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Convention Rules

Here are some of the general rules for San Japan including events, badge rules, lining up for events, dance and other things. Please read over these carefully. If you have any questions about Cosplay Props, click here for that FAQ.

  • Treat the Hotel and Convention staff with Respect.
  • Convention Staff, Guest, and Attendees may not engage in any activites that are prohibited by law. If it is illegal anywhere else, it is illegal at San Japan (And don’t think otherwise).
  • Convention Staff, Guest, and Attendees may not be in possession of any item defined as a weapon, Illegal or not. (Click Here To See Our Weapons Policy for more detail.)
  • Convention Staff, Guest, and Attendees may not bring any animals onto the premises, with the exception of ADA Working Animals.
  • Badges must be worn at all times, and must be visible.
  • Shoes must be worn at all times.
  • No Sleeping in any Convention Areas at any time. This applies to video room and events room at the hotel.
  • Signs will not be allowed at the convention unless the sign is part of a costume/cosplay (I.E. Genma from Ranma 1/2). This includes ‘Free Hugs’, ‘Will ____ For ____’ or any other similar signs. Any signs that is not obviously apart of a costume will be confiscated by the safety team. Blatant disregard or multiple violations of this rule will not be tolerated.
  • We aren’t trying to be mean, this is to cover our behinds as it falls into huge gray areas of the laws under solicitation.
  • Alcohol is not permitted in Convention Space. -ZERO TOLERANCE-
  • Usage or Possession of illegal drugs is strictly forbidden. -ZERO TOLERANCE-
  • Harassment of any type is forbidden. -ZERO TOLERANCE-
  • Badge’s must be purchased in order to be allowed into convention space. If you do not have a badge you may be asked to leave until you purchase one.

FYI – Violation of the preceding rules are grounds for Immediate Expulsion from the Convention (Without Refund), as well as contact of the local authorities based on the severity. Also, please read all rules thoroughly. Ignorance is not an excuse for breaking the rules. .


Convention Drug and Alcohol Policy

  • All illegal narcotics are absolutely prohibited in the hotel area and SAN JAPAN event areas. Anyone caught with illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, ecstasy, or heroine will be automatically removed from the convention AND TURNED OVER TO THE AUTHORITIES!
  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all convention event areas. Anyone caught with alcohol may have their badge marked or revoked without refund depending on the seriousness of the offense.
  • TEXAS law prohibits the consumption of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21. If you are under 21 and caught drinking, or are caught giving alcohol to someone under the age of 21, you will have your badge revoked without refund and TURNED OVER TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES.

SAN JAPAN WILL INFORM THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES OF ALL ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR IF IT TAKES PLACE WITHIN THE HOTEL AND SAN JAPAN EVENT SPACES.


Events/Lines
These rules are in place for the sole reason of getting you to the event sooner and with less hassle. The closer everyone abides by them, the less hang ups we have, and the sooner you get back to what you love.

  • Keep lines single file, and stay close to the wall/barricades.
  • No cutting.
  • Do not argue with the staff if they attempt to correct you or give suggestions.
  • Keep in mind that the staff is not yelling at you, but they have to speak loudly enough for the entire line to hear which can be difficult at times. The convention is LOUD. The staff has to BE LOUD in order for everyone to hear us. Don’t take OFFENSE to it.
  • Completely fill in seats. Try not to leave empty spaces. We will ask everyone to move in next each other for popular events.
  • Any event specific rules will be announced at the start of the event. Please listen while they are being announced.

SAN JAPAN CONVENTION BADGE POLICY

  • Purchase of any SAN JAPAN convention badge is legal consent and acknowledgment of the rules of conduct. Breaking any of the rules can result in the loss of your convention badge without refund.
  • SAN JAPAN has a policy of badge marking. If you are seen breaking the rules you may have your badge marked by having a hole punched in it. If your badge is marked and you break another rule roué badge will be revoked without refund.
  • Anyone picking up a pre-registration badge must have legal ID and a proof of purchase.
  • ALL badges are non-transferable and the staff may request ID for a badge at anytime they believe someone may be carrying someone else’s badge.
  • All badges must be visible at all times within the convention events.
  • SAN JAPAN is not liable for any lost badges. If the badges are lost please check with SAN JAPAN staff, they might have been found and turned into lost and found.
  • SAN JAPAN badges are required for entry to all SAN JAPAN events with no exceptions. Badge checkers will be present to verify that you have purchased a convention badge.
  • If a badge is found to be counterfeit, the badge will be confiscated and the person will be sent to registration to purchase a legitimate badge or risk being banned from San Japan.

Dance Rules
For the most part, Safety will attempt to stay out of your way, however as time has proven, we are a potential necessity in this environment. If you see someone in violation of these rules, don’t be afraid to help out your fellow Attendees, and politely point it out to them.

    • No Bags larger than a hand bag are allowed. This includes: Laptop Bags, Backpacks, Duffel Bags, and messenger bags.
    • Safety will not watch bags/items for you, Period.
    • Safety Staff reserves the right to bar entry, with good reason.
    • Safety Staff may initiate a voluntary bag/pocket check for contraband.
    • Strings will be allowed in a DESIGNATED area within the Event Room. ***
    • No cosplay props or weapons are allowed into the Dance/Rave area.
    • Lightsabers/LED Swords will be allowed in the same DESIGNATED area as Strings. ***
    • Shoes must be worn at all times. NO EXCEPTIONS.
    • No fighting, or Dance Fighting. ***
    • If you have a history of Seizures, asthma, or heart attack, please AVOID the Dance/Rave.
    • The heat and flashing lights may trigger attacks.
    • Be mindful of those around you at all times.
    • No means No. Harassment will not be tolerated. If you are being Harassed, please indicate so to one of the Safety Members.
    • Any solicitation of Alcohol or Drugs, will lead to an Immediate Expulsion from the Convention (Without Refund), as well as contact of the local authorities.

*** The Safety staff will be allowing Stringing/Poi/LED Swords in a specifically designated area within the room. Please take heed with your actions in this area as every movement will be carefully scrutinized. If everyone plays nice and safe we may continue this in the future BUT if it is abused and people refuse to follow the rules the Area will be shut down immediately and never allowed again.

If you have any further questions, please ask them on our message forums.