Policies

Convention Policies

Disruptive Behavior Policy

We work very hard to ensure that Otakon Vegas takes place in a safe and family-friendly environment, and we need your cooperation. We have policies to address specifics such as weapons and lost children. We also have a general policy that we do not tolerate disruptive behavior of any sort, and we can and will take action when we see something we feel is dangerous or disruptive. The type of action we take may range from a quiet but stern word in private to forcible ejection from the convention, or even criminal charges. (Action taken is solely at the discretion of Otakorp, Inc.)

The sorts of things that may trigger such action include but are not limited to: fighting (fake or real), heckling, impeding traffic flow, offensive behavior, failure to observe basic hygiene, public inebriation / intoxication, or any other failure to follow the rules and directions of staff members. Remember, anything illegal outside the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino is illegal inside the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino! If your behavior is clearly problematic, we will deal with it as such. Show common courtesy to your fellow otaku, and follow the rules, so there's no problems.

Failure to be appropriately clothed is prohibited, the sole discretion of Otakon Vegas staff. Please follow local laws, rules, and regulations when selecting your costume. Be advised that for security reasons, the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino prohibits the wearing of masks or covering of the face outside of the Otakon Vegas convention space (ex: the casino floor).

Activities not sponsored or approved by Otakon Vegas or the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino are not allowed. These include but are not limited to the following: the solicitation of money or donations, or other contribution; the distribution of commercial and promotional material of any kind such as flyers, coupons, business cards, samples, brochures, etc.

Cosplay Specific Hints

Display your Badge at all times - especially if you are in cosplay. Las Vegas has a significant number of costumers on the street, but they are not permitted in the casinos. If you show your badge, Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino will know you are permitted on the property.

You may see many individuals in costume taking photos and subsequently soliciting tips. These individuals have legal permits to perform this activity. Bear this in mind if you wander the strip in cosplay.

Casino floors are QUITE crowded - we do not suggest walking around casinos in cosplay, especially bulky cosplay.

DO NOT walk into the casino or walk the casino floor with your face partially or fully covered. Facemasks and helmets are in no way permitted, for security and policy purposes. Casino security WILL stop you. When you are on the convention floor, you may go ahead and cover your face. Please understand that Planet Hollywood Resort Casino staff or Otakon Vegas staff may need to ask you to remove cosplay that disguises or obscures facial identification.

Line Etiquette

We all know that waiting in line is frustrating, but it is unavoidable. Please don't take it out on other attendees or on the staff, and please remember that following the directions of staff members will make the lines smoother for everyone!

When lining up, be sure to check for Otakon Vegas Staff holding "Line Starts Here" and/or "Line Ends Here" indicators. We can't promise to have them up for every event, but please be mindful of them to get you in faster!

NOTE: Attendees caught jumping in line will be sent to the rear of the line. You will not be allowed to hold places in line. Lines cannot block entrances or exits, so leave a gap in front of the doors as per Fire Codes.

Cameras at Otakon Vegas

The usage of photographic devices is may be prohibited within certain areas of the convention, including but not limited to video theaters, within Main Events and/or concerts. All such areas will be marked, so please pay attention.

  • Prohibited devices include, but are not limited to, cameras (both film and digital), camera phones, and camcorders.
  • Photography within the Artists Alley is only allowed at the discretion of the individual artist. Permission must be obtained from the artist for photography of any kind.
  • Please remember that photographs are NOT permitted on the casino floor. This is common in most casinos in Las Vegas.

When stopping to take photographs in the hallways, please be considerate of your fellow attendees by being brief and not blocking traffic.

Photographing Guests at Otakon Vegas

Otakon Vegas's guests have the right to maintain their privacy. Convention attendees may be asked to refrain from photographing guests if the guests would prefer to not have their picture taken. Guests have been known to join con-goers for photo opportunities, but there are no guarantees.

Children at Otakon Vegas

Otakon Vegas is a fun family event. As a result, Otakon Vegas wants to ensure the satisfaction and safety of all of our attendee, especially children. In order to safeguard the well-being of our youngest attendees, Otakon Vegas has put these policies into effect and offers some advice to keep track of children at any large convention.

A parent or guardian must accompany any and all children under the age of 12 at all times.

