OFFICIAL RULES, REGULATIONS, TERMS & CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION
Theme: Fashion Beyond Barriers: Empowering Abilities, Celebrating Humanity
Event Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Presented By: FashionFad Global & HOPe Africa (501(c)(3)
PURPOSE OF THE RULES
These rules are designed to ensure a safe, respectful, inclusive, accessible, professional, and enjoyable experience for all participants, contestants, sponsors, volunteers, families, caregivers, organizations, partners, judges, media representatives, and guests.
Participation constitutes acceptance of these rules and regulations.
1. ELIGIBILITY
Participation is open to:
People with disabilities
Family members
Caregivers
Service providers
Support coordinators
Disability advocacy organizations
Educational institutions
Healthcare organizations
Government agencies
Community organizations
Fashion designers
Models
Performers
Entrepreneurs
Sponsors
Vendors
Volunteers
Media organizations
Faith-based organizations
Corporate partners
Participants under eighteen (18) years of age must have parental or guardian consent.
2. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
FashionFad Global and HOPe Africa maintain a strict non-discrimination policy.
No participant shall be discriminated against based on:
• Disability
• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Gender identity
• Age
• Veteran status
• Marital status
• Economic background
• Political affiliation
Everyone deserves dignity, respect, and equal opportunity.
3. CODE OF CONDUCT
All participants agree to:
Treat others with respect.
Promote inclusion and positivity.
Follow instructions from event officials.
Respect event schedules and deadlines.
Maintain professionalism.
Support fellow participants.
Promote good sportsmanship.
Uphold the reputation of the event.
The following behaviors are prohibited:
✘ Harassment
✘ Bullying
✘ Threatening conduct
✘ Discrimination
✘ Hate speech
✘ Physical violence
✘ Intoxication
✘ Illegal activities
✘ Disruptive behavior
Violations may result in removal from the event.
4. PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES
Participants are responsible for:
• Arriving on time
• Maintaining communication with organizers
• Submitting required materials
• Attending rehearsals when required
• Following venue rules
• Respecting accessibility accommodations
• Keeping personal belongings secure
5. ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBILITIES
Organizations participating with consumers shall:
• Ensure participants have appropriate supervision.
• Maintain emergency contact information.
• Arrange transportation where applicable.
• Ensure participant readiness.
• Provide accurate attendance projections.
• Communicate accommodation needs promptly.
• Submit weekly progress updates.
6. TALENT COMPETITION RULES
Singing
Maximum performance time:
5 minutes
Dancing
Maximum performance time:
5 minutes
Comedy
Maximum performance time:
5 minutes
Spoken Word
Maximum performance time:
5 minutes
Acting
Maximum performance time:
7 minutes
Instrumental Performance
Maximum performance time:
5 minutes
Contestants may perform individually or as groups.
Organizers reserve the right to adjust performance times.
7. MUSIC REQUIREMENTS
Participants must:
• Submit music at least 14 days before the event.
• Ensure music is suitable for family audiences.
• Avoid offensive language.
• Comply with copyright requirements where applicable.
Organizers reserve the right to reject inappropriate content.
8. FASHION SHOW RULES
Fashion entries may include:
Adaptive Fashion
Universal Design Fashion
Cultural Fashion
Formal Wear
Casual Wear
Creative Fashion
Sustainable Fashion
Recycled Fashion
Inclusive Fashion Designs
Participants are encouraged to:
• Showcase creativity
• Promote accessibility
• Demonstrate originality
• Reflect individuality
9. COSTUME GUIDELINES
Costumes must:
Be appropriate for public audiences.
Be safe to wear.
Not restrict movement dangerously.
Avoid offensive messages or imagery.
Respect cultural diversity.
FashionFad promotes dignity and inclusion.
10. JUDGING CRITERIA
Talent Categories
Judged on:
• Creativity
• Confidence
• Originality
• Audience Engagement
• Presentation
• Skill Level
• Positive Impact
Fashion Categories
Judged on:
• Creativity
• Functionality
• Accessibility
• Innovation
• Style
• Presentation
• Inclusivity
Judges’ decisions are final.
11. SPONSOR AND PARTNER PARTICIPATION
Sponsors may:
• Exhibit products
• Present awards
• Participate in networking sessions
• Receive recognition opportunities
• Participate in judging panels when invited
Sponsors must conduct themselves professionally and ethically.
12. MEDIA & LIVESTREAMING
This is a:
Live Event
Hybrid Event
Recorded Event
Livestream Event
Participants acknowledge that:
• Photographs may be taken.
• Videos may be recorded.
• Media interviews may occur.
• Content may be published worldwide.
No compensation is guaranteed for media appearances.
13. PHOTOGRAPHY & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Participants retain ownership of their original designs, artwork, and creative works.
However, participants grant FashionFad Global and HOPe Africa a non-exclusive right to:
• Photograph
• Record
• Publish
• Promote
event-related activities for educational, promotional, and nonprofit purposes.
14. SAFETY POLICY
All participants must comply with:
• Venue safety procedures
• Emergency protocols
• Accessibility guidelines
• Staff instructions
Emergency medical services may be contacted when necessary.
15. ACCESSIBILITY COMMITMENT
FashionFad is committed to reasonable accommodations.
Potential accommodations include:
Wheelchair access
Accessible seating
Sign language interpreters
Visual assistance
Sensory-friendly support
Companion seating
Participants should submit accommodation requests early.
16. VOLUNTEER POLICY
Volunteers must:
• Attend orientation
• Maintain professionalism
• Respect confidentiality
• Support inclusion efforts
• Follow instructions
17. CONFIDENTIALITY
Participant information will be handled responsibly.
Personal information shall only be used for:
• Event planning
• Safety purposes
• Accessibility coordination
• Communication
Information will not be sold.
18. SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
Participants are encouraged to share positive experiences.
However:
✘ Harassment
✘ Defamation
✘ False information
✘ Unauthorized disclosure of personal information
are prohibited.
19. AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Every contestant will receive:
Certificate of Participation
In addition, organizers will endeavor to provide:
Medals
Trophies
Gifts
Scholarships
Recognition Awards
Sponsor Gifts
subject to sponsorship availability.
No participant should leave feeling unrecognized.
20. RIGHT TO MODIFY
FashionFad Global and HOPe Africa reserve the right to:
• Modify schedules
• Adjust categories
• Change venue arrangements
• Update program details
• Revise rules when necessary
Participants will be notified of significant changes.
21. WEEKLY COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENT
Participating organizations and contestants agree to provide weekly updates regarding:
• Attendance
• Contest readiness
• Costume preparation
• Music submissions
• Volunteer needs
• Accessibility needs
• Sponsorship support
Failure to communicate may affect scheduling and participation.
22. COMMUNITY VALUES PLEDGE
By participating, we commit to:
Respect
Inclusion
Kindness
Integrity
Diversity
Accessibility
Collaboration
Empowerment
Dignity
Excellence
We believe every person has value.
We believe every ability deserves recognition.
We believe every dream deserves an opportunity.
We believe inclusion is not charity—it is a fundamental human right.
OFFICIAL EVENT MOTTO
“No Ability Overlooked. No Talent Wasted. No Dream Left Behind.”
FashionFad Infinite Inclusion Runway™
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Kansas City, Missouri
Hosted by FashionFad Global & HOPe Africa (501(c)(3))