of, expresses a prejudiced or discriminatory attitude, or communicates hostility or a negative message towards a marginalized group.)
• Behaviors that generally interfere with other attendees’ experience or participation at the event.
• Sustained disruption of presentations or event activities.
• Non-compliance with event or event venue rules or policies.
• Engaging in any activity prohibited by law.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated at CGW events. If a participant engages in such or fails to comply with expected behavior at any time during the event, CGW may take any action it deems appropriate, including but not limited to removing the participant from the event without a refund and/or prohibiting future attendance at events. Each instance of unacceptable behavior will be investigated and addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

If you witness or are subjected to unacceptable behavior or have any other concerns at a CGW event, notify a CGW board member or event volunteer as soon as possible. This may be done in person or via the reporting form linked on our Anti-Harassment Policy page. In the event these are unavailable for any reason, you may also contact us or email the President at [email protected] .

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Dress Code

Revised 5/18/2025

Costume College and all CGW events are PG-13 events. Be mindful that we are in public spaces and there will be people present who are not a part of our event.

We love costumes at Costume College, however, costumes are never required. We don’t want to discourage anyone from wearing a costume at the event, but you should be aware of the environment and spaces you are wearing it in, both for your own comfort and to make sure our events remain navigable for all attendees.

Costumes are not needed in classrooms and can be a distraction when attending classes. If you choose to wear a costume during the day, make sure it takes up minimal space (horizontally and vertically) to ensure that everyone is able to fully participate in their class.

Additionally, we ask that you are thoughtful and respectful of others when choosing a costume. Ensembles that demean or mock a culture, lifestyle, or groups of people are not appropriate for our events. Outfits that contain or reference hate speech, crude or offensive language, or sexually explicit content will not be tolerated. Please carefully consider the effect your costume may have on other attendees.

CGW reserves the right to deem a costume unacceptable and request that the wearer make modifications as necessary. If those modifications are unsuccessful or the wearer chooses not to comply with this request, the attendee will be asked to leave the event and no refunds will be issued.

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