Weapons Policy

Please read through the entire policy. Failure to comply may result in removal from Nekocon without refund. Thank you for your cooperation. The staff at Nekocon recognizes that the majority of people attending anime conventions, and Nekocon in particular, are just looking to have a good time, and show off their hard work on costumes and their love for their favorite characters. That being said, we have a policy in place to ensure that everyone entering our convention can remain safe as well have a great time.

All attendees with props are subject to being peace bound by Nekocon Con Safety Staff. A member of staff will review the rules with you briefly and have you place a zip tie on your prop if it falls under one of the required categories. Failure to abide by the rules by either bringing in a forbidden item listed below or doing a forbidden action (i.e. swinging a prop at another attendee) at any time may result in removal from the convention without refund.

  1. METAL OBJECTS: No live steel (sheathed or unsheathed) will be allowed on the 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 metal sword that is permanently blunted and not capable of taking an edge is still a banned weapon). Please note Virginia Code §18.2-308 in regards to your inability to carry these and other weapons concealed anywhere in this state.
    • Metal items that are not designed to be sharpened or resemble any of the above items may be allowed. However, those items shall be checked by Con Safety Staff to verify the item is allowed in the convention. Any metal item allowed as a prop that can be swung around must be peace bound to prove a willing compliance with our weapons policy and to prove that our staff inspected prop and deemed it falls within the convention rules.
    • All questionable items will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
  2. PROJECTILE WEAPONS: Firearms, loaded or unloaded, are strictly prohibited from Nekocon premises.  Actual bows and crossbows with arrows or bolts used in archery or hunting are banned from the convention center property.
    • Any prop capable of firing a projectile will be actively regulated by Con Safety Staff.  While Nekocon prefers any gun prop to be completely incapable of firing a projectile, we recognize again, that the vast majority of our attendees value a safe environment for all.  
    • We will allow Nerf blasters that are unloaded, and either unloaded spring powered air soft or electronic air soft with the battery removed, and no pellets in any magazines.  Failure to follow these guidelines will 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 will be allowed.
    • All items that fall under Section 2 must be checked by Con Safety Staff and be peace bound to prove an understanding and willing compliance with our weapons policy to remain on Convention Center Property.
    • All questionable items will be decided on a case by case basis.
    • AT ANY TIME, THE DIVISION HEAD OF LOGISTICS OR THE CONVENTION CHAIR MAY BAN ALL GUN PROPS WITHOUT ADVANCED NOTICE IF STAFF BELIEVE THAT ATTENDEES ARE NOT ACTING IN A MANNER THAT FOSTERS SAFETY FOR ALL PERSONS ON THE CONVENTION CENTER PROPERTY
  3. Any object (or costume) 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.
  4. WOODEN WEAPONS:  Items allowed by Nekocon include, but are not limited to staves, walking sticks, bokken, and other wooden swords. All such items 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. 
    • All items that fall under Section 4 must be checked by Con Safety Staff and may be required to be peace bound to prove an understanding and willing compliance with our weapons policy to remain on Convention Center Property.
  5. Fake or made-up weaponry, such as that made from tissue paper, plaster of Paris, cloth, foam, or other soft materials are all welcomed if they are safe and not dangerous to others. To ensure the safety of other guests, please also keep these weapons with their tips towards the ground. 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.
  6. 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.
    • Being found in any other parts of the convention center with a banned weapon may result in expulsion from the convention.
  7. To purchase any weapons from our qualified dealers, either bladed or air soft, 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.
  8. Please note that the Nekocon Weapons policy is subject to change before, during, or after the convention, and changes may be made with or without advance written notification. All decisions pertaining to the Nekocon Weapons Policy made by the Convention Chair, or their designee are final. All updates will be provided as soon as possible and posted clearly, but any changes determined necessary by staff will be immediate and binding to the current convention period.
  9. Prior to the convention, if you have any questions regarding the weapons policy you may contact Con Safety using the Contact Us link under the Business tab above. If you have a question about the policy while at the convention, please request to speak to the Con Safety Department Head in Convention Operations.