anime expo 2017

1.Purpose and Goals

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) recognizes the importance of protecting youth participants in SPJA events and activities, including online activities. SPJA has adopted a zero tolerance policy with regard to actions or behaviors that threaten the safety of young people, including violence, bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other inappropriate or potentially harmful actions or behaviors. SPJA views the safety and security of all participants—especially young people—as a top priority.

All participants at SPJA events and activities (including online activities) are encouraged to report any unsafe or inappropriate behaviors, conditions, or circumstances, including any violation of this Youth Protection Policy or violation of any other policy or rule intended to promote a safe environment.

This Youth Protection Policy has been developed with sensitivity to the unique cultural aspects of SPJA’s mission, events, and other activities.

The goals of this policy include:

• Increasing awareness about potential risks and recognizing each individual’s ability to help protect SPJA’s youth participants;
• Inspiring confidence and competence in identifying dangerous situations and behaviors; and
• Creating a safe and fun environment for SPJA’s youth participants.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all SPJA-managed facilities and venues and to SPJA events and activities (including online activities), as well as to all individuals involved with or participating in SPJA events and activities, including employees, volunteers, panelists, performers, Guests of Honor (GOH), members of a GOH’s or performer’s entourage, Artist Alley participants, exhibitors, vendors, press (including reporters, photographers, and videographers), and others.

SPJA encourages everyone to:

• RECOGNIZE that each individual can help protect youth;
• IDENTIFY harmful actions and report them to an SPJA representative immediately;
• CREATE a safe and fun environment for youth.

3. Prohibition of Attendance or Participation in an SPJA Event or Activity

SPJA may refuse to admit or may prohibit the participation of any individual who refuses to comply with SPJA policies, including this Youth Protection Policy. Any person who provides inaccurate or misleading information, or who is disqualified from participation pursuant to Section 5 (Disqualifying Criteria) below, will not be allowed to provide services on behalf of SPJA at that year’s events and activities, and may be permanently disqualified from working with SPJA in the future.

Those desiring to provide goods or services at SPJA events must comply with the following requirements, and not be disqualified under Section 5 (Disqualifying Criteria). 

a. Employees & Volunteers

• All individuals applying for an employee or volunteer role at SPJA must:
• complete an online application
• provide appropriate and accurate information, including full legal name
• complete SPJA’s online youth protection training at www.youthprotectionportal.org/SPJA
• agree to SPJA’s Code of Conduct for employees and volunteers
• consent to a criminal history background check conducted by a third party vendor retained by SPJA, and
• provide truthful information as required by the background check provider in order to facilitate the background check.

b. Panelists, Performers, Guests of Honor, Guest of Honor or Performer Entourages, and Artist Alley Participants

• Each panelist, performer, Guest of Honor (GOH), GOH or performer entourage member, and Artist Alley participant who will attend SPJA events is strongly encouraged to complete SPJA’s youth protection training available at www.youthprotectionportal.org/SPJA. The training provides information and tips to help you contribute to a safe and comfortable event or activity environment for all attendees and participants, especially youth.
• Although panelists, performers, Guests of Honor (GOH), GOH or performer entourage members, and Artist Alley participants are not required to complete a background check, they are strongly encouraged to do so, and may do so at SPJA’s expense through its third party vendor.  They are also strongly encouraged to discuss internally and with SPJA how to use carefully focused background checks to disqualify people with known histories of misconduct involving youth, as part of an industry-wide conversation about youth protection.

c. Exhibitors, Vendors, and Members of the Press and Industry

• Each exhibitor, vendor, member of the press, or member of industry who will attend SPJA events is strongly encouraged to complete SPJA’s youth protection training available at www.youthprotectionportal.org/SPJA. The training provides information and tips to help you contribute to a safe and comfortable event or activity environment for all attendees and participants, especially youth.
• Although exhibitors, vendors, members of the press, and members of industry are not required to complete a background check, they are strongly encouraged to do so.  They are also strongly encouraged to discuss internally and with SPJA how to use carefully focused background checks to disqualify people with known histories of misconduct involving youth, as part of an industry-wide conversation about youth protection.

4. Code of Conduct

To promote a safe environment and protect the many young participants at SPJA events and activities, SPJA has adopted a Code of Conduct which specifies behavioral expectations for SPJA employees and volunteers.

5. Disqualifying Criteria

a. Employees and Volunteers: 

Any SPJA employee, volunteer, or applicant for an employee or volunteer position will be deemed ineligible for service or participation at SPJA if the individual:

• fails to complete a required screening process or fails to provide necessary information required to complete the check. 
• otherwise provides information that is false or intended to be misleading;
• was previously terminated from a paid or volunteer position due to misconduct involving a youth; or
• was previously found or determined by SPJA to have engaged in misconduct involving youth at or around an SPJA event or activity; or

b. Panelists, Performers, Guests of Honor, Guest of Honor or Performer Entourages, and Artist Alley Participants: 

In addition, and although they are not required to complete background checks, any performer, guest of honor, GOH or performer entourage member, panelist, Artist Alley participant, press, exhibitor, or vendor position will be deemed ineligible for service or participation at SPJA events if the individual:

• provides information that is false or intended to be misleading;
• was previously terminated from a paid or volunteer position due to misconduct involving a youth; or
• was previously found or determined by SPJA to have engaged in misconduct involving youth at or around an SPJA event or activity.

In addition, reportable convictions or disclosures of registrations, for any of the following criminal offenses or registrations will prompt a determination that an applicant for an employee or volunteer role does not meet SPJA’s criminal background screening criteria:

a. Any reportable felony conviction (crimes punishable by confinement greater than one year) involving violence, sexual activity, or harm to children, including distributing alcohol or drugs to minors:

• Defined on the basis of exposure for the offense for which the defendant was convicted, pled guilty or pled nolo contendere. If pled down, then the crime to which the defendant ultimately pled.
• Defined as all crimes punishable by greater than one year in jail or prison, regardless of how characterized by jurisdiction. If range, alternate sentencing, or indeterminate sentencing with an outer range greater than one year.

b. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction involving force or threat of force against a person

c. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction of a sexual nature or classified as a sex offense including but not limited to ‘victimless’ crimes of a sexual nature such as prostitution, pornography, indecent exposure, and crimes in which sexual relations is an element

d. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction involving cruelty to animals

e. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction involving harm to a minor, including distributing alcohol or drugs to minors

f. Any Sex Offender Registrant

g. Any prior allegations of behavior at an SPJA event or activity that is inconsistent with our Youth Protection Policy.

