Category: CONOPS (Security)

Security at the convention is designed to keep the attendees safe and everyone happy, but they can not act as your personal body guards. If you are merely concerned about a particular person, we suggest you avoid that person as much as possible. If you are directly threatened by a person (verbal attack, attempted physical attack, inappropriate physical contact, etc.), contact security to report the incident and they will advise you on what can be done about your particular situation.

If you see someone doing things that don’t seem right (especially anything in violation of convention rules or city/state laws), notify security immediately and let them deal with the situation. Anyone violating convention rules or city/state laws will be dealt with appropriately, which could include revoking membership privileges or being handed over to local law enforcement if necessary.

Please leave these at home. These are potentially harmful to both the hotel as well as our fursuiters (for those who don’t know, fursuits can cost over $1,000 each), and there are plenty of other ways to have fun at the convention without having to bring these items.

Updated for 2018. 

Real firearms are not allowed on Marriott property, even with a proper permit. The Marriott has a posted a no weapons policy which will be enforced by hotel security and hired police.

Prop Weapons Policy

Prop guns – prop guns are allowed as long as they do not look like a real weapon in any way. This includes both form and color. Nerf guns are one of the best examples of a permitted prop weapon. If it looks like a real gun, even with an orange tip, it’s not allowed. The purpose of allowing prop weapons is complement a costume in keeping with the theme. Props should be space/fantasy themed and not simply be replicas of actual weapons.

Use this opportunity to paint your props bright colors to match your character. We also encourage the use of lights and sounds, where appropriate.

No prop should be operational in a way that can fire a projectile, this includes Nerf darts. Nerf darts should be nowhere on the con floor.

Any props that use “Caps” or a percussion charge (kid’s cap gun), should be modified so as to incapable of firing.

Squirt guns should be rendered inoperative either with a large hole that can not be easily covered or the squirting mechanism removed.

Airsoft guns, paintball guns or BB guns are also not allowed.

Any real, antique firearm, flaregun, starter pistol, movie realistic prop that has been modified not to fire or was designed never to fire, is also prohibited.

Swords- Swords are permitted if in a scabbard. It should not have a “live” (sharp) blade. Be mindful of those around you with the scabbard.

Any other prop weapons should look obviously fake in both form and color. if there are any questionable props, you can stop by CONOPS to have an identifying “Peace Tie” place on the prop.

Prop weapons should be in good taste and FWA reserves the right to make a final determination on the suitability for any prop on the con floor. This policy may be modified at any time in the interest of attendee safety.

Our CONOPS group coordinates with hotel security and outside contractors to ensure everyone has a safe time and that everyone accessing convention areas has a badge. We also hire a police officer and EMT to handle any issues that occur. If you have any security concerns, please email [email protected].

If you are banned, you will know it. You will have been provided with both verbal and most likely written notification (though it may be via email) notifying you that you are not welcome to attend Furry Weekend Atlanta and, if warranted, the length of your ban.

Furry Weekend Atlanta does not ban people based on what they do at other conventions. They must violate our rules before being banned.

See above.

Sorry, but Furry Weekend Atlanta cannot “ban” someone from attending just because you don’t like them. If you have an interpersonal disagreement with someone, we suggest you either work it out before coming to Furry Weekend Atlanta, or avoid said person altogether. Either way, we expect all persons attending Furry Weekend Atlanta to behave as adults.

Now, if you have legal documentation (such as a restraining order), you should contact our security as soon as possible. However, our security staff will not get involved in personal disputes, and any issues will be referred to local authorities.

Please e-mail [email protected]. At the con, speak to anyone on the CONOPS staff or one of the board members as soon as possible. If you can’t find a CONOPS staffer or a board member, then do not hesitate to talk to any staff member and get him/her to locate someone who can handle the situation.

Keep in mind that Furry Weekend Atlanta cannot “ban” someone from the convention just because you don’t like them, because they make you uncomfortable, or because they wronged you personally at some time in the past. We must be presented with specific evidence in support of revoking membership privileges, which usually must involve Furry Weekend Atlanta itself, or with some type of legal document (such as a restraining order).