BLERDFEST! embraces everyone that comes to the event with an open mind and an open heart, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious or spiritual affiliation, physical ability, neurodivergence/mental ability, socioeconomic status, or educational or vocational background. We make a special effort to amplify the most marginalized voices in our community, with a particular emphasis on Black girls/women and the intersectionally oppressed. For questions about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com

CODE OF CONDUCT Effective Date: February 17, 2023 TRUE BLERD, LLC, herein referred to as “BLERDFEST!” reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. Following this simple Code of Conduct helps ensure a safe festival and that everyone will have fun. Your own good judgment and courtesy towards others are key. Please watch out for each other, take care of one another, help those who need help, and be careful. Play it clean, sober, and safe! Please don’t leave the Event with strangers, and make sure that your friends know when you leave or if you are going home early. Please don’t hesitate to call security if you see anything suspicious. To participate in and/or attend any BLERDFEST! Event (referred to below as the “Event”), you must comply with this Code of Conduct in order to attend and/or participate in these Events. BLERDFEST! reserves the right to modify and/or update any BLERDFEST! policy at any time without prior notice. Violation of this Code of Conduct may result in forfeiture of your Event pass and access, your expulsion from the Event and/or termination of your position with BLERDFEST!. Where the Code of Conduct refers to “BLERDFEST!’s written consent”, such written consent may be in the form of a separate written Exhibitor/Sponsorship Agreement, Vendor Agreement, facility Rental Agreement, or other form of written Agreement or Permit. The Event Facilities and all other places where any Event programming is scheduled are “Event Facilities.” PASSES Please be prepared to show proof of age and identification when entering the Event or any program at the Event. We will only accept the following forms of identification: valid government-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards, passports, military identification, or student ID. Please wear your Event Pass at all times during the Event. Any terms and conditions printed on the Badges apply to you and you must conduct yourself accordingly. PROHIBITED ACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES The following, as such violations are determined in BLERDFEST!’s sole discretion, are not permitted at the Event or its surrounding areas, including the parking lots, hotels, plazas, and structures: Failure to be appropriately clothed, as determined by the sole discretion of BLERDFEST!. Please follow local laws, rules, and regulations when selecting your costume. Assaulting, threatening, behaving inappropriately to another person, discriminating conduct of any nature whatsoever, making racial, religious, ethnic, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, or other slurs, bullying, and/or expressing any act of hatred towards another. Lewd or offensive behavior, such as profanity, obscene language or conduct, exposing nipples or genitals, making recordings in bathrooms, bedrooms, or of nipples, genitals or up skirts. Conducting commercial or business transactions without BLERDFEST!’s prior written consent, including without limitation, selling food or beverages from unauthorized carts, stands, or ice chests inside or outside Event venues or hotels; solicitation of money, contributions, or donations; distribution of commercial advertising or promotional material of any kind, such as signs, flyers, cards, or offers of discounts on rides, or other products or services; or offering samples of items which are sold, available for sale, or available in exchange for a donation or contribution. Unlawful conduct or failure to comply with the policies, rules, or instructions of BLERDFEST!, Event Staff, the Event Facility, the Hotel affiliated with the Event, or law enforcement officers. Smoking / Vaping: Never Inside: No smoking or vaping is permitted inside any of the Event Facilities, unless there is a place specifically designated by the Event Facility that permits either. - Limited Outside: Smoking or vaping must be at least 20 feet away from all entrances; no smoking is permitted in outdoor dining areas. Possessing any open can, bottle or other receptacle containing alcoholic beverages, except in areas specifically designated for the consumption of alcohol and in compliance with the BLERDFEST!’s Alcohol Policy. Possessing any illegal substance. BLERDFEST! DOES NOT tolerate illegal substances in or around Events. Any action that impedes the flow of traffic, creates a potential or actual hazardous condition, or is deemed to interfere with the Event. Individuals may be asked to move or discontinue their actions. By way of example, an individual may be asked to relocate or terminate an activity in order to disperse a crowd which impedes traffic flow. Any noise or music that is disruptive to other attendees or the operation of the Event. No Soliciting Riding Hoverboards / Skateboards / Non-ADA Scooters / Segways Using Roller Skates / Roller Blades PROHIBITED ITEMS Stilts Weapons (Please see our Prop / Replica Weapons Policy for more info) Drones / UAVs Illegal Substances Stickers / Adhesive Graphics (please keep them in your bags/pockets and off the walls/floors of the Event Facilities) All signs, whether for a costume prop or not, are prohibited unless approved in writing for use by Event staff Non-Service live animals Helium and mylar Balloons Lasers or similar items Coolers Oversized Backpacks / Bags: No bags over 14 x 12 x 6 inches will be permitted. All bags, regardless of size, are subject to inspection at any time. Clear bags are recommended to enhance safety inside and outside the venue and speed the security screening process. Motorized Vehicles (i.e. go-karts or kids’ battery-operated vehicles.) Wheeled carts / wagons Confetti / loose glitter (glitter used on your costumes is OK) Flammable liquids Open-flame use Any activity prohibited by law and/or prohibited by any Event Facilities For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY Effective Date: February 17, 2023 TRUE BLERD, LLC, herein referred to as “BLERDFEST!” reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. BLERDFEST! has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment of any kind, including but not limited to: stalking; intimidation; offensive verbal comments; physical assault and/or battery; harassing or non-consensual photography or recording; sustained disruption of panels, signings and other events; bathroom policing; inappropriate physical contact; unwelcome physical attention. In relation to, but not limited to: race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, age, body size, disability, appearance, religion, citizenship, pregnancy. If a person engages in harassing behavior, BLERDFEST! Staff will take prompt action in any form they deem appropriate, including expulsion from BLERDFEST! without refund. Our policy applies to EVERYONE at the convention. Exhibitors, Attendees, Speakers, Guests, Media, Staff, Volunteers and Security are all subject to our anti-harassment policy. Anyone can report harassment. If someone’s behavior has made you uncomfortable or if you witness the same happening to someone else, you should immediately contact BLERDFEST! Security Team, Staff Member or Volunteer. If necessary, we will contact local law enforcement, provide escort, offer a safe place or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to make sure they feel safe for the rest of BLERDFEST! Remember: COSPLAY IS NOT CONSENT. Keep your hands to yourself. If you would like to take a picture with or of another BLERDFEST! Fan, always ask first and respect that person’s right to say NO. When at BLERDFEST!, be respectful, be nice, be cool and be kind to each other. Our mission is to create a fun, safe, welcoming, awesome event where Fans of all kinds can come together and celebrate. We want you to not only have the most amazing day ever, but to experience it in an environment where you are safe and accepted. As Fans ourselves, we understand the importance of creating a safe space for everyone who attends BLERDFEST! For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