Appeals Process: Any person for whom a background check is required who does not meet SPJA’s background check criteria will be given the opportunity to: (1) withdraw the application, or (2) dispute the accuracy of the background screening report through an appeals process with the third party background checking firm retained by SPJA.

Any decision regarding disqualified person will be documented and kept in an internal database of persons deemed ineligible for employee or volunteer roles at SPJA.

6. Responsibilities & Expectations

a. Youth Participants

• Youth participants are present throughout SPJA events. Because of the crowded nature of SPJA events, children aged 13 years and younger must be chaperoned by an adult at all times. All SPJA representatives must be aware of their surroundings. If you notice an unaccompanied child who you believe to be aged 13 years or younger, contact your supervisor, or an SPJA representative who will notify Security or the Appropriate Supervisor. If the situation requires immediate intervention, engage another SPJA representative to assist you in approaching the child and contacting your supervisor.
• SPJA representatives are prohibited from caring for children while providing services on behalf of SPJA. All SPJA representatives should ensure that their own children are under the care of an adult while at SPJA events, and should not agree to watch or take care of another person’s child or children for any amount of time, even momentarily.

b. Lost Child Policy

• Unaccompanied children aged 13 years and younger are of an especially vulnerable age and are deemed critical missing. Children aged 14 years and older are not considered critical missing unless the child has a preexisting medical condition such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, an intellectual disability, or another similar condition.
• When a child deemed critical missing is reported missing, SPJA will use all available resources to find the child. A security officer and/or a designated SPJA staff member will stay with the parents or guardians at all times until the child has been found and reunited with their caretaker.

c. Found Child Policy

• When an unaccompanied child aged 13 years or younger is found, the child should be escorted to the Event Operations office by two SPJA representatives or security officers—one male and one female. If the child is uncooperative or emotionally distraught, refrain from forcing the child to comply, and remain with the child in the current location. Request additional support if needed. If the child’s parents or guardians have not come forward to claim the child after 20 minutes, notify your supervisor and an SPJA director will contact the police.
• When reuniting a child with their parent or guardian, ask for identification before releasing the child back into the custody of the parent or guardian. Document the identification information and a contact number for the parent or guardian.

d. Safety Concerns and SafeSpace Locations

• Any SPJA event attendee who feels unsafe or concerned is encouraged to seek assistance from an SPJA representative, or to proceed to a SafeSpace location. Messaging about SafeSpace locations will be featured during SPJA events, and locations will be clearly marked. As an SPJA representative, one of your important responsibilities is to make sure you know where the SafeSpace locations are located, so that you can properly and compassionately assist any attendee who needs to find a SafeSpace.

e. Social Media

• Social media is an important part of the SPJA’s events and activities. In most cases, social media sites and accounts are used to celebrate and promote culture. Young people may be more susceptible to negative experiences on social media sites, more likely to fall victim to harmful behavior, and more likely to engage in risky behavior. Some youth use social media to ‘try on’ alternative versions of themselves, behaving more boldly online than they would in person. Adding to the risk is the fact that youth may not have spoken with their parents or guardians about social media safety. SPJA is committed to providing a safe experience for young fans of culture, including on social media sites sponsored or supported by SPJA.
• SPJA will not tolerate any conduct, including online activity, that puts young event participants at risk of physical, emotional or sexual abuse or bullying. Under no circumstances may any content of a sexual nature be transmitted to an underage attendee. Any SPJA attendee or representative who violates this strict policy concerning social media is subject to immediate dismissal. In addition, the transmission of any sexual content or requests for sexual contact made to an underage attendee will be promptly reported to law enforcement.

f. Photography & Video

• Photography is generally allowed and encouraged at SPJA events. However, photography is prohibited in certain areas and all SPJA event participants and representatives have the right to privacy. Thus, permission should be obtained before a photograph is taken, and if an individual indicates that they prefer not to have their photograph taken, this should be respected in all cases, including by professional and amateur photographers. Additionally, no youth attendee should be photographed in private, either on-site or off-site, without a parent or guardian.
• If you become aware of a situation where a person has been unwillingly photographed, or an inappropriate photograph has been taken, it is your responsibility to notify your supervisor right away. Persons taking inappropriate photographs or photographs of an unwilling subject are subject to discipline, up to and including immediate dismissal from an SPJA event.

g. Costuming & Cosplay

• Cosplay is generally allowed and encouraged at SPJA events. However, inappropriate cosplay is prohibited. All SPJA event participants have the right to an expectation of a family-friendly environment. Thus, if you notice someone who is dressed or is behaving inappropriately, it is your responsibility to notify your supervisor right away.

7. Prohibited Activities

a. Abuse and Physical Force

• All SPJA representatives are strictly prohibited from engaging in violent behaviors while at SPJA events, including but not limited to abusive or offensive language, hitting or shoving. If you become aware of violent behaviors involving youth, notify your supervisor right away.
• This policy does not apply to official demonstrations of martial arts or other performances.

b. Sexual Contact or Communication

• All SPJA representatives are strictly prohibited from engaging in sexual activity or contact or discussing sexual activity with any under-age participants. If you become aware of prohibited sexual contact or sexual communication involving youth, contact your supervisor right away.
• Some SPJA events and activities feature adult programs that include discussions or displays of content that is sexual in nature. This content is restricted to adults 18 years of age and older. Any SPJA representatives who witness youth participants entering, participating in or attempting to gain access to adult-only programs should contact their supervisor right away.

c. Bullying and Harassment

• In addition to the avoidance of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and inappropriate contact, SPJA representatives and participants are strictly prohibited from engaging in bullying or harassment of other participants or SPJA representatives. If you become aware of a bullying or harassment situation, notify your supervisor right away.

d. Inappropriate Photography

• Photographs may not be taken in restrooms, dressing rooms, or from an angle intended to expose or reveal a participant’s undergarments or any part of the body intentionally covered by a costume.

8. Reporting

a. Child Abuse Definition

• SPJA defines child abuse as any action or inaction that injures or creates the possibility of injury to a child or youth. Injury may be physical, psychological or emotional in nature.

b. Suspected or Actual Child Abuse or Injury

• Under California law, SPJA representatives are not mandated reporters of suspected or actual child abuse. However, if you suspect that a child or youth is being injured or abused by anyone—including a parent, guardian, caretaker, unrelated adult, or another child—SPJA requires that you notify your supervisor right away. Your supervisor will be able to help you assess the situation and determine the appropriate steps to take to resolve your concerns.

c. Escalation Process

• If you witness an incident, or you are approached by an SPJA attendee who has been a victim or who has witnessed an incident of abuse or misconduct, notify your supervisor right away. Your supervisor will be able to help you assess the situation and determine the appropriate escalation process.

d. Anonymous Report

• The SPJA Youth Protection Portal, www.youthprotectionportal.org/SPJA, contains a reporting form through which anyone can report an unsafe or concerning situation or incident. Although employees and volunteers are required to report incidents to their supervisors directly without delay, please make sure you are also familiar with the online reporting form.

