Annual Kink Expo (AKE) – Rules, Policies & Liability Informa
Assumption of Risk & Liability Release
Attendance at Annual Kink Expo (AKE) is entirely voluntary.
Participation in workshops, demonstrations, dungeon activities, swimming, social gatherings, and other event activities may involve inherent risks. By attending this event, participants acknowledge and accept those risks.
Each attendee assumes full responsibility for their own actions and participation. Annual Kink Expo, Elgin Munchers, the venue, volunteers, staff, educators, presenters, vendors, contractors, and affiliated individuals are released from liability for injuries, losses, damages, or claims arising from participation in the event.
In the event of a medical emergency, staff may contact Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Attendees are responsible for any medical expenses incurred.
Cell Phone & Recording Policy
Protecting the privacy of our attendees is one of our highest priorities.
- Cell phones and other audio/video recording devices must remain put away unless you are in a designated phone area.
- Designated phone areas will be clearly marked. Ask an EM Staff member if you are unsure where they are located.
- Phones may be used at vendor booths only for purchases and only with the vendor's permission.
- Camera lenses must remain covered with the tape provided at Registration whenever your device is outside your hotel room or designated phone area.
- If using your phone for notes, social media, messaging, or payments, the camera covering must remain in place.
- No audio recordings.
- No video recordings.
- No photography in the Dungeon, Pool, Educational Areas, or anywhere participants reasonably expect privacy.
- Classes may not be recorded in any form.
Phone Policy Enforcement
First violation: Warning.
Second violation: Removal from the event.
Future attendance privileges will be determined by Event Hosts.
General Event Rules
- Respect the venue. They provide the space—you provide the experience.
- Help keep the venue clean by picking up after yourself.
- Remain fully clothed in all public hotel areas including:
- Outside the hotel
- Bar Louie
- Registration area
- Hotel hallways outside curtained event spaces
- Any non-designated play area
- If staff asks you to become properly dressed, please do so immediately.
- EM Staff and Security are clearly identified. If you're unsure about anything, ask.
- Violence, harassment, aggressive behavior, or disruptive conduct will result in removal without refund.
- Police may and will be contacted if necessary.
- During medical emergencies, immediately clear the area and allow EMS to work.
Dungeon & Play Space Rules
Everyone is responsible for negotiating their own interactions.
- Never enter or touch an active scene without the consent of everyone involved.
- Never interrupt an active scene. If you have concerns, notify a Dungeon Monitor (DM).
- Clean and sanitize equipment after use.
- Understand and accept the risks of every activity you choose to participate in.
- If consuming alcohol, do so responsibly. Be mindful of combining alcohol with BDSM activities.
- Purchasing a ticket does not guarantee play, scenes, sexual activity, or interaction with anyone.
- No is a complete sentence.
- Respect personal boundaries at all times.
- Never touch another person without their explicit verbal consent.
- Never touch, move, borrow, or use another person's toys or belongings without permission.
- Treat everyone respectfully. Harassment, shaming, bullying, predatory behavior, unwanted advances, or disrespectful conduct will not be tolerated.
- Respect anyone who chooses not to engage in conversation, play, or further interaction.
- Any Dangerous Play: CNC, Edge Play- Please let DMs be aware before you start your scene.
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Dungeon Disclaimer
Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse.
Participation is at your own risk.
Anyone engaging in unsafe, disrespectful, predatory, or excessively intoxicated behavior may be removed from the event immediately.
Removal decisions are made at the discretion of Event Hosts, Staff, Security, and Dungeon Monitors.
Classroom Rules
Our educators volunteer their time and expertise. Please help create a respectful learning environment.
- The educator is in charge of the classroom. What the teacher says goes.
- Please silence your phones.
- No photography, video, or audio recording.
- Questions are encouraged—please wait for an appropriate time.
- Be respectful of presenters and fellow attendees.
- No disruptive behavior.
- No nudity in classrooms. A towel or appropriate coverage is acceptable when necessary for demonstrations or participation.
Please be respectful and classy.
Pool Rules
- Swim at your own risk.
- Staff will be present.