YOUTH PROTECTION POLICY Effective Date: February 17, 2023 TRUE BLERD, LLC, herein referred to as “BLERDFEST!” reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. 1.Purpose and Goals BLERDFEST! recognizes the importance of protecting youth Attendees in BLERDFEST! events and activities, including online activities. BLERDFEST! has adopted a zero tolerance policy with regard to actions or behaviors that threaten the safety of young people, including violence, bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other inappropriate or potentially harmful actions or behaviors. BLERDFEST! views the safety and security of all participants – especially young people – as a top priority. All Attendees at BLERDFEST! events and activities (including online activities) are encouraged to report any unsafe or inappropriate behaviors, conditions, or circumstances, including any violation of this Youth Protection Policy or violation of any other policy or rule intended to promote a safe environment. This Youth Protection Policy has been developed with sensitivity to the unique cultural aspects of BLERDFEST!’s mission, events, and other activities. The goals of this policy include: Increasing awareness about potential risks and recognizing each individual’s ability to help protect BLERDFEST!’s youth Attendees; Inspiring confidence and competence in identifying dangerous situations and behaviors; and Creating a safe and fun environment for BLERDFEST!’s youth Attendees. 2. Scope This policy applies to all BLERDFEST!-managed facilities and venues and to BLERDFEST! events and activities (including online activities), as well as to all individuals involved with or participating in BLERDFEST! events and activities, including Employees, Volunteers, Panelists, Performers, Guests, Members of a Guest’s or Performer’s entourage, Artist Alley participants, Exhibitors, Vendors, Press (including Reporters, Photographers, and Videographers), and others. BLERDFEST! encourages everyone to: RECOGNIZE that each individual can help protect youth; IDENTIFY harmful actions and report them to a BLERDFEST! Representative immediately; CREATE a safe and fun environment for youth. 3. Prohibition of Attendance or Participation in an BLERDFEST! Event or Activity BLERDFEST! may refuse to admit or may prohibit the participation of any individual who refuses to comply with BLERDFEST! policies, including this Youth Protection Policy. Any person who provides inaccurate or misleading information, or who is disqualified from participation pursuant to Section 5 (Disqualifying Criteria) below, will not be allowed to provide services on behalf of BLERDFEST! at that year’s events and activities, and may be permanently disqualified from working with BLERDFEST! in the future. Those desiring to provide goods or services at BLERDFEST! events must comply with the following requirements, and not be disqualified under Section 5 (Disqualifying Criteria). a. Employees & Volunteers All individuals applying for an Employee or Volunteer role at BLERDFEST! must: complete an online application provide appropriate and accurate information, including full legal name agree to BLERDFEST!’s Code of Conduct for Employees and Volunteers consent to a criminal history background check conducted by a third party vendor retained by BLERDFEST!, and provide truthful information as required by the background check provider in order to facilitate the background check. b. Panelists, Performers, Guests, Guest or Performer Entourages, and Artist Alley Participants Although Panelists, Performers, Guests, Guest or Performer Entourage Members, and Artist Alley participants are not required to complete a background check, they are strongly encouraged to do so, and may do so at BLERDFEST!’s expense through its third party vendor. They are also strongly encouraged to discuss internally and with BLERDFEST! how to use carefully focused background checks to disqualify people with known histories of misconduct involving youth, as part of an industry-wide conversation about youth protection. c. Exhibitors, Vendors, and Members of the Press and Industry Although Exhibitors, Vendors, Members of the Press, and Members of Industry are not required to complete a background check, they are strongly encouraged to do so. They are also strongly encouraged to discuss internally and with BLERDFEST! how to use carefully focused background checks to disqualify people with known histories of misconduct involving youth, as part of an industry-wide conversation about youth protection. 4. Code of Conduct To promote a safe environment and protect the many young Attendees at BLERDFEST! events and activities, BLERDFEST! has adopted a Code of Conduct which specifies behavioral expectations for BLERDFEST! employees and volunteers. 5. Disqualifying Criteria a. Employees and Volunteers: Any BLERDFEST! Employee, Volunteer, or Applicant for an Employee or Volunteer position will be deemed ineligible for service or participation at BLERDFEST! if the individual: fails to complete a required screening process or fails to provide necessary information required to complete the check. otherwise provides information that is false or intended to be misleading; was previously terminated from a paid or Volunteer position due to misconduct involving a youth; or was previously found or determined by BLERDFEST! to have engaged in misconduct involving youth at or around an BLERDFEST! event or activity; or b. Panelists, Performers, Guests, Gues or Performer Entourages, and Artist Alley Participants: In addition, and although they are not required to complete background checks, any Performer, Guest, Guest or Performer Entourage Member, Panelist, Artist Alley participant, Press, Exhibitor, or Vendor position will be deemed ineligible for service or participation at BLERDFEST! events if the individual: provides information that is false or intended to be misleading; was previously terminated from a paid or Volunteer position due to misconduct involving a youth; or was previously found or determined by BLERDFEST! to have engaged in misconduct involving youth at or around an BLERDFEST! event or activity. In addition, reportable convictions or disclosures of registrations, for any of the following criminal offenses or registrations will prompt a determination that an applicant for an employee or volunteer role does not meet BLERDFEST!’s criminal background screening criteria: a. Any reportable felony conviction (crimes punishable by confinement greater than one year) involving violence, sexual activity, or harm to children, including distributing alcohol or drugs to minors: Defined on the basis of exposure for the offense for which the defendant was convicted, pled guilty or pled nolo contendere. If pled down, then the crime to which the defendant ultimately pled. Defined as all crimes punishable by greater than one year in jail or prison, regardless of how characterized by jurisdiction. If range, alternate sentencing, or indeterminate sentencing with an outer range greater than one year. b. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction involving force or threat of force against a person c. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction of a sexual nature or classified as a sex offense including but not limited to ‘victimless’ crimes of a sexual nature such as prostitution, pornography, indecent exposure, and crimes in which sexual relations is an element d. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction involving cruelty to animals e. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction involving harm to a minor, including distributing alcohol or drugs to minors f. Any Sex Offender Registrant g. Any prior allegations of behavior at an BLERDFEST! event or activity that is inconsistent with our Youth Protection Policy. Appeals Process: Any person for whom a background check is required who does not meet BLERDFEST!’s background check criteria will be given the opportunity to: (1) withdraw the application, or (2) dispute the accuracy of the background screening report through an appeals process with the third party background checking firm retained by BLERDFEST!. Any decision regarding disqualified person will be documented and kept in an internal database of persons deemed ineligible for employee or volunteer roles at BLERDFEST!. 6. Responsibilities & Expectations a. Youth Attendees Youth Attendees are present throughout BLERDFEST! events. Because of the crowded nature of BLERDFEST! events, children aged 13 years and younger must be chaperoned by an adult at all times. All BLERDFEST! Representatives must be aware of their surroundings. If you notice an unaccompanied child who you believe to be aged 13 years or younger, contact your supervisor, or an BLERDFEST! representative who will notify Security or the Appropriate Supervisor. If the situation requires immediate intervention, engage another BLERDFEST! representative to assist you in approaching the child and contacting your supervisor. BLERDFEST! Representatives are prohibited from caring for children while providing services on behalf of BLERDFEST!. All BLERDFEST! representatives should ensure that their own children are under the care of an adult while at BLERDFEST! events, and should not agree to watch or take care of another person’s child or children for any amount of time, even momentarily. b. Lost Child Policy Unaccompanied children aged 13 years and younger are of an especially vulnerable age and are deemed critical missing. Children aged 14 years and older are not considered critical missing unless the child has a preexisting medical condition such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, an intellectual disability, or another similar condition. When a child deemed critical missing is reported missing, BLERDFEST! will use all available resources to find the child. A security officer and/or a designated BLERDFEST! Staff Member will stay with the parents or guardians at all times until the child has been found and reunited with their caretaker. c. Found Child Policy When an unaccompanied child aged 13 years or younger is found, the child should be escorted to the Event Operations office by two BLERDFEST! representatives or security officers – one male and one female. If the child is uncooperative or emotionally distraught, refrain from forcing the child to comply, and remain with the child in the current location. Request additional support if needed. If the child’s parents or guardians have not come forward to claim the child after 20 minutes, notify your supervisor and an BLERDFEST! director will contact the police. When reuniting a child with their parent or guardian, ask for identification before releasing the child back into the custody of the parent or guardian. Document the identification information and a contact number for the parent or guardian. d. Safety Concerns and SafeSpace Locations Any BLERDFEST! event Attendee who feels unsafe or concerned is encouraged to seek assistance from a BLERDFEST! representative, or to proceed to a SafeSpace location. Messaging about SafeSpace locations will be featured during SPJA events, and locations will be clearly marked. As a BLERDFEST! Representative, one of your important responsibilities is to make sure you know where the SafeSpace locations are located, so that you can properly and compassionately assist any attendee who needs to find a SafeSpace. e. Social Media Social media is an important part of the BLERDFEST!’s events and activities. In most cases, social media sites and accounts are used to celebrate and promote culture. Young people may be more susceptible to negative experiences on social media sites, more likely to fall victim to harmful behavior, and more likely to engage in risky behavior. Some youth use social media to ‘try on’ alternative versions of themselves, behaving more boldly online than they would in person. Adding to the risk is the fact that youth may not have spoken with their parents or guardians about social media safety. BLERDFEST! is committed to providing a safe experience for young fans of culture, including on social media sites sponsored or supported by BLERDFEST!. BLERDFEST! will not tolerate any conduct, including online activity, that puts young event participants at risk of physical, emotional or sexual abuse or bullying. Under no circumstances may any content of a sexual nature be transmitted to an underage attendee. Any BLERDFEST! Attendee or Representative who violates this strict policy concerning social media is subject to immediate dismissal. In addition, the transmission of any sexual content or requests for sexual contact made to an underage attendee will be promptly reported to law enforcement. f. Photography & Video Photography is generally allowed and encouraged at BLERDFEST! events. However, photography is prohibited in certain areas and all BLERDFEST! event participants and representatives have the right to privacy. Thus, permission should be obtained before a photograph is taken, and if an individual indicates that they prefer not to have their photograph taken, this should be respected in all cases, including by professional and amateur photographers. Additionally, no youth attendee should be photographed in private, either on-site or off-site, without a parent or guardian. If you become aware of a situation where a person has been unwillingly photographed, or an inappropriate photograph has been taken, it is your responsibility to notify your supervisor right away. Persons taking inappropriate photographs or photographs of an unwilling subject are subject to discipline, up to and including immediate dismissal from a BLERDFEST! event. g. Costuming & Cosplay Cosplay is generally allowed and encouraged at BLERDFEST! events. However, inappropriate cosplay is prohibited. All BLERDFEST! event Participants have the right to an expectation of a family-friendly environment. Thus, if you notice someone who is dressed or is behaving inappropriately, it is your responsibility to notify your supervisor right away. 7. Prohibited Activities a. Abuse and Physical Force All BLERDFEST! Representatives are strictly prohibited from engaging in violent behaviors while at BLERDFEST! events, including but not limited to abusive or offensive language, hitting or shoving. If you become aware of violent behaviors involving youth, notify your supervisor right away. This policy does not apply to official demonstrations of martial arts or other performances. b. Sexual Contact or Communication All BLERDFEST! representatives are strictly prohibited from engaging in sexual activity or contact or discussing sexual activity with any under-age participants. If you become aware of prohibited sexual contact or sexual communication involving youth, contact your supervisor right away. Some BLERDFEST! events and activities may feature adult programs that include discussions or displays of content that is sexual in nature. This content is restricted to adults 18 years of age and older. Any BLERDFEST! representatives who witness youth participants entering, participating in or attempting to gain access to adult-only programs should contact their supervisor right away. c. Bullying and Harassment In addition to the avoidance of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and inappropriate contact, BLERDFEST! representatives and participants are strictly prohibited from engaging in bullying or harassment of other participants or BLERDFEST! representatives. If you become aware of a bullying or harassment situation, notify your supervisor right away. d. Inappropriate Photography Photographs may not be taken in restrooms, dressing rooms, or from an angle intended to expose or reveal a participant’s undergarments or any part of the body intentionally covered by a costume. 8. Reporting a. Child Abuse Definition BLERDFEST! defines child abuse as any action or inaction that injures or creates the possibility of injury to a child or youth. Injury may be physical, psychological or emotional in nature. b. Suspected or Actual Child Abuse or Injury If you suspect that a child or youth is being injured or abused by anyone – including a parent, guardian, caretaker, unrelated adult, or another child – BLERDFEST! requires that you notify your Supervisor right away. Your Supervisor will be able to help you assess the situation and determine the appropriate steps to take to resolve your concerns. c. Escalation Process If you witness an incident, or you are approached by an BLERDFEST! Attendee who has been a victim or who has witnessed an incident of abuse or misconduct, notify your supervisor right away. Your supervisor will be able to help you assess the situation and determine the appropriate escalation process. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

