F.A.Q.
CODE of CONDUCT
@ the bottom of the page
/ When is "Minne" MerCon 2026?
March 13 - 15, 2026
/ Where is "Minne" MerCon 2026 being held?
Glad you asked!
Minne MNMerCon is held across multiple venues!
If you have a weekend badge, you are welcome at any of the locations that are included
for programming (hotel & GRWP]. Please note, GROUP swim @ GRWP Is included in your badge, while GRWP OPEN swim will be at a group rate of $6 per person as part of our economic accessibility efforts.
We are trialing this to help keep the cost of the basic badge lower, and to allow mers not able to attend the convention to still attend the group swims with the community.
1] We will be BACK at Great River Water Park in the Jimmy Lee Rec Center in St.Paul MN, located at 270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104 for our MAIN MERFOLK pool.
This pool covers 25m and goes from 3.ft to a nice depth.
CLICK HERE for a google map link to G.R.W.P.
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2] OUR HOTEL WILL BE:
Comfort Inn & Suites
3505 Vadnais Center Drive
Vadnais Heights, MN, 55110, US
We know it isn't ideal to have the pool and hotel in different places, however this IS fairly typical for a mer-con. We are very fortunate to have such a warm and welcoming swim home with GRWP, and chose the hotel closest to the pool who was willing to host us. The 2 locations are only 15min (or less) apart, and we build travel time into our programming.​
How much does it cost?
Our pricing structure is another place where we build accessibility into our programming; having a base ticket price with the option to add on additional classes, certifications, & events helps us keep the base badge price point lower (even as inflation keeps going up) while still allowing guests to build their experience to their budget vs. an overall activities fee factored into ticketing. That doesn't mean lower quality however; many of MNMC activities & events are included in the basic badge package.
We are hoping that this experiment in pricing will allow more MerFolk to be able to afford attending the convention, while ALSO still offering opportunities for people who perhaps cannot afford a convention badge to participate in the community group swims and Vending Hall.
For example: the OPEN swim times at GRWP will be open to the public, NO BADGE will be required. Instead, anyone from the community OR MNMerCon will be able to check in at GRWP and get a MNMC discounted swim rate of $6. This way, MNMC guests have the option to swim in the afternoons at a discounted rate if they wish, non MNMC guests can participate in MNMC community still if they wish, AND we are able to keep our basic badge prices lower for everyone...which is OUR wish.
Our team is working very hard to find creative ways to try and stay affordable, and we are always open to suggestions on more ways to do that. Thanks for working with us to help us help you. All. <3.
We will be offering several ticketing options, including daily passes or a weekend pass.
HOLIDA SPECIAL: Full Weekend Badge: $80.00*
Full Weekend Badge: $100.00*
Friday Only Badge: $50.00*
Saturday Only Badge: $80.00*
Sunday Only Badge: $30.00*
*does not include taxes & fees,& may be subject to change
/ How is "Minne" MerCon "mini"?
When we first started planning, we just wanted to offer a more affordable convention option for mermaids stuck midland. So we started working on a 1 day event; no hotel blocks or vending or anything too complicated (or expensive), just a small community of merfolk coming together for some panels, some pools, and some fun. Something like the larger cons...just..you know. "Minne"
Add in that we are based in MINNEsota...and, well, it seemed like a good place to start.
Since then, "Minne" MerCon has grown and expanded at an abshelloute stunner of a pace... but no matter how large we grow, we will always hold on to our "minne" roots.
/ WHO is allowed to participate in MNMerCon?
ANYONE & EVERYONE willing to adhere to the convention code of conduct and terms of attendance agreement is welcome! Part of OMPAS (our sponsor] mission statement is to "provide safe and sustainable access to arts & ecology education through engaging edutainment and events".
All facilities have family changing rooms as a locker room option for any of our guests.
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A note on AGES: While all ages are welcome to attend, our programming this year is best suited to age 13+.
