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General Info

Hours of Operations

Registration Booth Hours of Operations:

  • Friday, 11/10/2023:    2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Professional Registration Booth Hours of Operations:

  • Friday, 11/10/2023:  9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :    8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Exhibit Hall Hours of Operations:

  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Artist Alley Hours of Operations:

  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Arcade Hours of Operations:

  • Friday, 11/10/2023:    3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Autographs Hours of Operations:

  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

ax chibi merch booth Hours of Operations:

  • Friday, 11/11/2022:    3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

cosplay karaoke Hours of Operations:

  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

cosplay repair lite Hours of Operations:

  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

cosplay sets Hours of Operations:

  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

e-gaming Hours of Operations:

  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Kisegi’s Track Hours of Operations:

  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

J-Fashion Swap Meet Hours of Operations:

  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

maid cafe Hours of Operations:

  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    TBA
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      TBA

Mahoko’s Hideaway Hours of Operations:

  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

manga lounge Hours of Operations:

  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

retro gaming Hours of Operations:

  • Friday, 11/10/2023:    3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

retro tent market Hours of Operations:

  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tabletop Gaming Hours of Operations:

  • Saturday, 11/11/2023:    10:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11/12/2023 :      10:00 AM – 6:00

All hours are subject to change without notice.

Can I bring food and drinks into anime expo chibi?

Attendees may bring food for personal consumption only. Bulk food items will not be permitted. We highly recommend that you bring drinks and refillable water bottles to stay hydrated.

What actions are prohibited at anime expo chibi?

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

  • Failure to be appropriately clothed, as determined by the sole discretion of SPJA. Please follow local laws, rules, and regulations when selecting your costume.
  • Assaulting, threatening, behaving inappropriately to another person, discriminating conduct of any nature whatsoever, making racial, religious, ethnic, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, or other slurs, bullying, and/or expressing any act of hatred towards another.
  • Lewd or offensive behavior, such as profanity, obscene language or conduct, exposing nipples or genitals, making recordings in bathrooms, bedrooms, or of nipples, genitals or up skirts.
  • Conducting commercial or business transactions without SPJA’s prior written consent, including without limitation, selling food or beverages from unauthorized carts, stands, or ice chests inside or outside Event venues or hotels; solicitation of money, contributions, or donations; distribution of commercial advertising or promotional material of any kind, such as signs, flyers, cards, or offers of discounts on rides, or other products or services; or offering samples of items which are sold, available for sale, or available in exchange for a donation or contribution.
  • Unlawful conduct or failure to comply with the policies, rules, or instructions of SPJA, Event staff, the Event facility, the hotel affiliated with the Event, or law enforcement officers.
  • Smoking / Vaping:
  • Never Inside: No smoking or vaping is permitted inside any of the Event Facilities, unless there is a place specifically designated by the Event Facility that permits either. – Limited Outside: Smoking or vaping must be at least 20 feet away from all entrances per California Government Code Sections 7596-7598; no smoking is permitted in outdoor dining areas.
  • Possessing any open can, bottle or other receptacle containing alcoholic beverages, except in areas specifically designated for the consumption of alcohol and in compliance with the SPJA’s Alcohol Policy.
  • Possessing any illegal substance. SPJA DOES NOT tolerate illegal substances in or around Events.
  • Any action that impedes the flow of traffic, creates a potential or actual hazardous condition, or is deemed to interfere with the Event. Individuals may be asked to move or discontinue their actions. By way of example, an individual may be asked to relocate or terminate an activity in order to disperse a crowd which impedes traffic flow.
  • Any noise or music that is disruptive to other attendees or the operation of the Event.
  • No Soliciting
  • Riding Hoverboards / Skateboards / Non-ADA Scooters / Segways
  • Using Roller Skates / Roller Blades

What items are not permitted at anime expo chibi?

The following items are strictly prohibited per our Code of Conduct:

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

I have lost/found an item. What do I do?

If you have lost an item at anime expo chibi, please visit the Ontario Convention Center Security Office located outside the building, on the south side of the venue in between the Artist alley tent and parking lot C.

If you would like to turn in a lost item, you can drop it off at the Security Office.

During and after anime expo chibi, all lost items are turned over and managed by the Ontario Convention Center Security team. Please contact them at (909) 937-3048

Are there any photo/video restrictions?

