Convention Party Etiquette

One of the fun aspects of conventions is the ability to socialize with interesting and intelligent people who share your interest in space, science fiction, and science fantasy in all its forms. Parties are an informal way to meet some of the people who create what you enjoy.

Fandom doesn't have many rules, but it does have a few. Fandom also has some expectations that newbies may not know about.

Hard and Fast Rules

Not many things really bother fans. However, violation of some things can get you ejected from the convention site with no refund:

1. You will comply with federal, state, and local laws.

2. California's legal drinking age is 21.

3. California law requires that valid proof of age be provided before you can be given an alcoholic beverage. Refusal or inability to show valid proof means that you cannot be served alcohol. It's that simple. Please don't ask anyone to make an exception for you.

4. Party hosts are responsible like bartenders, in that they should not serve anyone who is obviously already drunk.

5. California law requires that you do not walk around the hallways or in other public spaces with open alcohol containers.

6. When a convention staff member tells you to stop doing something, stop it.

Fannish Traditions

While violating fannish traditions won't necessarily make anything bad happen, fen tend to take a very dim view of them.

• Contradictory teasing does not work in fandom. (Saying "no" but meaning "yes.")

• If the door is open and it looks like a party is going on, walk right in. When in doubt, it is acceptable to ask "Is this an open party?"

• When you come across that writer, artist, or media person who's work you admire, please feel free to compliment them. Most everyone enjoys compliments and hearing how their work made a favorable impact on you.

• Do not harangue the writer, artist, or media person about a flaw that you found in their work. Most of the time, the work was done some time ago, and they've moved on since then. You should too.

• Socialize with people at the party. Don't just sit in a chair glowering at people.

• Some parties center on watching a video. If people are watching a show, do not block the television. If you need to get to the other side of the room, cross quickly.

• If someone tells you that they cannot serve you alcohol, do not argue with them.

• If you want to drink an alcoholic beverage, please have your valid proof of age/ID ready and available for your host. This makes everyone's life much simpler.

• Parties are paid for the individual or group sponsoring the particular party. No cost exists for entry into a party or food and drink other than your convention badge. Some parties may have a jar for donations to help defray their costs. You may donate, but you are not required to do so. People frequently donate if they have an alcoholic beverage.