In consideration of being permitted to participate in this convention, event, or meeting organized by the Society for Promotion of Japanese Animation (“SPJA”) (each referred to as the “Event”), I hereby acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions of participation (this “Waiver”):

1.     I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and Weapons Policy for this Event, which are incorporated into this Waiver as though set forth herein. I understand and agree that this Waiver, together with any other policies or instructions posted on the web site or communicated by employees, officials, officers, volunteers, or other persons affiliated with or acting for or on behalf of the SPJA, the City, or any Official Hotel, are effective and apply to me at all times when I am present on and around the Venue and Official Hotels in connection with the Event. The “Venue” refers to the location at which the Event is held. “Official Hotels” are hotels that the SPJA has explicitly designated as such for the Event. The “City” refers to the city in which an Event is held.

 

1.     I understand that my participation in any activity at the Event is voluntary. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT SOME ACTIVITIES AT THE EVENT, SUCH AS BUT NOT LIMITED TO DANCING OR ROLE PLAYING, HAVE INHERENT RISKS AND DANGERS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OR INJURY TO MY PERSON OR PROPERTY, AND THAT AS A CONDITION OF BEING PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ANY ACTIVITY AT THE EVENT, I MUST ASSUME AND ACCEPT ALL RISKS OF HARM, LOSS, OR INJURY THAT MAY ARISE FROM OR BE RELATED TO PARTICIPATION IN THAT ACTIVITY. I HEREBY WAIVE AND RELEASE, indemnify, and hold harmless the SPJA, the City, the Venue, the Official Hotels, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, contractors, volunteers, managers, sponsors, funders, attendees, public officials, successors and assigns (“Released Parties”), from any and all demands, damages, losses, liabilities, causes of action, lawsuits, attorneys’ fees, and/or claims of every kind and nature, whether known or unknown, in law or equity, that I ever had or may have, arising from or in any way related to my participation in the Event, including acts or omissions by third parties such as medical providers and vendors of food or drink, arising from or in any way connected with my participation in the Event. I understand the nature of the Event activities in which I participate and represent that I am qualified to participate in such activities. I further acknowledge that I am aware that the Event will be conducted in facilities open to the public. I agree and warrant that if at any time I believe conditions of an Event activity to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation in the activity. I intend and desire for this Waiver to be interpreted as broadly as permitted under California law. This Waiver does NOT apply to any acts of gross negligence or intentional, willful, or wanton misconduct on the part of any Released Party.

 

1.     In the Event of any injury or illness to me during my participation, I authorize the staff of the Event, the SPJA, the Venue, or any Official Hotel to seek and obtain such emergency or medical services as may be deemed necessary at the time, but understand and agree that they shall not be obligated to do so.

 

1.     I understand and acknowledge that if I break, deface, harm, or damage any real or personal property in connection with my participation in the Event, including but not limited to property of the Venue, any Official Hotel, or the City, I shall be solely and personally responsible for paying any and all costs and incidental or consequential damages relating to the replacement or repair of the damaged item or facility.

 

1.     General Terms. No waiver or amendment of any provision of this Waiver will be effective unless in writing. This Waiver shall be construed using the laws of the State of California, except as they apply to conflicts of law. The language in all parts of this Waiver shall be construed as a whole in accordance with its fair meaning, not for or against any party, and without regard to any statutes that provide for the language of an agreement to be construed against the drafter. If any provision herein is determined to be unenforceable, that provision shall be severed and all other provisions shall remain in effect. I consent to the jurisdiction of any federal or state court within Los Angeles, California. This Waiver shall bind and be for the benefit of myself, SPJA, and our respective heirs, fiduciaries, successors, and assigns. I have not relied upon any promise, representation, or warranty in signing this Waiver. This Waiver will continue in full force and effect even after the conclusion of the Event. You understand and agree that your electronic submission of agreement to this Waiver constitutes an electronic signature that is just as legally binding as your signature on a hard copy of the Waiver. Further, you agree that no certification authority or other third-party verification is required to validate this electronic signature, and that the lack of such certification or third-party verification shall not in any way effect the enforceability of this Waiver.

I SUBMIT THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, OF MY OWN FREE WILL AND FREE OF PRESSURE, DURESS, OR THREAT OF DURESS. I HAVE READ THIS ENTIRE FORM CAREFULLY. I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT BY ACCEPTING THIS WAIVER, I HAVE GIVEN UP CONSIDERABLE FUTURE LEGAL RIGHTS. MY SIGNATURE IS PROOF OF MY INTENTION TO EXECUTE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL WAIVER AND RELEASE SPJA OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW. I AM OVER 18 YEARS OLD AND I AM MENTALLY COMPETENT.

Parent or Guardian’s Additional Release for MinorsIn consideration of the minor attendee (the “Minor”) being permitted by the SPJA to participate in the Event, I the undersigned represent and affirm that I am the parent or legal guardian of the Minor whose name appears above and that I have the authority to enter into this agreement on the Minor’s behalf. I understand and agree that the above terms and conditions apply to the Minor and to me. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the SPJA from any and all claims that are brought by, or on behalf of, the Minor, and which are in any way connected with the Minor’s participation in the Event. I represent and warrant that I am over 18 years old and I am mentally competent.

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Following this simple Code of Conduct helps everyone have fun and be safer at the convention. Your own good judgment and courtesy toward others are key. Watch out for each other, take care of one another, help those who need help, and be careful. Don’t leave the event with strangers, make sure that your friends know if you are going home early, and call security if you see anything suspicious. Minors should not go to hotel rooms with adults. Play it clean, sober, and safe.

To participate in our event (which we will refer to as the “Event” here, whether it’s Anime Expo, Anime Conji, Project Anime, or another one of our events), you must agree to comply with this Code of Conduct.

Code of Conduct

Please wear your Event badge at all times during the Event. 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: government-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards, passports, or military identification.

