Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to GameFest Canada ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, attend our gaming exhibition, or interact with our services. By using our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide better services to our users and improve the GameFest Canada experience. The types of information we collect include:

Personal Information

• Name, email address, and phone number when you register for workshops or contact us
• Billing and payment information for paid services or merchandise
• Demographic information such as age, gaming interests, and professional background
• Communication preferences and feedback

Technical Information

• IP address, browser type, device information, and operating system
• Website usage data, including pages visited and time spent on our site
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies
• Location data (if you enable location services)

Event Information

• Registration details for workshops and gaming sessions
• Participation records and achievement data
• Photos and videos taken during events (with consent)
• Feedback and survey responses

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for various purposes to enhance your experience and provide quality services:

• Service Provision: To process registrations, provide workshop access, and deliver requested services
• Communication: To send important updates, confirmations, and respond to your inquiries
• Personalization: To customize your experience and recommend relevant gaming content
• Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and improve our website and services
• Marketing: To send promotional materials about upcoming events (with your consent)
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and protect our legal rights
• Security: To detect and prevent fraud, security breaches, and other harmful activities

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We respect your privacy and do not sell your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors who assist us in operating our website and providing services
• Event Partners: With gaming industry partners and sponsors for event-related purposes
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulations
• Business Transfers: In connection with mergers, acquisitions, or asset sales
• Consent: When you explicitly consent to sharing your information
• Protection: To protect our rights, property, safety, or that of our users

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience and gather information about website usage:

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality and security
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements (with consent)

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

6. Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure servers with regular security updates
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Employee training on data protection practices
• Incident response procedures for security breaches

While we strive to protect your information, no internet transmission or storage system is 100% secure. We encourage you to take precautions when sharing personal information online.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy laws and other applicable regulations, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to your personal information we hold
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider
• Objection: Object to certain types of data processing
• Restriction: Request limitation of data processing activities
• Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for data processing (where consent is the legal basis)

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or as required by law:

• Account Information: Retained while your account is active and for 3 years after closure
• Registration Data: Kept for 2 years after the last event attendance
• Communication Records: Maintained for 1 year for customer service purposes
• Marketing Data: Retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Legal Records: Kept as required by applicable laws and regulations

9. International Data Transfers

GameFest Canada operates primarily in Canada, but some of our service providers may be located in other countries. When we transfer your personal information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place:

• Adequacy decisions by Canadian privacy authorities
• Standard contractual clauses for data protection
• Binding corporate rules for multinational organizations
• Your explicit consent for specific transfers

10. Children's Privacy

GameFest Canada is committed to protecting children's privacy. Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will promptly delete such information.

For participants aged 13-17, we require parental consent for certain activities and data collection. Parents have the right to review, modify, or delete their child's personal information.

11. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or business operations. When we make significant changes, we will:

• Post the updated policy on our website with a new effective date
• Send email notifications to registered users about material changes
• Provide prominent notice on our website for 30 days
• Obtain consent for changes that materially affect how we use your information

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

13. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of Canada and the Province of Ontario. Any disputes relating to this policy will be resolved in the courts of Ontario, Canada. This policy complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable Canadian privacy laws.