Children are required to carry some form of written identification and parent/guardian contact information with them at all times so that Otakon Vegas staff may contact the parents or guardians should the need arise.

THERE IS NO CONVENTION-WIDE PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT SYSTEM.

We are unable to page your child if he/she becomes lost.

  • Recommendations
  • First and foremost, please do not leave your child unattended at Otakon Vegas.
  • Make sure your child knows important information, such as your name, what you are wearing, what hotel you are staying at (if any), a cellular phone number, and a home phone number. If a child is lost, we will make every attempt to contact you via this information.
  • It is a good idea to set up meeting places and times for children older than 12. Otakon Vegas suggests that you do not use the following locations as meeting areas: the Dealer's Room, as it is constantly crowded and large; video theaters because they are dark and also fairly large. We do suggest using landmarks, such as the Registration Desks or the Business Center. Also encouraged is to locate and meet at the Otakon Vegas Information Desks.

In the case that you cannot find your child at your designated meeting place and cannot establish contact, please notify an Otakon Vegas Information Desk. Otakon Vegas wishes you and your children a safe and happy convention!

Dance at Otakon Vegas

  • Otakon Vegas is not responsible for attendees' bags. This includes but is not limited to outside, beside, or near the entrance to the dance.
  • No bags (of any size) will be allowed in the dance hall during dance hours.
  • Empty plastic bottles will be allowed into the dance. Any other container types will not be allowed.
  • No large costume props allowed.
  • No commercial grade photography or videographer equipment is allowed.
  • Please be considerate of the other dancers
  • ...and REMEMBER, drink plenty of water!
NOTE: All other Otakon Vegas policies are enforced in the dance, such as disruptive behavior and swinging items attached to rope/string/chains/etc.

18+ Policy

There are certain events at Otakon Vegas that are designated as 18+. Attendees who wish to attend these events must be at least 18 years old and MUST obtain a wristband from the wristband booth prior to the event. Please have your identification ready when obtaining your wristband. Otakon Vegas Staff will not be able to check identification at the door.

Signs at Otakon Vegas

While we understand the appeal of signs as ice-breakers and conversation starters, there have been too many complaints from other attendees about offensive content or signs that amount to little more than panhandling.

  • All signs, whether as prop or part of a costume, are prohibited unless approved by Otakon Vegas.
  • If permitted as part of a costume the sign must be part of the standard "look" of the character, (such as the sign carried by Genma the Panda from Ranma 1/2).
  • Those attendees wishing to post notices or find other people should use the Otakon web forums.
  • Signs with offensive content are not allowed regardless of whether they are "in character."
  • Signs in violation of this policy will be confiscated. Repeat offenders will be considered in violation of the disruptive behavior policy.
Please note that this policy applies to all types of signs, regardless of construction. Otakon Vegas staff decisions regarding signs are final.

Weapons at Otakon Vegas

  • Weapons policies at Otakon Vegas are for your (and others') safety, and include (but are not limited to) the following:
  • NO FIREARM PROPS are permitted within the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino for security reasons. All gun props (regardless of level of functionality or realism) are initially prohibited. This includes resin firearm props and semi-realistic toy guns (with or without orange tip). Completely non-realistic gun props will be evaluated on a case by case basis by Otakon Vegas staff at the Information Desk. Be advised ALL firearm/gun props are strictly prohibited within the Planet Hollywood Casino floor space.
  • NO LIVE STEEL will be permitted within the convention space, without exception. Live steel is defined as:
    • Swords, bayonets, and knives (regardless of whether or not they are sheathed)
    • Star knives and shuriken
    • Metal armor, including chainmail (some exceptions may apply. Please check with Access Control)
    • Other objects made of metal which can take an edge. This holds true regardless of whether the object is actually sharp.
    • Metal studs on costumes or other metal components of costumes/props may also be subject to approval by Otakon Vegas.
  • NO PROJECTILE WEAPONS OF ANY KIND will be permitted. Examples include, but are not limited to:
    • Airsoft guns, any and all kinds, regardless of whether functional or not. A non-functional Airsoft gun with no moving parts is still an Airsoft gun.
    • BB and other pellet guns
    • Crossbows, dart guns, and blowguns
    • Water guns and/or pistols
    • Stun guns and Tasers
  • NO REAL BOWS or pieces of real bows of any type are permitted.
    • Additionally, authentic arrows (tipped or non-tipped), including crossbow bolts and other projectiles, will not be permitted.
  • NO "PADDLES" of any sort will be permitted at the convention.
    • This includes, but is not limited to, Yaoi/Yuri Paddles.
  • NO NUNCHAKU of any kind will be permitted.
    • Nunchaku are defined as two sticks or other body connected at their ends with a short chain or rope. Two sticks can be made of any material, or shape.
  • NO EXPLOSIVES or CHEMICALS of any kind including, but not limited to:
    • smoke powder, sparklers, or fireworks of any kind.
  • Finally, if it is illegal in the City of Las Vegas, Clark County and/or State of Nevada, it is illegal inside the Otakon Vegas convention space. Illegal weapons will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

