Attendee Policies

Know where you are1. Where these policies apply

Different expectations apply in SELF-controlled spaces and public-facing hotel areas. SELF-controlled spaces are credentialed conference areas designated for registered SELF participants. Public-facing hotel areas include, but are not limited to, the lobby, hallways, elevators, restaurants, bars, public restrooms, pool area, parking areas, outdoor common areas, and other spaces shared with hotel guests.

All participants must follow SELF policies, hotel requirements, and directions from SELF Security while attending the event. Discretion in public-facing areas protects SELF’s relationship with the hotel and our ability to remain welcome at suitable venues.

When registering online or in person, participants acknowledge that they are familiar with SELF’s security policies and agree to follow them throughout the weekend.

Shared hotel spaces2. Public-area conversations and gatherings

Do not engage in M/s, D/s, kink, poly, fetish, or other adult-content conversations in public-facing hotel areas. Members of the general public have not consented to participate in or overhear those conversations.

Do not schedule, organize, promote, or invite non-package holders to meetings or gatherings in public-facing hotel areas. This includes the lobby, hallways, elevators, restaurants, bars, parking areas, outdoor common areas, and similar shared spaces. Anyone gathering in official SELF spaces must have completed the required registration, waivers, and agreements.

Unofficial gatherings in public-facing areas jeopardize SELF’s relationship with the hotel and our ability to remain welcome at venues with appropriate facilities.

Dress for the space3. Attire and body coverage

Keep attire at a PG-rated level in all public-facing hotel areas. SELF shares the hotel with members of the general public, including families.

No nudity or inappropriate attire is permitted in the lobby or any other public-facing hotel area. Clothing must provide complete, opaque coverage of buttocks, nipples and areolae, and genitals. Liquid latex, pasties, or similar coverings are not adequate coverage for public-facing areas.

Use common sense when moving between SELF-controlled spaces and shared hotel areas. When uncertain, add coverage before leaving the SELF conference area.

Transport discreetly4. Toys and gear

Do not openly wear, carry, or display adult-themed toys or equipment in public-facing hotel areas. This includes floggers, whips, sexual toys, and similar items.

Transport adult-themed toys and gear through public-facing areas in closed containers that fully conceal the contents. This prevents exposing non-SELF hotel guests to items they have not consented to encounter.

Access and privacy5. Badges

Registered participants must wear their SELF badge at all SELF events and in all SELF-controlled spaces. Keep the identifying side visible within credentialed SELF areas so Security can confirm access.

Continue wearing your badge in all public-facing hotel areas, but turn the identifying side inward whenever you are in those shared spaces, including public elevators. Keep the badge on while it is turned around. SELF Security will be stationed throughout the hotel and conference center and can assist with badge and access questions.

Replacement badges are subject to replacement fees.

Protect privacy and minimize disruption6. Phones and electronic devices

Phones may be used for schedules, contest voting, accessibility needs, emergencies, messages, and personal notes. Devices must remain silent during workshops, contests, ceremonies, and group activities.

Take voice or video calls in the Social Lobby or outside the conference area. Device use must not interrupt a presenter, activity, or another participant’s experience.

A phone is also a camera and recording device. All photography, video, and audio use must follow the photography and recording policy below.

Google Glass and other camera-equipped or recording-capable smart glasses and wearable devices are prohibited. Do not bring or use wearable devices that can record people.

Consent includes the background7. Photography and recording

Photography, video, and audio recording are permitted only in designated areas. Photography must be discreet. Obtain explicit consent from every identifiable person before taking a photograph or recording.

The designated SELFie area is for photographs of yourself and consenting friends. Frame photographs so that nonconsenting people are not included.

• Position photographs against a wall, approved backdrop, or other controlled background.
• Do not photograph toward stages, demonstrations, workshops, the vendor market, hallways, or open gathering areas.
• Do not take wide-angle photographs across spaces where bystanders may be captured.
• Check the entire frame and background before taking the photograph.
• Photography with friends is permitted only when nonconsenting people will not appear in the image.

Yellow ribbons and every other designated no-photo indicator must be fully respected. A person displaying a no-photo indicator must not be photographed, including incidentally in the background. No-photo areas and photography restrictions must also be fully respected.

Photography and recording are not permitted in workshops, the vendor market, hallways, or other non-designated areas. Authorized SELF staff and SELF-authorized media representatives may photograph in conference spaces and will wear an Authorized Media badge. Participants who do not want to be photographed by authorized media should obtain the designated no-photo indicator from the SELF Registration Desk.

Anyone taking unauthorized photographs may be required to demonstrate that the images have been deleted and may be asked to leave the event without a refund of the entrance fee.

Respect SELF sponsors8. Sponsorship, flyers, and solicitation

Advertising materials, flyers, and business cards may be placed at the Community Table in the Social area only by SELF sponsors. This policy protects the sponsors whose support helps make SELF possible.

Do not distribute or leave promotional materials in the hotel lobby, hallways, elevators, public restrooms, restaurants, bars, parking areas, or other public-facing hotel spaces. Do not use shared hotel spaces for unauthorized promotion, solicitation, or organized commercial activity.

Do not advertise or conduct sales from a hotel room. Participants may not sell merchandise, products, services, or other items from their hotel rooms.

Participation requirements9. Age, enforcement, and consequences

You must be at least 21 years old to attend SELF and must provide a valid government-issued photo ID.

SELF Security is available throughout the hotel and conference center to assist participants with complying with these policies. Participants are expected to follow instructions from SELF Security and authorized event staff.

The existing consequences stated in these policies remain in effect. Unauthorized photography may require demonstrated deletion of images and may result in removal from the event without a refund.