Weapons Policy

    1. If you have any questions regarding Nekocon policies or feel the need to report something or someone, please seek out your nearest Nekocon staff member, who can be identified by their vertically aligned STAFF badge.  They will assist you with getting to Nekocon Con Safety staff. The staff at Nekocon recognizes that many people attending anime conventions, and Nekocon in particular, are here to enjoy a good time and show off their hard work on costumes and their love for their favorite characters. We have a policy in place to ensure that everyone entering our convention can remain safe as well have a great time. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please email consafety@nekocon.com.

    2. METAL ITEMS
      • No live steel will be allowed on the convention center property. Live steel includes, but is not limited to, swords, daggers, knives, bayonets, or other metal objects sharpened to an edge or mimics an item capable of taking an edge (i.e. a permanently blunted metal sword that is incapable of taking an edge). This includes sheathed items.
      • Metal items that are not designed to be sharpened or resemble any of the above items may be allowed. Such items shall be inspected by Nekocon Con Safety staff or Info staff to verify the item is allowed in the convention.

    3. WOODEN ITEMS
      • Wooden items allowed by Nekocon include, but are not limited to, staves, walking sticks, bokken, and other wooden swords.

    4. PROJECTILE ITEMS
      • Firearms, loaded or unloaded, are strictly prohibited from Nekocon premises. Actual bows and crossbows with arrows or bolts used in archery or hunting are also strictly prohibited from the convention center property.
      • Any prop capable of firing a projectile shall be actively regulated by Nekocon Con Safety staff. Nekocon prefers any gun prop to be completely incapable of firing a projectile, as we recognize the vast majority of our attendees value a safe environment for all.  
      • Nerf blasters, spring powered airsoft, and electric airsoft guns may be allowed, provided they are unloaded, with no ammunition in the magazines, and have any batteries removed. Failure to follow these guidelines shall result in immediate removal from the convention and possible intervention by the Hampton Police Division.  
      • Plastic models which can easily be identified as fake or a child’s toy may be allowed. 
    5. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
      • Fake or made-up weaponry, such as that made from tissue paper, plaster of paris, cloth, foam, or other soft materials may be allowed as long as they are safe and not a danger to others. To ensure the safety of other guests, please also keep these weapons with their tips towards the ground.

    6. INSPECTION
      • All attendees with props that are allowed by the Nekocon Weapons Policy shall be inspected peace bound by Nekocon Con Safety staff or Info staff, who will review the rules with you briefly and have you place a zip tie on your prop after successful inspection. Failure to abide by the rules by either bringing in a forbidden item listed below or misconduct (i.e. swinging a prop at another attendee) at any time may result in removal from the convention without refund.

      • All questionable props will be decided on a case by case basis.

    7. CONDUCT
      • Props must be kept with their tips towards the ground; they may not present a danger at any time to those around you.

      • Attendees may pose with their weapons in appropriate static, non-moving action poses as long as the cosplayer takes responsibility for ensuring the safety of those around them in areas that will not block the general flow of foot traffic.  

      • Large props are prohibited in some areas of the convention (i.e. Exhibit Hall and Main Events). Plan to store such props in a secure location outside the convention center.

      • Staff and volunteers from Event Support Solutions, Inc., Nekocon and/or the Hampton Roads Convention Center will not watch or hold any props for you.

      • Staff and volunteers from Event Support Solutions, Inc., Nekocon and/or the Hampton Roads Convention Center are not responsible for any lost or misplaced props.

      • Any object or prop over 8 feet in length or width or weighing 60 pounds or more is considered an obstruction, and may even be considered a weapon by size alone, even if it does not meet other qualifications. If any item (or costume) approaches the ends of either of these limitations, please expect and ensure regular communication with the staff at the convention, and warn the staff of the presence of this item prior to the convention in person and/or via the contact form on the web site.

    8. PURCHASES
      • Weapons that are not permitted by our weapons policy can be purchased at the convention center in our Dealer’s Room. Any weapon that is forbidden by this policy must be taken to your hotel room, vehicle, or other storage arrangement as soon as you are finished shopping in the Dealer’s Room. You may only carry the banned weapon between the Dealer’s Room and the nearest exit directly across from the Dealer’s Room; please plan accordingly when making purchases. 

      • To purchase any weapons from our qualified dealers, either bladed or airsoft, you must be at least 18 years of age and present proof of age such as a driver’s license or other valid photographic ID as required by the dealer at the time of sale. Purchasing an item for an underage individual may result in being removed from the convention, and possible legal ramifications.

    9. Being found in any other parts of the convention center with a banned weapon may result in expulsion from the convention.
  • AT ANY TIME, THE DIVISION HEAD OF LOGISTICS OR THE CONVENTION CHAIR MAY BAN ALL GUN PROPS WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE IT IS DETERMINED THAT ATTENDEES ARE NOT CONDUCTING THEMSELVES IN A MANNER THAT FOSTERS SAFETY FOR ALL PERSONS WITHIN THE CONVENTION CENTER.

    Please note that Nekocon Weapons Policy rules may be subject to change before, during, or after the convention, and changes may be made with or without advance notice or written notification depending on the dynamic of the convention. All updates will be provided as soon as possible to the public, but any immediate changes implemented by senior staff shall be immediate and binding to the current convention period. 

    Failure to follow any of Nekocon rules may result in removal from the convention without refund.

    The decisions of the Convention Chairman/Vice-Chairman are final.

 

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