8Bit/Digi

Protest and typical anarchist shenanigans have plagued Oakland for the last few nights following the results of the 2016 Election. These events could be of great concern to those planning on attending Kracken Con next weekend.

To address these concerns and to assure attendees that their safety will be a priority, the Kraken Con team posted the following on Facebook:

Dear Squid-Friends,

We’ve been keeping a watchful eye on the situation since the election. We are as saddened as we’re sure all of you are with the behavior some demonstrators have exhibited in Oakland the last few nights.

We take all of your safety and security very seriously. We are working closely with the Oakland Marriott and Oakland Convention Center to ensure that this Fall Kraken Con 2016 is as safe and enjoyable of an event as all of you deserve. While we expect the demonstrations to abate before the convention begins, we have gone ahead and added additional hired security to provide peace of mind to us all.

Kraken Con is and always has been a safe space – we have had a zero tolerance harassment policy since day one. If an instance of harassment occurs inside or outside the convention, please do not hesitate to report it immediately to our staff. As usual, you can find us with our sailor hats. All of us are here to ensure that your experience is a positive one. Everyone is welcome at Kraken Con, no matter their fandom, race, gender, sexuality or any other trait. This is something near and dear to our hearts that we will protect fiercely for as long as the convention persists.

As you all know, we started Kraken Con with the hope to create a special place. A place where together, we could celebrate the characters and stories that bring us joy, no matter their origin. Despite the recent divisions from the current political situation, we hope that you will still join us for three days and two nights of fun as we get lost in our various fandoms. Together.

With hope,

Lindsey & Stephen Daugherty
Director & Deputy-Director Kraken Con

P.S. Let’s release the Kraken together!

A little note for those going to Kraken Con next week, protesters don’t come anywhere near the convention center since Oakland PD has a strong presence in that area.

Kraken Con 2016 will be from November 18 until November 21 at the Oakland Convention Center along with the surrounding locations. Tickets are now available for purchase and 8Bit/Digi will be present at the event.