Effective Date: April 28, 2017
Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.
ALCOHOL POLICY
SPJA is committed to providing a safe and family-friendly environment for everyone’s attendance. SPJA expects its employees, staff, directors, and each of their guests or representatives, to follow all applicable laws and regulations and to refrain from consuming alcohol in the presence of minors, serving alcohol while at the Event, or bringing outside alcoholic beverages onto the Event premises.
SPJA does not serve alcohol. SPJA’s employees, staff, directors, and all SPJA representatives, including interpreters and those assisting Guests of Honor, are prohibited from serving alcohol. Adults 21 and over may order alcoholic beverages from the hotel, room service, and other places that legally serve alcohol and have required liquor licenses. SPJA does not encourage drinking. If you are legally permitted to drink and choose to do so, SPJA asks that you drink responsibly.
Prohibited alcohol conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following behavior:
Violation of this Alcohol Policy may result in forfeiture of your Event badge, your expulsion from the Event and/or termination of your position with SPJA.
Effective Date: October 30, 2017
Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time.
SPJA is dedicated to accommodating all attendees, volunteers, and staff who may have disabilities that are protected by federal, state, and local public accommodations and accessibility laws. Although Event Facilities such as, but not limited to, the Los Angeles Convention Center, event hotels, and event programming venues such as Microsoft Theater and the NOVO are solely responsible for accessibility of and non-discrimination in their physical buildings, restrooms, and facilities, SPJA is ready and prepared to offer a hand to visitors with special needs or whom may require some sort of a reasonable accommodation. SPJA offers, for example:
If you are an attendee who needs reasonable accommodation, SPJA wants to make your experience as fun and entertaining as possible. There are a few limitations, however, on what SPJA reasonably can provide. Please note:
We CANNOT ask for proof of disability under any circumstances. If anyone asks you, doing so was a mistake, and you may simply decline to provide it. However, we ask you to be honest and not apply for Disabled Accommodations just to get special access if you don’t really need it.
For additional questions or special requests, please contact us at ADA@anime-expo.org
HOW TO GET AN AUTOGRAPH FROM A GUEST AT ANIME EXPO
Please read this page carefully to find out how to get an autograph from guests at Anime Expo. However, please note that this policy does NOT apply to Industry Guests. Industry Guests are listed under the “Industry Appearances” tab on the Guest page. They also will be denoted as an “Industry Guest” with a corresponding tag on their thumbnail on the Guest page.
STEP ONE: CHECK THE AUTOGRAPH SCHEDULE (WHEN AVAILABLE)
STEP TWO: GET AN AUTOGRAPH TICKET
The line for the Autograph Ticket Booth will start in Gilbert Lindsay Plaza outside of the Los Angeles Convention Center (next to Registration/Ticketing, in front of West Hall). Look for the purple Autograph Ticketing tent.
STEP THREE: THE AUTOGRAPH SESSION
Be sure to bring an item to be signed.
Head over to the Autograph Area in Kentia Hall.
If you have a:
AUTOGRAPH TICKET INFO
What is the procedure for attendees represented by the ADA and their helper(s) and what is the procedure if an ADA attendee does not have a helper?
Attendees represented by ADA must have an ADA sticker which can be picked up at any Info Services Booth. See sections marked in RED for procedures if the ADA attendee does not have a helper.
During Ticketing:
ADA attendees and one helper* both need a ticket for each autograph session they attend, whether they get a Priority ticket or a Standby one (see next section). ADA attendees must wait in the general attendee line, to keep fairness of the first come, first served policy. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE. If the ADA attendee for any reason cannot wait in line to get a ticket, we will have a volunteer on standby to act as a proxy to wait in line for them with the ADA attendee’s helper. (If available)
*ADA attendees are not required to have a helper with them.
During Session:
Priority tickets: ADA attendees with priority tickets are allowed front-of-line access due to time constraints of each session. It is recommended that ADA attendees with Priority tickets should show up about 15 minutes before the start of the session as they cannot show up during the session to take advantage of front-of-line access. ADA attendees are limited to have one helper accompanying them when taking advantage of front-of-line access. Once a session begins, Priority ticket holders have to be in line when the session starts.
