Policies

• Accessibility
• Anti-Harassment
• Press Information
• Smith Weapon Policy - PLEASE READ
• Location and Parking
• Directions to the Con

Accessibility Policy

Seelye hall is wheelchair accessible, including meeting halls and classrooms. Ramps are located at the front of the building. Elevators are located on the first floor. Bathrooms throughout the building are wheelchair accessible. Our parking facilities have specifically marked and reserved parking spaces for handicapped persons.

The Consuite will have a marked separate table for gluten free foods. Nut products will be placed on a table separate from the rest of the food. Limited vegan options will also be available.

If you will need any accessibility arrangements made in advance, you can contact us at conbust@gmail.com. A Constaff member will be assigned as an accessibility contact who can be contacted at any time throughout the con to handle any problems that arise. Please note that while there will be an assigned accessibility contact, you may reach out to any constaff member if you need assistance during the convention.

If any guest finds our arrangements insufficient, the constaff will do everything that they can to assist.

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Anti Harassment Policy

At ConBust, while we wish to take over the known world, we are also dedicated to providing everyone with a comfortable and safe atmosphere. We expect all attendees of ConBust to behave courteously to one another at all times. Behavior including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, attending convention events while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, use of derogatory and/or hurtful language, and physical assault will not be tolerated. If you engage in such behavior, your badge will be confiscated and you will be asked to leave. Your money will not be returned and we reserve the right to contact the police if necessary.

Also, please remember that ConBust is open to all ages, and to moderate your language accordingly. Anything you say may overheard, and language that may be acceptable to you or your friends may be highly offensive to others. Please try to be considerate of others' feelings.

IF YOU FEEL THREATENED in any way by anyone present at the convention, please notify a staff member immediately. Please do not hesitate to talk to us if you have any concerns.

Please note that ConBust is not a babysitting service and is not responsible for keeping track of young people. Furthermore, any unattended minors creating mayhem are liable to be conscripted as evil minions in our aforementioned plot for world domination.

Thank you and enjoy the con!

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Press Information

Press Registration Form [.docx]

Thank you for your interest in covering Conbust 2017! Please fill out this form by March 7th to be considered as a media representative. Those who hand in the form by March 7th are eligible to receive a free 3 day pass to the convention. If you do not hand in the form in time you are still welcome to cover our convention but will have to pay admission.

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Weapons Policy

As outlined in the Smith College Student Handbook, no weapons may be brought onto the Smith campus. Any weapons, including swords and guns, will be confiscated on sight by Constaff and held until the end of the day. This applies to projectile weapons such as Nerf guns and squirt guns, as well as weapons that are part of a cosplay, even if they are not real. Extendable toy light sabers may be brought, but the blade must remain retracted at all times.

These policies apply to the dance as well!

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Location and Parking

ConBust is housed in Seelye Hall on the campus of Smith College (Campus Map), a beautiful women's liberal arts institute in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Parking can be found next to Hubbard House or in the parking garage behind Ford Hall. Parking is free for the weekend starting Friday at 5pm in all spaces marked by white lines without parking meters.

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Directions

By car:

From the South: Northampton is on Route I-91. Take Exit 18, and follow Route 5 north into the center of town. Turn left onto Route 9. Go through one set of traffic lights, turning left at the next set on to Route 66. Take the next right on to Green Street. There is a parking lot on the right, or you can park on the street. Seelye Hall is up the walkway from the parking lot. Just follow the sounds of geekery.

From the North: From I-91 South, take Exit 20, and follow onto Route 5 south into the center of town. At the intersection of Route 5 and Route 9 (Main Street), turn right onto Route 9. Then follow the same directions as above from Route 9 to campus.

From the East or West via the Massachusetts Turnpike: Northampton is on Route I-91 North (Mass Pike exit 4). Once on I-91, follow the directions above for visitors from the south.

By bus:

Peter Pan, Greyhound and Vermont Transit serve the area. Most routes go to the main bus terminal in Springfield, where you can catch another bus to Northampton. Buses run almost hourly between Springfield and Northampton. Smith is a 10-minute walk or a short taxi ride from the bus station.

By train:

Amtrak -- (800) 872-7245 -- runs trains to both Northampton and Springfield. From Northampton you can take a 10-minute walk or a short taxi ride from the train station. From Springfield you can take a bus (about $4) or get van service ($20-$30) to Northampton from Valley Transporter. Valley Transporter requires advance reservations; call (413) 253-1350 or, from outside the 413 area code, (800) 872-8752.

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