PROHIBITED ACTIONS

The following are not permitted at the Event or its surrounding perimeters, including the parking lots and structures:

• Failure to be appropriately clothed, the sole discretion of Society for Promotion of Japanese Animation (“SPJA). Please follow local laws, rules, and regulations when selecting your costume.
• Assaulting, threatening, or behaving inappropriately to another person, in SPJA’s sole discretion.
• Lewd or offensive behavior, such as profanity, obscene language or conduct, profanity, or racial, religious, or ethnic slurs.
• Commercial or business transactions conducted without the SPJA’s prior written consent, whether in the form of an exhibitor agreement, sponsorship agreement, vendor agreement, facility rental agreement, or otherwise. This includes, without limitation, the solicitation of money or other contributions or donations, or distribution of commercial advertising or promotional material of any kind, 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 the SPJA, the Event staff, the Event facility, or the hotel affiliated with the Event.
• Possessing any open can, bottle or other receptacle containing any alcoholic beverages, except in areas specifically designated for the consumption of alcohol and in compliance with the Alcohol Policy.
• Possessing any illegal substance. The SPJA DOES NOT tolerate illegal substances in or around the Event.
• Smoking, other than in designated areas.

PROHIBITION AGAINST THE USE OF SIGNS

All signs, whether for a costume prop or not, are prohibited unless approved in writing for specific use by Event Staff. Unapproved signs will be confiscated and repeat offenses may lead to individuals being asked to forfeit your attendee badge and may result in being banned from the convention.

RECORDING POLICY

You agree that you may be recorded during the Event without compensation and you hereby grant to the SPJA the rights to reproduce, display, distribute, perform, create derivative works from, and otherwise use any still photographs and moving sound and audiovisual recordings (“Recordings”) of you in any media and in any manner throughout the world in perpetuity, including on the internet, broadcast, satellite and other transmissions.

You are generally allowed to make Recordings in all common areas of the Event, with the exception of the Art Show, backstage, and restricted areas. Specific rules and restrictions regarding Recordings apply to specific events. If you are unsure, please check and follow the instructions given.

Please obtain permission first to make Recordings of any individuals or costumes. If someone asks or otherwise indicates that they do not wish to be recorded, do not record them. The SPJA will make reasonable efforts to enforce this policy, but given the proliferation of recording devices and the ease with which Event attendees may conceal their recording devices, it is understood and agreed that the SPJA shall not be liable for violations.

Recordings of the Event or its employees, staff, or attendees for the purpose of sale, and/or publication to the press is expressly forbidden unless written permission has been obtained from the SPJA, as well the policy of any venue in which you are recording. Individuals may make Recordings for private listening/viewing, provided that such Recordings clearly identify the Event, date, and location at which they were recorded.

All bloggers and members of the press and staff are additionally required to conform to the SPJA’s Press Policy and we encourage attendees to become familiar with those rules.

ALCOHOL POLICY

The SPJA is committed to providing a safe and family-friendly environment for everyone attending its events. 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 hotel, room service, and other places that legally serve alcohol and have 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 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 is grounds for immediate expulsion from the event and/or termination of your position with SPJA.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

During the convention an Information Services kiosk booth will be located at the event for questions, concerns or inquires. Check your Event Map or program guide for location.

If you need immediate assistance, please don’t hesitate to approach anyone on the Event staff or contact us online.

The SPJA reserves the right to modify and/or update this Code of Conduct at any time.

Violation of the Code of Conduct policies is grounds for immediate loss of your event badge and serious violations are grounds for banning you from coming to future Events.

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Anime Expo is dedicated to serving all of its attendees. Our Event Operations department is ready to offer a hand to visitors with special needs such as:

• ASL interpreters for the deaf at large panels and events
• Limited number of volunteer interpreters available for individual assistance
• Special limited seating for programming events
• Registration service for attendees with mobility issues

If you are an attendee with disabilities, Anime Expo wants to make your experience as fun and as entertaining as possible, but there are a few limitations on what can be provided. 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 your program and plan your day accordingly, keeping in mind the popularity of most events.
• Please try to provide at least 30 days notice if you will be requesting any special aides such as ASL interpreters. Anime Expo understands that things can change last minute and will attempt to accommodate as best as possible with last minute notices.

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

PRogram Room Policies

Program Rooms include:

• Live Programming (i.e. panels and Q&A’s)
• Workshops
• Video Rooms

These rooms will be checking badges upon entry. Please ensure that your badge is valid for that day and in clear view of room personnel to assist with line control.

ORDER OF ENTRY

When a room opens for entry we will allow attendees to enter in the following order:

1. Disabled Services Priority Access Sticker Holders
   • These can be retrieved from an Information Booth. Please procure them prior to arriving to the event.
2. Premier Fan Badge Holders and press with valid Anime Expo® Press Badges.
3. All other valid Badges with access to Live Programming, Workshop, and video rooms.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Ticketed Events require both Badge and Ticket to enter the event. Please see our Ticketing FAQ for more information.
• Oversize cosplay props: These must be placed against the wall; do not place them in the aisle or on adjacent seats.
• Photo/Video Policies:
  • Panel/Workshop Rooms: Permissions depend on each individual guest and presenter, so photo/video policies will be announced at the beginning of events as each event has its own policy.
  • Video Rooms: No filming or photos allowed.

Room Clearing

• The following rooms WILL NOT be cleared between normal Panel Events:
  • Main Events Hall: LACC Hall B
  • Live Programming 1: LACC Petree Hall

• EXCEPTIONS: Room clearing WILL occur prior to a Main Event (i.e. AMV, Masquerade), Special Events (i.e. concerts, fashion show), and before the start of 18+ content tracks.
  • In the event either room reaches capacity two separate lines will form outside: 1 General Attendee Line and 1 Premier Fan Line.
  • As Attendees leave the room a corresponding number of Premier Fans will be allowed entry first. Attendees in the General Attendee Line will be allowed in when the Premier Fan Line is empty.

• The following rooms WILL be cleared between Panel Events:
  • Live Programming 2: LACC 403AB
  • Live Programming 3: LACC 408AB
  • Live Programming 4: LACC 411
  • Workshops 1: 404AB
  • Workshops 2: 406AB

• Video Rooms
  • Video Rooms may be cleared in preparation for highly anticipated showings.

18+ Event Policies

All 18+ Panel Events, Workshops, and Video Screening Rooms will require a wristband from either an Info Services Booth (located in South Hall and West Hall Lobby) along with a valid Badge.

• To receive the appropriate wristband attendees will need to present a valid ID to an Info Services Booth (located in South Hall and West Hall Lobby).
• Only those who are 18-years of age as of the event date will be granted a wristband.
• The below is a list of ID’s that will be considered valid:
  • State Driver’s License
  • State Identification Card
  • Passport
  • S. Military ID

There will be no exceptions to the types of identification. Re-entry into the room will require the wristband. Please refrain from tampering with the provided wristbands in any fashion. If you are over the age of 18 you may not escort another person under the age of 18 into the room. Please do not leave children unaccompanied to attend an 18+ event.

