general policies

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Effective Date: September 2, 2022

The SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time.

SPJA is dedicated to accommodating all attendees, volunteers, and staff who may have disabilities that are protected by federal, state, and local public accommodations and accessibility laws. Although Event Facilities such as, but not limited to, the Ontario Convention Center and the Ontario Conference Center, are solely responsible for accessibility of and non-discrimination in their physical buildings, restrooms, and facilities, SPJA is ready and prepared to offer a hand to visitors with special needs or whom may require some sort of a reasonable accommodation.  SPJA offers, for example:

• ASL interpreters for the deaf at large panels and events;
• Limited special seating for programming events; and
• Event Registration service and support for attendees with mobility issues

If you are an attendee who needs reasonable accommodation, SPJA wants to make your experience as fun and entertaining as possible.  There are a few limitations, however, on what SPJA reasonably can provide. Please note:

• Programming rooms fill up quickly, and all seating is on a first-come, first- served basis, so special seating may not be available if you wait until the last minute to get to the room.  Please read the program guide and plan your day accordingly, keeping in mind the popularity of most events.
• Elevators can be crowded and slow.  Please plan in advance and allow plenty of time to change floors.
• Please try to provide at least 30 days’ notice if you will be requesting any special aides such as ASL interpreters. SPJA understands that things can change at the last minute and will nonetheless attempt to accommodate you as best as possible irrespective of such last minute notice.
• Service animals must be obedient and behave in a manner that is safe and non-threatening for other attendees and other service animals at all times.  Only service animals will be permitted into SPJA Events.  If service animals are behaving in ways that fundamentally alters the services offered by SPJA, such as behaving aggressively toward other service animals (barking, lunging, growling, snarling, scratching, biting) or toward other attendees, or howling in concerts, or is otherwise disruptive, SPJA may impose restrictions or ask that you remove the service animal from the premises, and you agree to and will cooperate with SPJA’s requests.  You may continue to participate while your service animal remains outside.  No poisonous or illegal exotic service animals are permitted.

 For additional questions or special requests, please contact us at ADA@anime-expo.org.

Effective Date: July 28, 2023

The SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.

SPJA is committed to providing a safe and family-friendly environment for everyone’s attendance. SPJA expects its employees, staff, directors, and each of their guests or representatives, to follow all applicable laws and regulations and to refrain from consuming alcohol in the presence of minors, serving alcohol while at the Event, or bringing outside alcoholic beverages onto the Event premises.

SPJA does not serve alcohol.  SPJA’s employees, staff, directors, and all SPJA representatives, including interpreters and those assisting Guests of Honor, are prohibited from serving alcohol.  Adults 21 and over may order alcoholic beverages from the Event Venue, hotel, room service, and other places that legally serve alcohol and have required liquor licenses.  SPJA does not encourage drinking.  If you are legally permitted to drink and choose to do so, SPJA asks that you drink responsibly.

Prohibited alcohol conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following behavior:

• Consumption of alcohol by any person younger than 21 years old (a “minor”).
• Providing alcohol to, or facilitating the provision of alcohol to, any minor.
• Consumption of alcohol in any hotel room in which a minor is staying or in which any minor is present.
• Consumption of alcohol from any source other than the hotel concessions, room service, Lounge 21, or any other places that legally serve alcohol and have liquor licenses.
• Violation of any federal, state, or local law regarding alcoholic beverages.
• Violation of any policy of the Event facility or any Event vendor or concessionaire regarding alcoholic beverages.

Violation of this Alcohol Policy may result in forfeiture of your Event credential, your expulsion from the Event and/or termination of your position with SPJA.

Effective Date: July 28, 2023

The SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.

Following this simple Code of Conduct helps ensure a safe convention and that everyone will have fun. Your own good judgment and courtesy towards others are key.

Please watch out for each other, take care of one another, help those who need help, and be careful. Play it clean, sober, and safe! Please don’t leave the Event with strangers, and make sure that your friends know when you leave or if you are going home early.

• Please don’t hesitate to call security if you see anything suspicious.
• Minors should not go to hotel rooms with unknown adults.

To participate in and/or attend any SPJA Event (referred to below as the “Event” regardless of whether it’s Anime Expo, Project Anime, anime expo chibi, or another one of our Events), you must comply with this Code of Conduct in order to attend and/or participate in these Events. SPJA reserves the right to modify and/or update any SPJA policy at any time without prior notice. Violation of this Code of Conduct may result in forfeiture of your Event badge, your expulsion from the Event and/or termination of your position with SPJA. Where the Code of Conduct refers to “SPJA’s written consent”, such written consent may be in the form of a separate written exhibitor/sponsorship agreement, vendor agreement, facility rental agreement, or other form of written agreement or permit. The Event Facilities, event hotels, and all other places where any Event programming is scheduled are “Event Facilities”.

