Convention Rules

It is important to know what will be and what will not be allowed at Anime Kaigi 2012. We have created a full list of rules and guidelines that you should follow while attending our convention, and those rules can be found here.

Here you will find the list of rules that we have established for our convention. By purchasing a membership and/or attending Anime Kaigi 2012, you agree to abide by these rules. Failure to obey these rules will result in a warning, or a pre-determined number of warnings. Subsequent or severe incidents will result in both being escorted from the premises, and the forfeiture of your membership badge without any refund. These rules are subject to change, and you are solely responsible for keeping yourself updated. If you have any questions regarding these rules, you are responsible for asking our staff. Ignorance of these rules will not be an acceptable excuse.

For the purposes of enforcing the rules and policies set forth by Anime Kaigi for its convention, "Anime Kaigi staff" is defined as all staff and security members of the convention, all staff members of Cosplay Zone Productions (CPZ) participating in the convention, all staff members of Arizona Hobbyists' Paradise (AZHP) participating in the convention, all staff members of the du Bois Center, and all staff members of Northern Arizona University (NAU). Should you have a problem with any Anime Kaigi staff member, please report the incident to the registration/info desk.

Without your prior consent, Anime Kaigi, Inc. will never sell, share, release or distribute any of your personal information submitted to us when you pre-register/register for any of our conventions or events.
If you have any problems, questions, or concerns, please contact an Anime Kaigi staff member. They will be happy to assist you.

NOTICE (1/1/12):

The convention rules are currently being revised. Because we are no longer on a university campus, we must update these rules to be appropriate for our new location. This mostly pertains to the Weapons/Props policy, but other minor changes throughout the rules are likely to happen. Please check back at a later date to familiarize yourself with the updated rules. Remember, all of these rules are subject to change, and you are solely responsible for keeping yourself updated on them.

Short Version

You agree to the full convention rules, which are available on our website, http://animekaigi.com/convention-info/convention-rules. Copies of the full rules are available at the info desk.
Your badge is Anime Kaigi's property until the con is over. If your behavior is unacceptable, we can take it back and kick you out of the con.
Pictures or video of you will be taken at the event, and you agree to allow this. You may also take pictures and video of other people at the event, with a few exceptions (particularly 18+ events).
No fighting, play-fighting, sword-fighting, horesplay, screaming/yelling, random glomping, line-cutting, shoplifting, hacking, excessive PDA, or excessive seat-saving. No alcohol, drugs, or smoking (except in designated smoking areas).
Treat everyone with respect, including fellow attendees and the staff/security of Anime Kaigi, NAU, and all participating organizations.
No real weapons allowed. All props and fake weapons need to be safe, peacebound by Security, and must be CLEARLY identifiable as being fake when viewed from ANY distance. See the full rules to determine whether your prop or fake weapon might be acceptable!
Wear "appropriate" clothing/costumes. No nudity allowed. No signs allowed, unless part of your costume and approved by staff.
Flyers are allowed only at the flyer table(s) at the registration/info desk.
Bring proper photo ID to pick up your badge. Do not trade your badge with anyone else. If you lose your badge, immediately go to the registration/info desk (there may be a fee to replace excessively lost/replaced badges).
Children under 13 need to be with an adult at all times.
Have fun, and enjoy the convention!

