Code_of_Conduct

The short and simple rule of thumb is "Don't be a jerk."

The specifics are taken from H.O.P.E., the biennial conference sponsored by "2600: The Hacker Quarterly".

PhreakNIC is dedicated to a harassment-free conference experience for everyone. The PhreakNIC series of events are open, inclusive forums for the sharing of ideas. PhreakNIC participants include speakers, vendors, makers, tinkerers, families, students, and everyone else wanting to experience PhreakNIC events and be part of the PhreakNIC community.

It is important for participants to step beyond prejudices, societal norms, and other perspectives that lead to disrespect for people and groups. Everyone is welcome at PhreakNIC events, regardless of race, class, gender identity or expression, age, ethnicity, religion, political beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, personal appearance, or education level, text editor choice, and other aspects of who we are.

In short: PhreakNIC is a space for tolerance and respect.

PhreakNIC strongly values free speech. We also value our attendees, and do not want any to feel marginalized or intimidated. We encourage talks that address hard topics. We also encourage everyone to think about how offhand comments they make about others may contribute to making some feel unwelcome in this community.

Vendors are encouraged to promote their products or ideas based on their own merits, not on the appearance of their staff. The PhreakNIC conference staff members are available to provide guidance, and to mediate disputes, should they arise.

PhreakNIC seeks to ensure no attendee is harassed. This includes, but is not limited to: deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, or unwelcome sexual attention.

The conference staff reserves the right to eject anyone from the conference at any time. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have related concerns, we encourage you to contact a member of conference staff immediately, or call our hotline, which will be posted at the conference.

We've also adopted some policies from regional science-fiction conventions, due to the fact that PhreakNIC frequently takes place over Halloween weekend and costumes are encouraged:

Remember that no costume is NO costume, and there are public nudity laws in Tennessee. Please wear appropriate (or at least enough) clothing in the common areas.

Though it's technically not clothing, you must also wear your membership badge at all times to be admitted to any convention function. If you lose your badge, you will have to purchase another one at the full admission price of $40.

While many of us are weapons geeks, we expect that items that can cause injury be handled with the utmost caution at all times. Firearms, in particular, should be unloaded and locked in their cases while you are present at PhreakNIC.  For any other weapon, if what you're doing looks unsafe or threatening, we will treat it as if it is.  Please don't put us in a position where we feel we may need to eject you from the conference.

Announced events and guests are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. Every effort will be made to announce changes as far in advance as possible, but sometimes last-minute changes will occur.

Other common-sense rules:

Don't break the hotel. Don't abuse hotel staff. Don't annoy non-PhreakNIC hotel guests.

You must be 21 to legally buy and consume alcohol, 18 for tobacco products. Pot is not legal medically or recreationally in Tennessee. Age of consent is 18 for adults. PhreakNIC does not post bail.

PhreakNIC is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property, or for injuries sustained during the course of the convention.

Please operate Tesla coils, pulse engines and other high energy devices in a safe and responsible manner. Do not point lasers at eyes or aircraft.

Finally, via Chattacon:
"The Fire Marshall has asked us to point out that improperly or falsely marked nuclear waste or explosive containers are a felony and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." We have no idea what prompted this, but would love to find out.

If you find the PhreakNIC Code of Conduct and rules too restrictive, then you probably shouldn't attend these conventions either:

DefCon
H.O.P.E.
Dragon Con
Chattacon
LibertyCon

sources:

http://www.hope.net/codeofconduct.html
http://www.2600.com/meetings/guidelines.html

https://www.defcon.org/html/links/dc-faq/dc-faq.html
see "What are the rules of DEF CON?" section

http://dragoncon.org/?q=convention_policies
http://www.dragoncon.org/?q=node/614  (harassment specifics)

Chattacon Rules or Things You Don't Want to Hear  (general rules)
Chattacon Weapons Policy 

http://www.libertycon.org/program/lc27program.pdf  (2014, see pg 06 for rules)