SLICE POLICIES

 

Safe Spaces Policy

 

SLICE is a safe space, which means that it is intended to be a welcoming, engaging, and supportive environment free of oppressive actions, behavior, and language. Participants and attendees are asked to consider how their language and behavior impact others in attendance.

 

 The following guidelines will help SLICE be a safer space:

  • Respect people’s physical and emotional boundaries.
  • Always get explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing boundaries.
  • Respect people’s opinions, beliefs, differing states of being, and differing points of view.
  • Be responsible for your actions and aware that they may have an effect on others regardless of original intent.

 

The following actions and forms of discrimination and abuse will not be tolerated:

  • Racism, sexism, classism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, and all other forms of discrimination
  • Theft of money or property
  • Physical, verbal, or mental abuse
  • Sexual harassment or inappropriate/unwelcome comments and behaviors
  • Disruptive or disrespectful behavior
  • Causing a participant or attendee to feel distressed or unsafe

 

Should an issue arise with a participant or attendee during the Expo, please come to the information table and ask for a SLICE organizer. Organizers will be available to hear these concerns and find a solution that is in the best interests of making the community and the event a safer space. The SLICE organizers reserve the right to ask any attendees who are violating the safe space policy to change or address their unsafe behavior or language, or leave the event if necessary.

 

COVID-19 Policy

 

Masks are strongly encouraged for all attendees, exhibitors, and staff at SLICE. In order to protect immunocompromised folks in our community, we ask that you wear your masks in the expo hall. 

 

SLICE recommends testing for COVID-19 within 48 hours prior to the event. If you test positive the day of the event, please do not attend.

 

SLICE staffers will provide free KN95 masks to those who need them. The Sheldon is equipped with HVAC filtration that meets CDC ventilation guidelines for COVID-19. We will also be supplying two portable HEPA air scrubbers to improve filtration in the expo hall. We are providing outdoor seating options and encourage guests to eat outside. 

 

Thank you to the Cartoonist Cooperative for publishing the Masking Initiative and Resources guide, which was crucial to our planning!

 

DEIA Initiative

 

SLICE’s mission is to support local, independent creators and make print arts accessible to St. Louisans. We aim to accomplish this by building a diverse community; collaborating with local artists and organizations; and offering free, public events to help artists grow and introduce people of all backgrounds and skill levels to comics, zines, and print arts. In order to achieve that accessibility and community, we believe it takes a concentrated effort to expand our reach outside of traditional print and comics circles in the St. Louis region. This is achieved by going to local cultural markets, providing programming in a variety of neighborhoods, keeping all of our programs completely free to attend, and keeping the expo and its events COVID-19 cautious. This visibility empowers marginalized and disabled creators to make art and to continue to learn the craft of print arts.

 

SLICE EXHIBITOR POLICIES

 

Exhibitor Terms and Conditions

Applications

Exhibitor applications will be accepted based on application quality, uniqueness, and available space, and will be chosen by members of the SLICE team. One table per applicant. SLICE reserves the right to deny any table application if the applicant does not meet the SLICE safe space policy terms and/or the applicant is showing items they do not have a right to sell.

AI Policy

SLICE expressly prohibits the sale of AI-generated content, and vendors must own the rights to the work they exhibit at the expo or have obtained permission from the rights holder. Violators of this rule will be removed from the expo and banned from all future SLICE events. No refunds will be offered to vendors removed from the expo.

Table Assignments

Once acceptance letters have gone out, accepted exhibitors will be sent a form to confirm their preferences. This form will allow you to suggest tablemates for placement and request any specific accessibility accommodations you require. While we can’t guarantee that you’ll be next to your besties, we’ll try our hardest. Accessibility requests will take priority.

 

In order to hit our target for number of exhibitors, SLICE may choose to offer a half table to some applicants who initially requested a full table. If you are offered a half table but require a full table for accessibility, please let us know via the accepted exhibitor form. 

Waiting List

If not initially accepted, applicants may be placed on a waiting list. These applicants will be contacted about said waiting list.

No Call / No Show Policy

Exhibitors are expected to arrive at the expo venue within one (1) hour (11amCST) of the expo start time. If you are running late or cannot make it, you must call (phone number will be provided in your acceptance materials) or send an email to info@slicexpo.org before the expo start time to inform SLICE staff. Exhibitors who do not contact SLICE and do not show will have their tables pulled from the expo hall and will be barred from exhibiting at SLICE for the next two (2) years.

Lost Items

Exhibitor agrees not to hold SLICE and The Sheldon responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged merchandise.

Permissions

SLICE reserves the right to request more information about the materials you intend to show. No table space is reserved until you receive confirmation from SLICE. Exhibitors’ contact information will be kept private. SLICE will not sell, trade, rent, or give away exhibitor contact information to a third party. Exhibitors give SLICE permission to use the information provided in their application in the SLICE program, on slicexpo.org, and in promotional materials for the expo, as well as data provided in grant applications. Exhibitors also give SLICE and The Sheldon permission to use any photos taken on the day of the event for promotional purposes.

 

Expo Day Policies

  • All banners/displays must be free-standing, single-sided, and only a few inches deep.
  • Please make sure that the tops of all banners/displays are no more than 8ft tall (from the floor) and no more than 6ft wide; please keep in mind that tables are 2.5ft high when measuring your display. This applies to all tables, even if on a corner and/or against a wall/curtain.
  • Please do not encroach on your neighbors’ space on any side, including behind you.
  • Displays on tables can be no more than 4ft high from the top of the table and must be inward-facing; No artwork should face out towards another creator’s table.
  • Displays cannot obstruct the visibility of other artists’ tables; no signage is allowed perpendicular to the table between the table and the rear banner/display. This means you should be able to see both your neighbors and look down the entire aisle and see to the end.
  • All selling artists must be 18 years of age at minimum.
  • All artwork displayed needs to be the work of a vendor who is present at the table.
  • We recommend bringing a tablecloth or covering of some kind to have a more suitable surface for your wares and give your space its own vibe. 
  • No more than two (2) creators are allowed per full-sized table.
  • You may not raise, move, or alter your table position.
  • Do not tape any signage to the floor.
  • Do not bring extra tables to set up behind or next to your table (even if you are on an end table).
  • No loud music or bright lighting that can be disruptive to your neighbors. Please be mindful of your neighbors at all times to make an enjoyable experience for everyone.
  • No smoking or vaping indoors; alcohol only through the bartender.