Please read our Recording Policy and Filming Your Panel Policy for more information.

Accessibility

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

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

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

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

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

Registration

How do I create a ShowClix account? Do I need one before I purchase my credential(s)?

If you do not already have a ShowClix account, you cannot create one before you buy your credential. A temporary account is created automatically when you place your order and you will receive an email notification with a link to finish setting up your ShowClix account after you receive your order confirmation email.

The link provided will take you to a screen that looks like this:

Showclix Screenshot

So you can provide the required information to create your account.

If you see this screen:

Showclix Screenshot

it means you already have an existing account in ShowClix and just need to log in.

Since SPJA has been using ShowClix for the past 5 years to sell our event tickets (concerts, Maid/Butler Cafe, Masquerade, etc.), then, if you purchased a ticket in a past year, you would already have an existing account linked to your email address. If you need assistance logging in, then please contact ShowClix

Support by clicking on the “Need help signing in?” link at the bottom of the login screen or go to the ShowClix Customer Care page to submit your support ticket.

How do I change the name on a credential?

When you purchase your credential(s) you are not required to enter a name for each credential during checkout. Instead, you must enter the email address of each person you are purchasing badges for. This will initiate the transfer process, and they will receive an email that a badge is awaiting their acceptance.

The “name on ticket” field under order history is shown as the receipt of your purchase, and will always show the buyer’s name. 

Names will not be printed out on the physical badge, but you must complete the transfer process to have your name registered in the system with your credential. Use your legal name, if you recently have a name change and have not yet received your new ID, please submit your inquiry to registration@anime-expo.org and we will update your order.

When you transfer the credential to someone, that credential is “assigned” to their name and ShowClix account. This is important as the name on the badge must match their government-issued photo ID for entry into the convention. The “name on ticket” shown under the order history remains the same as the buyer’s name, as it is the receipt of your registration. To check if you have assigned the badges you purchase for someone else successfully, have the recipient(s) log in to the ShowClix accounts and click “Manage my anime expo chibi 2023 Profile”.

For instructions on how to transfer a badge to someone after the purchase is completed, read this article: How do I transfer my credential to another person?  For help accepting a badge transfer, read: How do I accept a transfer?.

Have further questions? Fill out our contact form.

Do I need a Credential for my Child?

If your child is under the age of 5:

There is no cost for children 5 and under to attend anime expo chibi.

While they do not require a credential, we do have wristbands available for pick-up at the Registration Booth that can assist with identifying your child if they wander off and get lost. These wristbands are optional, but highly recommended as a safety precaution.

If your child is between the age of 6-13:

You must select a 2-Day Child Wristband (Ages 13 & Under) for your child.

  • Child credentials have the same access as a general attendee credential.
  • There are no single-day child credentials available.

All children 13 years old and under must always be accompanied during the event by an adult over the age of 18 with a valid GA credential. If the adult has a single day credential, the child will be able to enter for that day only.

Failure of the adult and/or child not have the appropriate valid credential type will result in entry being denied.

Child credentials cannot be ordered separately and MUST be carted with an adult GA credential. During checkout, make sure you enter the email address of the adult who will be accompanying the child at the event.

If you have already completed your order but need an extra child credential, please contact registration@anime-expo.org for assistance.

LIMIT: Up to two (2) child wristbands with a single adult GA wristband OR a maximum of 4 child wristbands per order with the purchase of 2 or more adult GA wristbands.

If your child is age 14 or over:

You must buy an ADULT credential.

Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to pick up their credential. We recommend attendees ages 14-17 have a parent or guardian close by for the duration of the event.

Can I transfer a Child credential?

Due to Privacy Policies, we are not allowed to collect data for minors. Therefore, any Child credential purchased remains under the Buyer’s account and cannot be transferred. It is recommended, per our Age Restriction Policy, that Child credentials only be purchased by the parent or guardian who will be attending with the child at any SPJA event.

If the registered parent/guardian is unable to attend, please email registration@anime-expo.org to process a transfer or head over to the Registration Booth for assistance. Note: the other guardian must also have a valid general attendee credential registered to their name.

Do you have any military offers?

Yes! As a thank you for your service, we are offering an exclusive Military offer!

