Content last updated 2012-08-14

These are the policies for Kumoricon Anime Convention. If you have any questions, the staff will be happy to address your concerns.

Badge

Your badge is your pass to event space. Be careful not to leave it in your room, at home, or anywhere other than on your person while you are at the convention. If you don’t have your badge, you may have to pay up to the current purchase price to replace it.

When you check in, you will receive a holder for your badge. This is proof that you’ve checked in and the best way to keep your badge on your person. Keep your badge in its holder and visible at all times. This is the easiest way for the staff to know that you are allowed inside the Convention Space.

The badge you are assigned will vary based on your age. Here are the age breakdown and attendance restrictions:

Child: 12 and under – Can attend the convention except during convention curfew between midnight and 6:00 AM and must be accompanied at all times by a parent or legal guardian paid attendee.

Minor: 13-17 – Can attend the convention except during convention curfew between midnight and 6:00 AM and must have a Parental Permission Form or proof of legal emancipation on file by check-in.

Adult: 18 and over – Can attend the convention.

Some individual convention events may have restricted admission as described in the panel descriptions in the program book. Events limited to ages 18 and over require a hand stamp for entry. To get a hand stamp, you must bring both your badge and photo ID to the Programming Booth.

If you lose your badge, visit the Lost and Found (location designated in the program book) to see if anyone has turned your badge in. If not, you can arrange to print a replacement. If you find a badge, please help out a fellow attendee, and bring that badge to Lost and Found.

Cosplay and Outfits

Costumes and outfits are one of the best parts of anime conventions. Before you put long hours and hard work into your cosplay, be aware that all outfits must cover areas of the body to comply with decency requirements. You will be asked to leave Convention Space if your outfit covers too little of your body or is otherwise deemed inappropriate. Outfits that are tight or sheer enough to expose those parts which should be covered are also prohibited.

In addition to properly covering the body, costumes must comply with venue policies and requirements.

Masks

Masks or parts of a costume that cover the face may not be worn in the hotel lobbies.

Props and Weapons

A prop is any item that is for display or part of a costume, or a potentially dangerous item, carried or worn by an individual.

No members will be permitted to carry any kind of functional projectile weapon. This includes individuals who possess a weapons permit or concealed weapons permit. Keep them at home. Anyone found in possession of such a weapon will immediately be removed from the convention. Individuals caught in the illegal possession of a functioning projectile weapon will be reported and turned over to the proper authorities. All other items that could be used as a weapon must be peace-tied or peace-bonded.

Obviously harmless props, such as teddy bears, will be waved through. Any other prop deemed safe by the staff may be peace-tied upon review by the staff member. A peace-tie is an indicator attached to your prop which signals to all staff that your item is part of your costume and not unsafe to carry. It also signals that you have agreed to carry your prop safely. This means you will not brandish any prop weapon, engage in any mock fighting, or use your prop in any way which could be seen as unsafe. You will be required to sign an acknowledgement of the requirements of safe-carry.

Peace-bonding will be conducted at the Peace-bonding table next to the Registration area. After hours, please see the Kumoricon Yojimbo Office to obtain a convention-recognized peace-bond. Complete this action before wandering through or around the Convention Space, or you may be required to leave. If you purchased your item at the convention, peace-bonding is required as soon as possible.

All bladed items must be kept in their sheaths at all times in the Convention Space. Weapons should never be waved around in a manner that may be construed as use of the weapon (this is considered brandishing).
Gun replica or other replica projectile weapons should not be pointed at anyone at any time. Replica pistols need to remain in a holster; replica rifles need to be slung.

Brandishing a weapon in the Convention Space, or in nearby spaces such as other public hotel areas or parking lots, may result in immediate removal from the convention. Keep in mind, police will assume all drawn weapons are functional, and will act accordingly. If you are unsure whether your weapon is acceptable in the Convention Space, please ask in the Kumoricon Yojimbo Office or ask at the Info Booth.

Exotic weapons will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Do not bring weapons that Kumoricon staff cannot tell are fake from ten feet away.

Certain props are not allowed within the Convention Space. These include, but are not limited to:

• Airsoft or projectile weapons
• Live (sharp enough to cut) steel
• Props wide enough or long enough to inhibit flow of traffic
• Replica weapons that do not comply with state or federal law
• Paddles (all varieties—including “yaoi” or “yuri” paddles)
• Props which impede personal or public safety

Harassment, Solicitation, and Offensive Behavior

All attendees are expected to treat others in a courteous and respectful manner. Harassment and solicitation are prohibited. This is not only our policy, but the law. Please let the staff know if you are witness to any of the following:

Harassment

• Offensive or rude behavior toward anyone
• Someone doing or saying things with the willful intent to harm another person
• Heckling

Solicitation

• Displaying of signs with profanity, explicit or graphic language, insults, threats, solicitations, or room party advertisements (i.e. “Will hug for Pocky”, “Room Party Info”)
• Distribution of flyers around the Convention Space or attaching them to walls or surfaces is prohibited. Some flyers can be left at the Info Booth for distribution. Flyers at the Info Booth may be removed at the discretion of Executive Staff.
• Selling of items or favors outside of convention sanctioned events and areas.

Other Offensive and/or Illegal Behavior

• Indecent exposure (see above)
• Impeding the flow of traffic in hallways and especially in fire lanes
• Overly loud or disruptive behavior
• Line jumping or cutting
• Consumption of alcohol in the Convention Space, unless it is within an event officially sanctioned by Kumoricon with permission to serve alcohol from Kumoricon Executive Staff or the hotel
• Fighting (play or real)
• Lewd sexual contact or behavior (groping of the breast or genitalia)
• Any unsafe behavior
• Stealing items from the vendors room
• Any costume or prop containing any iteration of pedobear

Anyone who engages in any of these activities will be given a warning. If an attendee continues the behavior, or engages in similarly offensive behavior, their badge will be removed, and they will be asked to leave the Convention Space. Egregious or extreme cases may result in a badge removal without a prior warning.

Liability

Kumoricon, its personnel, and its affiliates are not responsible for any damage, theft, injury, or loss. Attendees of the convention are responsible for their own actions as individuals as well as for any resulting repercussions. Staff is on hand for assistance in most situations. However, any civil or medical emergencies that may occur must be handled directly by the appropriate authorities.

Consent to Photography

Any photographs or videos of attendees taken by Kumoricon staff in an official capacity may be used or published by Kumoricon without further consent of the attendees being recorded.

Photography by Attendees

Taking photographs and videos is allowed in most public areas of the convention. However, specific events, panels, or areas may restrict photography or video-recording. Please respect the wishes of anybody who asks not to be photographed or video-recorded.

Hotel Rules

Convention Space is any area that the convention is using for any official events.

The area of the hotel rooms is outside of official Convention Space. However, the way our attendees treat the property and the staff of the hotel reflects on the convention as a whole. Please be sure to take care of the room you are in. Be aware that there may be guests who are not attendees and persons who may be sleeping in surrounding rooms. Be respectful to the hotel staff and guests.

Appeals

If you feel that you have been given an unfair warning on attire, conduct, or policy infringement, you may submit an appeal in the Operations Office. Any decision then reached by at least two Convention Executive Staff and the staff member who made the original decision will then be final.

Miscellanea

Some events, such as the guest dinner, may require additional payment for admittance.

Policies are subject to change. Updates will be available at www.kumoricon.org. The most current version will be available in the convention bags on your arrival.