Event Safety Policy
Safety expectations, attendee conduct, reporting options, and host procedures for Critical Match events.
Protect the room
Host judgment prioritizes attendee safety over ticket sales, attendee balance, or avoiding awkward conversations.
Inclusive event space
Critical Match events are queer-positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, BIPOC-inclusive spaces where hateful speech, harassment, coercion, and exclusionary behavior are not welcome.
The short version
Do not be an asshole. Show up with good intentions, an open heart, and a curious mind. Be open to meeting new humans, learning new things, asking respectful questions, and accepting a no without making it weird.
Boundaries and consent
Do not pressure people for contact information, photos, touch, dates, private conversations, or continued attention. If someone disengages, gives a soft no, or looks uncomfortable, give them space.
Reporting concerns
Attendees may speak to the host or designated event team at any point. Reports should be handled privately and with minimal required disclosure.
Removal
Critical Match may remove or refuse service to anyone whose behavior creates discomfort, safety concerns, repeated boundary violations, or disruption to the event.
No background checks
Critical Match does not conduct criminal, identity, or background checks on attendees, ticket purchasers, newsletter subscribers, partner venue patrons, convention visitors, or event guests unless a specific event states otherwise in writing. Attendance does not mean a person has been screened or vetted.
Escalation
When a situation involves threats, stalking, violence, medical distress, or immediate danger, the event team should contact venue security or emergency services.