Standby tickets: For Standby tickets, it will be the same procedure as waiting in line. ADA attendees with Standby tickets are not guaranteed front-of-line access as the ticket lines are organized numerically for fairness. This is subject to change on a case-by-case basis due to autograph session traffic. ADA attendees with Standby tickets should arrive when the desired autograph session is halfway done as that will be the time when the organization of the standby line is well underway. A proxy will be provided for an ADA attendee with a Standby ticket should he/she would like one for any reason (if available).
Please contact an Autographs Staff Volunteer to for ADA assistance!
IMPORTANT NOTES
Autograph sessions are subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice. Autograph tickets of any kind only denote eligibility to receive an autograph at the specified Guest of Honor’s scheduled signing session.
If you have questions about the autograph session or policy, please ask an AX Autographs Volunteer at the Autograph Ticket Booth, located in Gilbert Lindsey Plaza outside of the Los Angeles Convention Center (Purple Tent “AX Autograph Ticketing”).
Premier Fans do not get special privileges for Autograph Ticketing or Autograph Sessions. They must line up for ticketing and sessions along with general attendees. No exceptions will be made.
*As long as there are no extraordinary circumstances such as natural or man-made disaster, illness, or giant robot attacks that prevent the GoH from holding an autograph session.
Effective Date: April 28, 2017
Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Following this simple Code of Conduct helps ensure a safe convention and that everyone will have fun. Your own good judgment and courtesy towards others are key.
Please watch out for each other, take care of one another, help those who need help, and be careful. Play it clean, sober, and safe! Please don’t leave the Event with strangers, and make sure that your friends know when you leave or if you are going home early.
To participate in and/or attend any SPJA Event (referred to below as the “Event” regardless of whether it’s Anime Expo, Project Anime, or another one of our Events), you must comply with this Code of Conduct in order to attend and/or participate in these Events. SPJA reserves the right to modify and/or update any SPJA policy at any time without prior notice. Violation of this Code of Conduct may result in forfeiture of your Event badge, your expulsion from the Event and/or termination of your position with SPJA. Where the Code of Conduct refers to “SPJA’s written consent”, such written consent may be in the form of a separate written exhibitor/sponsorship agreement, vendor agreement, facility rental agreement, or other form of written agreement or permit. The Los Angeles Event Facilities, event hotels, Microsoft Theater, NOVO theater, and all other places where any Event programming is scheduled are “Event Facilities”.
BADGES
PROHIBITED ACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
The following, as such violations are determined in SPJA’s sole discretion, are not permitted at the Event or its surrounding areas, including the parking lots, hotels, plazas, and structures:
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Effective Date: April 28, 2017
Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.
COSPLAY GUIDELINES
At Anime Expo (“AX”), we celebrate the creativity of cosplayers and encourage everyone to cosplay whomever they wish–regardless of size, gender, age, religion, shape, color, or even species. Cosplay is all about having fun!
We simply ask that you follow the guidelines below and please keep in mind that AX is an all-ages event.
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”):
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.
Effective Date: April 28, 2017
Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.
SPJA Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important, so The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (“SPJA”) has created this privacy policy to let you know what information we collect when you visit the SPJA site, the Anime Expo®, the Project Anime® site, and the sites for any other Events we may produce (“SPJA Event Sites”), why we collect it, and how it is used. The terms “you,” “your,” and “yours” refer to you, the person utilizing our site and agreeing to this policy. The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to SPJA and events it produces, including but not limited to Anime Expo®, Project Anime® (“SPJA Events”) and to SPJA’s affiliates and subsidiaries (if any).
What Information Is Collected and Why?
“Personally Identifiable Information” means any information that may be used to identify an individual, including, but not limited to, a first and last name, home or other physical address, an email address, phone number, and other billing and contact information.
We may collect information, including Personally Identifiable Information, from you, including:
When collection of information is optional, we will indicate that on the relevant collection form.
Is Information Shared or Disclosed?
Except as listed above, Anime Expo does not rent, sell or share personal information it collects about you to or with third parties. Information collected from you is only used to support SPJA, your use of SPJA Event Sites, and to comply with any legal requirements.
SPJA may disclose personal information if required to do so by law or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to: (1) conform to the edicts of the law or comply with legal process served on SPJA or any SPJA Event Sites; (2) protect and defend the rights or property of SPJA; or (3) act in urgent circumstances to protect the personal safety of users of SPJA, any of the SPJA Events, their services, or the public.
