SacAnime
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Convention Policies

Everyone who attends SacAnime is expected to read and follow these rules. They are also posted at the convention itself.

Code of conduct

Anti-harassment

SacAnime has zero tolerance for harassment of any kind — including unwelcome physical contact, verbal harassment or abuse, photographing minors or anyone without consent, intimidation, physical assault, disruption of scheduled events, and stalking. Violators may be expelled and/or face arrest. Please report harassment immediately.

Security Hotline: (916) 287-3476. This number is printed in the program book and on the back of your Registration Badge, and is available year round. For any pre- or post-convention security issues, feel free to call and talk to our Security Director, Jeremy Curtis.

Disruptive behavior

Your registration grants you attendance — not access to staff-only areas. Disruptive behavior is not tolerated and may result in anything from a private word to ejection, revocation of your badge, or criminal charges. This includes fighting (real or staged), heckling, blocking traffic flow, offensive behavior, failure to observe basic hygiene, and public intoxication. Anything illegal outside the convention is illegal inside it.

Line etiquette

With so many people attending, waits in lines may last much longer than you'd expect. Please do not take it out on other attendees or staff, and remember that following the directions of staff members makes the lines smoother for everyone. Members 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 door.

Props & weapons

All weapons, costume props, and any costume item that could be considered a weapon must be taken to the Peace Bonding table for inspection upon entry — even if it was approved at another or previous convention. No concealed weapons. Cosplay weapons may be zip-tied into their holster or sheath and must stay sealed for the duration of the show.

Not permitted

  • No live steel of any kind — swords, bayonets, knives (sheathed or not), shuriken, metal armor or chainmail, or anything metal that can take an edge.
  • No guns or projectile launchers: airsoft, BB and pellet guns, crossbows, dart guns, blowguns, functional water guns, stun guns, and tasers. The only exception is a clearly toy prop or resin model with no moving parts.
  • No paddles of any sort, no nunchaku, and no explosives or chemicals (including smoke powder, sparklers, or fireworks).
  • If it is illegal in the City of Sacramento or State of California, it is illegal inside the convention.

Permitted (within limits)

  • Staves, bo sticks, bokken, shinai, and wooden swords — if handled responsibly.
  • Fake or made-up props (tissue paper, plaster, cloth) that are safe and won’t trip, snag, or obstruct others.
  • Prop weapons must be under 6’6″ tall and under 50 lbs.
  • Any metal chains — including chain wallets — must be under 3 feet long.

Any prop may be inspected and rejected by staff, and any item posing a safety hazard may need to be removed. When in doubt, check with staff — a staff member not stopping you does not mean an item is allowed. All decisions by SacAnime and Public Safety staff are final.

Cosplay, masks & signs

Cosplay & masks

  • Cosplay inspired by fictional characters is welcome, but costumes resembling real local, state, or federal law enforcement are prohibited.
  • Cosplay masks must be removed when entering the venue, and staff may ask you to remove a mask at any time for identification.
  • For public safety, full-face masks are not allowed outside the convention spaces or at entry and exit points.

Signs

No signs are permitted except those that are an established 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. Use the provided bulletin boards to post notices or find people. Signs asking for food, money, or hugs are considered panhandling by the Sacramento Police Department, and signs offering to exchange any sort of sexual favor (kisses, hugs, glomps, etc.) are considered solicitation. Offensive signs are never allowed, even “in character.” Staff decisions are final.

Photography & cameras

Personal photo and video are welcome with some restrictions.

No photography in these areas

  • Guest of Honor autograph areas (unless the guest grants permission, e.g. a purchased selfie).
  • Panel rooms when a Guest of Honor is present.
  • The Photo Op room, dance stage, gaming competition stage, and all 18+ areas.
  • Artist Alley and vendor booths, unless the booth owner gives permission. Never in restrooms.

Equipment & conduct

  • No professional large-format cameras, external flash, light modifiers, reflectors, tripods, light stands, or wired microphones inside the facility.
  • No streaming or v-tubing without written permission from the promoter and convention center. Drones are prohibited anywhere on or around the grounds.
  • When photographing cosplayers, always ask permission first and step out of the flow of traffic.
  • Arranging paid photo sessions anywhere on convention grounds is strictly prohibited and grounds for immediate removal.

Photographs & promotional material

Participants in SacAnime or other SacConvention events are granting their permission to be photographed or recorded by authorized SacConvention photographers. By purchasing your registration you inherently grant SacConvention permission to use such images or footage for archival or promotional purposes.

Bags, children & other rules

Bag policy at the dance

Only attendees with a clearly displayed badge may enter the dance. Bags larger than 12 × 8 × 4 inches are not permitted inside, and SacAnime is not responsible for bags left near the entrance. Stay hydrated and be considerate of others.

Children

A parent or guardian must accompany all children under 12 at all times, and children should carry written contact information. There is no convention-wide public address system, so we cannot page you or your child. Set up meeting places and times, and make sure your child knows your name, your hotel, and a phone number. If you can't locate your child, notify the SacAnime Information Desk.

18+ areas & animals

  • Certain panels and areas are designated 18+. Attendees must be at least 18 and have ID ready at the door.
  • Except for service animals, animals are not allowed in the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. (See the Accessibility page for the full service-animal policy.)
  • Unauthorized gatherings on convention grounds will be disbanded by Security. Contact the convention in advance to request approval.

Guests, autographs & gifts

For how autograph sessions work, see Autograph Guidelines. A few notes on gifts for guests:

  • Label gifts with the guest's name plus your name and contact info. Do not wrap or tape — a gift bag or untaped tissue cover is fine, since all gifts are screened.
  • Keep gifts small and durable. No food items, and no items that intentionally contain human DNA (blood, skin, or hair). Hand gifts to the staff member in charge first.

These policies may be updated as circumstances require, and all staff and Public Safety decisions are final. Questions? Email sacanimevip@gmail.com.