Also, DUE TO AGREEMENTS WITH OUR FACILITIES, NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 13 CURRENTLY MAY SWIM IN A TAIL.
We will be working toward seeing if there are acceptable safety parameters we can work toward.
/ Is there a Hotel block?
/ What all is included with my badge purchase?
Your badge will allow you access to the main convention at BOTH the hotel and the pool site; MerCon badges are required to access all MNMerCon programming. Badge fees pay for the required insurance, instructor fees, and pool rental space to make these events possible. Your support helps bring these events to the community! However, as always, please reach out if you have concerns and we can address them together. Also, fyi: As we will be at multiple sites, it will be important to keep your wristband on you at all times as this is how our host sites will be able to identify us in their guest population.
MOST sessions, panels, and activities are included in your badge. Programming notes will clearly state what is included and what will be an additional (optional) fee. In our program, PINK activities are included in the basic badge. Any activities in YELLOW will have additional fees.
/ Will there be any food at the event?
Actually, yes!
We will be offering coffee, tea, water, as well as a light snacks at varying times throughout the weekend.
We will be including allergen warning and signage on all serving tables, but can not guarantee foods will be 100% in compliance with dietary needs so please note that you partake AT YOUR OWN RISK.
/ How do you plan to track ticketing across multiple venues?
We will be utilizing wristbands for our guests.
YOU MUST wear your wristband at all times while attending MerCon venues & sessions.
/ Ok...so what if I lose my wristband?
If you lose your wristband, please bring an I.D. to the registration table and we will work with you to replace it.
Wristbands will be replaced a maximum of 1x; after that you will need to purchase a new band.
/ Where should I park?
GRWP has FREE, ample parking on site. As does the hotel.
/ I'm just here with my child; do I still need a ticket?
YES. ALL participants will need to purchase a ticket. Due to being a limited ticket event, we are only opting to sell day or weekend badges. Every person in the room counts toward our capacity, even parents and mertenders, so we will not be offering specialized pricing at this time.
In future years, as we expand event capacity, we look forward to offering an expanded variety of ticket options.
/ What is the return/refund policy?
ALL TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
They ARE transferable however, so connect with us if you have questions.
/ Are tickets transferable?
Yes! Tickets are transferable to other attendees, or toward future events/years.
Any transfers MUST occur before the convention begins; 12pm Friday is the cut off to contact us about transferring a ticket.
Please contact us so we may assist you if you do end up needing to transfer, and include: your original purchase confirmation email, your name, and the full name and address of the new attendee.
/ Who do I contact if I am interested in volunteering or getting involved?
Get in touch with us via email!
MNMerCon@gmail.com
/ Will there be vendors at the event?
Yes! We have multiple vendors from several states!
Please shoot us an email at: vendorsmnmercon@gmail.com​
or CLICK HERE if you are interested in learning more about vending.
/ What are the pools like?
GRWP's pool hall is 25 yards for it's 6 lanes, with depths ranging from 4ft all the way down to 25ft.
The pool has a smooth white and black tile finish, and is mer-mazing for big tails, big fluke, big flips, and big fun!
We are also super excited to be working with a hotel that is a tail friendly space too! Their pool IS smaller than GRWP, however for a hotel pool it is lovely. Plus they have a waterslide, hot tub, and plenty of space to play.
/ Is there an attendee policy? Code of Conduct?
Yes! It's actually listed just below! Please look it over!
By purchasing a ticket and attending, you certify you have read thru our FAQ, read our Code of Conduct, and agree to abide by them and their policies.
/ Where will I keep my tails & gear?
We will have "pod parking" space available in the main meeting room for guests coming from off site, and the parking lot at the hotel is fairly private if you prefer to keep things locked in your vehicle. If you are staying at the hotel, we encourage you to bring your tail to and from your room as needed. At GRWP , we will have a place on the pool deck.
