These rules are not exhaustive and may be updated at any time.

The below contents have been updated on 2024-10-28. Recent significant changes or clarifications will be in red text.

Note: The below policies were written to apply to our physical, in-person events. In the case of an online event, anything below that could still apply does.

If our rules have been updated, a current copy can be found at Registration or by referencing this page. If you have any questions about these rules, please direct them to information services or any Ponyville Ciderfest staff member. Remember, we are here to have a safe and fun experience for all.

Anti-Harassment Policy

Summary: Ponyville Ciderfest is dedicated to providing a harassment-free convention experience for everyone, regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion.

We do not tolerate harassment of convention participants in any form. Unless a panel or event is both after 8 pm and is also specified as being either 18+ or 21+, sexual language or imagery is not allowed. Convention participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference without a refund at the discretion of the convention organizers.

View the full text of the policy and how to report violations here.

Health & Safety Policies

Our current policies can be viewed here.

General Rules

– Please respect the convention staff, security, and hotel employees. We are here to make sure everyone is safe and has a good experience.

– No obscene or profane behavior in any public area. This means no PDA or violence.

– No sleeping in public areas.

– No smoking or vaping of any kind in the hotel.

– Possession or use of any illegal substance is prohibited. Violations will result in police intervention.

– Do not damage or steal any convention or hotel property. You will be held financially responsible.

– Do not drop things from the balconies.

– Solicitation of any goods or services is not allowed unless you are a registered vendor. This includes charging for photoshoots.

– Cosplay is Not Consent. Be respectful when interacting with cosplayers (and everyone else too). No touching. If you would like to take a cosplayer’s picture please ask first. Most cosplayers are happy to have a picture taken when asked, but please be considerate of their time and personal space.

– Pets are not allowed in the convention area, with the exception of service animals. If you have special needs and need a service animal, please consult with our staff.

– All attendees are to wear their attendance badge visibly at all times.

– Ponyville Ciderfest staff members reserve the right to ask any and all attendees for picture ID verification. Failure to provide picture ID verification will result in the revocation of the attendee’s badge.

– Ponyville Ciderfest reserves the right to revoke any and all attendee and/or staff badges at any time for noncompliance with convention regulations.

Minors / Children Rules

– Lost children will be directed to the information desk until picked up by their parent or legal guardian.

– We do not offer childcare services. Anyone aged 12 or under must always be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Please do not leave them unattended, even in children’s programming areas.

– Curfew laws still apply to persons under the age of 17, unless escorted by a parent or legal guardian or they are a registered guest of the Hilton Milwaukee City Center. Curfew in the city of Milwaukee is 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 pm on Sunday – Thursday.

– Parents or legal guardians will be held responsible for any damages done to the hotel or convention property by their children.

– Persons under the age of 21 who are found to be in possession of alcohol may be removed from the hotel per the hotel staff’s discretion.

ID Policies

All attendees must pick up their own badges, with the only exception that a parent/guardian on the same order or with the same last name may pick up a badge for a minor.

When you present your Eventbrite QR code to be scanned, the registration team will also ask to see your government-issued photo ID. The first and last name on the badge registration MUST match the legal name on your ID. (Your Badge Name can still be whatever you want, though these have already been sent to the printer.)

We will also accept current-year school photo IDs for students 19 years of age or younger. Temporary IDs with a photo are also acceptable.

If you do not have a photo ID and are being dropped off by a parent, please make sure they accompany you to registration to help you pick up your badge.

Cosplay Policies

Ponyville Ciderfest welcomes all cosplayers! It’s always fun to dress up and show off a cool costume. Just make sure to follow these cosplay guidelines. If you are concerned that you may be in violation of one of the following policies, please visit Operations to have your costume checked by the Cosplay Department. All costumes must conform to the policies below.

– No live steel.

– All costumes must comply with local laws.

– No bare feet.

– No sharp protrusions (i.e. sharp spikes).

– Please keep your costume from obstructing views during panels and events, or bumping into people or things due to size, visibility, or maneuverability.

– No firearms.

– Realistic-looking replica firearms are not allowed, including those marked with an orange tip. Any firearm props must look harmless to the average viewer (essentially, they should not look realistic or threatening).

– All costumes are to be G-rated. Swimsuit areas are to be well covered. No offensive words or symbols. No cosplay that represents any hateful or discriminating organizations (i.e. Nazi, KKK) will be allowed in any convention space. If any of these images or costumes are brought to the convention, the cosplayer will be immediately removed and will be banned from the convention. Cosplay items that are deemed to be vulgar are not permitted.

– No projectiles should be used on hotel property.

– No laser pointers or high-intensity lights that can hurt the eyes.

Event Policies

There are a lot of cool and exciting events to enjoy and sights to see at Ponyville Ciderfest. As always, it’s important to have fun and be safe while at these events, whether it’s a panel, a dance, or otherwise. Please keep these rules in mind.

– Please be courteous of other attendees at events.

– No pushing, shoving, or being aggressive.

– No moshing or violent behavior at the dance.

– Please be respectful and courteous at panels. Engaging with the panelists is definitely encouraged, but make sure that the panelists are able to talk.

– Do not cut in line or save spots for events.

– Please do not fight in any of the event areas. This includes, but is not limited to, fighting with weapons, such as foam fighting or boffer, and empty-handed combat such as martial arts, stage fighting, or general play fighting.

Gender-Neutral Restrooms

Note: At this time, we have not yet confirmed the location of the Gender-Neutral Restrooms at the Hilton. Ponyville Ciderfest is determined to do everything in our power to provide a comfortable, inviting, and safe environment for every single one of our guests. Gender-neutral restrooms are restrooms that can be used by anyone, regardless of gender identity, sex, or gender presentation.

Have a great time at Ponyville Ciderfest!