Dress Code & Public Space Policy

Creators After Dark (CAD) aims to provide a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all attendees, guests, and hotel patrons. To maintain our positive relationship with the venue and ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, please adhere to the following attire guidelines:

1. General Public Areas

In all open public areas of the hotel (lobbies, hallways, elevators, and restaurants), a “Minimum Standard of Decency” is required.

• The Swimwear Rule: At a minimum, attire must cover the same areas as standard swimwear.
• The Outer Garment Rule: While in transit through public hotel spaces, an outer garment (such as a robe, shirt, or wrap) must be worn over swimwear-style or highly revealing costumes.
• Footwear: For safety and health code reasons, footwear must be worn at all times in public areas.

2. Prohibited Attire

The following are strictly prohibited in all areas outside of private guestrooms:

• Full Nudity: Any exposure of private areas or “genital-defined” contours.
• Sheer/Revealing Clothing: Materials that are transparent or translucent to the point of being equivalent to nudity.
• Offensive Content: Attire displaying hate speech, graphic violence, or explicit sexual imagery.
• Body Paint: Body paint is not a substitute for clothing. If using body paint, it must be properly sealed so it does not rub off on hotel furniture or other attendees.

3. Management Discretion

CAD Staff and Hotel Management reserve the right to request a change of attire at any time if a costume is deemed unsafe or violates the spirit of this policy. Attendees who refuse to comply may be asked to leave the event space without a refund.

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.

Illustrations by AngrySheepInc