- No Dungeon play in the pool area unless specifically scheduled and supervised.
- Follow all posted hotel pool rules.
Not Following these Rules can lead to DEATH…So DON’T.
You will be removed with no refund.
Annual Kink Expo (AKE) – Additional Policies
Day Pass Restrictions
Day Pass holders do not receive access to:
- The Pool
- Floors 3 and above
DRUG POLICY
Drugs/illegal substances: Illegal drugs and illegal substances are not permitted.
The possession, use, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited. Violations may result in immediate removal from the event without refund and, when appropriate, notification of law enforcement.
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You will be removed from the event grounds with no refunds.
Knives & Weapons
For the safety of all attendees, knives, swords, or other edged weapons may not be brought into, carried, or displayed at the event.
The only exception is for knives used as part of an approved educational demonstration or BDSM scene. These items must be pre-approved by Event Management before entering the venue and may not exceed a 3-inch blade length.
Any prohibited item may be confiscated or require removal from the premises.
Smoking & Vaping
Smoking, vaping, and the use of similar products are permitted only in the hotel's designated outdoor smoking areas.
Smoking or vaping is prohibited inside the venue, event spaces, and hotel guest rooms.
Attendees who leave the property to consume cannabis and return with a strong odor that may interfere with the comfort of other guests may be asked to leave the Dungeon, classrooms, or other shared event spaces until the odor has diminished.
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Vendor Policy
Only vendors who have been approved by Event Management and have purchased an official vendor booth or table may sell, advertise, or promote goods or services during the event.
Unauthorized vending, including sales from hotel rooms, hallways, common areas, or any location outside the designated Vendor Area, is prohibited and may result in immediate removal from the event without refund.
Age Requirement
Annual Kink Expo is a 21 and older event.
All attendees must present a valid government-issued photo ID at Registration. No exceptions.
Sunday is open to 18+
Annual Kink Expo (AKE) – Even More Policies
Right to Refuse Admission or Remove Attendees
Annual Kink Expo, Elgin Munchers, Event Hosts, Staff, Security, and Dungeon Monitors reserve the right to refuse admission or remove any attendee whose behavior is determined to be unsafe, disruptive, illegal, or inconsistent with the mission, values, or policies of the event. Removal from the event may occur without refund.
Alcohol & Intoxication
Please know your limits.
Excessive intoxication from alcohol or other substances creates unnecessary risks for yourself and others.
Event Management reserves the right to deny access to classes, play spaces, or remove any attendee who appears too impaired to safely participate.
Service Animals
Only trained service animals, as defined by applicable law, are permitted in event spaces.
Emotional support animals, therapy animals, and pets are not permitted unless approved in advance by Event Management.
Personal Property
Annual Kink Expo, Elgin Munchers, the venue, Staff, and Volunteers are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.
Please secure your belongings at all times.
Health & Hygiene
Attendees are expected to maintain reasonable personal hygiene and to refrain from attending if experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness.
For the comfort and safety of all guests, anyone who is unclothed or minimally clothed while using shared furniture or equipment must place a towel, blanket, sheet, or other clean barrier beneath themselves before sitting, lying down, or otherwise making contact with shared surfaces.
Dress & Attire
Clothing and attire must comply with venue requirements, local laws, and designated event areas.
Staff may require an attendee to modify their attire if it presents a safety concern or violates event or venue policies.
Thank you For Staying With Us
Rule Changes & Staff Authority
Event Management reserves the right to modify or supplement these rules as necessary to address unforeseen circumstances, safety concerns, or operational needs.
Event Hosts, EM Staff, Security, and Dungeon Monitors have the final authority regarding the interpretation and enforcement of all event policies. Their decisions are made with the safety and well-being of the community in mind and are expected to be respected by all attendees.
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PLEASE PLEASE 🙏
If you witness behavior that violates these policies or makes you feel unsafe, notify an Event Host, EM Staff member, Security, or a Dungeon Monitor immediately. We would rather address a concern early than after someone has been harmed.
Thank you for helping us create a safe, respectful, welcoming, and fun environment for everyone attending Annual Kink Expo.