BADGES

• Please be prepared to show proof of age and identification when entering the Event or any program at the Event. We will only accept the following forms of identification: valid government-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards, passports, or military identification.
• Please wear your Event badge/wristband at all times during the Event. Terms and conditions printed on the Badges apply to you and you must conduct yourself accordingly.

PROHIBITED ACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

The following, as such violations are determined in SPJA’s sole discretion, are not permitted at the Event or its surrounding areas, including the parking lots, hotels, plazas, and structures:

• Failure to be appropriately clothed, as determined by the sole discretion of SPJA. Please follow local laws, rules, and regulations when selecting your costume.
• Assaulting, threatening, behaving inappropriately to another person, discriminating conduct of any nature whatsoever, making racial, religious, ethnic, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, or other slurs, bullying, and/or expressing any act of hatred towards another.
• Lewd or offensive behavior, such as profanity, obscene language or conduct, exposing nipples or genitals, making recordings in bathrooms, bedrooms, or of nipples, genitals or up skirts.
• Conducting commercial or business transactions without SPJA’s prior written consent, including without limitation, selling food or beverages from unauthorized carts, stands, or ice chests inside or outside Event venues or hotels; solicitation of money, contributions, or donations; distribution of commercial advertising or promotional material of any kind, such as signs, flyers, cards, or offers of discounts on rides, or other products or services; or offering samples of items which are sold, available for sale, or available in exchange for a donation or contribution.
• Unlawful conduct or failure to comply with the policies, rules, or instructions of SPJA, Event staff, the Event facility, the hotel affiliated with the Event, or law enforcement officers.
• Smoking / Vaping:

                  Never Inside: No smoking or vaping is permitted inside any of the Event  

                  Facilities, unless there is a place specifically designated by the Event Facility 

                  that permits either. - Limited Outside: Smoking or vaping must be at least 20 

                  feet away from all entrances per California Government Code Sections 7596-

                  7598; no smoking is permitted in outdoor dining areas.

• Possessing any open can, bottle or other receptacle containing alcoholic beverages, except in areas specifically designated for the consumption of alcohol and in compliance with the SPJA’s Alcohol Policy.
• Possessing any illegal substance. SPJA DOES NOT tolerate illegal substances in or around Events.
• Any action that impedes the flow of traffic, creates a potential or actual hazardous condition, or is deemed to interfere with the Event. Individuals may be asked to move or discontinue their actions. By way of example, an individual may be asked to relocate or terminate an activity in order to disperse a crowd which impedes traffic flow.
• Any noise or music that is disruptive to other attendees or the operation of the Event.
• No Soliciting
• Riding Hoverboards / Skateboards / Non-ADA Scooters / Segways
• Using Roller Skates / Roller Blades

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Stilts
• Weapons (Please see our Prop / Replica Weapons Policy for more info)
• Drones / UAV’s
• Illegal Substances
• Stickers / Adhesive Graphics (Keep them in your bags/pockets and off the walls/floors of the Event Facilities)
• All signs, whether for a costume prop or not, are prohibited unless approved in writing for use by Event staff
• Non-Service Live Animals
• Helium and Mylar Balloons
• Lasers or Similar Items
• Coolers
• Oversized Backpacks / Bags: No bags over 14 x 12 x 6 inches will be permitted. All bags, regardless of size, are subject to inspection at any time. Clear bags are recommended to enhance safety inside and outside the venue and speed the security screening process.
• Motorized Vehicles (i.e. go-karts or kids’ battery-operated vehicles.)
• Wheeled Carts / Wagons
• Confetti / Loose Glitter (Glitter used on your costumes is OK)
• Flammable Liquids
• Open-Flame Use
• Any activity prohibited by law and/or prohibited by any Event Facilities

Effective Date: August 23, 2022

The SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.

At Anime Expo® (“AX”) and anime expo® chibi ("axc") (either, the "Event"), we celebrate the creativity of cosplayers and encourage everyone to cosplay whomever they wish–regardless of size, gender, age, religion, shape, color, or even species. Cosplay is all about having fun!

We simply ask that you follow the guidelines below and please keep in mind that AX and axc is an all-ages event.

