Creators After Dark is an exclusively 18+ event dedicated to fostering a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental environment for all attendees, creators, staff, and exhibitors. Your comfort and safety are our highest priority. This policy applies to everyone in all official event spaces, including the Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel convention rooms, trade hall, and official mixers.

I. Affirmative Consent and Personal Responsibility (Paramount Rule)

All interactions at Creators After Dark must be based on clear, affirmative consent from all parties involved. This rule is non-negotiable and strictly enforced:

• Consent is Enthusiastic, Freely Given, and Ongoing: All physical, verbal, or otherwise intimate interactions must be based on clear, enthusiastic, and affirmative consent.
• Consent Can Be Withdrawn: Anyone has the right to change their mind and withdraw consent at any time, even if they initially agreed. Respecting a “No” or a change of heart is mandatory.
• Silence Does Not Imply Consent: Always seek clear, verbal, and enthusiastic agreement. Consent cannot be given by someone who is intoxicated, incapacitated, or under duress.
• Respect Personal Boundaries: Not everyone wants to be touched, photographed, or engaged in conversation. Observe and respect non-verbal cues, and when in doubt, ask first.

Harassment is defined as any unwanted, unwelcomed, or inappropriate verbal, physical, or visual conduct that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Discrimination: Making inappropriate, discriminatory, or unwelcomed comments based on a person’s race, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, or religion.
• Physical Harassment: Inappropriate physical contact, deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
• Unwanted Attention: Unwelcome sexual attention, uninvited sexual advances, or sustained disruption of talks or performances.
• Media Misconduct: Harassing, unconsenting photography, video, or audio recording. Cosplay is NOT Consent. Always Ask First before photographing any person, creator, or vendor display. Respect requests to not be photographed or recorded.
• Violation of Vendor Agreements: Selling bootleg, unlicensed, or illegal products, or material promoting underage characters in indecent behavior.

III. Facility Rules and Prohibitions

Violation of these rules, which are based on state law and facility policy, will result in immediate and permanent removal.

• Age Restriction: All attendees must be 18 years of age or older. Valid government-issued photo identification (such as a Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport) is required for entry and may be spot-checked at any time.
• Smoking and Vaping Policy: Vaping, e-cigarette use, and smoking are strictly prohibited anywhere within the convention facility (including all ballrooms, restrooms, and meeting spaces) in compliance with hotel regulations.
• Illegal Substances: The use, sale, or distribution of illegal substances is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate notification of local law enforcement and permanent removal from the event.
• Weapons Policy: No real weapons, firearms, or illegal paraphernalia are permitted on convention grounds. All prop weapons must conform to state/federal laws and be approved and peace-bonded by Security staff.

IV. Reporting, Enforcement, and Consequences

A. Reporting a Violation

If you experience or witness a violation of this Code of Conduct, please report it immediately to:

• Any Creators After Dark staff member (wearing an official staff badge/shirt).
• Security personnel (Hotel or CAD hired).
• The Creators After Dark Discord Mod Squad member

All reports will be handled with discretion, seriousness, and confidentiality by the Head of Security and Event Director.

B. Consequences of Violation

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in immediate removal from the convention without a refund, and may also lead to a ban from future Creators After Dark events. Serious or criminal violations will be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities (Richardson Police Department). The decision of the Creators After Dark management team is final.

V. Accessibility Provisions

Creators After Dark is committed to ensuring a welcoming and accessible experience for all attendees. Our Venue, the Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel, is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• Venue Accessibility: All event spaces, including the Dealers Hall, panel rooms, restrooms, and official mixer areas, are wheelchair accessible.
• Seating: Priority and designated seating areas will be reserved in the front rows of all panel rooms and performance spaces for attendees using wheelchairs or who have other mobility needs.
• Service Animals: Properly identified and trained service animals, as defined by the ADA, are welcome in all convention areas. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are subject to hotel policy and may be restricted.
• Accommodation Requests: Attendees who require specific accommodations (such as interpreters, seating assistance, or advanced entry for setup) are strongly encouraged to contact the Creators After Dark team via email at least 30 days prior to the event (e.g., by March 3, 2026).