Long Version

Behavior & Conduct
1. Attendees' acceptance of a membership badge constitutes consent to the use of the wearer's image or likeness in any recording, transmission, or reproduction of Anime Kaigi and consent to ejection without refund for inappropriate behavior or failure to comply with any of the rules or policies as set forth by Anime Kaigi, Inc., Arizona Hobbyists' Paradise (AZHP), Cosplay Zone Productions (CZP), or The Little America Hotel Flagstaff.
2. All local, state and federal laws apply to all attendees of Anime Kaigi.
3. Attendees are at their own risk with respect to the dangers incidental to Anime Kaigi, including personal injury.
4. Attendees should be be kind and courteous to fellow attendees, guests, dealers, and staff at all times in any part of the convention center or school. Disruptive behavior that disturbs others is not allowed. This includes running, screaming, yelling, horseplay, unsolicited physical contact (yes, this includes "glomping" without asking first), or any other such behavior as deemed disruptive by convention staff.
5. Excessive public display of affection is prohibited (i.e. French kissing, "making-out", etc.).
6. Attendees must treat the convention facilities with respect. Attendees who deface or damage school, hotel, convention center, Anime Kaigi, or public property will be responsible for repair or replacement.
7. Attendees are prohibited from entering any area that is labeled "Staff Only," "Restricted," "Do Not Enter," or any non-convention-related parts of the convention center.
8. Attendees should respect all policies, rules and guidelines that are set forth by the hotel staff. Attendees should avoid disturbing other hotel guests. Violations of hotel policy will be handled either by the hotel staff or by Anime Kaigi staff as appropriate.
9. Attendees are solely responsible for any missing belongings, and should never leave any bag or personal item left unattended. Lost & Found will be located at the registration/info desk.
10. Due to the relatively close quarters of the Vendor Room and the Gaming Room, any bookbags, briefcases, suitcases, cosplay accessories, or other items deemed unwieldy by staff may be temporarily confiscated.
11. Shoplifting is a crime. It is not tolerated and violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Shoplifters will have their badges revoked without refund, be removed from the convention and may possibly be banned from attending any Anime Kaigi conventions or events in the future.
12. All attendees must obey any reasonable request asked by any security or staff member.
13. Anime Kaigi also prohibits any other behavior that may have been neglected to be mentioned in these rules, including violating someone's personal space or doing things that common sense dictates against.
Events & Seating
1. Attendees are prohibited from occupying any seat reserved by Anime Kaigi staff for any other individual or group of individuals.
2. Anime Kaigi 2012 will not be running for 24 hours each day. Attendees are prohibited from entering the convention center before or after the posted hours of operation.
3. In the interest of safety and fire regulations, hallways and aisles are to be kept clear of obstacles and stationary groups of people.
4. Seating for events or functions will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to fire regulations, sitting or standing in aisles or areas not designated for seating or seating beyond the room's capacity is not allowed, and we are bound by law to strictly enforce this.
5. Function rooms have a limited amount of space. Due to this fact it may become necessary to wait in line prior to gaining entry into some events or areas. Please be patient and understanding with us. We will do our best to accommodate as many people as we can as quickly as possible. Lines may be guided and/or marked for safety and traffic reasons. Line cutting and disorderly conduct within the lines will result in forfeiture of your place in line.
6. In the event that "seat saving" is allowed for any particular event or function, it will be limited to a maximum of one extra seat saved per person. During some events, we will not only be prohibiting the saving of seats, but we may also direct attendees to their seats in a pre-arranged, orderly fashion. Please respect the staff members as they direct you to where you will be seated.
7. Disabled persons, staff, on-duty volunteers, special guests, and dealers may not be required to stand in line for entry into some function rooms. If you have any questions, please contact convention security.
Photography & Recording
1. Most events and areas of the convention allow the use of recording devices (including cameras, video cameras, or audio recorders), unless otherwise noted, posted, or announced.
2. Most 18+ panels/events will be prohibiting the use of recording devices. Please put away your cameras and cell phones before and during these.
3. When setting up any photo or video equipment (e.g. tripods), please respect walkways and aisles. If any staff member requests that you move your equipment, please do so immediately.
4. Please do not harrass any guests, attendees, children or staff for photos of or with him/her. It is proper procedure to first ask if you may take a photo or video. If the subject declines, please respect his/her request.
5. Please be considerate when stopping to take photos in hallways or walkways by making the photo stop short and not blocking the main flow of traffic.
Smoking, Drugs & Alcohol
1. Arizona state laws prohibit smoking indoors, or within 20 feet of any door or window that is capable of being opened. If you need to smoke, please do so only in designated areas.
2. State law prohibits the consumption of alcohol in view of the public. All attendees need follow all hotel guidelines regarding intoxication and/or consumption of alcohol in shared public areas. Violations of policies and laws regarding alcohol will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the Anime Kaigi staff or the police as appropriate.
3. The use, distribution, or posession of any illegal drug or substance is strictly prohibited at the hotel. No exceptions. Violations will be reported to local law enforcement.
Badges