If SPJA should ever merge with or transfer its assets to another company, we may share your Personally Identifiable Information with any non-profit entity with whom we merge or to whom we transfer our assets, and such a successor will have the right to use such information in accordance with the terms of this policy.
How Do We Store and Protect Your Information?
SPJA protects the security of your information while it is being transmitted to us by using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption. In addition, once we receive payment information, we maintain that information in encrypted form on secure servers. Payments made by those registering to attend SPJA Events may be made to and through third-party service providers such as Eventbrite, whose privacy policies also apply to such payments.
Personally Identifiable Information collected on this site is stored and processed in the United States and in other countries.
We may retain your information as long as permitted or required under applicable laws.
How Do We Deal with Children’s Information?
Children can view the SPJA Event Sites without any Personally Identifiable Information being collected. However, in some areas of the SPJA Event Sites it is necessary to collect Personally Identifiable Information from children. We do not collect more Personally Identifiable Information from children under the age of 13 than is necessary for them to participate in the SPJA Events. We obtain verifiable parental consent for the collection, use or disclosure of such information by requiring purchase of a corresponding ticket by an adult and verifying parental or guardian’s consent when SPJA Event tickets are collected at the event.
We will always honor a parent’s request for: (1) a description of the specific types of personal information collected from their child by SPJA; and (2) removal of the information collected about their child from our database. If you would like to deactivate your child’s account, email privacy@spja.org. Parents may obtain any Personally Identifiable Information collected from their child by emailing privacy@spja.org.
How Do You Consent to This Privacy Policy?
By using this site, you agree to the terms of this privacy policy, and those of our Terms and Conditions at www.anime-expo.org/legal/. In case of a conflict, our Terms and Conditions take precedence.
How May We Update This Policy?
We may occasionally update this policy. When we do, we will also revise the “Effective Date” date above. If we make material changes, we will notify you either by placing a prominent notice on the home page of our site or by directly sending notification to any users who have registered with us. We encourage you to periodically review this policy to stay informed about how we are protecting the information we collect. Your continued use of this site constitutes your agreement to any policy changes.
What Technical Choices Do You Have About Data Collection?
Cookies are small text files stored by your browser in your computer when you visit our site. We use cookies to improve our site and make it easier to use. Cookies permit us to recognize users and avoid repetitive requests for the same information. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies by changing a setting, but the site may no longer function correctly if you do so.
We currently do not participate in or utilize any frameworks that respond to “Do Not Track” signals from you.
How Should You Contact Us?
If you believe that SPJA has not adhered to this Privacy Policy, please contact us by emailing privacy@spja.org or by postal mail:
Legal Department-Privacy
c/o The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation
1522 Brookhollow Dr., Suite 1
Santa Ana, CA. 92705
USA
Policy Effective Date: June 14, 2019
Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time.
Program Rooms include:
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.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO ENTER:
To receive the appropriate wristband attendees will need to present a valid ID to an Info Services Booth (located in South Hall, 2nd Floor Concourse Hall, and West Hall Lobby). The below is a list of ID’s that will be considered valid:
There will be no exceptions to the types of identification. Re-entry into the room will require the wristband. Please refrain from tampering in any fashion with wristbands provided for entry. 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.
When a room opens for entry we will allow attendees to enter in the following order:
PLEASE NOTE:
Video Rooms: No filming or photos allowed.
The following rooms generally WILL NOT be cleared between normal Panel Events:
EXCEPTIONS: Room clearing WILL occur prior to a Ticketed Event (i.e. concert, AMV Competition, Masquerade, etc.), fashion show, and 18+ content tracks.
The following rooms WILL be cleared between Panel Events:
Video Rooms
Wristband Policy
Some events may either require a wristband for admission instead of a ticket OR in addition to a ticket if the event has an 18+ age restriction. When issued a wristband, please refrain from tampering, in any fashion, with wristbands or you may be denied entry.
Event Admission
If a wristband is issued in lieu of a ticket for admission to an event, you will be required to go to Will Call at the Ticketing Booth for pick up. Lost or stolen event wristbands will not be replaced or refunded.
