Everyone must comply with all Federal, State, Local laws, ordinances and regulations, and convention center policies at all times.

Harassment of any kind, including physical assault, battery, deliberate intimidation, stalking, or unwelcome physical contact, will not be tolerated. If you continue to attempt to have contact with those people, you will be removed from the premises.

Any action or behavior that causes significant interference with convention operations, excessive discomfort to other attendees, or adversely affects the convention’s relationship with its guests, its venues or the public is strictly forbidden and may result in removal or even permanent suspension.

Photographs and video are allowed in all common areas of the convention unless otherwise specified. Specific rules and restrictions apply at certain events and panels, which will be noted in advance. Panels are NOT permitted to be recorded and used for your own personal use outlet or podcast channel. Your podcast, whether in your suite or on the Podcast Stage, may be recorded and distributed on your personal or podcast outlet.

Please do not photograph or video the convention special guests without their permission or at their booth. If they allow you to record video during the podcast, please receive permission ahead of time.

All signs displayed in the MAC arena must be family friendly. Any vulgar language or inappropriate pictures will be taken down.

As with any public event, those participating must hold themselves to a high standard.

The OCon Expo is a family friendly, PG-13 and under event. Please keep this in mind and behave appropriately. While broadcasting from your booth or suite you may follow the rating you have already established but when broadcasting from the Podcast Stage or Panel Rooms please keep The OCon’s family friendly atmosphere in mind.

Behave in a courteous, professional, and respectful manner toward fellow podcasters. Remember, podcasting is not a competition and this is a great opportunity to network and grow your audience.

Respect the rules and property of the other podcasters and their suites.

Please follow The OCon Expo’s general code of conduct and anti-harassment policy.

And, if it still needs to be repeated, “Cosplay is not Consent!”

Some general code of conduct rules to follow to ensure you don’t break the rules:

1. Ask permission, not forgiveness – This includes asking The OCon staff permission to approach convention guests and vendors about appearing on your show or doing an interview as well as asking convention attendees permission to include video or photos of them in your content ahead of using your camera.
2. Think before you ask – This is a great opportunity to grow your show and listenership, but think before you try to get every guest and attendee involved. Make a list prioritizing your dream guests and content and then focus on asking about the few key people at the top of your list.
3. Respect everyone else’s space – This includes the other podcasters booths (suites), the stage (even when not in use), the convention guests, and convention attendees. Do not approach guests when they are on break, eating, or heading to a panel.
4. Be considerate of other people’s time – The guests are there for everybody, so pulling them off for a quick interview is one thing but keeping them for a two hour podcast is something entirely different. Keep in mind, for The OCon Expo to continue bringing in great guests those guests need to be present and available to the fans.
5. This is not all access – Consider this access more like press and not all access or staff. You do not get access to the green room, the staff hallways, or backstage. If you are uncertain about where you are allowed to go, refer back to rule number one.

All podcasts must be legitimate podcasts with an online or on air presence prior to the start of 2024. Although providing statistics and listenership is not required upon application, it is possible The OCon Expo could ask for these items to verify authenticity.

It’s important to note that individuals providing content on social media platforms or community forums do not meet our criteria for the Podcast Pavilion.

The OCon Expo and The Mid-America Center are not responsible for your equipment, supplies, and materials during show hours. Although the suites are off the floor it is still possible for somebody to gain access to the area. Please keep all your equipment and supplies within eyesight and take any expensive gear with you at all times.