Code of Conduct

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Welcome to Anime Expo®. It is our mission to provide an enjoyable and safe environment for everyone. In order to make your visit and that of your fellow guests a pleasant one, we require everyone to observe the following rules. Persons violating this Code of Conduct will be asked to leave the Anime Expo®. Please have your event badge openly displayed on your person at all times during the Anime Expo® event(s).

Anime Expo® and/or The Society for Japanese Animation ("SPJA") reserve the right to refuse entrance into the events or service to any individual or group at anytime.

Prohibited Actions

The following are not permitted at the Anime Expo® and its surrounding perimeters, including the parking lots and structures and shall remain in effect at all times while attending Anime Expo®:

Failing to be fully and/or appropriately clothed, or wearing apparel or gesturing in a manner which is likely to provoke a disturbance or embroil others. Please keep in mind local laws, rules and regulations when selecting your costume.
Physically or verbally threatening, annoying, harassing, stalking, pushing, shoving or use of physical force, or offending any person; which in any way creates a disturbance that is disruptive or dangerous.
Any boisterous, lewd or offensive behavior or language, using sexually explicit or offensive language or conduct, or profanity, obscene gestures or racial, religious or ethnic slurs.
Assembling for the purpose of, or resulting in, disturbing the public peace or committing any unlawful act or engaging in any offensive behavior.
Activity not sponsored by the Anime Expo® and/or an enterprise(s) engaged in business at the Anime Expo®, without complying with the Anime Expo®'s rules for such activity. 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.
Possession of any item that can be used as a weapon, including but not limited to: firearms, explosives, clubs, knives, whips or any other object(s) that may place others in immediate apprehension of danger or which may cause danger to others if utilized in a certain manner. The possession of any weapon may only be possessed if authorized in writing by Access Control.
Possessing any open can, bottle or other receptacle containing any alcoholic beverages, except in areas specifically designated for the consumption of alcohol.
Possessing any illegal substance, narcotic, marijuana or any other illegal drug. Anime Expo® DOES NOT tolerate the use or abuse of illegal substances in or around Anime Expo®.
Smoking, other than in designated areas.
Violating any Federal, State or Local law or ordinance.

Violation of the Code of Conduct policies is grounds for immediate loss of your event badge, suspension from the Anime Expo® and convention privileges.

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 Anime Expo®. 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.

Photography & Videotape

Photographs and videotape footage by attendees are generally allowed in all common areas of the convention with the exception of the Art Show. Specific rules and restrictions regarding video, audio, and photography apply to certain specific events. Please consult the program guide at the convention for information relating to specific restricted events.

Please obtain permission first when photographing or videotaping individuals or costumes. If someone asks or otherwise indicates that they do not wish to be photographed, do not photograph them.

Photography or videography of Anime Expo® events, staff, or attendees for the purpose of sale, or publication to the press is expressly forbidden unless written permission has been obtained from SPJA, as well as the Los Angeles Convention Center in accordance with its press policy. Individuals may take pictures and videotapes for private viewing and identify all images, sound bites and clips of Anime Expo® events as Anime Expo® events.

Video footage of the convention and attendees is gathered by staff members, including public areas, events, and panels, and may be used in a highlights tape, marketing endeavor or other media use. Acceptance of an Anime Expo® membership constitutes consent to be filmed or photographed by Anime Expo® staff, approved industry, or media during the Anime Expo® event without compensation to you. Your acceptance of a membership and attendance at any Anime Expo® event, including the convention, constitutes a grant of rights to Anime Expo® to reproduce, display, distribute, perform, create derivative works from, and otherwise use any film or video footage that it affixes in any media and in any manner throughout the world in perpetuity, including on the internet, broadcast, satellite and other transmissions.

These rules apply to all attendees (exhibitors, guests, press, or any level of regular membership). All members of the press and staff are additionally required to conform to Anime Expo®'s Press Policy and we encourage attendees to become familiar with those rules.

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 Anime Expo® staff or contact us online.

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