If issued for a “free” event, wristbands are distributed on a “first-come, first-serve” basis, one wristband per attendee. Also, you must present your Anime Expo attendee badge prior to receiving a wristband so we can: 1) confirm you are an attendee and 2) verify you have the correct badge valid for the day of the event. Once confirmed, a Ticketing volunteer will apply the wristband on your wrist.
Picking Up a Wristband
NOTE: If your wristband appears to be tampered with in any way upon inspection during load in at the door, a Ticketing or Main Events volunteer has the right to deny entry. Access Control volunteers and Security will also be present to enforce this policy.
Effective Date: April 28, 2017
RECORDING POLICY: TAKING PICTURES
Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.
Recordings of You: You are advised and given notice that SPJA permits people and companies to take photographs and make recordings at SPJA Events, and post them on social media and use them for many lawful purposes. By attending the Event, you agree to be photographed or recorded during the Event (in still photographs, audio recordings, video recordings and any other media, now known or hereafter discovered, hereafter “Recordings”), by attendees, vendors, SPJA, and others without compensation. By attending the Event, you grant to SPJA the rights, but not the obligation, to reproduce, display, distribute, perform, create derivative works from, and otherwise use any SPJA Recordings of you in any media and in any manner throughout the world in perpetuity, including on the internet, broadcast, live simulcast, satellite and other transmissions.
Your Recordings of Others: 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 venues, concerts, and Events, such as when a Guest of Honor prohibits photographs of their performance. If you are unsure, please check for signage, and if you do not see any, be respectful and do not make Recordings.
As a courtesy, and without changing this policy in any way, 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 SPJA shall not be liable for violations.
Recordings of the Event or its employees, staff, or attendees for the purpose of sale to anyone, or for distribution or publication to the press is expressly forbidden unless advance written permission has been obtained from the SPJA, and is permitted under the policy of any venue in which you desire to make a Recording. Except as prohibited above, 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 http://www.anime-expo.org/press/ and we encourage attendees to become familiar with those rules. Violation of this Recording Policy may result in forfeiture of your Event badge, your expulsion from the Event and/or termination of your position with SPJA.
By registering for an Anime Expo badge, you agree not to sell, trade, transfer, or share your comp code, email confirmation, or badge. In the event that the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) determines in its sole discretion that you have violated this policy, SPJA can cancel your badge(s) and keep any money paid by you. Confirmations and/or badges that have been sold or provided by anyone other than SPJA will not be honored.
You must wear and display your badge at all times while onsite during Anime Expo. All badges are the property of SPJA and must be relinquished to SPJA upon request. SPJA reserves the right to refuse admission, service, and cancel your badge at SPJA’s sole discretion without liability.
You must register an individual name for each badge and each name must match a valid government-issued photo ID. If SPJA determines you have purchased more than one badge in your name for any day, SPJA has the right to cancel your duplicate badge(s) and issue you a refund less the processing fee.
All badges are non-transferable to Anime Expo 2021.
Badges Purchased Before March 31, 2020
Refund requests for Anime Expo 2020 badges must be received within 30 days of the purchase date. All refund requests for badges purchased in March 2020 must be received by March 31, 2020. Name changes must also be made by March 31, 2020.
All refund requests must be sent via email with your full name and order confirmation number to registration@anime-expo.org.
Badges Purchased After March 31, 2020
Badges purchased after March 31, 2020, are non-refundable and non-transferable to other people.
SPJA reserves the right to change the Refund and Transfer Policy at any time without notification.
You can upgrade your (1-Day to 4-Day) badge by sending an email to registration@anime-expo.org before March 31, 2020. Any badges purchased after this date can be upgraded onsite at the Registration Assistance counters. Certain restrictions may apply. Downgrades are not permitted.
Anime Expo will ship 4-Day, 4-Day Child, 1-Day, Premier Fan, Artist Alley, and paid Industry badges, purchased between August 16, 2019, through 12:00 PM PT June 16, 2020, within the United States (excluding minor outlying islands) and Canada. Badge mailing will start in early May 2020. Premier Fan, Artist Alley, and paid Industry badges will be mailed out in early June 2020. Badges will not be re-shipped under any circumstances.
All badges purchased in the same order will be mailed out to only ONE address. Be sure to put the SAME shipping address for each registrant when filling out the purchase form. The last day to change your shipping address is April 27, 2020.
