About Us and Policies

 AKA: How We All Have the Best Time Possible

Welcome to Con Nooga, where fandoms collide, creativity runs wild, and good vibes reign supreme. To keep this celebration fun, safe, and legendary for everyone, we ask all attendees, vendors, guests, and heroes in cosplay to follow these simple rules.

Think of them less as “rules” and more as the secret recipe to an awesome con.

Con Nooga is for everyone. Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or aggressive behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes verbal, physical, or digital behavior.

If someone says “no” or “stop,” that’s the end of the conversation. Full stop.

We love epic props, but safety is the real final boss.

• Unlike so many other conventions we understand how realistic props help put that extra umph on your cosplay. Therefore we do allow realistic props, blades etc. HOWEVER - This means for Photos only.  If we see you brandishing a weapon in a harmful, threatening or any other manner tbh - you will only get one warning.   
   
• CO2, Water guns, projectile weapons, steel weapons, unless they have been disabled or have been inspected by our operations and security team.  We will only peace bond or confiscate a weapon that has been used in a threatening manner.  
   
• No swinging, brandishing, or dramatic slow-motion fight scenes in crowded areas.   Don't be stupid and we won't have to peace bond or confiscate your props!  
  When in doubt, ask staff before bringing it in.

At Con Nooga, every attendee has the right to enjoy the convention free from harassment or unwanted attention, regardless of costume, body type, gender expression, or character portrayed.

• Do not touch another attendee or their costume without clear, enthusiastic permission.
   
• Do not assume posing, flirting, physical contact, or suggestive behavior is welcome.
   
• Do not photograph or record cosplayers without asking first.
   
• “They’re dressed like the character” is never an excuse.
   

Consent Rules

• Consent must be explicit and ongoing.
   
• Silence, hesitation, or discomfort means no.
   
• Consent can be withdrawn at any time and must be respected immediately.
   

Prohibited Behavior

• Groping, grabbing, or brushing against someone “by accident”
   
• Sexual comments, gestures, or sounds directed at attendees
   
• Following, cornering, or pressuring someone for photos or interaction
   
• Harassment in person, online, or via messaging during the convention
   

Enforcement

• Violations will result in immediate action by staff or security.
   
• Consequences may include removal from the event without refund and bans from future Con Nooga events.
   
• Law enforcement may be contacted when appropriate.
   

If you feel unsafe or witness a violation:

• Contact any Con Nooga staff member or volunteer
   
• Go to the Registration Desk, Operations or Security
   
• Your report will be taken seriously and handled discreetly

The following will result in immediate removal and possible bans from future events:

• Violence or threats of violence
   
• Theft or vandalism
   
• Harassment or stalking
   
• Ignoring staff instructions
   
• Any behavior that puts others at risk.

 Con Nooga staff are the friendly NPCs with authority. Please listen to them.

This isn’t an anime opening sequence.

• No running through the con
   
• No climbing structures, booths, or stages
   
• Keep aisles clear and exits accessible
  Safety beats style points every time.

Photos are awesome. Creepy behavior is not.

• Ask permission before taking photos
   
• No flash photography where prohibited
   
• Respect “no photo” requests instantly
   

Help us keep Con Nooga looking fresh:

• Dispose of trash properly
   
• Treat vendors’ booths and displays with care
   
• Leave the venue better than you found it

If staff or security gives you a direction, it’s not a debate side quest. They are there to keep everyone safe and having fun.

Failure to comply may result in removal without refund.

Alcohol is for those of legal age and must follow all city and venue rules. 

• No public intoxication
• No illegal substance 
• If you are too far gone, staff may ask you to take a breather by exiting the event.  Hydrate like a champion. 

Laugh loudly. Geek out freely. Make new friends. Celebrate what you love.

If you see something that feels unsafe or uncomfortable, report it to staff immediately. We’ve got your back.

Welcome to the grown-up side of the convention. These events are designed for adults who can handle mature themes, respectful behavior, and a good time without causing chaos. By entering any 18+ Con Nooga event, you agree to the following: *& all the rules above as well!  

 Age Requirement

• 18+ only. No exceptions.
  A valid, government-issued photo ID is required for entry. 
• Wristbands or badges must be worn and visible at all times.
  Attempting to sneak in underage attendees will result in removal without refund.
   

• Expect mature language, themes, costumes, and performances. 
• What happens here is meant for adults. If that’s not your scene, this is not your room.
   

• Consent is required for physical contact, photos, videos, flirting, roleplay, or interactions of any kind. 
• “No,” “stop,” or silence means stop immediately. No debate, no drama. 
• Violations will result in immediate removal and possible convention bans.
   

• Always ask before taking photos or video. 
• Some 18+ events may be no-photo zones. Posted signage and staff instructions override everything. 
• Recording without consent is grounds for removal. and/or prosecution.
   

• Respect staff, performers, volunteers, and fellow attendees. 
• Harassment, stalking, discrimination, or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. 
• Costumes must remain publicly legal and venue-appropriate, even in 18+ spaces.
   

• Event staff and security have final say. 
• Anyone violating these policies may be removed without refund. 
• Severe or repeated violations may result in being banned from future Con Nooga events.
   

• If you feel unsafe or witness a policy violation, contact staff immediately. 
• We take reports seriously and handle them discreetly.

*  No outside Food or beverages are allowed.   

*  All Bags, Backpacks, Bins, etc will be searched. 

*  Firearms/Weapons: No firearms are permitted in the Convention Center unless the carrier  is a certified police officer employed by the City of Chattanooga,  Hamilton County, State of Tennessee, or a U.S. Federal Agency. Private  security agents are prohibited from carrying firearms. 

*  Do not hang, post or place any tape or signage on any walls, doors etc within the convention center.   Posting  signs, advertisements, or promotional materials on facility walls,  columns, or floors is prohibited. Advertising is restricted to  contracted exhibit space unless written permission is obtained from show  management 

* No Balloons, glitter etc are allowed

* Animals: Only service animals are permitted in the facility, in accordance with  the ADA. Other animals require prior written approval from show  management and the facility. 

*  Accessibility: The facility is ADA compliant and features accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms to accommodate guests with physical or developmental differences. 

*  Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere within the Convention Center facility. 

If you don't see a rule - there might be one we forgot!  So ask.   At the end of the day - other rules may have to be implemented, changed , enforced etc.   We truly want everyone to have a good time but we also have to keep the venue and attendees safe.