Through SheerID’s verification platform, we can verify your military status in a safe, secure, and fast way! After successful verification, you’ll receive a single-use access code to unlock a General Attendee 2-Day Weekend credential at the exclusive Military price of $45.

Offer available to active-duty military, veterans, reservists, and the National Guard.
Supplies are limited. Only one access code is allowed per verification, per person. Processing fees will apply.


Confirm Eligibility

 

If approved, to UNLOCK the special Military wristband offer you must:

1. Go to the anime expo chibi Registration Page and apply your code in the “Enter Access Code Here” box and hit Submit to unlock the special Military offer.

2. At the top of the menu, select the **Military Offer** 2-Day Weekend Wristband: $45 option, and any other tickets you wish to purchase. then hit Register to checkout.

 

Once you complete your order, the code will expire.

How do I transfer my credential to another person?

You need to log into your ShowClix account to transfer (assign) credentials you purchased for another person. Here are the steps:

  1. Click on “Manage Anime Expo Chibi 2023 Profile” button.

2. You will see all the credentials you have purchased listed. To transfer, click on the “Transfer Items” button.

3. You will need to enter the email address of the person you wish to transfer the credential to, then check the box next to the credential you will be transferring. To complete the transfer, click on the “Transfer” button.

Note: Child credentials cannot be transferred due to our privacy policies and stay assigned to the Buyer. If you need to transfer a Child credential to another adult who will be attending the SPJA event with that child, then you will need to send an email to registration@anime-expo.org to process this request.

4. For each transfer you processed, you will now see the following below the My Profile screen:


And an email notification will be sent to each person you transferred a credential to.

5. Once the person accepts the transferred credential, this message will change to show:

and you will no longer see those tickets in your account.

How do I accept a transfer?

  1. Once someone has initiated a credential transfer to you, Showclix will send you the following email:

2. Click on the View Transfer link to get started. If you do not have a ShowClix account, it will prompt you to create one.

3. If you already have a Showclix MyTickets account, you will see the following green banner. Click on “Go to your Anime Expo Chibi profile” link.

4. Below the My Transfer section of your profile you will see your pending transfers. Click on “Review to Accept”.

5. Review that the pending transfer is the correct credential and select “Accept”.

6. After successful transfer completion you will see the My Transfers section update to “accepted” and you will now see the credential under “My Profile”.

7. Since the credential is now under your name, you can pick it up onsite at the Registration Booth by presenting a valid, government-issued photo ID and your ShowClix account email.

NOTE: Although the credential is now under your name, the original Buyer still retains ownership and can pickup ALL credentials in their order at the Registration Booth.

Will you mail out credentials or do I need to pick up on-site?

There will be no mailing available for anime expo chibi 2023. You can pick up credentials anytime registration is open, starting November 10th, 2023 in the Admin Parking Lot at the Ontario Convention Center.

The Buyer may pick up all credentials in their order or each individual Registrant can pick up their own credential.

Please refer to the Registration booth hours of operation section of this anime expo chibi page for more details.

Important: Once you slide the adjustment bead around the wrist, it will lock and cannot be loosened. Wristband replacements may be subject to a replacement fee.

Upon arrival, you must present the following:

  • QR Code Confirmation (e.g. email printout, PDF/screenshot via your phone, or mobile app). Your registration order confirmation is also available in your ShowClix accountunder the My Events tab.
  • Valid, government-issued photo ID (i.e. Drivers License, Passport, Military ID, etc.). This should match the Buyer or the Registrant’s name/information to pick up your credential.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be with you to pick up your credential. If you’re 13 and under, the adult present when you pick up your credential must also have purchased a credential and accompany you throughout the duration of the event.

Can I buy a credential onsite at the convention center?

On-site credential purchases are not guaranteed and are subject to availability. For our inaugural event in 2022, anime expo chibi sold out before the start of the convention – so don’t risk missing out, purchase early!

I’m under 18, can I pick up my own credential?

All attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian present when picking up their credentials. The guardian must have a valid, government-issued photo ID with them when they accompany you to pick up your credential. Attendees under 18 do not need a photo ID to pick up, but if you do have one (such as a driver’s license) we recommend that you have it on hand just in case.

How do I upgrade to a 2-Day Weekend or exchange to a different day?