Shipping fees are non-refundable and include shipping, handling, and badge activation.
International attendees and attendees who purchased badges after the mailing cut-off date must pick up badges onsite. Each registrant must pick up their own badge. Upon arrival, bring your registration confirmation email and a valid government-issued photo ID. This should match the registrant's name/information in order to pick up your badge. Your registration confirmation is also available on the Eventbrite mobile app.
All attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult in order to pick up a badge.
All children 13 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of their time at the event.
Purchase a badge appropriate for the child's age by the first day of attendance of Anime Expo 2020.
Attendees age 13 years old and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 for the duration of their time at the event. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to pick up their badge. We recommend attendees ages 14-17 have a parent or guardian close by for the duration of the event.
Any programming designated 18+ will require attendees to show a valid government-issued photo ID in order to get an 18+ wristband at any Info Services booth in order to gain admittance. Please see our program room policies for more information.
Lost badges are subject to a reprint fee. To purchase a badge reprint, head over to the Registration Assistance counter and we will be happy to help you.
The Anime Expo Event Ticketing Booth will be open during the convention to accommodate all onsite ticket sales, will call pick up for both tickets, and any associated giveaway items. Additionally, we provide a Customer Service Station in the Premier Fan Lounge and a Will Call Satellite in front of any offsite venue (i.e., the Microsoft Theater, Novo, Shrine Auditorium, etc.).
For Hours of Operation, please see the Hours & Maps page.
By purchasing a ticket to attend an event hosted by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) at Anime Expo, you agree not to sell or share your ticket or email confirmation. In the event the SPJA determines in its sole discretion that you have violated this policy, the SPJA can cancel your ticket(s) and keep any money paid by you. Confirmations and/or tickets that have been sold or provided by anyone other than the SPJA/Anime Expo will not be honored. The SPJA/Anime Expo reserves the right to refuse admission, service and cancel your ticket(s) at their sole discretion without liability.
You must provide an individual name for each ticket upon purchase and each name must match a valid government-issued photo ID. If the SPJA determines you have purchased more than one ticket in your name for any event, the SPJA reserves the right to cancel your duplicate ticket(s) and issue you a refund less the processing.
Cash, American Express, Discover Card, Visa, and Mastercard
All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. No refunds will be given for missed shows. See Door Open and Close Policy.
The ticket purchaser is solely responsible for the tickets purchased. Lost or stolen tickets will not be replaced or refunded.
For most events, children 2 years of age and younger do not require a ticket to be admitted at any ticketed event; however, they must sit on an adult’s lap and may not occupy a seat. Any child 3 years of age and older will require a ticket to enter the event area or venue and must occupy their ticketed seat only. Please note that some events may have a different age policy. Please see the specific event page or contact events@anime-expo.org or come to the Ticketing Booth for further information.
Will Call is located at the Ticketing Booth. Tickets may be picked up onsite at the Los Angeles Convention Center in front of West Hall beginning on July 3, 2019 (Day 0). It is recommended that you pick up your tickets no later than 2 hours before the start of the event to allow plenty of time to find the venue and be checked in once doors open for seating. You are required to present the following items to pick up your ticket:
All attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult in order to pick up a ticket in order to show a valid Government-issued photo ID.
You are allowed to transfer ticket(s) to another person and/or change the names of each ticket holder in the order. The deadline to transfer ticket(s) and/or change names is June 1, 2019.
Online
After Deadline/Onsite at the Ticketing Booth
The buyer can upgrade event ticket(s) by doing the following:
Deadline to process an upgrade request is June 1, 2019.
Accessible/disabled seating is available for all price levels for each venue/event location. Accessible seating is reserved exclusively for attendees with accessible needs and their companions. Anime Expo attendees purchasing accessible seating may purchase one (1) accessible seat and one (1) companion seat adjacent to the accessible seat. Depending on the availability, seats for additional guests will be located as close as possible to the accessible space. This policy ensures that we are able to provide reasonable accommodation for attendees who require accessible seating. If you need specific accommodations, please email Ticketing at events@anime-expo.org so we can ensure wheelchair-accessible locations are reserved for guests who require such accommodation. There is limited availability to accommodate other special needs as well. There is no guarantee that companion tickets will remain unsold and available.