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

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Weapons Policy

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

You further understand and agree that, for your own safety and the safety of everyone at the Event, SPJA has the absolute and immediate right to inspect your costumes, prop weapons, and any other item you bring to the Event. We may temporarily or permanently remove any attendee at any time for violating this Weapons Policy — because your safety, and every attendee’s safety, is so important.

No real weapons are allowed at the Event.

This includes firearms, knives, curio, relic, and antique firearms, and every form of ammunition, whether carried openly or concealed and even if the weapons are inoperable or unusable. Even items that may be legal for you to own or carry are not welcome at our events if they violate this Weapons policy. The following are examples of weapons that you CANNOT bring to the Event:

FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, RIFLES, SHOTGUNS, HANDGUNS, BLOWGUNS, TAZERS, LASER POINTERS, LASER-AIMING DEVICES OR SIMILAR LASER DEVICES, EXPLOSIVES OR OTHER INCENDIARY DEVICES, KNIVES, LIVE BLADES/SWORDS (INCLUDING KATANA AND OTHER MARTIAL ARTS STYLE SWORDS), DAGGERS, SWORD CANES, SWITCHBLADES, BALI-SONG (BUTTERFLY) KNIVES, AXES, HATCHETS, METAL POLE-ARMS, CLUBS, WOODEN/METAL BATS AND PADDLES, HUNTING BOWS, ARROWS, NUNCHUCKS,BRASS KNUCKLES, WHIPS, PEPPERSPRAY/MACE, POWER TOOLS, STILTS, VUVUZELAS, OR ANY ITEM THAT IS ILLEGAL IN THE CALIFORNIA OR THAT APPEARS, IN SPJA MANAGEMENT’S DISCRETION, TO BE DANGEROUS OR WHICH WOULD PLACE OTHERS IN IMMEDIATE HARM AND OR EXCEED A DECIBEL LEVEL OF 85.

Prop Weapons are allowed only if they are Peace Bonded by Weapons Check.

Prop weapons are inoperable weapons that support the overall look of your costume or character. For example, Airsoft guns, Nerf guns, water guns, dart guns, disc guns, pellet guns, and cap guns are prop weapons.

Prop weapons must be submitted to “Weapons Check” for Peace Bonding. SPJA has the sole discretion to approve prop weapons. Anime Expo’s Weapons Check booths are located in both the South Hall Lobby and the West Hall Lobby. Other Event Weapons Check booths shall be designated in the programs and on signs.

We may revoke Peace Bonding at any time in our sole discretion. For example, we will revoke approval if you use or brandish the item in an inappropriate fashion (like play-fighting or swinging the weapon around). We will also revoke approval if we receive complaints about the way you are using or displaying your prop weapon or futuristic device, or if you tamper with the device that Weapons Check uses to show that your prop weapon has been Peace Bonded.

Peace Bonding Rules

If a prop weapon is, or was, at any time capable of firing anything, it must be rendered permanently inoperable in order to qualify for Peace Bonding. You can do this by, for example, permanently plugging the barrel with glue, caulk, or any non-removable substance. You must be able to prove that the gun is permanently decommissioned upon inspection. Bring tools if necessary

In addition, to be Peace Bonded, your weapon must meet the following criteria:

• Your prop weapon can’t be more than 7 feet (2.13 meters) long or weigh more than 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms).
• Prop explosives cannot be made out of metal.
• All swords or bladed martial arts weapons must be blunt-edged and cannot have any sort of cutting or sharpened edge (no live steel). Metal swords must have a sheath and must remain in the sheath for the duration of the Event. Whenever possible, for the purposes of keeping metal swords in sheaths, we recommend anchoring the sword to the sheath. We also reserve the right to anchor bladed weapons shut.
• All prop bows must be unstrung or have a low-tensile thread.
• All prop arrows must have non-metal, blunted tips.
• Metal chains must be less than 12 inches long and no more than one inch thick.
• Non-metal chains must be under a reasonable length so as not to pose a safety or fire hazard.

If your prop weapon looks realistic, then federal law requires that it either be translucent enough to see inside, or be at least half covered with solid white or bright red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, or purple. 15 CFR § 1150.3.

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 put your prop weapons away when leaving the Event site at night so that you don’t get the attention of local law enforcement. SPJA cannot be responsible for any actions taken by local law 2 enforcement – such as detention and questioning – if you decide to display or brandish your prop weapons at or outside of the Event.

Martial Arts Performances & 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. Con staff reserves the right to stop any performance or demonstration in their sole discretion.

Uniformed Costumes

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

It’s just not safe to impersonate local law enforcement or other emergency personnel. 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. If you don’t cooperate, we may expel you from the Event in order to protect the safety and welfare of everyone there.

If You Buy Weapons at the Event

If you buy a prop or other weapon from at the Event, you must immediately submit it to Weapons Check or remove it from the Event hall.

(Direct URL)

At Anime Expo® we recognize that privacy is important. This Privacy Policy applies to all of the products, services and websites offered by Anime Expo® or its subsidiaries or affiliated companies.
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please feel free to contact us via our website or write to us at

Legal Department-Privacy
c/o Anime Expo
1522 Brookhollow Dr, Suite 150
Santa Ana, CA. 92705
USA

Information we collect and how we use it
In order to provide our full range of services, we may collect the following types of information:

• Information you provide — When you register as an attendee for Anime Expo® or other Anime Expo® service or promotion that requires registration, we ask you for personal information (such as name, email address, physical address, etc.). For certain services, such as our pre-registration process, we also request credit card or other payment account information that we maintain in encrypted form on secure servers. We may combine the information you submit under your account with information from other Anime Expo® services or third parties in order to provide you with a better experience and to improve the quality of our services. For certain services, we may give you the opportunity to opt out of combining such information.
• Log information — When you access Anime Expo® services, our servers automatically record information that your browser sends whenever you visit a website. These server logs may include information such as your web request, Internet Protocol address, browser type, browser language, the date and time of your request and one or more cookies that may uniquely identify your browser.
• User communications — When you send email or other communications to Anime Expo® and its representatives, we may retain those communications in order to process your inquiries, respond to your requests and improve our services.
• Affiliated sites — We offer some of our services in connection with other web sites. Personal information that you provide to those sites may be sent to Anime Expo® in order to deliver the service. We process such information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. The affiliated sites may have different privacy practices and we encourage you to read their privacy policies.
• Links — Anime Expo® may present links in a format that enables us to keep track of whether these links have been followed. We use this information to improve the quality of our search technology, customized content and advertising.
• Other sites — This Privacy Policy applies to Anime Expo® services only. We do not exercise control over the sites displayed as search results or links from within our various services. These other sites may place their own cookies or other files on your computer, collect data or solicit personal information from you.

