August 16-20, 2018
San Jose McEnery Convention Center
150 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113

Worldcon (the World Science Fiction Convention) is the annual gathering of science fiction and fantasy fans, writers, artists, musicians and other creators, first held in New York City in 1939. Worldcon is held in a different city and organized by a different volunteer organization each year. Worldcon 76 will be held in San Jose, California, in August 2018. It's being organized by a committee sponsored by San Francisco Science Fiction Conventions, Inc., a California public benefit corporation.

Worldcon 76 Code of Conduct

SFSFC corporate policy requires that all SFSFC events publish and enforce code of conduct and anti‐harassment policies.

Worldcon 76 in San Jose is a San Francisco Science Fiction Conventions, Incorporated (SFSFC) event.

SFSFC, Inc. is chartered to promote and develop fantasy and science fiction in all their forms. SFSFC events include educational and social activities. Our goal is to show how fantasy and science fiction can be serious and artistic, and fun and accessible to everybody.

We fail in that goal if we create an environment where harassment of attendees and participants is condoned. Victims of harassment will not enjoy an event and will not find fantasy and science fiction to be fun or accessible. SFSFC and its event-planning teams are committed to responding respectfully to reports of harassment and taking appropriate action to stop harassment that is brought to our attention.

Worldcon 76 in San Jose abides by Wil Wheaton’s Law. (www.knowyourmeme.com/memes/wheatons-law)

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE:

These rules are heavily lifted from Further Confusion, the SF Bay Area’s furry convention. We’re grateful to AAE for their work in creating a fun and safe environment at Further Confusion. It’s also based on the Code of Conduct for Westercon 66.

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE

Worldcon 76 in San Jose will have an Ombudsman team available throughout the convention. Its role is to assist you if you have any problems at the convention. Call (346) 298 - 1338 and ask for the Worldcon 76 in San Jose Ombudsman on duty, or visit the Member Services office and ask to speak to an Ombudsman member. Any convention staff member can help you contact an Ombudsman as well. Remember, we cannot address a problem unless we know about it. If team members cannot assist you immediately, the Ombudsman team will have someone contact you as soon as possible who can. As with all messages left with the Ombudsman team, remember to give details of how, when, and where you can be contacted. You can also email the team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT

Harassment is any behavior that annoys other persons, aggravates them, or makes them feel unsafe. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Unwanted or threatening physical contact,
  • Unwanted or threatening verbal contact,
  • Following someone in a public area without a legitimate reason, and
  • Threatening physical harm in any way.

Additionally, Worldcon 76 does not tolerate discrimination in any form -- including through cosplay -- based on but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical/mental health conditions.

A neat tattoo or a sexy, excellent costume does not come with permission to touch, nor is it an invitation to do so. Always ask if you may touch clothing, property, or the person. Costuming is not consent.

If you are being bothered or are uncomfortable with someone’s actions toward you, communicate any one of these messages:

  • “No.” No means no.
  • “Please stop.” Stop means stop.
  • “Please go away.” Go away means go away.

If someone won’t understand these simple rules, contact our Ombudsman Team for assistance, or ask any convention staff member to do so on your behalf.

All guests and members of this convention have the right to not join in activities that cause them any form of discomfort and to speak out if they feel harassed or unsafe.  Offenders may lose their badges and be asked to leave the convention. The matter may be referred to law enforcement authorities.

Treat people as you’d want others to treat your sister or brother. Complaints will be taken very seriously. We reserve the right to revoke a membership at our discretion at any time.

PARTIES, ALCOHOL, AND ZERO DRUG TOLERANCE

Worldcon 76 in San Jose does not tolerate serving of alcohol to individuals under 21 years of age. If you are hosting a party where alcohol is being served, it is your responsibility as host to ensure that the age of anyone drinking alcohol is checked. You should also designate someone not to drink, so that there is a fully competent person present to deal with any emergencies that might arise.

Section 25660 of the Business & Professions Code of California states that convention parties serving alcohol can accept "bona fide" forms of identification which are currently valid and issued by a government agency containing the following information: (a) name of person, (b) a photograph, (c) a physical description, and (d) date of birth.

Acceptable form of identification:

  • Driver’s licenses
  • Passports
  • Passport cards
  • Military identifications

All properties associated with Worldcon 76 and its functions are non-smoking and non-vaping, which includes cannabis. Cannabis edibles in any form may not be served at the convention.

Worldcon 76 does not tolerate the use of illegal substances.

Serving or dosing individuals with any form of intoxicant without their explicit consent is strictly forbidden.

Violation of the above rules could subject you to the immediate loss of your badge and convention privileges, or referral of the matter to legal or other authorities as applicable.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO

Worldcon 76 in San Jose wants you to have great memories from a fantastic convention. Photographs and videotape footage by attendees are generally allowed in all common areas of the convention with the exception of the Art Show. Specific rules regarding these matters may exist for selected events, such as concerts. Please consult the Pocket Program for information relating to specific events.

When photographing or videotaping individuals or costumes, use common courtesy and ask before photographing them. Respect their rights if they do not wish to be photographed or videotaped. If someone asks or otherwise indicates (remember many folks in costume do not speak) that they do not wish to be photographed, do not photograph them!

Photography or videography for the purpose of sale or publication to the press is expressly forbidden unless written permission has been obtained from Worldcon 76 in San Jose.

Individuals may take pictures and videotapes for private viewing or sharing with friends. We ask our attendees to be courteous to those they wish to take pictures of, especially if you wish to place those pictures or video clips onto a personal Web page or similar Internet archive. In this case, ask your subjects for their explicit permission to do this.

The services of an official professional photographer are used for Worldcon 76. By registering for the Worldcon 76, you agree to allow Worldcon 76/SFSFC to use your photograph in Worldcon 76-related publications, on the Worldcon 76 website, or in other Worldcon 76/SFSFC materials.

HAVE A FUN AND SAFE CONVENTION!

If you have questions or comments regarding Worldcon 76 in San Jose policies, please contact our Ombudsman and IRT Area Head, Lori Buschbaum, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.