UPGRADES that are allowed:

  • 2-Day Child Wristband to a Saturday, Sunday, OR 2-Day Weekend Wristband
  • Saturday or Sunday Wristband to a 2-Day Weekend Wristband

EXCHANGES that are allowed:

  • Sunday to a Saturday Wristband
  • Saturday to a Sunday Wristband

DOWNGRADING from a Weekend credential to any single day credential is not permitted.

To submit a request, follow these steps:

  1. First, you must purchase the desired eligible wristband type for an Upgrade or Exchange – based on available inventory.
  2. Once you’ve purchased your wristband, you will then need to submit the following information to request a refund to registration@anime-expo.org:
    • Your full name
    • Your email address
    • The order confirmation number for the original order be refunded.
    • If there are multiple wristbands on this order and you only want to refund one wristband (a portion of the order), then include the wristband ID number(s) for the ones you wish to refund.
    • The order confirmation number for the new order purchased.

Upon verification of your orders, we will inform you if the Upgrade or Exchange request has been approved then process the refund back to the card used to make the purchase*. Refunds will only be made back to the BUYER associated with the order.

The deadline to submit a request to Upgrade or Exchange wristbands is November 1, 2023 at 11:59 PM PT.

* Processing times may vary and may take up to 5 business days to review, we appreciate your patience.

I lost my credential! What do I do?

If you lost your credential, head over to Registration Assistance at the Admin Parking Lot. Any lost credentials that are found will be turned in at the Registration Booth and will require photo ID verification to retrieve. If you would like to replace your credential, you will be subject to a reprint fee, depending on the credential type. Your old credential will then be deactivated.

Please check the Hours & Maps section on this page for more information about where to find the Registration Booth.

I can’t attend anymore and/or I tested positive for COVID; can I get a refund?

SPJA has a strict Refund Policy: all sales are final, and no refunds or exchanges are allowed. There are no refunds for missed shows.

No refunds will be processed for attendees who choose not to attend due to concerns about catching a communicable disease or for testing positive for such diseases, such as COVID-19. For more details, please refer to the COVID-19 Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk form that all attendees must agree with to complete their purchase. You can read all our Registration policies at: anime-expo.org/anime-expo-chibi/legal .

Cosplay

Is my cosplay allowed?

Thank you for your interest in anime expo chibi. We are unable to make a determination on the permissibility of props/costumes through email, and the final decision will be left to Security and Weapons Check upon entry. The best way to prepare for this is to review our Cosplay Policies here

Lines and Security Protocol

What is the entry procedure to the anime expo chibi Event Area?

The anime expo chibi Event Area refers to the Ontario Convention Center and Ontario Conference Center where anime expo chibi events take place. You must have a valid anime expo chibi credential to enter the anime expo chibi Event Area.

When entering the anime expo chibi event area, please be aware of the following procedures:

  1. Make sure you have your anime expo chibi credential on hand before you enter the security line. This will help reduce slowdowns in the building entry process.
    • Note: There are multiple entrances into the anime expo chibi event areas. Be sure to check the maps to get familiarized with them.
  2. Proceed to an entry portal and “tap in” your credential. Wait for the green flashing light and beep before moving forward.
  3. Proceed over to the security screening; general attendance line, or weapons check line as appropriate.
  4. If you are carrying a prop, you must go through the Weapons Check line every time you enter the convention center. Weapon Check booths are located at the South Entrance and will both tag and re-inspect tags on weapons going into the event. For more information about the Weapons Policy, please visit our Policies page.
  5. If you have a bag, please follow the instructions of the security guards. Do not leave any bags unattended. (attendees are subject to random bag checks and searches.)
    • Please note: Clear bags, small clutch purses, and having fewer bags overall are highly recommended to decrease time spent at Security.
  6. Now that you have entered the event area, you can enjoy anime expo chibi without having to go through multiple security checkpoints!
  7. Remember to tap out when you exit! This will allow you to easily return through security without having to go to a Badge Help Desk.

Have further questions? Fill out our contact formt.

What do I need to enter 21+ areas?

You must present a valid, government-issued ID whenever you enter a 21+ designated area such as Lounge 21 or the Beer Garden at the event venue.
Here are examples of valid, government-issued IDs that we accept.

  • Drivers License
  • US or Foreign Passport
  • State Identification Card
  • US Military Card
  • Permanent Resident Card
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