Anime Expo® only processes personal information for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy and/or the supplementary privacy notices for specific services. In addition to the above, such purposes include:

• Providing our services to users, including the display of customized content and advertising;
• Auditing, research and analysis in order to maintain, protect and improve our services;
• Ensuring the technical functioning of our site; and
• Developing new services

You can find more information about how we process personal information by referring to the supplementary privacy notices for particular services.

Anime Expo® processes personal information on our servers in the United States of America and in other countries. In some cases, we process personal information on a server outside your own country. We may process personal information to provide our own services. In some cases, we may process personal information on behalf of and according to the instructions of a third party, such as our advertising partners.

Choices for personal information
When you sign up for a particular service that requires registration, we ask you to provide personal information. If we use this information in a manner different than the purpose for which it was collected, then we will ask for your consent prior to such use.

If we propose to use personal information for any purposes other than those described in this Privacy Policy and/or in the specific service privacy notices, we will offer you an effective way to opt out of the use of personal information for those other purposes. We will not collect or use sensitive information for purposes other than those described in this Privacy Policy and/or in the supplementary service privacy notices, unless we have obtained your prior consent.

Most browsers are initially set up to accept cookies, but you can reset your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, some Anime Expo® features and services may not function properly if your cookies are disabled.

You can decline to submit personal information to any of our services, in which case Anime Expo® may not be able to provide those services to you.

Information sharing
Anime Expo® only shares personal information with other companies or individuals outside of Anime Expo® in the following limited circumstances:

• We have your consent. We require opt-in consent for the sharing of any sensitive personal information.
• We provide such information to our subsidiaries, affiliated companies or other trusted businesses or persons for the purpose of processing personal information on our behalf. We require that these parties agree to process such information based on our instructions and in compliance with this Privacy Policy and any other appropriate confidentiality and security measures.
• We have a good faith belief that access, use, preservation or disclosure of such information is reasonably necessary to (a) satisfy any applicable law, regulation, legal process or enforceable governmental request, (b) enforce applicable Terms of Service, including investigation of potential violations thereof, (c) detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, security or technical issues, or (d) protect against imminent harm to the rights, property or safety of Anime Expo®, its users or the public as required or permitted by law.

If Anime Expo® becomes involved in a merger, acquisition, or any form of sale of some or all of its assets, we will provide notice before personal information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.
We may share with third parties certain pieces of aggregated, non-personal, non-personal information, such as the number of users who searched for a particular term, for example, or how many users clicked on a particular advertisement. Such information does not identify you individually.

Please contact us at the address below for any additional questions about the management or use of personal data.

Information security
We take appropriate security measures to protect against unauthorized access to or unauthorized alteration, disclosure or destruction of data. These include internal reviews of our data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures, as well as physical security measures to guard against unauthorized access to systems where we store personal data.

We restrict access to personal information to Anime Expo® employees, contractors and agents who need to know that information in order to operate, develop or improve our services. These individuals are bound by confidentiality obligations and may be subject to discipline, including termination and criminal prosecution, if they fail to meet these obligations.

Data integrity
Anime Expo® processes personal information only for the purposes for which it was collected and in accordance with this Privacy Policy or any applicable service-specific privacy notice. We review our data collection, storage and processing practices to ensure that we only collect, store and process the personal information needed to provide or improve our services. We take reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information we process is accurate, complete, and current, but we depend on our users to update or correct their personal information whenever necessary.

Accessing and updating personal information
When you use Anime Expo® services, we make good faith efforts to provide you with access to your personal information and either to correct this data if it is inaccurate or to delete such data at your request if it is not otherwise required to be retained by law or for legitimate business purposes. We ask individual users to identify themselves and the information requested to be accessed, corrected or removed before processing such requests, and we may decline to process requests that are unreasonably repetitive or systematic, require disproportionate technical effort, jeopardize the privacy of others, or would be extremely impractical (for instance, requests concerning information residing on backup tapes), or for which access is not otherwise required. In any case where we provide information access and correction, we perform this service free of charge, except if doing so would require a disproportionate effort. Some of our services have different procedures to access, correct or delete users’ personal information. We provide the details for these procedures in the specific privacy notices or FAQs for these services.

Enforcement
Anime Expo® regularly reviews its compliance with this Privacy Policy. Please feel free to direct any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or Anime Expo®’s treatment of personal information by contacting us through this web site or by writing to us at

Legal Department-Privacy
c/o Anime Expo
1522 Brookhollow Dr, Suite 150
Santa Ana, CA. 92705
USA

When we receive formal written complaints at this address, it is Anime Expo®’s policy to contact the complaining user regarding his or her concerns. We will cooperate with the appropriate regulatory authorities, including local data protection authorities, to resolve any complaints regarding the transfer of personal data that cannot be resolved between Anime Expo® and an individual.

Changes to this Privacy Policy
Please note that this Privacy Policy may change from time to time. We will not reduce your rights under this Privacy Policy without your explicit consent, and we expect most such changes will be minor. Regardless, we will post any Privacy Policy changes on this page and, if the changes are significant, we will provide a more prominent notice (including, for certain services, email notification of Privacy Policy changes). Each version of this Privacy Policy will be identified at the top of the page by its effective date, and we will also keep prior versions of this Privacy Policy in an archive for your review.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please feel free to contact us any time through this web site or at

Legal Department-Privacy
c/o Anime Expo
1522 Brookhollow Dr, Suite 150
Santa Ana, CA. 92705
USA

(Direct URL)

AX 2016 Main Events FAQ and Policies

Each Anime Expo® Main Event has its own rules when it comes to appropriate behavior.  Please abide by those rules as stated below.

Conditions apply to all parties, including Anime Expo Staff as well as attendees, Press, and Industry, attending events in the LACC West Hall B, Microsoft Theater, or The Novo.  Any penalties incurred in the Main Events venue will count towards the convention’s one-strike policy for Main Events.

*NOTE: Policies are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Guests of Honor and/or Anime Expo

MAIN EVENTS FAQ

What are the Anime Expo Main Events?