Permitted Weapons

  • Staves, bo sticks, boken, shinai, and wooden swords will be permitted as long as they are handled responsibly and meet all other criteria.
  • Fake, prop, or made-up weapons (i.e. made of tissue paper, plaster of Paris, cloth) are permitted if they are safe and not dangerous to others around you.
    • Examples of dangerous conditions include, but are not limited to, items that may trip others, items that can snag on people or surroundings, items that obstruct doors and hallways.
  • Prop weapons shall be limited to less than six feet six inches (6'6") in height and less than fifty pounds (50 lbs) in weight.
  • Any chain must be less than three feet (3') in length regardless of material. This includes, but is not limited to, chain wallets and non-costume chains.
  • Prop bows may be carried in the convention space, provided they are NOT strung with authentic bowstring, and any alternative material used (e.g. twine, yarn, any other non-functioning material) is not attached to the bow in a taut (tight) fashion.
  • All bows must comply with all other general policies - no live steel or sharp edges, and not more than 6'6" in height. Prop or toy arrows clearly marked as such are allowed. If our staff feels your bow or materials do not meet all of these criteria, you'll be asked to remove the prop immediately from the convention space.

Behavior with Weapons/Props

  • Misuse of a weapon or prop, such as swinging it in a public area or posing a hazard to others, will result in the weapon or prop being deemed unsafe for the convention, and you will be asked to remove the item from the convention space.
  • Any edged or other non-permitted weapons purchased in the Dealer's Room must be boxed and removed from convention immediately. Weapons are not to be taken out of their packaging or wrappings while in the convention space.
  • All props and weapons brought into the convention may be inspected for policy compliance by authorized Otakon Vegas staff, including those that may have had prior approval (other conventions, previous conventions, or pre-convention approval by Otakon Vegas staff).
  • Any item that poses a potential safety hazard may need to be removed from the convention.
    • This includes any costume, prop, or accessory that obstructs doors or hallways, or otherwise poses any kind of danger to other attendees, staff, or convention center property.
    • When in doubt, check with Otakon Vegas staff.
    Remember: just because a staffer has not stopped you to check your item does not mean that the item is allowed. All decisions made by Otakon Vegas and/or the Public Safety/Security Staff of the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino are final.

Guests and Autograph Policy

We understand that getting autographs from our guests is a major highlight of the convention for many attendees, not just because it's a fantastic souvenir, but also because it's a chance for that tiny bit of face time with the guest. Guests, too, value that rare opportunity to meet some of their fans. However, demand nearly always outweighs supply, especially for extremely popular or extremely rare guests. Even the speediest and most accommodating guest can only sign so many things in a given period of time. In order to give the greatest number of fans the opportunity to meet the guest, we MUST keep the lines moving smoothly. Otakon Vegas's official, scheduled autographing sessions are governed by the following rules:

  • Otakon Vegas does not and cannot guarantee that you will receive an autograph from any particular guest.
  • Otakon Vegas's official autograph sessions are open to any Attendee.
  • All guests will sign either your badge or program book for free. Individual guests may have fees or purchases associated with their sessions.
  • Guests will always be glad to sign your Otakon Vegas paraphernalia, as well as any officially licensed and properly credited products. They absolutely will NOT sign bootleg or unlicensed merchandise, nor material for which they are not properly credited. At their sole discretion, they may sign handmade, personal, or otherwise unusual items. If you are uncertain about a particular item, check first! (Guests may be offended if they're presented with bootleg items.) As a last resort, check with the staffer in charge of the session. Otakon Vegas staff may veto any item as unsuitable for signing, and such decisions are final.
  • Unless a specific limit is posted for a particular guest, assume that you are limited to ONE ITEM PER PERSON.
  • There will be no flash photography during official signing sessions, unless otherwise noted.
  • There will be no photo ops during official signing sessions, unless otherwise noted.
  • Do not monopolize the guest's time if there are others waiting. (Assume that whatever you have to say must be said in 30 seconds or less, while the guest is signing your item. It's a good idea to write down what you want to say.)
  • Do not request excessive personalization, sketches, etc. unless the guest offers.
  • If you are bringing an item for the guest to sign, please have it ready for signing when you are within sight of the guest. (For CDs and DVDs, you should remove the cover insert to save time; for unusual items, please ask the autograph staff for their recommendations.)
  • Policies for specific guests may differ.
  • Otakon Vegas staff reserve the right to refuse access to any attendee who fails to follow the rules (or attempts to circumvent them). Anyone caught in the act is subject to the disruptive behavior policy, and risks ejection from the convention.
Otakon Vegas staff reserve the right to make changes to guests policies as circumstances dictate. If you have a question about policy, please see the Otakon Vegas staffer in charge of the guest appearance or signing. All staff rulings are final.

Notes and Gifts for Guests

If you've brought something special for the guest, such as a personal note or small gift, we ask that you follow certain guidelines for practical and safety reasons. Most guests appreciate these small gestures, but many gifts cannot be accepted.

  • Please ensure that you provide the name of the guest, as well as your own name and contact information, either written on the outside of the message or attached clearly to the outside of the gift.
  • Please do not wrap your gift using tape or tie it using ribbon; however, a gift bag or simple tissue paper cover is acceptable. (We must be able to screen all gifts.)
  • Avoid anything large or bulky or easily damaged. Most guests fly quite a distance to appear at Otakon Vegas, and may have limited space in their luggage. Any gifts you bring should be small, durable, and easily packed.
  • No food items will be accepted.
  • If you have an item to present as a gift at any guest appearance, please bring it first to the Otakon Vegas staff member in charge of the appearance.
    • DO NOT use Q&A time to present your gift to the guest; this is extremely rude and unfair to the other people who came to hear the guest speak.
    • DO NOT use autograph time to present your gift without first clearing it with the staff member in charge, as this may deny others the opportunity to get to meet the guest.
    • You may be asked to wait until the end of the session, or the staffer may accept the gift in order to present it to the guest on your behalf. (Rest assured, your gift will be given to the guest on your behalf - that's why we request your contact information on every gift.)
  1. Tips for Interacting With Guests:
  2. If you're going to ask a question, write it down first. It's easy to become flustered if you're not used to public speaking or if you're about to talk to someone you really admire. Writing down what you want to say helps you to organize your thoughts so you don't waste everyone's time or embarrass yourself.
  3. Every guest at the con is someone who has a cool job that they're quite good at. It isn't necessary to worship the ground they walk on - just be friendly and polite.
  4. Remember that guests get tired, too, and they're entitled to downtime. If you encounter a guest outside the con, try to make eye contact before you approach them, and look for a signal that it's okay to chat. Please don't interrupt meals or private conversations.
  5. Try to avoid asking questions that the guest has answered a hundred times. And if you come late to a panel, find out whether a question has already been answered before you waste everyone's time. Don't ask questions that are answered in the guest's bio, homepage, or Wikipedia entry.

Lost and Found

Lost and Found is on the lobby level of the building, to the side of hotel check-in.

Photographs and Promotional Material Policy

Participants in Otakon Vegas or other Otakorp, Inc. events are granting their permission to be photographed or recorded by authorized Otakorp, Inc. individuals. By purchasing an Attendee badge you inherently grant Otakorp, Inc. permission to use such images or footage for archival or promotional purposes.

Alcohol Policy

Possession and consumption of alcohol is limited to areas specifically designated. No glassware or alcohol is permitted in any access controlled convention space (past entrance access control point or any area requiring an Otakon Vegas badge to be displayed).