For general information on services offered for attendees with disabilities, please read our Reason Accommodations for Attendees with Disabilities Policy on the Anime Expo website or send an email to ADA@anime-expo.org.
Visit www.anime-expo.org, find your event, click the "TICKETS" link and view ticket selections. For additional information and/or to submit your ticket request, contact events@anime-expo.org.
Some events may either require a wristband for admission instead of a ticket OR in addition to a ticket if the event has an 18+ age restriction. When issued a wristband, please refrain from tampering, in any fashion, with wristbands or you may be denied entry.
Event Admission
If a wristband is issued in lieu of a ticket for admission to an event, you will be required to go to Will Call for pick up. Lost or stolen event wristbands will not be replaced or refunded.
18+ Ticketed Events
Most 18+ Ticketed Events (for example, but not limited to, 18+ Panels, Workshops, and Video Screening Rooms) will require a wristband from either an Information Services Booth (located in South Hall, 2nd Floor Concourse Hall, West Hall Lobby and Gilbert-Lindsay Plaza outside West Hall) or Event Operations (West Hall Room 508B) along with a valid Badge. Only those who are verified with an acceptable ID that they are 18 years of age or over as of the event date will be issued a wristband. Must be applied to attendee's wrist by Info Services, Event Operations or Ticketing volunteers.
NOTE: NOT ALL 18+ Events require an 18+ wristband. You will be required to show a valid Government-issued photo ID showing date of birth at the door for admission based on event requirement. Please refer to the event page for specific details on what will be required if there is an age restriction.
For events that do require an 18+ wristband as well as a ticket for entry during check-in, please note the following:
Cameras/Photography Restrictions
Non-professional, non-flash still photography is permitted at most events (disposable, digital or 35mm cameras with no interchangeable or telephoto lens). However, for some events, at the request of the artist/performer, cameras of any type may be prohibited. For more information as well as policies pertaining to video recording, please refer to the Photography & Video Policy. For events held at venues outside of the Los Angeles Convention Center (i.e., Microsoft Theater, the Novo, Shrine Auditorium, etc.), please refer to their website for their policy pertaining to Photograph & Video Recording.
Strollers
Per fire marshal code, strollers are not allowed in the seated areas of a venue and cannot block any walkways or aisles. Attendees are encouraged to leave strollers in their vehicles or in the Bag Check area during an event. Limited stroller parking may be available for some event locations, but not guaranteed.
Prohibited Items/Actions
The following is a general list of prohibited items for all events held at the Los Angeles Convention Center and JW Marriott and is subject to change:
Always check the event page for specific policies/information regarding prohibited items or restrictions as well as the website for any outside venues Anime Expo events may be hosted at (i.e., Microsoft Theater, the Novo, etc.).
Door opening times are generally 30 minutes prior to the start of the show for all Maid Café, Butler Café, After Hours and Escape Game shows. Door opening times for all other shows/concerts is 60 minutes prior to the start of the show but can vary according to the event. Therefore, it is recommended that you check the event page and your ticket for specific information regarding when doors will open for your event AND ticket type.
Door closing times are always when the event is scheduled to start. Please check the event page to confirm the following:
Anime Expo has a “No Re-Entry” policy for ALL ticketed events. Attendees who wish to return a prohibited item to their vehicle or store in Bag Check or need to exit and re-enter due to a personal emergency must first make contact with either a Ticketing or Front of House Manager to make necessary arrangements.
To avoid problems with counterfeit, stolen or voided tickets, attendees should make all their purchases through SPJA/Anime Expo authorized websites only.
The resale of tickets (“scalping”) is against the law and will not be permitted. Reselling online will result in badge and ticket(s) being cancelled without refund. Scalping/ reselling onsite, in or around the Los Angeles Convention Center or LA Live area, is prohibited and strictly enforced
Los Angeles Municipal Code. 42.03 states: “No person in or upon any public street, sidewalk, or other public place shall sell or re-sell or offer to sell or resell any ticket of admission to a place of public assemblage. No person in or upon any place which is open to the public shall sell or re-sell or offer to sell or re-sell any ticket of admission to a place of public assemblage.”
Effective Date: January 24, 2019
Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.
WEAPONS POLICY
Your participation in SPJA Events means that you agree to comply with this Weapons Policy. An “Event” shall mean any event held by The Society for Promotion of Japanese Animation (“SPJA” or “we”), such as Anime Expo®, or Project Anime®.
