General Policies

Masks are not required at Otakon, but we encourage members to wear masks if it makes them more comfortable attending the convention.

Simply put, Otakon is a smoke-free event, within a smoke-free facility. Since the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, does not permit cigarettes or tobacco products, Otakon can not allow them either. Please remember that we are a family-oriented event, and want to make sure to not only appeal to but respect all of our attendees, and know that there are no designated smoking areas inside the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. If you are really feeling the need for a smoke, feel free to step outside and respect a distance of at least 25 feet or greater from the entries. Attendees caught smoking are in violation of this policy and may be ejected from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Please be respectful of everyone at Otakon, and confirm with attendees before you photograph or video them.

The usage of photographic devices is prohibited within certain areas of the convention, including but not limited to video and 35mm theaters, within Main Events and/or concerts, and in the Art Show. 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.

Events that allow photography will be marked as such.

Otakon staff is aware that everyone loves the amount of cosplay photography and videos that come from Otakon, and this policy is here to help make Otakon safe and keep traffic free flowing. Otakon staff may ask photographers and subjects to relocate less crowded locations for taking photos as needed to accommodate traffic flow and other safety reasons.

The photography policy applies to any public location used during the Otakon event. This includes the Marriott Marquis, The Walter E. Washington Convention Center (WEWCC), and the public spaces immediately outside of the locations. When in doubt please feel to ask an Otakon Staff member about a particular location. There is NO photography in any video room, and other programming events may limit photography as needed. Signs will be up at the entrance of each event to inform you of any photography limitations.

Otakon attendees may take photos and video within the Otakon locations using handheld equipment only. Equipment cannot extend greater than a 16-inch radius around or above the photographer or subject. There is no freestanding equipment allowed, which includes lighting with light stands, ladders, backdrops, signs, running cables/wires, etc. Photographers, subjects, and/or equipment cannot block any public area or impede the flow of traffic, including the staircases around the event. Photographers cannot use any power receptacles within the locations to run lighting or other photography equipment.

This policy is a change from the past because we are moving to a new venue and as we learn more about operating in the new venues we will review and revise this document as needed. 

Otakon is a fun family event, but also one of the largest east coast Japanese animation conventions; there is an expected attendance of at least 30,000 people. As a result, Otakon wants to ensure the satisfaction and safety of all of our members, especially children. In order to safeguard the well being of our youngest attendees, Otakon 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 age 12 and under 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 staff may contact the parents or guardians should the need arise.

Recommendations

• First and foremost, please do not leave your child unattended at Otakon. As mentioned before, we are expecting an attendance of over 30,000 people at the convention. It's easy for a young child to get lost in a crowd this large.
• 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 suggests that you do not use the following locations as meeting areas: the Dealer's Room, as it is constantly crowded and extremely large; video theaters because they are dark and also fairly large. We do suggest using landmarks. Also encouraged is to locate and meet at any of the Otakon Information Desks.

In the case that you cannot find your child at your designated meeting place and cannot establish contact, please notify an Otakon Information Desk.

Otakon wishes you and your children a safe and happy convention!

Members of the Otakon convention are required to follow the Service Animal policies of our venue, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Please see their Venue FAQs page for their current policy on Service Animals.

• Only Otakon members will be allowed into the dance. Valid Otakon Membership badges for the current year must be clearly displayed at all times within the dance area.
• Otakon is not responsible for members' 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 during dance hours. A bag check will be located outside.
• 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!

There are certain events at Otakon that are designated as 18+. Members 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 Staff will not be able to check identification at the door.

At the recommendation of the venue, Otakon will require bag inspections upon entering the convention space at the Mt Vernon Place doors of the Walter E Washington Convention Center and the M1 level of the Marriott Marquis. We apologize for any inconvenience or disruption this may cause. The bag inspections will be conducted by a third party contractor, and we are working with them to streamline the process as much as possible.  There will also be prop inspections at those locations. 

The bag inspections will be a quick look for dangerous items such as weapons. You can help by keeping your bag organized and accessible.  They will not be searching for food or drinks (though please remember that the consumption of alcohol at Otakon is discouraged).  A short list of prohibited items can be found on this page under “Weapons at Otakon”. Also, please remember that if it is illegal in DC, it is illegal at Otakon. 

If you have any questions about the new procedures, you can contact our Access Control team through our Contact Us page.