By attending Creators After Dark, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and help create a safe, respectful, and memorable experience for everyone.

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terms of service and purchase agreement

Effective Date: October 11, 2025

This agreement is between the purchaser/attendee (“You” or “Exhibitor”) and CREATORS AFTER DARK, LLC (“CAD,” “We,” or “Organizer”) for all badges, tickets, tables, and services purchased for the Creators After Dark 2026 event (“Event”).

1. Age Restriction and ID Verification (18+ Mandatory)

A. MANDATORY AGE REQUIREMENT: This is an exclusively 18+ event. You must be eighteen (18) years of age or older on or before Friday, April 3, 2026, to attend, exhibit, or volunteer.

B. ID REQUIRED: All attendees must present a valid, government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport) at registration to receive their badge. No exceptions will be made.

C. Misrepresentation: Any individual who is found to have misrepresented their age will have their badge immediately revoked, will be denied entry, and will not be entitled to a refund.

2. No Refund Policy (Tickets & Exhibitor Spaces)

A. ALL SALES ARE FINAL: All sales of badges (General and VIP), exhibitor tables, and related fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of the reason for non-attendance.

B. NO REFUNDS FOR REMOVAL: Attendees or Exhibitors removed from the Event for a violation of the Code of Conduct (see Section 3) or any other official CAD policy shall not be entitled to a refund, compensation, or credit.

C. GUEST & PROGRAMMING CHANGES: Scheduled guests, performers, programming, and hours of operation are subject to change, cancellation, or replacement without notice. Changes to the event schedule do not constitute a basis for a refund.

D. EVENT CANCELLATION: In the unlikely event that the Organizer must cancel the entire Event (i.e., the Event does not take place on the scheduled dates), the Organizer will offer purchasers either: (i) a credit for a future CAD event, or (ii) a full refund of the badge/table price, less any non-recoverable processing fees.

3. Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability

A. VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION: By purchasing a badge or space and attending the Event, you voluntarily assume all risks and dangers incidental to the Event, whether occurring before, during, or after the Event, including any risk of personal injury, property damage, or loss.

B. WAIVER: You agree to release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue CREATORS AFTER DARK, LLC, its staff, volunteers, venue, or associated entities for any liability, claims, or demands arising from participation in the Event.

4. Code of Conduct and Conduct Policy

A. ACCEPTANCE: Purchase and possession of a CAD badge or Exhibitor space constitutes implied agreement to strictly follow the full Creators After Dark Anti-Harassment and Code of Conduct Policy (as published on the official CAD website).

B. ENFORCEMENT: CAD staff reserves the right to deny entry or remove any person from the venue at any time without refund for any reason deemed necessary, including but not limited to disorderly conduct, intoxication, or violation of the Code of Conduct.

5. Transfers

Badges and tables are generally non-transferable unless explicitly authorized by the Organizer in writing. If a transfer is permitted, it must be completed at least 7 days prior to the Event start date.

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Media, Photography, and Consent Policy

Effective Date: October 11, 2025

This policy governs all forms of recording, photography, video, and audio capture conducted by attendees, media personnel, exhibitors, and staff at the Creators After Dark 2026 Event (“Event”). Given the sensitive and 18+ nature of the Event, Affirmative Consent is paramount and is strictly enforced in all media interactions.

1. The Core Rule: Cosplay is NOT Consent

Every person, artwork, and exhibition display is treated as private property unless explicit permission to film or photograph has been granted.

A. Individual Photography (Attendees)

• Always Ask First: Before taking any photograph, video, or audio recording of an individual (including cosplayers, staff, or guests), you must ask for and receive clear, verbal, and affirmative consent from that person.
• Respect Withdrawal: Consent can be withdrawn at any time. If a person asks you to stop recording, delete a photo, or not take a photo, you must immediately and politely comply without argument.
• Focus on Individuals: Do not take “creeper shots” or photographs primarily focused on an individual’s sensitive areas (e.g., chest, derrière) without explicit, specific permission for that style of shot.
• Reporting: Unconsented photography or refusal to delete media upon request constitutes harassment and is a direct violation of the Anti-Harassment and Code of Conduct Policy.

