frequently asked questions

•covid + mpx faq•

below are our 2023 covid policies. we’ve left these up so you can get a general vibe for our risk management strategies.
we will update these ahead of opening presenter applications, so that you can make the best decisions for you.

note: this section is subject to change the most in the months leading up to the con. please check in regularly, or subscribe to our newsletter to get updates in your inbox.

a note from the producers on the 2023 covid policies:

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

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

our 2023 COVID policy is as follows:

--Each attendee will be required to rapid test four times: once on Wednesday evening (10/18); and once each on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (10/20-22) ahead of entrance to the con. BRING YOUR NEGATIVE TEST to the con each day to check in. We ask that if any of these are positive, you do not attend - and you let us know so we can get you sorted.

--Masks will be required at unabashed, except in the outdoor area, while presenting, while eating, and while actively playing as needs must. The dungeon play spaces will be blocked off roughly 6 feet+ apart. There is some outdoor space for people to eat outside, and will have additional mitigation strategies in the smaller classrooms. We encourage you to bring your own masks, but we will have masks and large bottles of hand sanitizer available at the main door and the doors to each classroom.

--We're asking - but not requiring - that folks consider getting their COVID booster. We understand that this booster was just released; that it's hard to get appointments in certain places ahead of the two-week efficacy period; that some insurances still haven't added it to their list; that it's not free-free for everyone without jumping through some hoops. While the newest booster provides the most protection, previous vaccinations + boosters do provide some protection from the severity of the most recent strain. If you can get boosted, please do get boosted to help those who can't.

--We still do require proof of the original series of vaccinations (or a medical exception via a doctor's note), and while those are less effective vs. these most recent strains, it does provide some protections.

--We're asking that, if you feel unwell after the event, you let us know if you test positive for COVID. We'll keep you anonymous, but let folks know what sessions you attended so that folks can follow up in ways that feel best for them.

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

If you are and don't have your ticket, there are still a few left - we'd love to see you in a couple weeks!

<3, the unabashed team

what’s your COVID vaccination policy?

in order to attend, you must be vaccinated or have a valid doctor's note saying that you cannot have the vaccine for medical reasons. with an exception, you will be required to wear a mask for the duration of the con, excluding the space outside the building. we will be checking vaccine cards at the door.

as of 5.15.24: we expect that our 2023 policy will hold when it comes to boosters, as the next is anticipated to be released in the fall. stay tuned to this page for more details.

what’s your mask policy?

we understand that COVID is still among us, and that the landscape around it is a rapidly shifting one, particularly as the weather begins to cool and we all spend more time indoors. in 2023, we required masking, a rapid test beforehand, and rapid tests each day of the con. we had no reported transmission, though we did ask folks to follow up around health outcomes.

as of 5.15.24: we are planning to watch transmission rates and evaluate closer to the con. if you buy a ticket before we set our policy, and are unsatisfied with our policy, we can offer a full refund minus the platform fee.

please note that we will comply with all CDC, state, county, and city guidelines, up to and including masking at all times while indoors, proof of negative COVID test before the event, and/or negative rapid test before entry.

what’s your COVID testing policy?

we are still solidifying this plan for 2024. we anticipate that there will be some amount of rapid testing, potentially at the 2023 level.

in 2023, we asked that people test on wednesday before the con and every day before entry. we asked you to let us know if this was a financial burden for you, and we offered some rapid tests and tried to work with folks to help you find tests ahead of the con.

please note that we will comply with all CDC, state, county, and city guidelines, up to and including masking at all times while indoors, proof of negative COVID test before the event, and/or negative rapid test before entry.

if you have a positive test result within two weeks of the con or just ahead of the con, we ask that you do not attend. if that happens, please email us to discuss your options. thank you for understanding as we try to keep our community as safe as possible. <3

what if we’re not allowed to gather?

if COVID is resurging and we can’t gather per CDC or Colorado state guidelines, we will refund 50% of your ticket cost and move the conference sessions online, including a digital play space and party. unabashed is not responsible for any travel costs incurred.

what about monkeypox?

community spread of monkeypox is currently low. while we certainly encourage vaccination, this is not a requirement for attendance to unabashed in 2024.