Clothing and Cosplay Policy

• In general, no one will be permitted to be topless, bottomless or barefoot in convention spaces.
• Garments must cover all genitalia and nipples, and none should be visible through the costume.
• If a costume calls for a thong, g-string, pasties or the like, a bodysuit or leotard must be worn beneath it. Body paint, liquid latex, makeup, and/or pasties are not acceptable as coverage on their own.
• If a costume is significantly tight, items such as nipple shields and/or dance belts may be required to ensure proper coverage.
• Any apparel that depicts any sexual or violent content that is not suitable for all ages is not permitted.
• Any apparel with inflammatory or derogatory language is not permitted.
• Any apparel with hate speech or hate symbols is not permitted.
• Cosplays cannot replicate or impersonate official law enforcement, emergency services or military personnel uniforms, nor shall anyone be allowed to impersonate those individuals.
• Skates, rollerblades, wheeled shoes or other types of similar footwear are not allowed in convention space.
• Carts or wheeled props are not allowed in convention spaces. The only exceptions are for wheelchairs and other ADA compliant mobility devices, as well as strollers used to transport small children.

Sign Policy

• Signs are allowed only if they are a canonical feature of the character being portrayed by the cosplayer. Characters that break the fourth wall (e.g., Deadpool, Ambush Bug, She-Hulk), are allowed to have signs resembling speech bubbles or similar elements, if those elements are in-character.
• Signs should not have inflammatory or derogatory language.
• Signs should not have any hate speech or hate symbols.
• Signs should not contain any explicit content that is not suitable for all ages.
• Signs should not solicit or advertise. This includes phrases like “Free Hugs”.
• Signs should not be too heavy, should not inhibit movement, and should not be too tall or wide to easily fit through a door or on escalators.

THE FOLLOWING ARE EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED IN OTAKON CONVENTION SPACE:

METAL WEAPONS ARE NOT PERMITTED in Otakon convention spaces without exception. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Swords, spears, axes, bayonets, knives, sai, throwing knives, darts, or shuriken. This is regardless of sharpness or if they are sheathed.
• This also includes metal cooking utensils such as forks, BBQ forks, knives, spatulas, tongs, frying pans, pots, woks or similar.

METAL OR WOODEN SPORTS EQUIPMENT IS NOT PERMITTED. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Bats, tennis rackets, golf clubs, or javelins.
• Bokken, shinai or similar practice weapons made out of metal or wood.

PROJECTILE WEAPONS OF ANY KIND ARE NOT PERMITTED. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Real or antique firearms, including replicas or decommissioned firearms.
• Real ammunition or ordinance, including shells, casings, or bandoliers.
• Airsoft guns, B-B guns, spring guns, blowguns, bowguns, bean shooters, slings, darts, or similar items.
• Stun guns, tasers, batons, mace, knuckle dusters/brass knuckles or similar self-defense items.
• Functioning bows, such as compound bows, crossbows or similar.
• Items that propel other types of matter, such as water guns, silly string, money guns, or confetti poppers.
• Confetti, glitter, or similar items are not allowed in general.

PADDLES ARE NOT PERMITTED.

• This includes BDSM or Yaoi paddles.
• Handcuffs are not allowed unless they have a safety release button.
• Real whips and riding crops are not allowed.

NUNCHAKU ARE NOT PERMITTED

• Nunchaku are defined as two sticks or other bodies connected at their ends with a short chain or rope. Two sticks can be made of any material, or shape.
• Three-section staves are not permitted.

EXPLOSIVES or PYROTECHNIC CHEMICALS ARE NOT PERMITTED. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Smoke powder, sparklers, or fireworks of any kind.

DRONES or  RC CRAFT ARE NOT PERMITTED

LASER POINTERS ARE NOT PERMITTED

GLASS CONTAINERS ARE NOT PERMITTED. This includes, but not limited to:

• Glass soda/beer bottles, jugs, jars, cups, stemware, vases or similar.

APPLIANCES ARE NOT PERMITTED. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Grills, air fryers, coffeemakers, electric kettles etc., even if they are not functioning and/or cannot be plugged in.

WHEELED VEHICLES ARE NOT PERMITTED. This includes, but is not limited to carts, wheeled props, skates or wheeled shoes. The only exceptions are for wheelchairs and other ADA compliant mobility devices, as well as strollers used to transport small children.

