FanimeCon Code of Conduct 2024

Introduction

FanimeCon is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone. This Code of Conduct details the expected behavior of our attendees and staff. This policy applies to any person bearing a FanimeCon badge of any type or any person invited to enter Convention Center space* by FanimeCon. By attending FanimeCon, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

All attendees and staff must follow the FanimeCon 2024 COVID-19 Policy. By attending FanimeCon 2024, you are voluntarily assuming all risks related to possible exposure to COVID-19. For more information regarding the COVID-19 Policy, please check the FanimeCon website.

Badges

FanimeCon attendee badges are the physical representation of the ticket that attendees have purchased and are the property of FanimeCon for the duration of FanimeCon. You will need to show your badge at designated checkpoints to enter Convention Center space*.

  • Badges must be worn on your person, above the waist, and easily visible while in Convention Center space*.
  • Badges are non-transferable. 
  • Badges may not be duplicated or altered.
  • Badges may be revoked at any time by FanimeCon security or staff. Entry to events will be denied if a badge is revoked. Revoked badges cannot be reissued or purchased again.

Facilities

The San Jose McEnery Convention Center, and surrounding hotels, have hosted FanimeCon for many years. To promote good relations with these entities, please respect the facilities by leaving these spaces and any equipment in them in the same condition as you found them.

  • Keep all aisles, exits, fire safety devices, and concession stands clean, visible, and unobstructed.
  • Do not affix anything to any surface in Convention Center spaces*, including walls, doors, panels, and columns.
  • Do not use the white courtesy phones in Convention Center spaces*. The white phones do not provide outside telephone service.
  • Do not move or tamper with any furniture or equipment. Inform FanimeCon Convention Operations (ConOps) if you need anything moved or repaired.
  • Do not use any electrical outlets in Convention Center spaces*, outside of personal hotel rooms.
  • Only individuals who require mobility assistance, or have received prior approval from CopOps, may use transportation devices indoors.
  • Shoes or other foot protection must be worn at all times. This can include sandals, flip flops, and custom cosplay footwear. Custom footwear is required to have a solid material between your skin and the ground such as a rubber or plastic sole.
  • Pets and companion animals are not allowed inside Convention Center spaces*. FanimeCon complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and follows the ADA definition of a Service Animal.

Prohibited Items

The following items and activities are prohibited in any Convention Center space*. Additional items may be added to this list by FanimeCon at any time.

  • Glitter, gum, confetti, and balloons that float 
  • Weapons of any kind 
  • Alcohol or cannabis
  • Smoking devices such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, pipes, and bongs
  • Illegal substances
  • Skateboards, bicycles, scooters, roller blades, and other non-medical wheeled devices 
  • Drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other remote-controlled vehicles
  • Laser pointers, fog machines, strobe lights, and other devices that produce disruptive visuals
  • Sound amplification equipment and devices that produce disruptive noises
    • Staff and stage performers are exempted from this rule when performing
  • Unregistered sales of any goods at FanimeCon, including but not limited to food, art, or other merchandise
    • Only dealers and vendors that are properly registered with FanimeCon are permitted to sell any goods, including but not limited to food, art, and/or merchandise within Convention Center spaces*. 
  • Signs that contain profanity, sexual suggestive content, harassment, or that solicit goods or services

Etiquette

FanimeCon wants to ensure a safe and fun convention for everyone. Please utilize good judgment, be respectful, and show courtesy to everyone around you. This includes Guests of Honor, San Jose Convention Center and hotel personnel, local businesses, FanimeCon staff, vendors, and your fellow attendees.

The following rules must be adhered to at all times:

  • Masks must be worn at all times while in Convention Center spaces*. The type of mask must meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines. For cosplayers with large helmets/cosplay masks, a mask must be worn underneath the cosplay. If you are eating or drinking, you must remain stationary while your mask is off.
  • Cosplay is not consent. Do not hug, touch, or photograph anyone without receiving permission. Be mindful that behind the costume and makeup is a real person, not the character they are portraying.
  • Comply with the FanimeCon Harassment Policy. Personal attacks and harassment are not allowed. See the FanimeCon Harassment Policy below.
  • Comply with the FanimeCon Props Policy. All props must be peace-bonded before entering Convention Center space*.
  • Be respectful of other attendees, FanimeCon dealers, vendors, and staff. Treat others how you would want to be treated.
  • Respect everyone’s personal space. Move carefully through the Convention Center space* and maintain the flow of traffic. Be mindful of props and do not run indoors.
  • Comply with all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations at all times.
  • All forms of disorderly conduct are prohibited. These include, but are not limited to, loitering, public intoxication, indecent exposure, begging, or soliciting.
  • FanimeCon is a dry convention. Alcohol, drugs, and illegal substances are prohibited in Convention Center spaces*. Intoxication is not tolerated in Convention Center spaces*. Persons found to be intoxicated in Convention Center spaces* will be removed and have their badge revoked. Do not sell or distribute alcohol to minors.
  • No smoking or vaping inside any public buildings or within 25 feet of any entrance.
  • Re-sale of hotel rooms is prohibited.

FanimeCon Harassment Policy

Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated at FanimeCon. This policy applies to any person bearing a FanimeCon badge of any type or any person invited to enter Convention Center spaces* by FanimeCon.

Harassment

Harassment is generally defined as unwanted behavior that creates an intimidating, offensive, and/or hostile environment for the person being targeted. Harassment can be physical, verbal, or psychological.

Harassment of any kind is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Any form of harassment shall be grounds for removal from FanimeCon and Convention Center spaces*, and may result in the revocation of your badge without any refund.

Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to:

  • Comments about a person’s appearance, sexual and/or vulgar statements, offensive jokes, as well as anything disparaging a person’s gender, race, religion, political views, age, disability, or other protected attributes.
  • Bullying and discrimination. Bigotry, homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, and other forms of prejudice are also prohibited.
  • Whistling, catcalling, and any kind of non-consensual flirting or sexual advances.
  • Following someone or impeding their path.
  • Excessive, intimidating, or harassing body language, such as obscene hand gestures, staring, or stalking
  • Attending a person’s panels or events solely to harass, disrupt, heckle, or mock them.
  • Photographing or recording someone without their permission.
  • Exposing oneself or miming sexual acts.
  • Bathroom policing (harassing someone because of the bathroom they feel most comfortable using).
  • Touching someone without their permission.
  • Repeated texting, phone calls, or emails after being told to stop.
  • Any persistent action that creates a hostile environment for the person or people being targeted.

Reporting

If you or someone you see or know is in immediate danger or if there are serious safety concerns, please call 911 or hotel/venue security. Our staff is happy to help you contact hotel/venue security or law enforcement to further assist those experiencing harassment.

Please report any incidents of harassment to ConOps or any FanimeCon staff as soon as possible. ConOps is located in the Hilton San Jose on the second floor in the San Carlos Room. We take all reports very seriously, regardless of who is involved. You can report harassment even if you are not directly involved. Retaliation for filing a report will not be tolerated and is a violation of this policy.

During FanimeCon operating hours, if you have an issue that you believe requires ConOps’ assistance, find the nearest staff member or email conops@fanime.com. FanimeCon will respond with a resolution within a provided time period, depending on the complexity of the issue. Before and after FanimeCon, we will do our best to respond to any reports and provide resolutions from conops@fanime.com.

Violations of the Code of Conduct or Harassment Policy 

Any violation of the Code of Conduct or Harassment Policy can result in immediate action by FanimeCon depending on the severity of the action. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Verbal warning.
  • Confiscation of your badge and immediate removal from FanimeCon.
  • Banning from any and all future events put on by FanimeCon and FANS.
  • Reporting to law enforcement or the relevant authority.

We will make any or all of the above determinations in our sole and absolute discretion to serve the best interests of FanimeCon and its attendees. You will not be entitled to a refund of any monies in connection with the above actions being taken against you. FanimeCon shall have no liability for the same.

FanimeCon reserves the right to modify the Code of Conduct at any time.

* Convention Center Space includes, but is not limited to, the San Jose Convention Center, San Jose Marriott, Hilton San Jose, Civic Auditorium, South Hall, DoubleTree San Jose, and the Idea Tree.

Updates to the FanimeCon Code of Conduct

Updates to the Code of Conduct will be effective upon a website post announcing the update. Each version of the Code of Conduct will be marked with a version number and date of the update.

Version 1.0
Updated 4/1/2024