Media

Last updated August 10, 2011

Introduction

Furnal Equinox appreciates the potential interest of the press in our event and in the fandom at large. However, we also respect and uphold the comfort and right to privacy of its attendees at all times.

This policy aims to define the standard actions the convention will take when dealing with members of the media.

Media Access

For the purposes of this policy, "media" includes any person involved in publishing material for the general public. Included publications may include but are not limited to newspapers, magazines, TV programs and news broadcasts, documentaries, radio shows, and online blogs. This policy also covers journalism students and other freelance projects — if there are any concerns on whether this policy applies to you, please contact us.

Any member of the media that wishes to cover the convention must contact the head of Publicity (e-mail pr@furnalequinox.com) no less than four weeks in advance of the convention. The following information must be provided in the request:

  • The name(s) of the media representative(s) attending the convention
  • The media organization represented (if applicable)
  • The purpose of said media coverage
  • The desired time and scope of coverage
  • Contact information (business telephone and/or e-mail address)

Media arriving at the convention "on spec", or submitting a request beyond the deadline, will not be granted access under any circumstances.

Furnal Equinox concom will inquire into the credentials of the media source and make a decision of whether to grant access appropriately. We will always make our decision in the best interests of our attendees and reserve the right to refuse any request.

If Furnal Equinox staff elect to admit media to the convention, we will make every reasonable effort to disclose this information to our attendees through website postings and other announcements well in advance of the convention.

Media Responsibilities

All those attending the convention as members of the media are required to abide by the following guidelines during the entire duration of their time in convention space:

  • All members of the media and supporting personnel must "check in" at Registration and be issued convention-issued credentials before entering convention space.
  • Media must be escorted by the head of Publicity or another authorized staff member at all times.
  • Attendees must explicitly consent to participation in media coverage before being interviewed/photographed/filmed, and have the right to withdraw that consent at any time.

Media failing to follow these restrictions will be asked to destroy all recordings or photographs and will be escorted from convention space.

Attendees of Furnal Equinox should be aware of their right to "opt in" or "opt out" of media coverage at any time; those who choose to opt in should also be aware of their status as an ambassador for the fandom, and conduct themselves accordingly.

Any attendee of the convention who witnesses unescorted or unidentified media personnel is asked to contact convention staff immediately.

Attendee Photos and Video

Attendees are welcome to take photography and videos of convention events, and share reports of their convention experience (we encourage this, actually!) However, all photos and video can only be used for personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any commercial purpose without the permission of Furnal Equinox.

This policy is also not intended to keep "amateur media" who cover furry-relevant topics from being present at the convention. However, we still strongly recommend that anyone seeking to conduct interviews, even if for a podcast of interest to our membership, should contact Publicity first so accommodations can be made.

When taking pictures or video, attendees are reminded:

  • Get permission from everyone featured in the photo or video. Some may not be comfortable with being photographed or videotaped.
  • Do not break copyright. Cameras are only permitted in the Dealers Den to take pictures with friends or dealers. Dealers are encouraged to report any inappropriate camera use to Security.

Questions or clarifications on this policy can be directed to the head of Publicity at pr@furnalequinox.com.