The Anime Expo Main Events include:

• Anime Expo Concerts and Special Events
• Anime Expo Masquerade Contest
• Anime Music Video (AMV) Contest
• SPJA Charity Auction  (location in LP1 Petree Hall this year)
• Opening (Welcome) Ceremony
• Closing Ceremony
• Late Comedy Showdown (18+)

 

What is the difference between “ticketed” and “NON-ticketed” Main Events?

“Ticketed” Main Events include the following events:

• Concerts (Anisong World Matsuri: Japan Super Live and Anisong World Matsuri: Japan Band Battle)
• Special Events (ONE PUNCH MAN Matsuri at AX, Dempagumi.inc, Love Live! Sunshine!! Special Event, and Cowboy Bebop: The Jazz Cat Experience)
• Anime Expo Masquerade
• Anime Music Video (AMV) Contest
• Late Comedy Showdown

“NON-ticketed” Main Events include the following events:

• Opening (Welcome) Ceremony
• Closing Ceremony
• SPJA Charity Auction.

“Ticketed” Main Events require a valid AX 2016 badge and a valid Main Event ticket for entrance to those particular Main Events.

“NON-ticketed” Main Events only require a valid AX 2016 badge for entrance to those particular Main Events.

If we exit the Main Events venue, are we allowed to re-enter?

For LACC West Hall B:

• Re-entry is ONLY allowed for restroom access.

For the “ticketed” Main Events in LACC West Hall B, re-entry is allowed ONLY for restroom access, and you must have the following two (2) items in order to gain re-entry:

1. your valid AX 2016 badge and
2. your valid Main Event ticket.

For the “NON-ticketed” Main Events in LACC West Hall B, re-entry is allowed ONLY for restroom access, and you must have your valid AX 2016 badge in order to gain re-entry.

 

For Microsoft Theater:

• There is no re-entry once you exit the lobby doors.

For The Novo:

• There is no re-entry once you exit the main doors.

MAIN EVENTS POLICIES

All pre-approved AX 2016 Press/Industry badges must remain in the “Press” section during the Main Events.

Anim Expo Concerts

 Each concert Guest of Honor has a different set of photography and video recording policies.

*NOTE: Policies are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Guests of Honor and/or Anime Expo.

Anisong World Matsuri: Japan Super Live

This concert will be held in Microsoft Theater, and everyone in attendance will be subjected to mandatory bag checks by Microsoft Theater staff and required to go through metal detectors upon entry.

*NOTE: Policies are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Guests of Honor and/or Anime Expo.

• No photography.
• No video recording.
• No audio recording.
• No selfie sticks.

By attending, you agree not to bring any photography or recording devices into the Main Events venue.

Please leave restricted items in your car, hotel room, or at Bag Check.  Cell phones and cameras should be kept in bags or pockets for the duration of the entire event.

If you are found using your phone to record audio, record video, or take pictures during the event, you will be removed from the event and no refund will be issued for your event ticket or Anime Expo 2016 badge.

Bag Check is available in Room 501ABC in the West Hall of the Convention Center.

Any attendee(s), non-authorized Press, Anime Expo Attendee-Volunteers, or Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers violating the photography and video recording policies or the Additional Policies (see below) will be subjected to immediate deletion of all relevant media stored on the device, one strike on the badge, and, at the discretion of Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers, ejection from the venue and badge revocation for the remainder of the convention.

Anisong World Matsuri: Japan Band Battle

This concert will be held at The Novo, and everyone in attendance will be subjected to mandatory bag checks by Novo staff and required to go through metal detectors upon entry.

*NOTE: Policies are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Guests of Honor and/or Anime Expo.

• No photography.
• No video recording.
• No audio recording.
• No selfie sticks.

By attending, you agree not to bring any photography or recording devices into the Main Events venue.

Please leave restricted items in your car, hotel room, or at Bag Check.  Cell phones should be kept in bags or pockets for the duration of the entire event.

If you are found using your phone to record audio, record video, or take pictures during the event, you will be removed from the event and no refund will be issued for your event ticket or Anime Expo 2016 badge.

Bag Check is available in Room 501ABC in the West Hall of the Convention Center.

Any attendee(s), non-authorized Press, Anime Expo Attendee-Volunteers, or Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers violating the photography and video recording policies or the Additional Policies (see below) will be subjected to immediate deletion of all relevant media stored on the device, one strike on the badge, and, at the discretion of Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers, ejection from the venue and badge revocation for the remainder of the convention.

Love Live! Sunshine!! Special Event: Nice to meet you, we are Aqours!

*NOTE: Policies are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Guests of Honor and/or Anime Expo.

• No photography.
• No video recording.
• No audio recording.
• No selfie sticks.

By attending, you agree not to bring any photography or recording devices into the Main Events venue.

Please leave restricted items in your car, hotel room, or at Bag Check.  Cell phones should be kept in bags or pockets for the duration of the entire event.

If you are found using your phone to record audio, record video, or take pictures during the event, you will be removed from the event and no refund will be issued for your event ticket or Anime Expo 2016 badge.

Bag Check is available in Room 501ABC in the West Hall of the Convention Center.

Any attendee(s), Press, Anime Expo Attendee-Volunteers, or Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers violating the photography and video recording policies or the Additional Policies (see below) will be subjected to immediate deletion of all relevant media stored on the device, one strike on the badge, and, at the discretion of Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers, ejection from the venue and badge revocation for the remainder of the convention.

ONE PUNCH MATSURI at AX

*NOTE: Policies are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Guests of Honor and/or Anime Expo.

• No photography.
• No video recording.
• No audio recording.
• No selfie sticks.

By attending, you agree not to bring any photography or recording devices into the Main Events venue.

Please leave restricted items in your car, hotel room, or at Bag Check.  Cell phones should be kept in bags or pockets for the duration of the entire event.

If you are found using your phone to record audio, record video, or take pictures during the event, you will be removed from the event and no refund will be issued for your event ticket or Anime Expo 2016 badge.

Bag Check is available in Room 501ABC in the West Hall of the Convention Center.

Any attendee(s), Press, Anime Expo Attendee-Volunteers, or Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers violating the photography and video recording policies or the Additional Policies (see below) will be subjected to immediate deletion of all relevant media stored on the device, one strike on the badge, and, at the discretion of Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers, ejection from the venue and badge revocation for the remainder of the convention.

Phantom of the Kill Presents: Dempagumi.inc Live (18+)

This event, due to the nature of some graphic scenes in the screening, is 18+ only.  Anyone who plans to attend this event must provide a valid government-issued photo ID with date of birth clearly shown as well as his or her valid Anime Expo 2016 badge and event ticket.