PANELIST PARTICIPATION POLICY Effective Date: February 17, 2023 TRUE BLERD, LLC, herein referred to as “BLERDFEST!” reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. In consideration for being permitted to participate as a Panelist or Workshop Host for a panel or workshop (a “Panel”) at any event produced by BLERDFEST!, you (“you” or a “Panelist”) agree to (1) the terms in this “Panelist Participation Policy” (this “Policy”), (2) BLERDFEST!’s Terms of Participation and Liability Release and Waiver (the “TOP and Waiver”), which are incorporated into this Policy, and (3) the BLERDFEST! policies, (including but not limited to the Code of Conduct, Recording Policy, Privacy Policy, and Youth Protection Policy [YPP]) that are in effect at the time of the BLERDFEST! Event (collectively, the “BLERDFEST! Policies”). If you do not agree or do not comply with all parts of this Panelist Participation Policy, the TOP and Waiver, and the BLERDFEST! Policies, you will be denied access to and participation in the Panel and the BLERDFEST! Event. If you do not agree, please immediately exit the Panel and the BLERDFEST! Event. 1. PANEL PARTICIPATION. You are freely giving your services as a Panelist to BLERDFEST!, and you agree that participating in a Panel is an opportunity with real value. You are not and will not be eligible to receive compensation of any kind for your participation on a Panel. Panelists are not employees of BLERDFEST! and are not covered by BLERDFEST!’s employee benefits or Workers Compensation insurance. BLERDFEST!, in its sole discretion, may cancel your Panel for any reason. In addition: a.) If you cancel your Panel fewer than two (2) weeks before the BLERDFEST! Event, BLERDFEST! may choose to give you lower priority and/or limit the number of Panels you may apply to present at future BLERDFEST! Events. b.) Adherence to each of the procedures listed below is necessary for a safe and well-conducted Panel at the BLERDFEST! Event. If you fail to follow any of the procedures listed below, BLERDFEST! and/or its representatives at the BLERDFEST! Event may interrupt and/or cancel your Panel: (i) You must handle all technical equipment carefully (e.g., you must not drop microphones). (ii) You must adhere to the BLERDFEST!-approved content rating level (G, PG, 18+) of your Panel. No modification to the content of your Panel may be made after your application without approval by the BLERDFEST! Producers. (iii) You must end your Panel on time. If your Panel does not end at the designated time, BLERDFEST! will stop your Panel’s sound and video. (iv) You must cooperate fully and promptly with the requests of BLERDFEST! and Venue Representatives, Employees, Volunteers, Contractors, and Security Personnel (“BLERDFEST!/Event Reps”), including by stopping what you are doing immediately at the request of such BLERDFEST!/Event Rep or the BLERDFEST! Producers. 2. CARE. When participating in the Panel (and at all other times while you are at the BLERDFEST! Event) you must comply with this Policy, the TOP and Waiver, the BLERDFEST! Policies, and all applicable laws, regulations, and rules, and you must conduct yourself in a safe, conscientious, and courteous manner. Your Panel shall be factually accurate and shall contain nothing defamatory or otherwise unlawful or inappropriate. You shall not consume substances with a mind-altering or judgment-altering potential, such as alcohol, medications, or other drugs that may alter ability to participate in a Panel safely, conscientiously, and courteously. You shall immediately report any and all potential hazardous conditions or actual injuries that you observe or experience to any BLERDFEST! safety or medical volunteer, an BLERDFEST!/Event Rep, or to the police officer or other civic officer nearest to you. You shall make such a report no matter what the extent or cause of the potential hazardous condition or actual injury. Without limiting further actions by BLERDFEST!, BLERDFEST! may immediately remove you from a Panel and from the BLERDFEST! Event if you fail to comply with all of your obligations under this paragraph, this Policy, the TOP and Waiver, and any other BLERDFEST! Policies. 3. ASSUMPTION OF RISK, WAIVER, AND RELEASE. YOU PARTICIPATE IN A PANEL AT YOUR OWN RISK. YOUR PARTICIPATION IN A PANEL HAS INHERENT RISKS AND DANGERS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO HARM, LOSS, OR INJURY TO YOU, YOUR PERSON OR PROPERTY. AS A CONDITION OF BEING PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN A PANEL, YOU HEREBY DO ASSUME AND ACCEPT THESE RISKS. BY PARTICIPATING IN A PANEL, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND REPRESENT THAT YOU ARE IN AGREEMENT WITH AND WILL ABIDE BY ALL POLICIES HEREIN AND AGREE TO HOLD TRUE BLERD, LLC, BLERDFEST!, INSPIRENOLA AND ALL ORGANIZATIONS, COMPANIES, AND ENTITIES AFFILIATED WITH PRODUCERS OF THE EVENT HARMLESS. 4. YOUTH PROTECTION POLICY. By participating in a Panel, you represent and warrant that you are not disqualified under Section 5 of the YPP, and you agree that if anything changes prior to the Panel that would disqualify you under Section 5 of the YPP, you will inform BLERDFEST! and will not participate in the Panel or in the BLERDFEST! Event. Abusive behavior, such as verbal abuse, inappropriate sexual remarks or touching, threats of violence, or any other violation of the Code of Conduct will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion from the Panel or the BLERDFEST! Event. 5. PHOTOGRAPHS AND GRANT OF RIGHTS. By participating in a Panel, you grant BLERDFEST! the right to create photographs, video, digital, audio, or other recordings, including the Live Simulcast & Broadcast (“BLERDFEST! Recordings”) of your presentation and grant BLERDFEST! the right to reproduce, display, distribute, perform, digitize, transmit, broadcast and otherwise use the BLERDFEST! Recordings in any and all media and manners now known or hereafter discovered throughout the world in perpetuity, in whole or in part, modified or altered, either by themselves, or in combination with other photographs, recordings or materials, without payment of royalties, license fees, or any other compensation. Additionally, you give BLERDFEST! permission to use your name, likeness and biographic information to use, promote or exploit the BLERDFEST! Recordings or any derivative work of the BLERDFEST! Recordings. BLERDFEST! will hold the copyright to the BLERDFEST! Recordings. To the extent you have any rights in the BLERDFEST! Recordings, you hereby assign all your rights, title and interests in and to the BLERDFEST! Recordings to BLERDFEST!. You shall provide BLERDFEST! with a good quality copy of distributed Panel materials, if any, and any PowerPoint, video, or media included in your Panel for its archives. 6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. You shall not use content from anime creators or other content owners in a Panel without their permission. You shall obtain all necessary clearances and agreements for any third party intellectual property presented or distributed in your Panel and the rights granted to BLERDFEST! herein. You will retain any existing intellectual property, such as trademark and copyright, that you may have in the material you present or distribute for your Panel. 7. GENERAL TERMS. No waiver or amendment of any provision of this policy will be effective unless in writing. ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS WILL BE GOVERNED BY LOUISIANA LAW, AND WILL BE LITIGATED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE FEDERAL OR STATE COURTS OF ORLEANS PARISH, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, USA; YOU CONSENT TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION IN THOSE COURTS. The language in all parts of this policy shall be construed as a whole in accordance with its fair meaning, not for or against any party, and without regard to any statutes that provide for the language of an agreement to be construed against the drafter. If any provision herein is determined to be unenforceable, that provision shall be severed, and all other provisions shall remain in effect. This policy shall bind and be for the benefit of yourself, BLERDFEST!, and each of the respective party’s heirs, fiduciaries, successors, and assigns. You have not relied upon any promise, representation, or warranty in acknowledging this policy. This policy will continue in full force and effect even after the conclusion of the Panel and the BLERDFEST! Event. 8. MODIFICATION OF THIS POLICY, THE TOP AND WAIVER, AND THE BLERDFEST! POLICIES. We may revise and update this Policy, the TOP and Waiver, and our BLERDFEST! Policies from time to time at our sole discretion. We will notify you when we make changes to this Policy, the TOP and Waiver, or the BLERDFEST! Policies by posting on this page and by revising the “Effective Date” date at the top of this page. All changes are effective immediately when we post them and apply to your participation in a Panel and to your access to and participation in BLERDFEST! Events. Please check back frequently to see any updates or changes. If you do not agree with any of the policies as modified, please do not participate in the Panel and exit the BLERDFEST! Event. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