Code of Conduct & Terms of Participation
Code of Conduct - Minne MerCon​
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Harassment and Disruptive Behavior Policy:
MNMerCon is dedicated to providing safe and sustainable spaces for events, education, and ecology. We operate under a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY against any form of harassment or disruptive behavior, whether physical or verbal, towards attendees, participants, patrons, or bystanders. This includes, but is not limited to, physical or verbal intimidation, offensive comments, assault, non-consensual photography, sustained disruption of events, bathroom policing, inappropriate physical contact, stalking, and unwelcome attention.
Overly sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for our venue(s), including talks, workshops, parties, Instagram, Facebook and other online media.
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Anti-Discrimination Policy:
This policy applies to everyone and is not limited to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, age, body size, disability, appearance, religion, or citizenship.
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Conduct at the Convention:
By purchasing a ticket, you are agreeing that “Minne” MerCon 2026, its personnel, and its affiliates are not responsible for any damage, theft, injury, or loss experienced at the event. Attendees of the events are responsible for their own actions and belongings as well as for any resulting repercussions. Staff and security is on hand to assist in any situation; however, any civil or medical emergencies that may occur must be handled directly by the appropriate authorities. “Minne” MerCon 2026 has a zero tolerance policy on misconduct of any kind; misconduct is judged at the discretion of “Minne” MerCon 2026 Staff and based off of the above behavior policy. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference without a refund. If a person engages in harassing or disruptive behavior, MNMerCon Staff reserves the right to take immediate action to ensure the safety of all, up to and including expulsion from the event and notification of the venue's Security Team.
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Reporting Harassment:
Anyone can report harassment. If someone's behavior has made you uncomfortable or if you witness such behavior, contact MNMerCon Staff, a volunteer, or a member of the venue's Security Team. Support is available at the "Minne" MerCon 2026 Registration desk or the venue's front desk.
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Legal Actions and Support:
If necessary, we will contact law enforcement, provide escort, offer a safe place, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to ensure their safety throughout the event. MNMC will abide by state & local laws, and enforce them to the best of our ability.
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Respect and Conduct Guidelines:
Remember, Cosplay and Costumes are not consent. Attendees should be respectful, nice, and kind to each other. "Minne" MerCon 2026 reserves the right to remove any attendee from the event grounds for any reason deemed unsafe or harmful to others or for repeated failure to follow the rules.
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Costume Guidelines:
Indecent exposure (public exposure of genitalia, buttocks, or female breasts) is not permitted. Costumes should adhere to both the YMCA's and local laws and customs concerning public decency, be sturdy and fitted, and not cause disruption to others. You are responsible for your own costuming.
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Photography and Media Consent:
By purchasing a ticket and attending the event, attendees agree to be photographed by official photographers and press. Photographs and videos may be used on social media platforms and advertising. Participants are advised to seek permission before photographing others. No recording or live streaming of the event, classes, participants, etc... is allowed without permission of MNMerCon and the individuals involved.
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Refund Policy:
Except in the case of event cancellation, tickets are non-refundable. "Minne" MerCon 2026 is not responsible for any damage, theft, injury, or loss. Attendees are responsible for their actions and belongings.
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Resale of Tickets:
Unlawful resale of tickets is grounds for seizure and cancellation without compensation. Tickets should not be used for advertising, promotions, contests, or sweepstakes without written authorization.
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COVID-19 Safety Measures:
We follow CDC recommendations for large gatherings. At this time, tests or vaccinations are not required. Masks are allowed everywhere but the water. Anyone appearing ill or contagious will be asked to leave, and we reserve the right to adjust safety measures based on current conditions.
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Digital Media Policy :
None of our events may be recorded or live-streamed without written prior consent.
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Right to Refuse Entry:
We reserve the right to refuse tickets or entry to any person who does not abide by our code of conduct or the moral and ethical agreements of the Minne MerCon 2026 team.
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Thank you for helping us create safe spaces for everyone to come enjoy the magic of mermaiding!