Convention Policies
NC Merfest is a family oriented event. As such, we pride NC Merfest on being a safe place, where everybody is welcome. Even so, certain kinds of offensive or harassing behavior are not tolerated. To the best of our ability, we intend to eliminate inappropriate conduct from the convention. We have revised our convention policies to be clearer on this point.
NC Merfest is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any event venue, including talks. Harassment of any kind, including physically or verbally threatening, annoying, unwelcoming attentions, stalking, pushing, shoving or use of physical force; which in any way creates a disturbance that is disruptive or dangerous, as well as any boisterous, lewd or generally offensive behavior or language, using sexually explicit or offensive language or conduct, or profanity, obscene gestures or racial, religious or ethnic slurs will be considered harassment. Harassment is not tolerated.
NC Merfest has taken steps to make it easier to report instances of such behavior. If you feel you have been harassed please find the nearest NC Merfest officer. They will direct you to Security. If, at any time, you feel that your personal safety or the safety of others is in jeopardy, please contact the Cary Police Department in an emergency via 911.
NC Merfest reserves the right to revoke or suspend memberships and passes. If an individual breaks the rules of the convention, he or she may be barred from the convention, either for several hours, or for the rest of the event without refund. If an individual breaks the law – city, state or federal – he or she will be reported and turned over to the authorities, and possibly arrested. If you have been accused of harassment and feel that you were treated unfairly you may appeal to the convention chair, but that decision will be final.
You must wear your membership wrist bands at all times to be admitted to any convention function.
Possession of alcoholic beverages by anyone under 21 years of age is grounds for expulsion from the convention without refund.
NC Merfest is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property, or for injuries sustained during the course of the convention. Although lifeguards and security guards will be present at the event, you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of your children.
Announced events and guests are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. Every effort will be made to announce any changes via the Internet, pre-convention publications, but sometimes last-minute changes will occur.
NC Merfest has a no weapons policy that will be enforced. All costume weapons must be non-working and peace bonded. No functioning projectile weapons - including water pistols, silly-string guns, and ping-pong pistols.
Respect pool rules and adhere to safe public conduct around the water, and at the event in general. Any weapon used in an offensive manner will be confiscated. We expect you to use good judgment; with your help, we can continue to allow peace-bonded weapons - thanks!
Real firearms are not allowed at NC Merfest. This includes those attendees who maintain a North Carolina Weapons Carry License or a similar permit from another state. NC Merfest security, hotel security, and local law enforcement officials will treat anything that looks like a real weapon as a weapon. Attendees who choose to ignore this policy may be asked to leave the convention and will have their membership revoked. Since violators can also be arrested, you should know that NC Merfest does not post bail. (Sworn law enforcement are excused from this policy.)
NO CAMPING IN THE HALLS OR LOBBY! If you are found sleeping in the public areas, you will be asked to go to your hotel room. If you do not have a room, hotel or venue security will be forced to ask you to leave. Check social media for people looking for people to share rooms and costs.
Please do not abuse our hotels or convention facilities. This includes putting signs on walls.
Costumers: remember this is a family friendly event, please keep your costumes tasteful. The public nudity laws in North Carolina will be enforced.
All NC Merfest members and attendees at the NC Merfest Convention are prevented from taking, recording, or creating film, or digital pictures, videos, tapes, sound recordings, or any other visual or auditory recreation of any kind whatsoever, of any NC Merfest guest, member, volunteer, or employee, or of any NC Merfest event, including but not limited to the NC Merfest fashion show, any NC Merfest forum, seminar, session, dance, or performance, for any commercial use, or for the solicitation of funds for any commercial or other purpose, without the express written permission of NC Merfolk LLC.
It is against the rules of NC Merfest and all hotels to place or hand out flyers/cards in our/their space. Flyers/cards on an open table in the convention area will be cleared to a trash receptacle. If you are handing out material in an unauthorized convention area, you will be asked to stop. If it continues, you will be removed from the convention.
Please be considerate of those needing special assistance and allow them access to the areas set aside for them. Please do not sit in seats or areas marked for their use.
And, most importantly, Have Fun - this is NC Merfest.