You further understand and agree that, for your own safety and the safety of everyone at an Event, SPJA has the absolute and immediate discretion and right to inspect your costumes, prop weapons, and any other item you bring to the Event. We may temporarily or permanently remove any attendee in our sole and absolute discretion at any time for violating this Weapons Policy — because your safety and the safety of every attendee is of the utmost importance.
No Real Weapons Are Allowed at an Event.
This includes firearms, knives, curio, relic, antique firearms, any form of ammunition, any item designed or manufactured with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury, whether carried openly or concealed, even if any such weapons are inoperable or unusable, and irrespective of whether you are licensed to possess such weapon. Items that may otherwise be legal for you to own or carry are not welcome at any Event if they violate this Weapons Policy.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Note: The following items are not permitted at any SPJA Event.
Note that some venues prohibit other items e.g. glass bottles, food, alcohol, and e-cigarettes. Please check with the venue before bringing such items.
BUYING WEAPONS AT THE EVENT
All weapons sold and/or purchased at the Event are redeemed outside in a specified Weapons Redemption area. All weapons that do not adhere to Anime Expo’s Weapons Policy are prohibited from entering the Event
EVERYDAY ITEMS
Items that people normally carry such as umbrellas or walking sticks/canes are permitted within the Event and subject to inspection upon entry.
Lightweight plastic or foam bats, paddles, and clubs are permitted.
Roller skates/blades, skateboards, scooters, go-karts, hoverboards, etc. are not permitted within the Event area. Ice Skates are not allowed, even with skate guards attached.
Power Tools are not permitted e.g. chainsaws, drills. Or hedge trimmers.
PROP WEAPONS
Prop weapons are inoperable weapons that support the overall look of your costume or character. For example, plastic airsoft guns, Nerf guns, water guns, dart guns, disc guns, pellet guns, and cap guns are prop weapons.
PEACE BONDING
Prop weapons must be submitted to “Weapons Check” for Peace Bonding. SPJA has the sole discretion to approve prop weapons. Please visit us at one of our Weapons Check booths during the Event. Locations are to be determined and announced on our website at www.anime-expo.org. Other Event Weapons Check booth locations shall be designated in the programs and on signs.
We may revoke your Peace Bond at any time in our sole discretion. Behavior which will warrant revocation of your Peace Bond includes:
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 and hot gluing all moving components of the prop in place. You must be able to prove that the prop weapon is permanently inoperable upon inspection.
In addition, to qualify for Peace Bonding, your prop weapon must meet the following criteria:
If your prop weapon is a toy, look-alike, or imitation firearm, then federal regulations (15 CFR § 272.3) require that it either be translucent enough to, permit unmistakable observation of the device’s complete contents or must have at least one of the following:
Please take care when outside or when transporting any form of firearm prop.
Regardless of how realistic the prop may look, ensure that it is completely hidden while traveling and be aware of your surroundings, attire, and the appearance of your props to bystanders when outside of the Event. Do not assume a costume will reassure people that your prop is not a real weapon.
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 enforcement agencies, such as detaining and questioning you, 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. Event staff reserves the right to stop any performance or demonstration in their sole discretion.
Law Enforcement Uniformed Costumes Are Prohibited
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, emergency personnel, or first responders. SPJA has the absolute right and sole discretion to decide whether your costume looks too much like one of these uniforms, and to request the removal or modification of that costume. Should you refuse to cooperate, we may expel you from the Event in order to protect the safety and welfare of everyone at the Event.
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:
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:
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
b. Panelists, Performers, Guests of Honor, Guest of Honor or Performer Entourages, and Artist Alley Participants
c. Exhibitors, Vendors, and Members of the Press and Industry
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:
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:
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:
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
b. Lost Child Policy
c. Found Child Policy
d. Safety Concerns and SafeSpace Locations
e. Social Media
f. Photography & Video
g. Costuming & Cosplay
7. Prohibited Activities
a. Abuse and Physical Force
b. Sexual Contact or Communication
c. Bullying and Harassment
d. Inappropriate Photography
8. Reporting
a. Child Abuse Definition
b. Suspected or Actual Child Abuse or Injury
c. Escalation Process
d. Anonymous Report
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