TERMS OF PARTICIPATION AND LIABILITY RELEASE & WAIVER POLICY Effective Date: February 17, 2023 TRUE BLERD, LLC, herein referred to as “BLERDFEST!” reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION AND LIABILITY RELEASE AND WAIVER. THE FOLLOWING TERMS OF PARTICIPATION INCLUDE A LIABILITY RELEASE & WAIVER AND ARE A LEGAL CONTRACT BETWEEN YOU, AN INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT OR A SINGLE ENTITY, AND TRUE BLERD, LLC (“BLERDFEST!”). By registering or participating in an event produced by BLERDFEST! (the “BLERDFEST! Event,”), in any capacity, whether as an Attendee, Panelist, Exhibitor, Sponsor, or other Participant, you confirm that you have read and agree to be legally bound by the following Terms of Participation and Liability Release and Waiver (these “TOP”). These TOP and the BLERDFEST! Policies apply to your participation and/or registration in the BLERDFEST! Event. PLEASE READ THESE CAREFULLY. Failure to agree or comply will deny you access to the BLERDFEST! Event. If you do not agree, please discontinue participating in the BLERDFEST! Event. The terms “you,” “your,” and “yours” refer to you, the person participating in the BLERDFEST! Event or using BLERDFEST! Event Sites (defined below) and agreeing to these TOP. The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to BLERDFEST! and to BLERDFEST!’s affiliates and subsidiaries (if any). “BLERDFEST! Events” include all events produced by BLERDFEST!, including, without limitation, BLERDFEST! 2023, and other related events “BLERDFEST! Event Sites” are the BLERDFEST! site (www.BLERDFESTNOLA.com), and any other site on which our official information is posted, which may include but is not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, TikTok, Twitter, and/or YouTube. “Venue” means the facility at which the BLERDFEST! Event is held. “Official Hotels” are hotels that BLERDFEST! has explicitly designated for the BLERDFEST! Event. The “City” refers to the city in which the BLERDFEST! Event is held, such as the City of New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, USA. 1. INDIVIDUALS: IF YOU ARE REGISTERING FOR ANOTHER PERSON, THEN YOU MUST ASK THEM TO READ AND AGREE TO THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION. ACCEPTANCE OR USE OF A BADGE, PASS, OR CONFIRMATION CODE INCORPORATES THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION. BY REGISTERING FOR, ATTENDING, VOLUNTEERING, OR PARTICIPATING IN THE BLERDFEST! EVENT, OR BY REGISTERING FOR, ACCESSING, BROWSING, DOWNLOADING FROM OR USING THE BLERDFEST! EVENT SITES, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION AND TO THE LIABILITY RELEASE AND WAIVER INCLUDED HERE. IF AT ANY TIME YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION, PLEASE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATE YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE BLERDFEST! EVENT AND YOUR USE OF THE BLERDFEST! EVENT SITE. 2. ORGANIZATIONS: IF YOU ARE REGISTERING FOR THE BLERDFEST! EVENT OR USING THE BLERDFEST! EVENT SITE ON BEHALF OF A COMPANY, ENTITY, OR ORGANIZATION (COLLECTIVELY, A “PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION”) THEN YOU REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT YOU: (I) ARE AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THAT PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION WITH THE AUTHORITY TO BIND SUCH ORGANIZATION; (II) HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION; AND (III) AGREE TO THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION ON BEHALF OF SUCH SUBSCRIBING ORGANIZATION AND ANYONE PARTICIPATING IN THE SPJA EVENT FOR AND ON YOUR ORGANIZATION’S BEHALF. 3. POLICIES: You agree that you have read, understand, and agree to abide by the BLERDFEST! policies, including but not limited to the Code of Conduct, the Recording Policy, the Registration Policy, the Alcohol Policy, the Weapons Policy, the Youth Protection Policy, the Privacy Policy, the COVID-19 Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk, and such other policies that BLERDFEST! may adopt from time to time (the “BLERDFEST! Policies”), which are incorporated fully into these TOP. Without limitation, you acknowledge and agree that: (a) The Recording Policy allows BLERDFEST! and those acting on BLERDFEST!’s behalf to take your photograph or video record you and to use those photographs or videos of you as set out in the Recording Policy, for lawful purposes such as streaming, broadcast, and/or rebroadcast over the internet, without compensation. (b) No Refund. All Event Credential (Badge) sales are final. As set out in the Registration Policy, once purchased, Event Credentials are non-refundable and non-transferable to any other BLERDFEST! event. Any and all payments made to BLERDFEST! are not refundable for any reason, including, but not limited to, failure or inability to use Credentials due to illness, epidemics, pandemics, public health crisis, government restrictions, travel-related problems, natural disasters, acts of GOD, civil unrest, cyber attacks, loss of employment and/or duplicate purchases. BLERDFEST! will not issue refunds, deferrals or credits for Credentials that have been revoked. (c) No Resale of Credentials. Also as set out in the Registration Policy, Event Credentials (Passes) cannot be reproduced or resold. No resale of Credentials shall be permitted, except with the prior written approval from BLERDFEST!. Credentials are immediately rendered void if altered in any way. The unauthorized resale of Credentials (including, but not limited to, “scalping”), the attempted unauthorized resale of Credentials, the unauthorized assignment of Credentials, the creation of counterfeit Credentials, or the unauthorized transfer of any Credentials to a third party are strictly prohibited and constitute an immediate forfeiture of your Credential(s) without compensation from BLERDFEST!. All Credentials are the sole properly of BLERDFEST! and must be relinquished to BLERDFEST! upon request. You agree that these TOP and the BLERDFEST! Policies together with any other policies or instructions posted on the BLERDFEST! Event Sites or communicated by Employees, Officials, Officers, Volunteers, or other persons affiliated with or acting for or on behalf of BLERDFEST!, the City, or any Official Hotel, are effective and apply to you at all times when you are participating in and around the BLERDFEST! Event, the Venue, and Official Hotels. 4. LIABILITY RELEASE & WAIVER: (a) GENERAL ASSUMPTION OF RISK. You agree that your participation in the BLERDFEST! Event, whether as an Attendee, Panelist, Exhibitor, Sponsor, or other Participant, is voluntary. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THE BLERDFEST! EVENT AND SOME ACTIVITIES AT THE BLERDFEST! EVENT, SUCH AS BUT NOT LIMITED TO DANCING, ROLE PLAYING, COSPLAY, PARTICIPATING IN A DEMONSTRATION, BEING ON A STAGE, STANDING IN LINES, AND BEING IN LARGE CROWDS, HAVE INHERENT RISKS AND DANGERS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ACTS OF TERRORISM, DEATH, INJURY AND SERIOUS BODILY HARM TO YOUR PERSON AND/OR PROPERTY. YOU AGREE THAT AS A CONDITION OF YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THE BLERDFEST! EVENT AND/OR PARTICIPATION IN ANY ACTIVITY AT THE BLERDFEST! EVENT, YOU ASSUME AND ACCEPT ALL RISKS OF HARM, LOSS, OR INJURY TO YOUR PERSON OR PROPERTY THAT MAY ARISE FROM OR BE RELATED TO YOUR ATTENDANCE AND/OR PARTICIPATION IN SUCH ACTIVITY. (b) ASSUMPTION OF RISK RELATED TO COVID-19 AND/OR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES. You acknowledge that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and/or communicable diseases exists in any public place where people are present. By participating in the BLERDFEST! Event, you and any guests agree that you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and/or communicable diseases. You agree to comply with BLERDFEST! Event policies and rules, including but not limited to all social distancing policies, guidelines, signage, and instructions related to COVID-19 and/or communicable diseases. (c) IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THE BLERDFEST! EVENT WHETHER AS AN ATTENDEE, PANELIST, EXHIBITOR, SPONSOR, OR OTHER PARTICIPANT, YOU HEREBY WAIVE AND RELEASE, indemnify, and hold harmless BLERDFEST!, the City, the Venue, the Official Hotels, and their respective Officers, Directors, Members, Employees, Agents, Affiliates, Contractors, Volunteers, Managers, Sponsors, Funders, Attendees, Public Officials, Vendors, Successors and Assigns (“Released Parties”), from any and all demands, damages, losses, liabilities, causes of action, lawsuits, Attorneys’ fees, costs, and/or claims of every kind and nature, whether known or unknown, in law or equity, that you ever had or may have, arising from or in any way related to your participation in the BLERDFEST! Event (including any harm, loss, or injury to your person or property resulting from such participation as described in paragraph 4(a) above and any exposure or potential exposure resulting from such participation as described in paragraph 4(b) above) or your use of an BLERDFEST! Event Site, including acts or omissions by third parties such as emergency or medical providers and vendors of food, drink, or alcohol. You understand and agree that the foregoing specifically waives your right to sue the Released Parties for negligence arising from or related to your attendance at the BLERDFEST! Event. BLERDFEST! reserves the right, at your expense, to assume the defense and control of any matter for which you are required to indemnify BLERDFEST!, and you agree to cooperate with BLERDFEST!’s defense of these claims. BLERDFEST! will use reasonable efforts to notify you of any such claim, action, or proceeding upon BLERDFEST! learning of any such claim, action, or proceeding. You agree that you will participate only in BLERDFEST! Event activities that you are qualified to participate in. You are aware that BLERDFEST! Events will be conducted in facilities open to the public. You agree and warrant that if at any time you believe conditions of any BLERDFEST! Event activity to be unsafe, you will immediately discontinue further participation in any such activity. You intend and desire for this Liability Release and Waiver to be interpreted as broadly as permitted under Louisiana law, or if Louisiana law is inapplicable, under such other applicable law. This Liability Release and Waiver does NOT apply to any acts of gross negligence or intentional, willful, or wanton misconduct on the part of any Released Party. If you become ill or are injured during your participation of the BLERDFEST! Event, you authorize BLERDFEST!, the Venue, or any Official Hotel to seek and obtain such emergency or medical services as may be deemed necessary or appropriate at the time, but understand and agree that they shall not be obligated to do so, and that the liability release and waiver above applies to the provision of such emergency or medical care or services. You may be billed and agree to pay for any such services, including ambulance transport. 5. DAMAGE YOU CAUSE: You agree that if you break, deface, damage, or destroy any real or personal property or software, or hurt or injure another person, in connection with your participation in the BLERDFEST! Event, including but not limited to the property of BLERDFEST!, the Venue, any Official Hotel, or the City, you shall be solely and personally liable and responsible for paying any and all costs to repair or replace such property, injury and care of such persons, and incidental or consequential damages relating to the damaged property or personal injury. 6. MODIFICATION OF THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION AND POLICIES: We may revise and update our TOP from time to time at our sole discretion. We will notify you when we make changes to our TOP by posting on this page and by revising the “Effective Date” date at the top of this page. All changes are effective immediately when we post them and apply to all access to and participation in BLERDFEST! Events. Please check back frequently to see any updates or changes to our TOP. If you do not agree, please discontinue participating in the BLERDFEST! Event and using the BLERDFEST! Event Sites. 7. GENERAL TERMS: No waiver or amendment of any provision of these TOP will be effective unless in writing. ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TOP WILL BE GOVERNED BY LOUISIANA LAW, AND WILL BE LITIGATED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE FEDERAL OR STATE COURTS OF ORLEANS PARISH, LOUISIANA, USA; YOU CONSENT TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION IN THOSE COURTS. The language in all parts of these TOP shall be construed as a whole in accordance with its fair meaning, not for or against any party, and without regard to any statutes that provide for the language of an agreement to be construed against the drafter. If any provision herein is determined to be unenforceable, that provision shall be severed, and all other provisions shall remain in effect. These TOP shall bind and be for the benefit of yourself, BLERDFEST! and its affiliates and subsidiaries, and each of the respective party’s heirs, fiduciaries, successors, and assigns. You have not relied upon any promise, representation, or warranty in signing these TOP. These TOP will continue in full force and effect even after the conclusion of the BLERDFEST! Event. You understand and agree that your electronic submission of agreement to these TOP constitutes an electronic signature that is as legally binding as your signature on a hard copy of the TOP. Further, you agree that no certification authority or other third-party verification is required to validate this electronic signature, and that the lack of such certification or third-party verification shall not in any way affect the legal enforceability of these TOP. YOU AGREE TO THESE TERMS OF THIS PARTICIPATION AND LIABILITY RELEASE AND WAIVER, AND SUBMIT THIS REGISTRATION FORM VOLUNTARILY, OF YOUR OWN FREE WILL AND FREE OF PRESSURE, DURESS, OR THREAT OF DURESS. YOU HAVE READ THESE ENTIRE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION AND THE BLERDFEST! POLICIES CAREFULLY. YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT BY ACCEPTING THESE TOP AND LIABILITY RELEASE AND WAIVER, YOU HAVE GIVEN UP CONSIDERABLE FUTURE LEGAL RIGHTS. YOUR CHECKING THE BOX SAYING THAT YOU AGREE OR SUBMITTING THIS REGISTRATION APPLICATION IS PROOF THAT YOU INTEND AND AGREE TO SIGN AND BE FULLY BOUND BY A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL WAIVER AND RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY OF THE RELEASED PARTIES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW. PARENT OR GUARDIAN’S ADDITIONAL RELEASE FOR MINORS: You, the person submitting this Registration, represent and affirm that you are the parent or legal guardian of the minor whose name appears in the Registration, and that you have the authority to enter into this legal contract on the minor’s behalf. You understand and agree that the above Terms of Participation, including the Liability Release and Waiver and the BLERDFEST! Policies, including the Privacy Policy, and the COVID-19 Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk, apply to the minor and to you. I have read, understand, and agree to be legally bound by the BLERDFEST! Terms of Participation, including the Liability Release and Waiver, and the BLERDFEST! Policies, including the Privacy Policy, and the COVID-19 Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk I represent and warrant I am over 18 years old and I am competent to sign contracts. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

MAIN EVENT FAQ & POLICY Effective Date: February 17, 2023 TRUE BLERD, LLC, herein referred to as “BLERDFEST!” reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. “Main Events” are events held at McDonogh 35 College Preparatory High School (“Main Event Venue”). Each Anime Expo® Main Event (a “Main Event”) has its own rules when it comes to appropriate behavior. Please abide by those rules as stated below. These rules apply to all those attending any Main Event, including Attendees, Volunteers, Staff, Press, and Industry in the Main Event Venues. Any violation of these rules occurring in a Main Event venue will count towards the convention’s one-strike policy for Main Events. MAIN EVENTS FAQ What are the BLERDFEST! Main Events? BLERDFEST! Main Events may include: Special Guests Panels Cosplay Throwdown Film Screenings If we exit the Main Events venue, are we allowed to re-enter? There is no re-entry once you exit the main doors. MAIN EVENTS POLICIES Due to the high volume of people attending the Main Events, the following should be noted for safety and fire hazard reasons: NO SELFIE STICKS. NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGES (bottled water is acceptable). No excess or large baggage 12” x 12”. (Suitcases, luggage, duffel bags, etc. are not allowed.) No oversized costumes or oversized props (with the exception of Masquerade contestants). No weapons (i.e., swords, knives, bokkens, daggers, etc.) No standing on chairs. No running in the aisles or rows. No smoking or vaping. No signs. PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY POLICIES: No flash photography (photography WITHOUT flash is allowed), for the safety of our Guests and/or BLERDFEST! Volunteers on stage. Video recording is allowed. No selfie sticks. Photos and videos must be for personal use only, with the exception of BLERDFEST! Archive Volunteers and registered, pre-approved Press representatives. Please leave restricted items, such as oversized bags and oversized costume props, in your car or hotel room. COSPLAY THROWDOWN: No flash photography (photography WITHOUT flash is allowed), for the safety of our Guests and/or BLERDFEST! Volunteers on stage. Video recording is allowed. No selfie sticks. Photos and videos must be for personal use only, with the exception of BLERDFEST! Archive Volunteers and pre-approved Press members. Please leave restricted items, such as oversized bags and oversized costume props, in your car or hotel room. Any Attendee(s), non-authorized Press, BLERDFEST! Attendee-Volunteers, or BLERDFEST! Volunteers violating the photography and video recording policies or the Main Event Policies will be subjected to ejection from the venue and pass revocation for the remainder of the event. All Attendees, Press, Industry, BLERDFEST! Attendee-Volunteers, and BLERDFEST! Volunteers are subject to the BLERDFEST! Code of Conduct. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