*NOTE: Policies are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Guests of Honor and/or Anime Expo.

• No photography.
• No video recording.
• No audio recording.
• No selfie sticks.

By attending, you agree not to bring any photography or recording devices into the Main Events venue.

Please leave restricted items in your car, hotel room, or at Bag Check.  Cell phones should be kept in bags or pockets for the duration of the entire event.

If you are found using your phone to record audio, record video, or take pictures during the event, you will be removed from the event and no refund will be issued for your event ticket or Anime Expo 2016 badge.

Bag Check is available in Room 501ABC in the West Hall of the Convention Center.

Any attendee(s), non-authorized Press, Anime Expo Attendee-Volunteers, or Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers violating the photography and video recording policies or the Additional Policies (see below) will be subjected to immediate deletion of all relevant media stored on the device, one strike on the badge, and, at the discretion of Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers, ejection from the venue and badge revocation for the remainder of the convention.

Makoto Shinkai’s “your name” World Premiere and Panel

*NOTE: Policies are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Guests of Honor and/or Anime Expo.

• No photography, with the exception of Anime Expo Archive Staff-Volunteers.
• No video recording.
• No audio recording.
• No selfie sticks.

By attending, you agree not to bring any photography or recording devices into the Main Events venue.

Please leave restricted items in your car, hotel room, or at Bag Check.  Cell phones should be kept in bags or pockets for the duration of the entire event.

If you are found using your phone to record audio, record video, or take pictures during the event, you will be removed from the event and no refund will be issued for your event ticket or Anime Expo 2016 badge.

Bag Check is available in Room 501ABC in the West Hall of the Convention Center.

Any attendee(s), Press, Anime Expo Attendee-Volunteers, or Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers violating the photography and video recording policies or the Additional Policies (see below) will be subjected to immediate deletion of all relevant media stored on the device, one strike on the badge, and, at the discretion of Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers, ejection from the venue and badge revocation for the remainder of the convention.

Cowboy Bebop: The Jazz Cat Experience

*NOTE: Policies are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Guests of Honor and/or Anime Expo.

• No flash photography.  (Photography WITHOUT flash is allowed.)
• Video recording is allowed.
• No selfie sticks.
• No tripods of any kind.

Please leave restricted items in your car, hotel room, or at Bag Check. 

Bag Check is available in Room 501ABC in the West Hall of the Convention Center.

Any attendee(s), non-authorized Press, Anime Expo Attendee-Volunteers, or Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers violating the photography and video recording policies or the Additional Policies (see below) will be subjected to immediate deletion of all relevant media stored on the device, one strike on the badge, and, at the discretion of Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers, ejection from the venue and badge revocation for the remainder of the convention.

Anime Music Video (AMV) Contest

• No photography, with the exception of Anime Expo Archive Staff-Volunteers.
• No video recording.
• No audio recording.
• No selfie sticks.

By attending, you agree not to bring any photography or recording devices into the Main Events venue.

Please leave restricted items in your car, hotel room, or at Bag Check.  Cell phones should be kept in bags or pockets for the duration of the AMV Contest.

Bag Check is available in Room 501ABC in the West Hall of the Convention Center.

Any attendee(s), non-authorized Press, Anime Expo Attendee-Volunteers, or Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers violating the photography and video recording policies or the Additional Policies (see below) will be subjected to immediate deletion of all relevant media stored on the device, one strike on the badge, and, at the discretion of Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers, ejection from the venue and badge revocation for the remainder of the convention.

Opening (Welcome) Ceremony, Closing Ceremony, Late Comedy Showdown (18+), and SPJA Charity Auction

• No flash photography (photography WITHOUT flash is allowed), for the safety of our Guests of Honor and/or AX Staff-Volunteers on stage.
• Video recording is allowed.

• No selfie sticks. 

Photos and videos must be for personal use only, with the exception of Anime Expo Archive Staff-Volunteers and pre-approved Press members.

Please leave restricted items, such as oversized bags and oversized costume props, in your car, hotel room, or at Bag Check. 

Bag Check is available in Room 501ABC in the West Hall of the Convention Center.

AX Masquerade

• No flash photography (photography WITHOUT flash is allowed), for the safety of our contestants and/or AX Staff-Volunteers on stage.

• Video recording is allowed.
• No selfie sticks.

Photos and videos must be for personal use only, with the exception of Anime Expo Archive Staff-Volunteers and pre-approved Press members.

Please leave restricted items, such as oversized bags and oversized costume props, in your car, hotel room, or at Bag Check. 

Bag Check is available in Room 501ABC in the West Hall of the Convention Center.

Additional Policies

Due to the high volume of people attending the Main Events, the following should be noted for safety and fire hazard reasons:

• NO SELFIE STICKS.
• No excess or large baggage.  (Suitcases, luggage, duffel bags, etc. are not allowed.)
• No oversized costumes or oversized props (with the exception of Masquerade contestants on Sunday, July 3^rd, 2016).
• No weapons (i.e., swords, knives, bokkens, daggers, etc.)
• No skanking or moshing.
• No standing on chairs.
• No running in the aisles or rows.
• No smoking.
• No signs.
• NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGES (bottled water is acceptable).
• No re-entry into LACC West Hall B except for restroom access.
• No re-entry into Microsoft Theater.
• No re-entry into The Novo.

 

Attendees are highly encouraged to utilize Bag Check in Room 501ABC in the West Hall of the Convention Center prior to arriving at the Main Events Hall.

 

All attendees, Press, Industry, AX Attendee-Volunteers, and AX Staff-Volunteers attending the “ticketed” Main Events must have valid AX 2016 badges and valid Main Event tickets.

 

All attendees, Press, Industry, AX Attendee-Volunteers, and AX Staff-Volunteers attending the “NON-ticketed” Main Events must have valid AX 2016 badges.

 

Those found loitering in aisles will face immediate ejection from the venue and receive one strike on the badge or, at the discretion of Anime Expo Staff-Volunteers, badge revocation for the remainder of the convention.

 

All attendees, Press, Industry, AX Attendee-Volunteers, and AX Staff-Volunteers are subject to the Anime Expo Code of Conduct.

 

*NOTE: Policies are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Guests of Honor and/or Anime Expo.

 

 

Contact Information

 

For any questions and concerns on the Main Events Policies, please contact mainevents@anime-expo.org.

 

For Main Events Ticketing inquiries, please contact ticketing@anime-expo.org.

 

For Anime Expo Registration and badge inquiries, please contact registration@anime-expo.org.

 

For Press inquiries about the Main Events Policies, please contact mainevents@anime-expo.org.