1. Membership badges will be only be given to registered attendees during "badge pickup" or at the registration desk during the convention. This badge must be worn and visible at all times for access to convention events. Each attendee must retain possession of his or her own badge for the duration of the convention and may not loan or give the badge to anyone else except as directed by Anime Kaigi staff. Membership badges are the property of Anime Kaigi, Inc., and any badge must be surrendered upon request by any Anime Kaigi staff member. Upon the completion of the convention, badges will no longer be the property of Anime Kaigi, Inc., and members may keep their badges as their own property.
2. Valid photo ID is required for badge pickup. Minors without ID may pick up their badges with the accompaniment of a parent or legal guardian.
3. Each attendee must pick up his/her own badge. We will require each attendee to sign for his/her badge, acknowledging that they have agreed to obey all convention rules and policies.
4. Any person found at the convention without a membership badge will be escorted to the info/registration desk where they may be able to obtain a replacement badge, or may be able to purchase membership to the convention, if available. If this person does not wish to purchase a membership has had his/her membership revoked, he/she will be removed from the convention center.
5. Damaged or lost badges may be replaced at the discretion of the Director of Member Relations, and such replacement may be subject to a fee of $3. If you lose or damage your badge, please see the registration/info desk immediately.
6. Anime Kaigi reserves the right to censor or refuse badge names that may be considered obscene, vulgar, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate. Such determination will be made at the sole discretion of Anime Kaigi staff.
Membership
1. Membership is non-transferrable. Badges and membership may not be resold. Staff reserve the right to check ID for anyone they suspect is carrying a badge that is not their own.
2. Attendees agree to provide complete and accurate registration information. In any case where Anime Kaigi must contact a member for any reason, Anime Kaigi cannot be held responsible for inaccurate information provided by the member.
3. Registration and payment will be handled by TicketLeap, our exclusive ticketing provider. Any payment which do not clear (such as a 'bounced check') is subject to a $20 service charge.
4. The only valid registration rates are those posted on the official website. No discounts will be given except as listed there.
5. Any person found attempting to forge a membership badge, or presenting forged ID, will be removed from the convention and may be banned from all future Anime Kaigi events.
6. Any attempt to compromise the security of the registration process or gain unauthorized access to attendee data will result in loss of Anime Kaigi registration without refund, a ban from all current and future Anime Kaigi conventions or events, and possible legal action.
7. Hotel accommodations are not included with registration.
Clothing, Costumes & Cosplay
1. Badges must be showing at all times and be clearly visible to attendees and staff.
2. It is highly recommended that members clearly exceed these minimum requirements:
  1. Costumes must cover body areas as well as a modest swimsuit would. (No thongs, loincloths, or minimalistic bottoms. No pasties, tape or paint in lieu of a full coverage garment, and nothing obviously transparent in these areas.)
  2. Costumes must not be at risk of allowing body parts to fall out of the costume, and not falling apart or otherwise being at risk of a "wardrobe malfunction."
  3. An example of the minimum clothing requirements can be seen in this image: http://animekaigi.com/images/AKCosplayRequirements.jpg
3. Members not wearing costumes are expected to dress appropriately for public. Anime Kaigi is a family-friendly event and members should only wear outfits that could be worn in front of children of any age, any random stranger or family member, law enforcement officers, and any type of person in-between.
4. Offensive attire, revealing attire, or any form of nudity is strictly prohibited. If any costume or outfit is deemed to be inappropriate or obscene, the wearer will be asked to change their outfit immediately. Convention Staff/Security and Little America Hotel Staff/Security have the final say as to whether any outfit is considered inappropriate or obscene. All local, state, and federal laws are to be followed regarding the appropriate dress and public indecency.
5. Shoes are required in all dining areas. Barefeet are acceptable in most areas of the convention, however choosing to go barefoot will be AT YOUR OWN RISK. If your costume requires bare feet, it is reccomended that you bring a pair of portable footwear with you at all times. (ex: If you'd like to go as Toph from Avatar or Luffy from One Piece, taking your flip flops off for a photo is acceptable.)
6. Roller skates, roller blades, "wheelies" and all forms of coasting vehicles or footwear is not permitted to be worn inside the convention center. Members are allowed to carry these items with them (e.g. could be worn around the neck by tying the laces together, and still be part of a costume for photos, etc.). These types of footwear are allowed outside, so long as the wearer is using them in a safe manner.
7. Signs or other materials that can be interpreted as solicitation or panhandling are not allowed.
  1. Examples of signs that are not allowed: "Hugs for a Quarter", "Free Glomps", or "Donate to a Poor Catgirl"
  2. All signs will be confiscated unless the sign has been approved by the Staff.
  3. Exceptions may be made if it can be proven that a sign is an integral part of a costume.
  4. Example of a sign that is acceptable: A Phoenix Wright cosplayer with a sign that says "OBJECTION!"
8. Anime Kaigi Staff are allowed to cosplay, so long as it does not hinder your staff duties during the convention.
Props/Weapons
1. First and foremost: Anime Kaigi is held on a UNIVERSITY CAMPUS. In the State of Arizona, it is illegal to bring any deadly weapon onto any school campus (A.R.S. §13.3102.12). As defined in A.R.S. §13.3101, "Deadly weapon" means anything that is designed for lethal use. The term includes a firearm. Because of this law, Anime Kaigi must unfortunately be very strict with its weapons policy and prohibit many props/weapons that might otherwise be acceptable at a typical anime convention.