RECORDING POLICY Effective Date: February 17, 2023 TRUE BLERD, LLC, herein referred to as “BLERDFEST!” reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. Recordings of You: You are advised and given notice that BLERDFEST! permits people and companies to take photographs and make recordings at BLERDFEST! Events, and post them on social media and use them for many lawful purposes. By attending a BLERDFEST! Event, you agree to be photographed or recorded during the Event (in still photographs, audio recordings, video recordings and any other media, now known or hereafter discovered, hereafter “Recordings”), by attendees, vendors, and others without compensation. Additionally, by attending a BLERDFEST! Event, you grant to BLERDFEST! the rights, but not the obligation, to create photographs, video, digital, audio, or other recordings, including the Live Simulcast & Broadcast (“BLERDFEST! Recordings”) of you and grant BLERDFEST! the right to reproduce, display, distribute, perform, digitize, transmit, broadcast and otherwise use the BLERDFEST! Recordings in any and all media and manners now known or hereafter discovered throughout the world in perpetuity, in whole or in part, modified or altered, either by themselves, or in combination with other photographs, recordings or materials, without payment of royalties, license fees, or any other compensation. BLERDFEST! will hold the copyright to the BLERDFEST! Recordings. To the extent you have any rights in the BLERDFEST! Recordings, you hereby assign all your rights, title and interests in and to the BLERDFEST! Recordings to BLERDFEST!. Your Recordings of Others for Personal/Private Use with Small Handheld or Cell Phone Camera: Except as prohibited below, individuals may make Recordings for private listening/viewing, without the need to obtain a Filming Location Agreement from BLERDFEST!, provided that such Recordings clearly identify the Event, date, and location at which they were Recorded. You are generally allowed to make Recordings in all common areas of the Event, with the exception of backstage, and restricted areas. Specific rules and restrictions regarding Recordings apply to specific venues, concerts, and Events, such as when a Guest prohibits photographs of their performance. If you are unsure, please check for signage, and if you do not see any, be respectful and do not make Recordings. As a courtesy, and without changing this policy in any way, please obtain permission first to make Recordings of any individuals or costumes. If someone asks or otherwise indicates that they do not wish to be recorded, do not record them. BLERDFEST! will make reasonable efforts to enforce this policy, but given the proliferation of recording devices and the ease with which Event attendees may conceal their recording devices, it is understood and agreed that BLERDFEST! shall not be liable for violations. Your Recordings of Others for Commercial Purposes: Recordings of a BLERDFEST! Event or its Employees, Staff, or Attendees for commercial purposes is expressly forbidden unless advance written permission has been obtained from BLERDFEST! (and any venue in which you desire to make a Recording). Commercial Recordings include, but are not limited to: • The purpose of sale to anyone • Bonus content for home release (DVD/Blu-Ray) • Concurrent livestream • Post-event streams • Vtubing (unless your booth or panel consists of Vtubing, however, Vtubing outside of your booth or panel requires a Filming Location Agreement) • Television broadcast • Videos posted on website, social media, and other promotional platforms • Documentary film • Filming/recording with professional camera person or crew The following provisions must be met in order to make Recordings for commercial purposes: • Written approval from BLERDFEST! • Signing a Filming Location Agreement • Obtaining media and other required insurance, naming BLERDFEST! and others as additional insureds, and providing proof of insurance by providing your certificate of insurance • Payment of a Filming Location Fee to be determined by BLERDFEST! (generally $2,500 per day) More information is available in the Filming Location Agreement. Please reach out to info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com for more information and a Filming Location Agreement. **No Recording (photo/video capture, livestreaming, Vtubing) is permitted in adult content areas, if any, such as booths, events, or panels.** All Bloggers and Members of the Press and Staff are additionally required to conform to the BLERDFEST!’s Press Policy and we encourage Attendees to become familiar with those rules. Violation of this Recording Policy may result in forfeiture of your Event badge, your expulsion from the Event and/or termination of your position with BLERDFEST!. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

TICKETING POLICY Effective Date: February 17, 2023 TRUE BLERD, LLC, herein referred to as “BLERDFEST!” reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. CANCELLATION POLICY By purchasing a ticket to attend an event hosted by BLERDFEST!, you agree not to sell or share your ticket or order confirmation email. In the event the BLERDFEST! determines in its sole discretion that you have violated this policy, BLERDFEST! can cancel your pass(es) and keep any money paid by you. Confirmations and/or passes that have been sold or provided by anyone other than the BLERDFEST! will not be honored. BLERDFEST! reserves the right to refuse admission, service and cancel your pass(es) at their sole discretion without liability. When purchasing your pass(es), you must provide an individual name for each ticket and each name must match a valid government-issued photo ID. If BLERDFEST! determines you have purchased more than one ticket in your name for any event, BLERDFEST! reserves the right to cancel your duplicate pass(es) and issue you a refund less the processing fees. REFUND & EXCHANGE POLICY All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges for passes, wristbands, vouchers or product sales. Please review all items in your order before checking out to ensure you are purchasing the items you intend on buying. No refunds will be given for missed shows. LOST/STOLEN TICKETS The ticket purchaser is solely responsible for the event passes and wristbands purchased. Lost or stolen event passes and wristbands will not be replaced or refunded. CHILD ADMISSION POLICY Children 2 years of age and younger do not require a ticket to be admitted at any event; however, they must sit on an adult’s lap and may not occupy a seat. WILL CALL Will Call tickets or wristbands can be picked up at the Registration Desk onsite at McDonogh 35 College Preparatory High School starting at Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 11 am. The Buyer can pick up all passes and wristbands, if any, in their order or each individual pass holder can pick up their own pass or wristband as long as their name is listed as on the order as a “pass holder.” You are required to present the following items to pick up your pass and/or wristband: Order Confirmation or mobile device showing barcode Government-issued photo ID showing date of birth (Driver’s license, State ID, Military ID, or passport). Must match buyer or pass holder’s name in order to pick up pass(es)/wristband(s). BLERDFEST! pass valid for the day of the event. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, who will be required to show a government-issued photo ID, in order to pick up a pass or wristband. A school ID or birth certificate is not an acceptable form of ID. TRANSFER/NAME CHANGE POLICY You may transfer pass(es) to another person by changing the name of each pass holder in the order by logging into your brownpapertickets.com account or contacting us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com. WHEELCHAIR & ACCESSIBLE SEATING Limited accessible seating is available at each venue/event location. Accessible seating is reserved exclusively for Attendees with accessible needs and their companions. BLERDFEST! Attendees purchasing accessible seating may purchase one (1) accessible seat and one (1) companion seat adjacent to the accessible seat. Depending on availability, seats for additional guests will be located as close as possible to the accessible space. This policy ensures that we can provide reasonable accommodation for Attendees who require accessible seating. There is limited availability to accommodate other special needs as well. There is no guarantee that companion tickets will remain unsold and available. For general information on services offered for Attendees with disabilities, please read our ADA Policy on this page. WRISTBAND POLICY Event Admission If a wristband is issued in lieu of a pass for admission to an event, you will be required to go to Will Call for pick up unless otherwise specified on the event page or order confirmation email. Upon pick-up, a Ticketing representative will immediately apply the wristband. Lost or stolen event wristbands will not be replaced or refunded. Only those whose age has been verified by showing a valid government-issued photo ID listing date of birth will be issued a wristband. Wristband must be applied to attendee’s wrist by a Registration Desk Representative. RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITED ITEMS/ACTIONS Cameras/Photography Restrictions Non-professional, non-flash still photography is permitted at most events. However, for some events, at the request of the Artist/Performer, photos, as well as video/audio, of any type may be prohibited. For more information as well as policies pertaining to video recording, please refer to the Recording Policy on this page. Strollers Per fire marshal code, strollers are not allowed in the seated areas of the venue and cannot block any walkways or aisles. Attendees are encouraged to leave strollers in their vehicles during an event. Limited stroller parking may be available for some event locations but are not guaranteed. Please refer to the event venue’s website for their policy regarding strollers. Prohibited Items/Actions The following is a general list of prohibited items for all events held at BLERDFEST! and is subject to change: No food or beverages (bottled water is acceptable) No bags that exceed 14” x 14” (i.e., large bags, backpacks, suitcases, etc.) No oversized costumes or oversized props (with the exception Masquerade/WCS contestants) No weapons (i.e., knives, swords, bokken, pepper spray, mace, etc.) No selfie sticks No noise making devices, air horns, whistles No signs, flags or banners No smoking or vaping No running in the aisles or rows Always check the event page for specific policies/information regarding prohibited items or restrictions as well as the website for any outside venues BLERDFEST! events may be hosted at. RE-ENTRY POLICY BLERDFEST! has a “No Re-Entry” policy for ALL events. Attendees who wish to return a prohibited item to their vehicle, store an item in a locker, or need to exit and re-enter due to a personal emergency must first contact either a Registration Desk Representative or Manager to make necessary arrangements. THIRD PARTY SALES/TICKET RESELLERS Brownpapertickets.com is our official Registration and Ticketing sales platform. Resale or use of a third-party platform, unless officially approved by BLERDFEST!, to resell any credential, pass or wristband is strictly prohibited. PLEASE BE WARY OF SCAMMERS AND COUNTERFEIT CREDENTIALS, PASSES, WRISTBANDS, OR VOUCHERS! We highly discourage the purchase of credentials, tickets, wristbands, or vouchers from any third-party or ticket reseller. To avoid problems with counterfeit, stolen or voided tickets, wristbands, or vouchers, attendees should make all their purchases through BLERDFEST! authorized websites only. The resale of tickets (“scalping”) is against the law and will not be permitted. Upon determination by BLERDFEST! that a holder of a credential, pass, or wristband is in violation of this policy, the credentials, passes, wristbands, and/or vouchers will be canceled without refund. Scalping/reselling onsite, in or around the venue is prohibited and strictly enforced. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

