a note from the producers (on the 2023 covid policies) that unfortunately still applies to 2024:

y'all, we're listening. we know that staying safe and protecting our community matters as much to you as it does to us. we know that some of you are tired, as tired as we are that this fcked up virus is resurging yet again. we know that some of you are nervous, as nervous as we are about what it looks like to balance the vast and varied needs of our community.

our COVID policy this year hasn't been easy to draft up. we've been getting messages from all sides, and we know that whatever we decide, it's going to make some people unhappy. we tried our best to balance community safety with putting on the kind of event we wanted to see in the world. while we can't manage virtual attendance at this year's con, in the future, we're looking at doing more virtual classes and play parties, so that folks whose risk profiles don't align with this in-person event can still have some unabashed joy.

our 2024 COVID policy is as follows:

--Each attendee will be required to rapid test three times: once each day - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (9/13-15) - ahead of entrance to the con. BRING YOUR NEGATIVE TEST to the con each day to check in. We ask that if any of these are positive, you do not attend - and you let us know so we can get you sorted. We also encourage you to test before the con if you feel unwell, especially if you intend to travel.

--Masks will be required at unabashed, except in outdoor spaces, while presenting/demoing, while eating, and while actively playing as needs must. The doors to the outside will be open to encourage airflow. The dungeon play spaces will be blocked off roughly 6 feet+ apart. We understand that some people cannot wear masks, and we are asking that folks be cool about people who need this accommodation. We encourage you to bring your own masks, but we will have some masks and large bottles of hand sanitizer available at the main door. we are also encouraging those of you traveling to the event to mask in airports/on flights and on other forms of public transit.

--We're asking - but not requiring - that folks consider getting their COVID booster. This fall’s booster will likely hit pharmacies just after the time it would take for a full two-week efficacy period before the event; there’s no telling how difficult it will be to get appointments; if appointments are available, we remember last year that some insurances hadn't yet added it to their list AND that getting it for free or low-cost required folks to deal with arcane social systems. so our guidance for 2024 is: previous vaccinations + boosters do provide some protection - though not a ton - from the of the most recent strains. If you can get boosted, please do get boosted to help those who can't.

--We're asking that you consider testing after the event, especially if you feel unwell after the event. many cases right now are asymptomatic or don’t show many symptoms - and the average length of time we’ve noticed before a positive test is 6-7 days rather than 5. If you test positive for COVID, we'll keep you anonymous, but let folks know what sessions you attended so that they can follow up in ways that feel best for them.

If you aren't satisfied with these precautions and already have a ticket, let us know - we'll get you taken care of. Thank you for your boundaries, your love, your care, and your you-ness.

<3, the unabashed team