B. Exhibitor and Vendor Booths

• Artwork is Property: Unless explicitly stated otherwise by the Exhibitor (e.g., a sign reading “Photos Welcome”), you must ask permission before taking photos of an artist’s booth, artwork, or merchandise.
• No Commercial Use: Photography of a booth is permitted only for personal, non-commercial use (e.g., sharing on social media). Reproduction or commercial use of an artist’s displayed work is strictly prohibited.

2. Official Media and Professional Photographers

CREATORS AFTER DARK, LLC (“CAD”) reserves the right to use official photographers and videographers (collectively, “Official Media”) to document the Event.

• Implied Consent for Crowd Shots: By purchasing a badge and attending the Event, all attendees grant CAD and Official Media the irrevocable right to use their likeness, image, and voice in general crowd shots or b-roll footage for the purpose of promoting future CAD events.
• Specific Consent for Focused Shots: Official Media must follow the “Always Ask First” rule for any photo or video where an individual is the primary subject or is easily identifiable.
• Media Credentials: Only individuals displaying valid, CAD-issued Media Credentials are permitted to conduct commercial or professional photography/videography within the venue.

3. Recording Panels and Performances

• Panels: Attendees are permitted to take personal, short videos or photographs of panel speakers provided the recording is for personal enjoyment only and does not disrupt the panel. Commercial recording of panels is strictly prohibited.
• Otaku Cabaret (Official Mixer/Performance): Photography and video recording during specific performances, especially during the Otaku Cabaret or any guest performance, may be strictly prohibited or limited to certain segments. Attendees must comply immediately with all announcements and staff instructions regarding recording during these events.

4. Right to Removal

CAD Staff, Security, and Venue Security reserve the right to confiscate media equipment, demand the deletion of unconsented photos/videos, or immediately remove any individual from the Event without refund for violations of this Media and Consent Policy.

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Intellectual Property (IP) and Exhibitor Policy

Effective Date: October 11, 2025

This policy outlines the rules governing the art, merchandise, and intellectual property (IP) sold, displayed, or presented by all creators, artists, and vendors (“Exhibitor”) at the Creators After Dark 2026 Event (“Event”). Adherence to this policy is a non-negotiable condition of acceptance and participation.

1. Zero Tolerance for Prohibited Goods

The following items are strictly prohibited from being sold, displayed, or given away at the Event:

A. AI-Generated Content

CAD is dedicated to promoting human creativity. The sale or public display of any artwork, image, or design generated primarily by artificial intelligence (AI) tools is strictly prohibited. Exhibitors must be able to verify that the artwork is their original, human-made creation.

B. Counterfeit and Bootleg Goods

The sale of any merchandise that infringes upon the intellectual property rights of third parties is forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Pirated media (CDs, DVDs, video games).
• Unauthorized or low-quality reproductions of licensed merchandise (bootleg figures, unbranded plush toys).
• Goods that intentionally use trademarked logos or characters without significant creative modification or license.

C. Illegal Materials

Any items deemed illegal under local, state, or federal law, including drug paraphernalia, or items that promote hate speech, are prohibited.

2. Fan Art and Derivative Works

CAD acknowledges that fan art and derivative works are an integral part of creator culture. We permit the sale of such items under the following conditions:

• Originality Required: All fan art must be an original drawing, painting, sculpture, design, or physical craft created by the Exhibitor. Simple reproduction or tracing of official artwork is not permitted.
• Liability: Exhibitor acknowledges that they are solely responsible for any legal claims arising from the sale of their derivative work. The Exhibitor agrees to indemnify and hold CREATORS AFTER DARK, LLC harmless against any claims, damages, or losses resulting from IP infringement related to their display.

3. Adult Content Display and Sale

Given the 18+ nature of the Event, adult content (including erotic art, mature themes, and NSFW materials) is permitted, subject to the following rules:

• Visual Screening: Any sexually explicit or anatomically correct merchandise must be displayed in a manner that requires close approach to view. Displays must not be visible to attendees walking down the main aisle (e.g., displaying explicit covers facing down or using modesty screens).
• Transaction Responsibility: Exhibitor is solely responsible for verifying the age of the customer for any adult-only purchases if required by law.