PRIVACY POLICY Effective Date: February 17, 2023 TRUE BLERD, LLC, herein referred to as “BLERDFEST!” reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. We are so happy you have decided to join us. As part of our educational goals, we have created this Privacy Policy to inform you about how we collect, use, store, and protect your information. This Privacy Policy pertains to information collected at BLERDFEST! events, on the BLERDFEST! site (www.BLERDFESTNOLA.com), and any other site on which our official information is posted, which may include but is not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, TikTok, Twitter, and/or YouTube (collectively, our “Services”). The terms “you,” “your,” and “yours” refer to you, the person utilizing our Services and agreeing to this Privacy Policy. The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to BLERDFEST! and to BLERDFEST!’s affiliates and subsidiaries (if any). “BLERDFEST! Events” include all events produced by BLERDFEST!, including, without limitation, BLERDFEST! 2023. and other related events. “BLERDFEST! Event Sites” are the BLERDFEST! site (www.BLERDFESTNOLA.com), and any other site on which our official information is posted, which may include but is not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, TikTok, Twitter, and/or YouTube. Please read this Privacy Policy carefully to understand how we will treat your information. Data Controller Unless otherwise noted, the Data Controller of all data described in this policy is BLERDFEST!, located at 3821 Dauphine St, NOLA 70117, USA How We Collect Information Directly From You You may provide us with personal information in several ways, such as when you: Purchase passes and register for events. When you purchase tickets for BLERDFEST! Events or register as an Attendee (Fan, Industry, or Press), Exhibitor, Sponsor, Panelist, Workshop Leader, or Photographer, we ask for your name, email address, age, and gender. This information is sometimes collected directly by BLERDFEST! and sometimes indirectly through BLERDFEST!’s service providers, such as the event registration platform. We may collect additional information from individuals who register as an Exhibitor, Sponsor, Panelist, Workshop Leader, Press, or Photographer related to that individual’s role. For example, Exhibitors must provide information about their company, details about plans for tables, and additional contact information; Communicate with us by e-mail or phone; Subscribe to our e-mails or newsletters; Report a problem or request support for any of our Services; Interact with our Social Media Accounts; or Participate in our contests, promotions, sweepstakes, applications or surveys Information We Collect From Other Sources We work closely with third parties (for example, technical service providers, payment providers, promotion companies, advertising networks, and analytics providers) and may receive information about you from them. Depending on the relationship and activity, they will provide us with certain information that will help us understand how you interact with our Services so we can tailor our marketing and provide better, more personalized Services to you. In some cases, third parties also provide us with information that helps us keep track of transactions, address technical or logistical issues, prevent fraud, or keep our community safe from security threats. We may also receive and display information and content which you make publicly available on your social media account when you interact with any of our content, such as when you post using one of our promoted hashtags or respond to posts on our social media accounts. How We Use Your Information Purposes Directly Related to Our Services. We use your information to provide you with the Services you have requested, contact you if there is a problem with providing you with those Services, add your name to the lists for Services you have asked to receive, update your information with any changes you have requested to us, and to notify you if there are any issues with the Services. Responding to “Contact us” requests. If you have submitted a “contact us” form on one of our websites or apps or emailed us asking us to contact you, your information will be used to respond to your request. Partner Marketing. With your consent, we may send you messages regarding products or services offered by our partners that you may be interested in. Sending Newsletters. With your consent, we will use your email address to send you BLERDFEST!’s newsletter. You may withdraw this consent by using the unsubscribe link in any newsletter or by contacting us at info[at}BLERDFESTNOLA.com. Technical support/assistance. We use your information to provide you with technical support and other assistance to use our websites or apps. How We Share Your Information We share your information under the following circumstances: With your consent. When we have a legitimate business interest. To comply with our legal obligations, such as laws, regulations, search warrants, subpoenas, or court orders, or to exercise or defend legal claims. The following paragraphs give further detail on circumstances when we may share your data: Service Providers. Like any other company, BLERDFEST! uses a variety of third-party businesses and partners to market and provide our Services to you (“Service Providers”). These include but are not limited to business partners, suppliers, and sub-contractors we contract with to provide you with the Services such as third-party payment processing. These Service Providers’ access to your information is limited to the information reasonably necessary to perform their limited functions, and our contracts with these vendors require that your data be treated in accordance with the terms of this Privacy Policy. Press list. BLERDFEST! will share the press list for a BLERDFEST! Event with industry members for the purpose of coordinating press and public announcements. The press list shows the full name, outlet, and email address of everyone who registered as press. Giveaway sponsors/their affiliates. When you sign up for one of our giveaways, sweepstakes, contests, or other promotions, with your consent, we may share your information with the sponsor of the promotion and/or its affiliates. See specific promotion rules for details. Exhibitors and Sponsors with badge tap stations. By tapping your badge at a BLERDFEST! Event Exhibitor/Sponsor booth, if present and in use, we may provide the Exhibitor and any affiliated organizations with your name, gender, email address, and/or badge type and/or price. We may also provide booth and timestamp data from any badge tap-in. By tapping your badge, you consent to this sharing. This information is controlled by the respective privacy policies of these exhibitors and sponsors and not by our Privacy Policy. Exhibitors and Sponsors at BLERDFEST! Events. Please note that you may be able to enter drawings or provide information to exhibitors and sponsors at BLERDFEST! without using your pass. Once you provide information to an Exhibitor/Sponsor, the privacy policy of that Exhibitor/Sponsor is controlling. Each Exhibitor/Sponsor has its own privacy policy. Please review their privacy policies before providing your consent to their collection of your data. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for these policies or for the data collection and use by these Exhibitors/Sponsors. Safety. The owner of any BLERDFEST! Event Site may disclose your information if it believes such disclosure is reasonably necessary to protect the safety, rights, or property of the public, any person, or BLERDFEST!; to investigate, prevent, or otherwise address suspected fraud, harassment, or other violations of any law, rule, or regulation; to detect, prevent, or otherwise address security or technical issues; or as BLERDFEST! believes is required by law, regulation, or legal process. Change in control. If BLERDFEST! engages in a merger, acquisition, disposition, change of control, bankruptcy, dissolution, reorganization, or similar transaction or proceeding, or otherwise transfers the operations of such BLERDFEST! Event or website that relates to your information, BLERDFEST! will transfer your information to the successor entity. Similar Entities: With your consent, we may share your information with third parties that offer products or services that you may be interested in. Cookies We and our third-party service providers may use cookies and other tracking mechanisms to track information about your use of our Services. We may combine this information with other personal information we collect from you (and our third-party service providers may do so on our behalf). “Cookies” are small data files that a website places on your browser when you visit the website. Cookies allow a website or third party to recognize your browser. There are three primary types of cookies: Session cookies are specific to a particular visit and carry information as you view different pages within a website. Session cookies expire and delete themselves automatically in a short period of time, e.g., when you leave the website or when you close your browser. Persistent cookies enable us to recognize you when you visit an BLERDFEST! Event Site and remember your preferences. Persistent cookies are stored on your browser or mobile device until you choose to delete them, and otherwise typically delete themselves at expiration. Third-party cookies are placed by someone other than BLERDFEST!. They may gather browsing activity across multiple websites and sessions. They are usually persistent cookies and are stored until you delete them or until they expire based on the time period set in each third-party cookie. The cookies used in connection with your use of the Services will generally fall within one of the following categories: Necessary functionality: These cookies are essential to enable you to navigate the BLERDFEST! Event Sites and access the Services in a safe and secure manner. Important functionality: These cookies help us authenticate registered users. Performance and Analytics: These cookies provide data on how the Services are functioning to help us improve the performance of the Services and the user experience. Personalization: These cookies allow us to personalize the content we display to you. Choices Regarding Cookies Most browser software can be set to reject all cookies, including third-party cookies. If you choose to reject our cookies, however, your ability to access and use the Services may be limited. Typically, the cookie settings are within the “options” or “preferences” menu in your browser. The links below provide information about cookie settings for some commonly used browsers: Internet Explorer Chrome Safari Firefox If cookies are in use on the BLERDFEST! Event Sites, you can opt-out of interest-based advertising by rejecting cookies. Please note that even if you reject cookies and opt-out of interest-based advertising, you will continue to receive generic advertisements through the Services. To opt out of interest-based advertising, you may use the following links provided by third parties that manage opt outs for some ad networks: http://preferences-mgr.truste.com http://www.networkadvertising.org/managing/opt_out.asp http://www.aboutads.info/ https://policies.google.com/privacy/partners Note: If you delete cookies, use a different device, or change web browsers, you may need to opt out again. Do-Not-Track Signals Some web browsers may transmit “do-not-track” signals to the websites with which the user communicates. Because of differences in how web browsers incorporate and activate this feature, it is not always clear whether you intend for these signals to be transmitted, or whether you even are aware of them. Because there currently is no industry standard concerning what, if anything, websites should do when they receive such signals, we currently do not act in response to “do-not-track” signals. Aggregated Data We collect a variety of aggregated data about how you and other users use our Services. This aggregated data is anonymized and not connected to any individual. We may collect information about your device when you access our Services electronically, including IP address, browser information (including referring URL), cookie information, and advertising ID (which is a unique, user-resettable identification number for advertising associated with a mobile device). We automatically collect and store information about your use of our websites and the Services you receive through those sites, such as your engagement with particular content, including links you have followed and pages you have requested, and how often and when you engage with any of our websites. How We Store Your Information We store information that we collect on our websites, on our own servers, and/or on servers operated by third parties. These third-party servers may be located in the United States or elsewhere. We retain your information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or our data retention policies unless a longer retention period is required by law. For example, if you have signed up to receive a newsletter, we will retain your name and email address until you unsubscribe from that newsletter (unless you have provided it for some other purpose as well). Within a reasonable period of time after your information is no longer required for any of the purposes outlined in this policy, we will delete it. How We Protect Your Information We take reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction of data located on and collected by our Services. Sensitive and private data exchange between the Site and its Users happens over an SSL secured communication channel and is encrypted and protected with digital signatures. We exercise reasonable care to protect your non-public personal information. Unfortunately, no data transmission over the Internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. While we strive to protect your non-public personal information, we cannot guarantee the security of any information you transmit to us or receive from us while it is in transit. Once we receive your personal information, we maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect it. If a data breach occurs, we will notify you and the proper European Economic Area (“EEA”) authority (if required) within 72 hours (if reasonably feasible). If we are unable to notify the proper EEA authority within 72 hours, our notice will be accompanied by reasons for the delay. BLERDFEST! Event Sites may contain links or references to other sites in addition to the ones we have already mentioned. Please be aware that we do not control such other sites and that, in any case, this Privacy Policy does not apply to those sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policy of every site you visit. How We Handle Children’s Information (for Parents) BLERDFEST! makes commercially reasonable efforts with respect to the collection and protection of the data of children. Our BLERDFEST! Event Sites are general audience websites, intended for use by individuals over the age of thirteen (13). BLERDFEST! does not market to and does not knowingly collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen (13) through the Services. We also do not share child badge data with BLERDFEST! Event Exhibitors/Sponsors. Should a child tap his or her badge on a BLERDFEST! Event Exhibitor/Sponsor booth, if present and in use, we will not provide the exhibitor any information from that badge. If you are based in the EEA you may use our Services only if you are over the age at which you can provide consent to data processing under the laws of your country (the “Age of Consent”). If you are not over the Age of Consent, you may not use our Services without the permission of a parent. If you are a parent or guardian of a child who is under 13 years old and using our Services, please contact us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com to request deletion of any personal information we may have collected about the child. For privacy reasons, we may request proof of relationship to the child. Management of Information You can update your personal information by going into your online account on the BLERDFEST! Event Site where you initially provided the information. If you are unable to update your information yourself, please contact us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com for assistance. If you are from the EEA, in accordance with applicable data protection law, you have the right to (i) access your information; (ii) have your information corrected or deleted; (iii) in certain circumstances, object to our processing of your information; (iv) withdraw consent previously provided; (v) in certain circumstances, request that your information be transferred to another service provider, where feasible; or (vi) if you believe that we have not complied with applicable data protection law, lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact us by email at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com. For questions about this Privacy Policy and how your information may be collected, stored, used, and shared, please contact us by email at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com. Links to Third-Party Websites Our Services, newsletters, email updates, and other communications may, from time to time, contain links to and from the websites of others, advertisers, and affiliates. If you follow a link to any of these websites, please note that these websites have their own privacy policies and that we do not accept any responsibility or liability for these policies. Changes to the Privacy Policy We may revise and update our Privacy Policy from time to time at our sole discretion. We will notify you when we make changes to our Privacy Policy by posting on this page and by revising the “Effective Date” date at the top of this page. All changes are effective immediately when we post them and apply to all access to and use of the Services thereafter. Please check back frequently to see any updates or changes to our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree or consent to these updates or changes, do not continue to use the Services. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

