Truly Outrageous, Truly Respectful

JemCon has been bringing Jem fans together since 2005, and after 22 years we know exactly what makes this weekend magic: a room full of people who can finally be their most glittery, loud, weird, wonderful selves without having to explain it to anyone.

This Code of Conduct exists to protect that. It applies to everyone at JemCon: attendees, guests, vendors, volunteers, staff, performers, and hotel visitors in our event spaces. It covers all official JemCon events, programming, and spaces, plus our online community (the JemCon forum, our social channels, and The JemCon Jam).

By registering for or attending JemCon, you agree to follow it. Simple as that.

Be a Hologram, Not a Misfit

We love the Misfits. We love dressing like the Misfits. We do not love acting like the Misfits toward actual human beings.

JemCon has zero tolerance for harassment of any kind, including:

• Offensive, demeaning, or discriminatory comments or behavior related to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, body size, appearance, or national origin

• Intimidation, threats, or stalking

• Following someone around after they've asked you to stop

• Unwanted physical contact of any kind

• Unwanted sexual attention, comments, or advances

• Deliberately disrupting panels, performances, or events

• Harassing photography or recording (more on that below)

• Encouraging anyone else to do any of the above

"It was a joke" is not a defense. If someone tells you to stop, you stop. Immediately, no debate, no follow-up.

Nobody Wants to Be the Plot of "The Fan"

We all remember that episode. Let's keep it on the screen.

Ask first. Every time. Before you hug, touch, pose with, or photograph someone, ask. A "no" (or an unsure "maybe") is a complete answer, and it doesn't need a reason attached.

This goes double for our guests. Samantha, Britta, and every guest who spends the weekend with us are here because they love this fandom back. Respect their time, their personal space, their autograph and photo op guidelines, and their boundaries. Guests are people, not props.

Cosplay Is Not Consent

Whether someone is in a full Jem hologram look, head-to-toe Pizzazz, or their comfiest Starlight Girls tee, what they're wearing is never an invitation to touch, comment on their body, or photograph them without permission.

Costume guidelines:

• JemCon is an all-ages event. Costumes should be PG-13. If it wouldn't make it past the Standards & Practices folks in 1986, rethink it.

• Keytars, microphones, star earrings, and outrageous accessories are extremely welcome.

• No real weapons of any kind. Prop weapons must be clearly fake, cannot be functional, and cannot be brandished or used to scare people.

• For our "It's Fun to Be Scared" year: spooky is encouraged, but keep gore at a Trick or Techrat level, not a slasher-flick level. No fake blood that can transfer onto people, furniture, or hotel property.

• Masks are fine, but you may be asked to briefly remove one to verify your badge.

• Staff can ask you to adjust or remove any part of a costume or prop that creates a safety issue. Their call is final.

Photography and Recording

• Ask before photographing or filming individuals. Crowd shots and wide room shots are fine.

• Some panels and performances may have recording restrictions. Those will be announced, and we expect you to follow them.

• Do not photograph or film anyone in restrooms, changing areas, or hotel rooms. Ever.

• Parts of JemCon may be filmed by our official media team. If you'd prefer not to appear on camera, let registration know and we'll give you a way to flag it.

All Eras Welcome (Our Songs Are Better, Sure)

Whether you found Jem in 1985, through the IDW comics, through the 2015 film, through the dolls, or last Tuesday on YouTube, you belong here. There is no "right" way to be a fan and no fan-card check at the door.

Friendly Holograms vs. Misfits rivalry? Absolutely. Chant "Our songs are better!" at the Misfits table all weekend if you want. Gatekeeping, mocking someone's favorite era, or making people feel like "fake fans"? That's a hard no.

Badges

• Wear your badge where it's visible at all times in JemCon spaces.

• Badges are non-transferable. Don't lend, share, or resell yours.

• Lost your badge? Head to registration and we'll sort it out.

The Cash Bar and Last Resorts

• You must be 21+ with valid ID to purchase or drink alcohol. Hotel and California laws apply.

• Drink responsibly. Being intoxicated does not excuse any behavior covered in this Code.

• No outside alcohol in JemCon event spaces.

• Illegal substances are not permitted anywhere at JemCon.

Starlight Girls (and Boys): Minors at JemCon

• Attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

• Parents and guardians are responsible for their kids' behavior and supervision.

• Some programming may be marked 18+ or 21+. Please respect those age limits.

Accessibility

We want every fan to be able to enjoy JemCon. Keep aisles, doorways, and seating areas clear, respect reserved and accessible seating, and never touch someone's mobility aid, service animal, or assistive device. If you need accommodations, email us before the con at jemconforever@gmail.com so we can plan ahead.

Hotel and Venue Rules

JemCon is a guest at VOCO Laguna Hills by IHG, and hotel policies apply in addition to this Code. Be kind to hotel staff, respect the property, and leave spaces the way you found them. Anything that gets us uninvited from a venue affects the whole community.

Need Backup? Here's How to Report

If you experience or witness anything that violates this Code, or if something just feels off, please tell us. You won't be in trouble for reporting in good faith, and you don't need to be sure it "counts."

• At the con: Find any staff member or go directly to the registration desk.

• Email (anytime, including after the con): jemconforever@gmail.com

• In an emergency, call 911 first, then let us know.

All reports are handled as confidentially as possible. We'll listen, take it seriously, and help you feel safe, whether that means connecting you with hotel security, escorting you somewhere, or contacting law enforcement.

Show's Over, Synergy: Consequences

Depending on the situation, the JemCon team may take any action we feel is appropriate, including:

• A verbal warning

• Removal from a panel, event, or space

• Revocation of your badge and removal from the convention without a refund

• A ban from future JemCons and our online community spaces

• Involving hotel security or law enforcement

Guests, vendors, and volunteers are held to the exact same standard. Being famous, being a longtime fan, or knowing the organizers doesn't get anyone a pass.

Updates

We may update this Code of Conduct as needed. The version posted on this page is the one in effect.

Now go be truly outrageous. Respectfully.