4. Enforcement and Penalties

• Immediate Removal: CAD Staff reserves the right to immediately confiscate, cover, or demand the removal of any merchandise or display found to be in violation of this policy.
• Revocation: Repeated or severe violations will result in the immediate removal of the Exhibitor from the Dealers Hall without a refund, and may lead to a permanent ban from future CAD events.
• No Liability for Losses: CAD is not responsible for any lost sales or damage to reputation resulting from the enforcement of this policy.

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privacy policy

Effective Date: October 11, 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how CREATORS AFTER DARK, LLC (“CAD,” “We,” or “Organizer”) collects, uses, and shares information about you when you interact with our website, purchase badges or exhibitor space, apply as a guest or volunteer, or otherwise communicate with us in relation to the Creators After Dark 2026 event (“Event”).

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in a transparent and responsible manner.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that identifies, relates to, describes, or is reasonably capable of being associated with you (“Personal Information”).

A. Information You Provide Directly

This includes information you actively submit when purchasing passes, applying for an exhibitor space, or contacting us:

• Identifiers: Name, email address, mailing address (for badge/merchandise shipping), phone number.
• Age Verification: Confirmation of age (18+) for legal attendance requirement, but we generally do not store specific date of birth unless required by the payment processor.
• Financial Information: Payment details (collected and processed securely by third-party payment processors like Stripe or PayPal; we do not store credit card numbers).
• Application Data: Biographical information, social media links, and portfolio details submitted via the Exhibitor/Guest/Volunteer application forms.
• Communications: Records of correspondence when you contact us for support or inquiries.

B. Information Collected Automatically

When you browse our website, we may collect:

• Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system, and pages you viewed on our site.
• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device that help us analyze site traffic and improve user experience.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your Personal Information only for the following legitimate business purposes:

Purpose	Description
Event Registration & Fulfillment	To process your badge or table purchase, verify your identity and age (18+), and fulfill your order (shipping badges, sending confirmations).
Security & Safety	To verify attendees at the Event, enforce our Code of Conduct, and communicate important safety or logistical updates.
Service Communication	To send non-promotional, transaction-related emails (e.g., policy updates, registration status, changes to the event schedule).
Marketing & Promotions	To send promotional emails about future CAD events, merchandise, or related news, only if you have opted-in to receive them.
Creator Vetting	To review and assess applications for Exhibitor spaces, Guests, and Volunteers (including reviewing portfolios and references).
Legal Compliance	To comply with applicable laws, respond to legal processes, and enforce our Terms of Service and Anti-Harassment Policy.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your Personal Information to third parties.

We share your data only with specific third parties necessary to operate the event:

• Payment Processors: Third-party services (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) used to process ticket and table transactions. They handle payment data securely and are contractually obligated not to use your PII for any purpose other than payment processing.
• Venue & Hotel: We may share necessary, limited information (e.g., name, accommodation needs) with the Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel to facilitate room blocks, accessibility requests, or security coordination.
• Email Service Providers: Services (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact) used to manage email communication, including marketing and transactional updates.
• Legal Authorities: When required by law (e.g., subpoena, court order) or to protect the rights, property, or safety of CAD, our attendees, or the public.

4. Data Security and Retention

A. Security: We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the information we collect from loss, misuse, and unauthorized access. However, no internet transmission or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. B. Retention: We retain your Personal Information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law (e.g., retaining financial records for tax purposes).

5. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the right to exercise the following rights regarding your Personal Information:

• Access: You have the right to request access to the Personal Information we hold about you.
• Correction/Update: You have the right to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Deletion (“Right to Be Forgotten”): You have the right to request that we delete your Personal Information, subject to certain legal exceptions (e.g., maintaining records for financial or tax reporting).
• Opt-Out of Marketing: You can opt-out of receiving promotional email communications from us at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any marketing email.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 6. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe as required by applicable law.

6. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

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