ALCOHOL POLICY Effective Date: February 17, 2023 TRUE BLERD, LLC, herein referred to as “BLERDFEST!” reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. BLERDFEST! is committed to providing a safe and family-friendly environment for everyone’s attendance. BLERDFEST! expects its Employees, Staff, Directors, and each of their Guests or Representatives, to follow all applicable laws and regulations and to refrain from consuming alcohol in the presence of minors, serving alcohol while at the Event, or bringing outside alcoholic beverages onto the Event premises. BLERDFEST! does not serve alcohol. BLERDFEST!’s employees, staff, directors, and all BLERDFEST! Representatives, including Interpreters and those assisting Guests, are prohibited from serving alcohol. BLERDFEST! does not encourage drinking. If you are legally permitted to drink and choose to do so, BLERDFEST! asks that you drink responsibly. Prohibited alcohol conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following behavior: Consumption of alcohol by any person younger than 21 years old (a “minor”). Providing alcohol to, or facilitating the provision of alcohol to, any minor. Violation of any federal, state, or local law regarding alcoholic beverages. Violation of any policy of the Event facility or any Event vendor or concessionaire regarding alcoholic beverages. Violation of this Alcohol Policy may result in forfeiture of your Event pass, your expulsion from the Event and/or termination of your position with BLERDFEST!. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

ADA POLICY Effective Date: February 17, 2023 TRUE BLERD, LLC, herein referred to as “BLERDFEST!” reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. BLERDFEST! is dedicated to accommodating all Attendees, Volunteers, and Staff who may have disabilities that are protected by federal, state, and local public accommodations and accessibility laws. Although Event Facilities such as, but not limited to, McDonogh 35 College Preparatory High School is solely responsible for accessibility of and non-discrimination in their physical buildings, restrooms, and facilities, BLERDFEST! is ready and prepared to offer a hand to visitors with special needs or whom may require some sort of a reasonable accommodation. BLERDFEST! offers, for example: ASL interpreters for the deaf at large panels and events; A limited number of Volunteer Interpreters available for individual assistance; Limited special seating for programming events; and Support for Attendees with mobility issues If you are an Attendee who needs reasonable accommodation, BLERDFEST! wants to make your experience as fun and entertaining as possible. There are a few limitations, however, on what BLERDFEST! reasonably can provide. Please note: Programming rooms fill up quickly, and all seating is on a first-come, first- served basis, so special seating may not be available if you wait until the last minute to get to the room. Please read the program guide, check the mobile app for the most up-to-date schedule information, and plan your day accordingly, keeping in mind the popularity of most events. Please try to provide at least 30 days’ notice if you will be requesting any special aides such as ASL interpreters. BLERDFEST! understands that things can change at the last minute and will nonetheless attempt to accommodate you as best as possible irrespective of such last minute notice. Service animals must be obedient and behave in a manner that is safe and non-threatening for other attendees and other service animals at all times. Only service animals will be permitted into BLERDFEST! Events. If service animals are behaving in ways that fundamentally alters the services offered by BLERDFEST!, such as behaving aggressively toward other service animals (barking, lunging, growling, snarling, scratching, biting) or toward other attendees, or howling in concerts, or is otherwise disruptive, BLERDFEST! may impose restrictions or ask that you remove the service animal from the premises, and you agree to and will cooperate with BLERDFEST!’s requests. You may continue to participate while your service animal remains outside. No poisonous or illegal exotic service animals are permitted. Each disabled Attendee is allowed one (1) Helper for events and panels that have special seating. Each disabled Attendee and Helper must purchase an entry badge through event registration on-line or on-site. If you need a break from the crowds for any reason, please visit any Registration Desk to request access to a SafeSpace or visit the Chillout Lounge. We recommend visiting the Chillout Lounge if you need a peaceful place to rest or simply a reprieve from the noise. HOW TO APPLY FOR DISABLED SERVICES In order to receive disabled services at BLERDFEST!, a disabled Attendee must apply for and receive a disabled credential, and his or her helper must also have a disabled Helper credential. Before you apply for the disabled credential and a disabled credential for your Helper, you must first make sure that you (the Attendee) and Helper have registered and paid for a pass on the BLERDFEST! website. You and the Helper can also purchase a pass at Registration if you are on site. To apply, you and the helper must visit the Registration Desk in person at the Event, to request for a disabled credential. At Registration Desk, please make sure you let the counter person know that you are requesting a disabled credential for your badge. Disabled Helper may accompany the disabled Attendee when such Attendee is using such access accommodations, but in NO event will such access accommodations be made available to a Helper unaccompanied by a disabled Attendee. Note: ADA sticker privileges are only available to the sticker holder and may not be redistributed, sold, or reallocated. Any abuse of the ADA sticker privileges will result in the revocation of your BLERDFEST! pass without refund and access to any future BLERDFEST! events. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

COVID-19 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK POLICY Effective Date: February 17, 2023 TRUE BLERD, LLC, herein referred to as “BLERDFEST!” reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. As of the effective date of this guideline, there are currently NO COVID-19 restrictions in place by federal, state, or local city and health officials. We will update this page in the event that health & safety guidelines change with regard to vaccination verification and/or mask requirements. BLERDFEST! reserves the right to change this policy/guideline at any time. BLERDFEST! will NOT be requiring proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test to attend BLERDFEST! 2023. It is still strongly recommended that Attendees get their vaccinations and/or boosters prior to attending. Masks or face coverings will NOT be required but strongly recommended to attend BLERDFEST! 2023. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the “CDC”), senior citizens and people with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. The CDC advises that some people are more likely than others to become severely ill, and some people are at a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19. Attendees should evaluate their own risk in determining whether to attend. People who show no symptoms can spread COVID-19 if they are infected, and any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19. By purchasing a pass or attending any BLERDFEST! Event, you understand and agree for yourself and for each attending minor for whom you serve as a guardian that the Attendee at a BLERDFEST! Event (and, in the case of any attending minor, the guardian for the minor) assumes these inherent risks associated with attendance at the event and that attendance is at their sole discretion and risk. As a condition of attending a BLERDFEST! Event or allowing a minor for whom you serve as a guardian to attend, you acknowledge, agree, and confirm for yourself and for each attending minor for whom you serve as a guardian, each of the following: You and, if applicable, each attending minor for whom you serve as a guardian agree to abide by all BLERDFEST! health and safety requirements, as well as all directions from and requests made by BLERDFEST!, while attending a BLERDFEST! Event, and understand that BLERDFEST! reserves the right to deny admission and/or remove from the event anyone who fails or refuses to follow such instructions, directions and/or requests, with no promise or guarantee of admission (or re-admission). Note: BLERDFEST!’s health and safety requirements and guidelines are based on recommendations from federal, state, local, and venue officials regarding COVID-19 behavior and characteristics. These requirements and guidelines may be subject to change as more information and recommendations emerge. For further COVOD information, we advise you to review the latest CDC and State of Louisiana guidelines. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

A “COSPLAY THROWDOWN” is a costume contest, judged by Celebs and/or experienced Cosplayers, with prizes awarded in the following categories: Kids (12 & Under) Teens (13-17) Adult (18+): Beginner Adult (18+): Intermediate Adult (18+): Advanced Group (2+ People, All Ages) Skit Performance Only (All Ages) Contestants are encouraged to cosplay as whatever character they want, regardless of that character’s race, ethnicity, gender, color, hair texture, etc. Having said that, we want to be clear that we are NOT OK with “racefacing.” For example, a person dressing up as a character of a race other than their own is fine (a Black Black Widow? Yes, please!), but a person trying to emulate the physical characteristics of another racial or ethnic group (skin color, hair texture, facial features, etc.) is definitely not. In the words of T’challa: “We don’t do that here.” Please see “What is BLERDFEST!’s Cosplay Policy?” Contestants should sign up by filling out and submitting this form. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

COSPLAY POLICY Effective Date: February 17, 2023 TRUE BLERD, LLC, herein referred to as “BLERDFEST!” reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. COSPLAY GUIDELINES At BLERDFEST!, we celebrate the creativity of Cosplayers and encourage everyone to cosplay whomever they wish – regardless of size, gender, age, religion, shape, color, or even species. Cosplay is all about having fun! We simply ask that you follow the guidelines below and please keep in mind that BLERDFEST! is an all-ages event. Shoes are required at all times. Costumes and clothing should not expose the body in such a way as to be deemed indecent exposure by the City of New Orleans or the State of Louisiana. Private parts must be covered in an opaque material that will not slip or have gaps. Males wearing tight-fitting costumes are required to wear a dance belt. Costumes worn on the convention floor must not obstruct or impede the flow of traffic or entryways. If the costume cannot fit through a standard doorway, it may not be allowed during general convention hours. Attendees with bulky costumes, costumes that obscure the vision, or costumes with large extensions such as wings or spikes, should have a designated “handler,” to assist them through the hallways and crowds. Functioning wheels cannot be used as part of a costume or prop (i.e. anything that you might ride, push, or pull). We love your creativity, but please save the wheeled costumes/props for your photoshoots. No costumes may be realistic depictions of American law enforcement, current American military uniforms, first responders, emergency medical personnel, or any official government agent. “Vintage,” historical, any non-current uniforms, and any military or police-style costumes may be addressed at the convention’s discretion (i.e., Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid, etc.) No “racefacing.” Contestants are encouraged to cosplay as whatever character they want, regardless of that character’s race, ethnicity, gender, color, hair texture, etc., as long as that depiction is respectful and not derogatory towards members of that group. For example, a person dressing up as a character of a race other than their own is fine, but a person trying to emulate the physical characteristics of another racial or ethnic group (skin color, hair texture, facial features, etc.) is definitely not. If your cosplay does have a weapon, please check the Prop/Replica Weapon Policy. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