• Shoes are required at all times.

                  Cosplaying a character that's barefoot? Please check out tutorials on how to  

                  make "invisible shoes."

• Costumes and clothing should not expose the body in such a way as to be deemed indecent exposure by the City and State in which the Event is held. Private parts must be covered in an opaque material that will not slip or have gaps.
• Males wearing tight-fitting costumes are required to wear a dance belt.
• Costumes worn on the convention floor must not obstruct or impede the flow of traffic or entryways. If the costume cannot fit through a standard doorway, it may not be allowed during general convention hours. Exceptions may be made day-of for Masquerade contestants.
• Attendees with bulky costumes, costumes that obscure the vision, or costumes with large extensions such as wings or spikes, should have a designated “handler,” to assist them through the hallways and crowds.
• Functioning wheels cannot be used as part of a costume or prop (i.e. anything that you might ride, push, or pull). We love your creativity, but please save the wheeled costumes/props for your photoshoots.
• No costumes may be realistic depictions of American law enforcement, current American military uniforms, first responders, emergency medical personnel, or any official government agent. “Vintage,” historical, any non-current uniforms, and any military or police-style costumes may be addressed at the convention’s discretion (i.e., Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid, etc.)

Effective Date:  February 13, 2025 

Your participation in SPJA Events means that you agree to comply with this Prop / Replica Weapons Policy. An “Event” shall mean any event held by The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (“SPJA” or “we”), such as Anime Expo®, or Project Anime®.

You further understand and agree that, for your own safety and the safety of everyone at an Event, SPJA has the absolute and immediate discretion and right to inspect your costumes, prop weapons, and any other item you bring to the Event. We may temporarily or permanently remove any attendee in our sole and absolute discretion at any time for violating this Prop / Replica Weapons Policy— because your safety and the safety of every attendee is of the utmost importance. 

Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.

Prohibited Items

NO REAL WEAPONS ARE ALLOWED AT THE EVENT.

This includes firearms, knives, curios and relic antique firearms, any form of ammunition, any items designed or manufactured with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury, whether carried openly or concealed, even if any such weapons are inoperable or unusable and irrespective of whether you are licensed to possess such weapons. Items that may otherwise be legal for you to own or carry are not welcome at any Event if they violate this Prop / Replica Weapons Policy.

The following are examples of real weapons and other severely dangerous items that are not permitted at any SPJA Event:

• Firearms, including curio and relic Antique Firearms
• Ammunition, Explosives, and Incendiary Devices
• Pepper Spray, Tear Gas, and other Chemical Weapons
• Knives (Pocket Knives, Daggers, Switchblades, Balisong/Butterfly Knives, Kunai, etc.)
• Swords, Spears, Axes/Hatchets, and other Live Blades
• Blunt Weapons (Wooden or Metal Bats, Batons, Paddles, Maces, Whips, Golf Clubs, Nunchaku, Brass Knuckles, etc.)
• Tasers and other Electroshock Weapons
• Laser Pointers and other Laser Devices
• Any item designed or manufactured with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person or property, any item that is illegal in the place of the Event, or any item that appears, in SPJA’s sole discretion, to be dangerous or which would pose or place others at risk or harm, immediate or otherwise.

The following everyday items are also not permitted at any SPJA Event:

• Roller Skates/Blades, Skateboards, Non-ADA Scooters, Go-Karts, Hoverboards, Wagons/Carts
• Metal Cookware and Utensils
• Ice skates, even with skate guards attached
• Stilts, Pogo Sticks
• Power Tools (Drills, Chainsaws, Hedge Trimmers, etc.)
• Personal Speakers, Musical Instruments, Vuvuzelas

(Note: some venues prohibit other items e.g. glass bottles, food, alcohol, and e-cigarettes. Please check with the venue before bringing such items.)

Peace Bonding

All Props/Replica Weapons must be inspected, approved, and marked with an affixed “Peace Bond” tag by SPJA before entering the Event. Peace Bonds must remain attached and visible on the approved Prop/Replica Weapon throughout the duration of the Event and may not be removed, modified, or transferred to other items. SPJA has the sole discretion to approve prop/replica weapons.

Please visit us at one of our Weapons Check booths during the Event. Locations are to be determined and announced on our website at www.anime-expo.org. Other Event Weapons Check booth locations shall be designated in the programs and on signs.