2. Because of the nature of a university campus and its own laws and regulations, all props/weapons that might be mistaken for a real weapon must be CLEARLY identifiable as a fake weapon from ANY distance from which it might be viewed. Because there will be plenty of students on campus during the event, some props or fake weapons might be seen as a public safety threat or even a terrorist attack, resulting in the attendee being reported to the local authorities. Any attendee that violates this rule will be solely subject to additional consequences imposed by campus police if such incident occurs. Anime Kaigi Staff cannot be held liable for any attendee causing these circumstances, regardless of any advice given to him/her before, during, or after the event.
3. Any member bringing a costume prop or weapon as part of his/her costume needs to bring it to the Info Desk to have our Security team inspect and "peace-bond" the item.
  1. Some props/weapons will be peace-bonded in such a way that they will be disabled from being used as a weapon.
  2. Other props/weapons will simply be marked to show Staff & Security that the item has been deemed safe by Security, and that the item's owner/carrier has been instructed in the proper handling/use of the item.
  3. Members who are found to be carrying a prop/weapon at the convention that has not been peace-bonded will be issued a warning and instructed to take the item to the Info Desk immediately to have it peace-bonded.
4. No live steel will be permitted at the convention center or on campus.
  1. Live steel is considered (but not limited to): Swords, Knives, Bayonets, Shuriken, and any other objects made of metal which can take an edge regardless of whether the object is actually sharp.
5. Nunchaku are considered dangerous, and are not permitted.
6. Guns of any type are not permitted. A gun is loosely defined as any item which is capable of firing, shooting, or otherwise launching any projectile (even water). This includes (but is not limited to): handguns, rifles, shotguns, pellet guns, water guns, air or airsoft guns, paintball markers, replicas of actual guns, crossbows or pistol crossbows, electroshock (taser) guns, dart guns or blow guns. Certain exceptions can be made (at the sole discretion of Security):
  1. Easily identifiable toy plastic guns with no moving parts and have a clearly visible, non-removable, orange-colored (or neon-colored) tip.
  2. Resin, foam, papier-mâché, wood, clay, cloth, and other hand-made guns with no moving parts and have a clearly visible, non-removable, orange-colored (or neon-colored) tip.
7. Wooden weapons such as staffs, walking sticks, bokken and other wooden swords are allowed, along with any other fake weaponry made from foam, papier-mâché, tissue paper, fiberglass resin, or any other safe material. All such items are only allowed if they can be recognized as a fake weapon, and do not create a safety hazard to any convention members, guests, or staff (i.e. sharp edges/parts, exceeding reasonable size limits, tripping hazards, etc.).
8. All props should be kept to a reasonable and manageable size, and should generally not exceed 6 feet in any direction or 50 pounds (e.g. a massive, 15-foot sword may look accurate and cool, but could easily be mishandled to create very unsafe situations). Certain exceptions to this rule can apply, but must be handled on a case-by-case basis by Security.
9. Laser pointers are not harmless toys and are capable of inflicting serious eye damage. Irresponsible use of a laser pointer is strictly prohibited.
10. Horseplay or play-fighting is not permitted!
11. The unsolicited striking of any individual with any object is strictly prohibited. This includes (but is not limited to) striking others with "Yuri" or "Yaoi" paddles/fans.
12. If any weapon, prop, or item is deemed to be unsafe to be on convention premises, the owner/carrier will be asked to remove the item from the convention and campus immediately. Convention Staff/Security, du Bois Center Staff, and NAU Staff/Security have the final say as to whether any item is considered safe or unsafe. Exceptions to any of these rules can be made at the sole discretion of convention Staff/Security.
13. All campus, local, state, and federal laws are to be followed regarding the possession or use of any weapon on convention or campus property.
Children
1. Children under 13 years must be accompanied by parent or guardian at the time of badge pickup and during all times of the convention.
2. Children 10 years and younger are granted free admission with paying adult.
Flyers
1. We will have at least one table at the convention near the registration/info desk set aside for placing flyers. Please limit your flyers to a single pile and respect flyers left by other people - please do not remove them from the table or from view of the convention attendees. Space on the flyer table will granted on a first-come, first-served basis until the table is full. No futher flyers will be allowed past the table's capacity.
2. We would prefer that your flyers are no larger than 8.5"x14" (US "legal size" paper). 11"x17" sheets are posters, not flyers!
3. Any flyers found not on the flyer table will be removed immediately. Flyers left stacked elsewhere in the convention area will be either moved to the flyer table or thrown out. Excessive amounts of flyers found in multiple unapproved areas will result in all flyers from the offending organization to be removed from the convention.
4. Flyers from any convention, organization, or business are welcome as long as they do not contain inappropriate, illegal, or adult material. Use of any trademark, copyrighted material (logo, mascot, etc.), or any other intellectual property belonging to any company or organization on flyers or any other medium without the express written approval from an authorized party of that company or organization is strictly prohibited.
5. Flyers remaining on the flyer table after the end of the convention will be thrown out or recycled. Anime Kaigi staff reserves the right to remove any flyers at any time for any reason.
Gaming
1. All attendees are required to obey the Gaming Policy as set forth by Arizona Hobbyists' Paradise and/or Anime Kaigi, Inc. This policy will be available and posted at or near the gaming area.