PROP / REPLICA WEAPONS POLICY Effective Date: February 17, 2023 TRUE BLERD, LLC, herein referred to as “BLERDFEST!” reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice. Your participation in BLERDFEST! Events means that you agree to comply with this Prop / Replica Weapons Policy. An “Event” shall mean any event held by BLERDFEST!. You further understand and agree that, for your own safety and the safety of everyone at an Event, BLERDFEST! has the absolute and immediate discretion and right to inspect your costumes, prop weapons, and any other item you bring to the Event. We may temporarily or permanently remove any attendee in our sole and absolute discretion at any time for violating this Prop / Replica Weapons Policy – because your safety and the safety of every attendee is of the utmost importance. Prohibited Items No Real Weapons Are Allowed at an Event. This includes firearms, knives, curios, relic antique firearms, any form of ammunition, any items designed or manufactured with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury, whether carried openly or concealed, even if any such weapons are inoperable or unusable and irrespective of whether you are licensed to possess such weapons. Items that may otherwise be legal for you to own or carry are not welcome at any Event if they violate this Prop / Replica Weapons Policy. The following items are not permitted at any BLERDFEST! Event: All Metal Weapons Firearms, ammunition, rifles, shotguns, handguns, blowguns, tasers, laser pointers, laser-aiming devices or similar laser devices Explosives, incendiary devices, chemical weapons, and pepper spray / mace Knives, live blades / swords (including Katana and other martial arts-style swords), daggers, sword canes, switchblades, Bali-Song (Butterfly knife), axes, Kunai, ice skates, and hatchets Metal pole arms, wooden / metal bats, paddles, stilts, golf clubs, and vuvuzelas Archery and hunting bows, arrows, nunchucks, brass knuckles, and whips Any item designed or manufactured with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person or property, any item that is illegal in the state of Louisiana, or any item that appears, in BLERDFEST!’s sole discretion, to be dangerous or which would pose or place others at risk or harm, immediate or otherwise. Peace Bonding Prop weapons must be submitted to “Weapons Check” for Peace Bonding. BLERDFEST! has the sole discretion to approve prop weapons. Please visit us at one of our Weapons Check booths during the Event. Other Event Weapons Check Booth locations shall be designated in the programs and on signs. We may revoke your Peace Bond at any time in our sole discretion. Behavior which will warrant revocation of your Peace Bond includes: Brandishing an item in an inappropriate fashion, such as play-fighting or swinging the prop around Causing complaints from other attendees of the Event Tampering or altering of the Peace Bond Prop Weapons Prop weapons are inoperable weapons that support the overall look of your costume or character. For example, plastic Airsoft guns, Nerf guns, water guns, dart guns, disc guns, pellet guns, and cap guns are prop weapons. Peace Bonding Rules If a prop weapon is, or was, at any time capable of firing anything, it must be rendered permanently inoperable in order to qualify for Peace Bonding. You can do this by, for example, permanently plugging the barrel with glue, caulk, or any non-removable substance and hot gluing all moving components of the prop in place. You must be able to prove that the prop weapon is permanently inoperable upon inspection. In addition, to qualify for Peace Bonding, your prop weapon must meet the following criteria: All bladed props, prop firearms and prop knives cannot contain metal, have metal components, or have metal-based paints on them. Note: Lightsabers with metal hilts are allowed. Your prop weapon cannot be more than 7 feet in any direction or weigh more than 15 pounds. Prop explosives or ammunition cannot be made out of metal. All swords and bladed prop weapons must adhere to the following rules: They cannot be made out of metal If your non-metal blade has a sharp edge or pointed tip, it must be anchored to a hard sheath for the duration of the Event If you do not have a hard sheath, your non-metal blade must have a blunt edge and blunt tip All prop bows must be unstrung or have a low-tensile thread with no draw weight and be incapable of shooting. All prop arrows must have blunt non-metal tips. Metal chains are not permitted unless it is for cosplay and affixed to a piece of clothing and/or armor. Any prop chain must be under 7 feet to avoid safety and fire hazards. If your prop weapon is a toy, look-alike, or imitation firearm, then federal regulations (15 CFR § 272.3) require that it either be translucent enough to, permit unmistakable observation of the device’s complete contents or must have at least one of the following: An Orange Solid Plug in Barrel: Have a blaze orange (Fed-Std-595B 12199) or orange color brighter than that specified by the federal standard color number solid plug permanently affixed to the muzzle end of the barrel as an integral part of the entire device and recessed no more than 6 millimeters from the muzzle end of the barrel; or An Orange Barrel Marking: A blaze orange (Fed-Std-595B 12199) or orange color brighter than that specified by the federal standard color number, marking permanently affixed to the exterior surface of the barrel, covering the circumference of the barrel from the muzzle end for a depth of at least 6 millimeters; or Entire Surface Coloration: Coloration of the entire exterior surface of the device in white, bright red, bright orange, bright yellow, bright green, bright blue, bright pink, or bright purple, either singly or as the predominant color in combination with other colors in any pattern. Please take care when outside or when transporting any form of firearm prop. Regardless of how realistic the prop may look, ensure that it is completely hidden while traveling and be aware of your surroundings, attire, and the appearance of your props to bystanders when outside of the Event. Do not assume a costume will reassure people that your prop is not a real weapon. Peace-Bonded Weapons at the Event You may display your prop weapons only as costume pieces. Do not swing or brandish your prop weapon in any way that could be considered unsafe or threatening. You may pose with a prop weapon in a brandishing manner, so long as no reasonable person would interpret it as anything but a pose for dramatic effect. Event staff or management may stop your posed brandishing in their sole discretion. Please put your prop weapons away when leaving the Event site at night so that you don’t get the attention of local law enforcement. BLERDFEST! cannot be responsible for any actions taken by local law enforcement agencies, such as detaining and questioning you, if you decide to display or brandish your prop weapons at or outside of the Event. Everyday Items Items that people normally carry such as umbrellas or walking sticks/canes are permitted within the Event and subject to inspection upon entry. Lightweight plastic or foam bats, paddles, and clubs are permitted. Roller skates/blades, skateboards, scooters, go-karts, hoverboards, etc. are not permitted within the Event area. Ice Skates are not allowed, even with skate guards attached. Power tools are not permitted e.g. chainsaws, drills, or hedge trimmers. Buying Weapons at the Event All Prop / Replica weapons purchased at the Event must remain sealed in its original packaging while at the Event. If you would like to use your Prop / Replica weapon at the Event, you must submit your item to a “Weapons Check” booth for peace bonding. Martial Arts Performances and Demos You may display working martial arts weapons during, and 30 minutes before and after, a performance that has been approved by Event management in advance. Of course, you must use common sense to avoid harming any person or property. You must conceal or wrap the weapons when transporting them to and from the demonstration, and you must remove the weapons immediately after the demonstration. Event staff reserves the right to stop any performance or demonstration in their sole discretion. Law Enforcement Uniformed Costumes COSTUMES THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OR OTHER EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL UNIFORMS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT THE EVENT. It is against the law to impersonate local law enforcement, emergency personnel, or first responders. BLERDFEST! has the absolute right and sole discretion to decide whether your costume looks too much like one of these uniforms, and to request the removal or modification of that costume. Should you refuse to cooperate, we may expel you from the Event in order to protect the safety and welfare of everyone at the Event. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

Contestants for BLERDFEST!’s COSPLAY THROWDOWN should fill out this form.

Put simply, a “Blerd” is a Black Nerd. There has been exponential growth in the popularity and influence of Nerd culture in recent years – a culture defined by its passionate pursuit of unique interests in geekdom, the arts, and academia. ​ Mostly, that culture excludes the Black experience. We, as Blerds, are trying to change that. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

BLERDFEST!, NOLA’s first & only Black Nerd Festival, is about representation, education, and inclusion. It is for us, by us, about us. We are dedicated to creating a safe space for all POC to geek out about nerd culture, to promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) to our community’s youth, to showcasing Black entrepreneurs in tech, gaming, and entertainment, and to creating panels and workshops that entertain, educate, encourage, and support all the members of our community. We had our first event in 2019; COVID deferred our ’20, ’21, and ’22 dreams, but we’re coming back April 1, 2023 – BIGGER BETTER BLACKER! For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

BLERDFEST! is primarily focused on Black representation in Nerd culture, and is open to anyone who supports that mission. We embrace everyone that comes to the event with an open mind and an open heart, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious or spiritual affiliation, physical ability, neurodivergence/mental ability, socioeconomic status, or educational or vocational background. We make a special effort to amplify the most marginalized voices in our community, with a particular emphasis on Black girls/women and the intersectionally oppressed. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

BLERDFEST! is a 1-day Black Nerd Festival that takes place Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11 am - 6 pm McDonogh 35 College Preparatory High School 4000 Cadillac St NOLA 70112 For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

All-day BLERDFEST! passes: • Adults (18+): $25 in advance; +$5 at the door. • Teens (13-17): $15 in advance; + $5 at the door • Kids (12 & Under): FREE with paid Adult Passes are available NOW! For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

BLERDFEST! is definitely family-friendly. We strive to attract multi-generational Attendees, and we’re creating content specifically for the littles among us. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

BLERDFEST! embraces everyone that comes to the event with an open mind and an open heart, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious or spiritual affiliation, physical ability, neurodivergence/mental ability, socioeconomic status, or educational or vocational background. We make a special effort to amplify the most marginalized voices in our community, with a particular emphasis on Black girls/women and the intersectionally oppressed. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

To respect those who may have fears of or allergies to animals (as well as liability concerns), we ask that you not bring live animals to BLERDFEST! unless they are service animals. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

There is plenty of free on-site parking at BLERDFEST!; if those lots are full, there is free street parking in the area. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

The venue is completely ADA compliant. Whenever possible, we will have ASL Interpreters at panels and presentations. We have support services available for differently-abled people, on a limited first-come first-served basis. For more info about this, please see our “ADA Policy” on this page, or reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

If you are an Actor, Artist, Cosplayer, Filmmaker, Writer or any other Blerdy Creator and you’d be interested in appearing as a Guest at BLERDFEST! 2023, please contact us using the form on the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com, and let us know what you have in mind!

We love Sponsors! Please contact us using the form on the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com, and we’ll send you all the information on sponsoring BLERDFEST! 2023!

Please check out the GET INVOLVED: BE A VENDOR page for the latest updates. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

There is no BLERDFEST! merch yet, but we’re working on it! For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

TRUE BLERD, LLC is a Limited Liability Company registered in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, under the non-profit fiscal sponsorship of IGL Foundation; it is the legal entity that runs BLERDFEST!. BLERDFEST!’s All-Volunteer Organizers have combined decades of experience in Education, Gaming, Law, Tech, Visual & Performing Arts and Public Art programming, and have received numerous commissions, awards, and commendations for their work in community-based arts. More details can be found in the ABOUT: WHO IS BLERDFEST!? section. For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.

BLERDFEST! is a new Con, and we’re still in the labor of love stage of our development. While we have no paid positions to offer, Volunteer opportunities may come up for those who are interested in helping to make history as part of the first & only Black Nerd Festival in NOLA. ​ For more info about this or any other aspect of BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us via the CONTACT page, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com, and let us know what your interests are!

If you’d like to interview us for a story on BLERDFEST!, please reach out to us using the CONTACT form, or email us at info[at]BLERDFESTNOLA.com.