We may revoke your Peace Bond at any time at our sole discretion. Behavior which will warrant revocation of your Peace Bond includes:

• Brandishing an item in an inappropriate fashion, such as play-fighting or swinging the prop around
• Causing complaints from other attendees of the Event
• Tampering or altering of the Peace Bond

Prop Weapons

Prop weapons are weapon replicas that support the overall look of your costume or character. For example, plastic Airsoft guns, Nerf guns, water guns, dart guns, foam replica swords, and plastic replica bows are prop weapons.

Peace Bonding Rules

To qualify for Peace Bonding, all props must meet the following criteria:

• All prop Firearms, Blades, Bows, Arrows, Explosives, Ammunition, and other prop weapons cannot contain any metal components.
  • Exceptions: Insignificant metal components (e.g. screws, springs) are allowed. Lightsabers with metal hilts are allowed.
• Cannot be longer than 7 feet (2.13 meters) in any direction or weigh more than 15 pounds (6.80 kilograms)
• All prop edges and tips must be blunt.
  • If a non-metal blade has a sharp edge or pointed tip, it must be anchored into a hard sheath for the duration of the Event.
• All prop Bows must be unstrung or have a low-tensile thread with no draw weight and be incapable of shooting.
• Metal Chains are not permitted unless worn as a piece of clothing and/or armor that is not held as a prop.
• Any length of prop Chain must be less than 7 feet (2.13 meters) to avoid safety and fire hazards.

Prop Firearms

If a prop weapon is, or was, at any time capable of shooting or dispersing anything, it must be rendered permanently inoperable in order to qualify for Peace Bonding. A prop is considered permanently inoperable if it is incapable of shooting or dispersing anything and is disabled in a way in which it cannot be repaired inside the Event.

For airsoft, water, and Nerf guns, this would mean using a non-removable substance such as hot glue or caulk to perform all of the following:

• Fixing the trigger in place.
• Fixing the emptied magazine to the body of the prop.
• Plugging the barrel.

You must be able to prove that the prop weapon is permanently inoperable upon inspection.

Prop Firearms and other gun-shaped props must be immediately recognizable as imitation firearms by containing at least one of the following:

• Transparent/translucent construction that permits unmistakable observation of the prop’s complete contents.
• Non-Removable Blaze Orange Marking covering the entire exterior surface of the muzzle end of the barrel for a depth of at least 0.25 inches (6 millimeters).
• Non-Removable Blaze Orange Solid Plug visibly affixed to the muzzle end of the barrel.
• Entire Surface Coloration in White, bright Red, bright Orange, bright Yellow, bright Green, bright Blue, bright Pink, or bright Purple, either singly or as the predominant color in combination with other colors in any pattern.

Peace-Bonded Weapons at the Event

You may display your prop weapons only as costume pieces. Do not swing or brandish your prop weapon in any way that could be considered unsafe or threatening.

You may pose with a prop weapon in a brandishing manner, so long as no reasonable person would interpret it as anything but a pose for dramatic effect. Event staff or management may stop your posed brandishing in their sole discretion.

Please take care when outside or when transporting any form of firearm prop.

Regardless of how realistic the prop may look, ensure that it is completely hidden while traveling and be aware of your surroundings, attire, and the appearance of your props to bystanders when outside of the Event. Do not assume a costume will reassure people that your prop is not a real weapon.

SPJA cannot be responsible for any actions taken by local law enforcement agencies, such as detaining and questioning you, if you decide to display or brandish your prop weapons at or outside of the Event.

Buying Weapons at the Event

All Prop / Replica weapons purchased at the Event must remain sealed in its original packaging while within the Event. If you would like to use your Prop / Replica weapon at the Event, you must first submit your item to a “Weapons Check” booth for inspection and Peace Bonding.

Martial Arts Performances and Demos

You may display working martial arts weapons during, and 30 minutes before and after, a performance that has been approved by Event management in advance.

Of course, you must use common sense to avoid harming any person or property. You must conceal or wrap the weapons when transporting them to and from the demonstration, and you must remove the weapons immediately after the demonstration. Event staff reserves the right to stop any performance or demonstration in their sole discretion.

Law Enforcement Uniformed Costumes

COSTUMES THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OR OTHER EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL UNIFORMS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT THE EVENT.

It is against the law to impersonate local law enforcement, emergency personnel, or first responders. SPJA has the absolute right and sole discretion to decide whether your costume looks too much like one of these uniforms, and to request the removal or modification of that costume. Should you refuse to cooperate, we may expel you from the Event in order to protect the safety and welfare of everyone at the Event.