Code of Conduct
As a crew member of Youmacon, you represent not only your department but the convention as a whole. While we encourage everyone to have fun and enjoy the event, it is important to remember that professionalism, respect, and responsibility are key to delivering a successful and safe convention experience for all.
1. You Represent Youmacon at All Times
Whether you’re on duty or walking on the convention floor, your behavior reflects directly on Youmacon.
Crew are expected to maintain a courteous, respectful, and helpful demeanor with attendees, guests, vendors, and fellow crew members. If you're wearing a crew badge, you are a representative of the convention.
2. Attendance
You are expected to arrive on time and be present in the department at the start of your scheduled shift. All staff must complete a total of 24 hours by the end of the convention to guarantee a spot in the crew room. If unforeseen circumstances arise that may impact your ability to report for duty, you must notify your leadership as soon as possible. Failure to notify your Department Head or Assistant Department Head can lead to disciplinary action.
3. Hygiene
All staff are expected to maintain good hygiene during the convention—shower daily, clean clothes/cosplays, and use deodorant. As public-facing representatives, staying clean and presentable ensures a positive experience for guests, attendees, and fellow crew members.
4. Social Media and Public Behavior
Do not share non-public information about guests, schedules, or internal convention matters.
Avoid negative comments about other conventions or organizations—Youmacon values community and professionalism. Remember Youmacon is a family-friendly event from 8 AM to 10 PM, unless you are participating in an 18+ event. Please avoid public discussions that involve inappropriate language, sexual content, or other adult topics during those hours.
5. Customer Service Mindset
As a member of Youmacon staff, you are a representative of the convention and should approach every interaction with a customer service mindset. Treat all attendees with respect, patience, and a helpful attitude. Your demeanor reflects directly on the event as a whole, so professionalism is key. If you are unsure how to answer a question or resolve an issue, do not guess—reach out to your leadership or another appropriate crew member to get accurate information. Providing reliable assistance and maintaining a welcoming presence goes a long way to ensuring a positive experience for everyone.
6. Electronics Usage While on Duty
Unless you're in a leadership or communications position, please limit personal electronics (phones, handheld gaming systems, etc.) while on shift. Occasional brief use (a quick message or check-in) is okay, but your focus should remain on your assigned duties. Exceptions may be approved by your Department Head/Assistant Department Head as needed.
7. Dress Code and Cosplay While on Shift
You may cosplay while on duty, with approval from your Department Head, provided your attire is family-appropriate and allows you to perform your job. Ensure your footwear is comfortable for long periods of standing or walking. If your cosplay is deemed inappropriate or impractical, you may be asked to change. Changes into or out of cosplay should be made during breaks, unless authorized by your leadership.
8. Know Your Role—And Ask When You Don’t
If your leadership gives you directions while you are in a crew area—even when off shift—please follow them unless you are currently engaged in another task or have a valid reason for being unavailable. Be adaptable and ready to take on different tasks as needed. Your visibility and presence matter. Even when you're not actively performing a task, stay attentive, presentable, and approachable to attendees, guests, and other crew members.
9. Leadership Collaboration and Compliance
If your leadership gives you directions while you are in a crew area—even off shift—please comply unless you are actively fulfilling another task or unavailable under special circumstances. Communicate clearly if you are following another leader’s instructions to avoid confusion. Remember, your leadership is here to support you and provide the tools you need to succeed during the convention!
10. Leaving Your Post
If you wish to attend an event during your shift, it’s your responsibility to find coverage and notify your leadership. If you leave without coverage, you may be required to make up for the missed time or removed from the convention all together. Make sure to maintain open communication with your leadership and fellow crew members.
11. Food Runs and Breaks
Food runs are a courtesy, not a guarantee. They are primarily intended to support essential personnel who cannot leave their post due to critical, time-sensitive, or guest-facing responsibilities. Plan your meal breaks around your scheduled shifts whenever possible and communicate any special needs or timing conflicts with your leadership.
Essential crew includes:
Department Leadership
Crew members actively managing guest interactions, time-sensitive responsibilities, or high-traffic areas
Crew members with documented medical needs requiring timely access to food
Be respectful and considerate of Hospitality crew or any crew members facilitating food runs. They are volunteering their time to support essential operations and should not be overburdened with unnecessary requests. Abuse of this system may result in your food request being declined.
Lastly, keep in mind that hospitality resources are shared. Clean up after yourself, avoid waste, and don’t take more than you need. Being courteous and self-sufficient helps ensure everyone stays fed, focused, and able to perform their roles smoothly.
12. Respect for All Crew and Spaces
Treat fellow crew and attendees with professionalism and respect at all times. Clean up after yourself—this includes crew hotel rooms, break areas, convention space and other public spaces.
13. No Unauthorized Room Access or Activities
Convention-provided hotel rooms are reserved for designated crew only. No unauthorized guests or inappropriate behavior (parties, sexual activity) is allowed in crew rooms. Consent from all assigned room occupants is required for any extracurricular activity.
Please be considerate of your roommates by communicating any changes to your plans—especially if you intend to return to the hotel late at night, arrive on a different day than expected, or not return at all. Clear communication helps maintain a respectful and safe shared space for everyone.
14. Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Drinking alcohol in convention-provided hotel rooms is permitted only if all staff assigned to the room are 21 years of age or older. Consumption must remain respectful and private. If your behavior becomes disruptive, unsafe, or reflects poorly on the department, you could face disciplinary actions such as removal from the convention or banned from future involvement.
Illegal substances are strictly prohibited. Possession or use of illegal drugs will result in immediate notification of convention security and may lead to legal consequences, removal from the convention, and permanent disqualification from volunteering.
Crew must not report to their shift under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you arrive to your shift intoxicated or impaired, you will be asked to leave immediately, and your crew badge and room access will be revoked.
We want you to enjoy yourself during the convention—but please do so responsibly and in moderation.
15. Age-Restricted Content
Crew must verify legal photo ID before allowing participation in any 18+ content or events.
Approved ID includes:
Government-issued Driver’s License
State ID
Passport or Military ID
16. Emergencies and Convention-Wide Alerts
In the event of a medical emergency, fire alarm, or Code Adam (missing child), all crew members are expected to pause duties and assist as needed. Remain calm, notify the Public Safety Department, and cooperate with security or emergency personnel.
17. Setup and Takedown
All crew members are expected to help with setup and takedown unless specifically excused by leadership.
Many hands make light work—your assistance ensures a smooth start and close for the entire team.
18. Consequences
Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from crew, loss of crew privileges, or a ban from future Youmacon volunteering opportunities.