If it is illegal in the District of Columbia, it is illegal inside Otakon convention space. Any illegal weapons will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

THE FOLLOWING PROPS ARE PERMITTED IN OTAKON SPACE

• Staves, swords, and other items made out of wood, plastic, foam or other similar material as long as they are handled responsibly and meet all other criteria.
• Prop swords that are linked together by a rope or short chain as long as the rope/chain can be easily detached upon request.
• Resin, rubber, or 3D-printed guns with no moving parts that have a bright orange tip.
• Toy or water guns with no moving parts (including triggers, slides, pump handles, or removable ammo clips) are allowed as long as they have a bright orange tip.
• 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 fashion. Any prop bow should be strung in a way that makes it unable to fire a projectile.
• Any arrows, bolts or similar are allowed as long as they are not sharp, made of metal and conform to the prop policy in general.
• Plate and chainmail armor are allowed if there are no sharp edges, and it does not interfere with the owner’s ability to move normally.
• 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.
• Musical instruments and/or speakers that play music are allowed if the music is played at a respectful volume and is not disruptive to those around you.
• Toy, rubber, and plastic kitchen utensils or cookware are allowed.
• Toy kitchen appliances are allowed if they are not plugged in or operating on batteries.
• Props shall be limited to less than six feet, six inches (6'6") in height and less than fifty pounds (50lbs) in weight.
• In general, props should not be sharp, difficult to handle, should not be a fire or tripping hazard, and should not be disruptive or obstructive to those around you.

BEHAVIOR WITH WEAPONS/ARMOR/PROPS

• If a prop becomes a hazard to yourself or others, Otakon or convention space staff may direct you to remove the prop from the premises.
• Misuse of a weapon, armor, or prop (such as swinging it in a public area or posing a hazard to others, as determined by staff) 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 center.
• All props and weapons brought into the convention will be inspected for policy compliance by authorized Otakon staff and/or DC Metropolitan Police. Approval must be given for each Otakon event; having approval from prior Otakon events or from other events does not mean the prop is approved for the current event.

Domestic and international guests are a major highlight for many attendees at a convention. It presents a rare opportunity to meet the people behind some of their favorite anime and fandoms. As the demand for an autograph is always high, we strive to do the best within our power to accommodate the experiences of both the membership and guests. In an attempt to keep sessions organized and safe, we have drafted policies in an effort to create a comfortable convention experience for all.

Official Autograph Policies:

• GENERAL POLICIES
  • Otakon does not and cannot guarantee that you will receive an autograph from any particular guest
    • Memberships will not be refunded due to the inability to obtain an autograph from any Guest.
  • Otakon staff reserve the right to refuse access or remove members who fail to follow the rules and directions outlined in these policies or verbal instructions.
  • Be respectful and considerate of Guests, Otakon Staff, and other members.
  • Otakon reserves the right to make amendments to any autograph policy. We will strive to communicate any changes in a timely fashion.
  • Please ask the Autograph Staff if Guests are accepting notes or gifts; do not hand them to the guests directly. Any notes or gifts should be presented to an Autographs Staff member to review. Absolutely no food or drink will be accepted.
  • There will be no photography or video recording during official signing sessions, unless otherwise noted.
  • The following rules and etiquette will be enforced during official autograph sessions:
    • Keep guest interactions brief.
    • Do not touch, hug, or give a handshake to the guests unless the Autographs Staff has indicated it is allowed.
    • Do not request excessive personalization, sketches, etc., unless the guest offers.
    • Prepare any personal items to sign before reaching the guest's autograph table. (i.e., removing the plastic wrap, having the item opened to where you want the autograph)
    • Personalization (your name) may be required for the autograph; if so, Autographs Staff will provide a sticky note or note card for you to write out your name. Please write legibly and in block capital letters. Do not use any inappropriate nicknames/aliases.
    • Some guests will be signing in a group; please keep in mind that it is polite to get autographs from everyone in the group.

Otakon International Guests Autographs Sessions Overview:

• General Information
  • Queues for autograph sessions will open 30 minutes before the session starts.
    • Members who arrive more than 30 minutes early will be asked to leave the area to prevent crowding and safety hazards.
  • Loitering is not allowed in the area, as it can create a potential fire hazard.
  • Once the line space fills up, Autographs Staff reserves the right to end the autograph line based on the guest’s availability.
  • Guests may provide tickets or vouchers during their panels or as part of other Otakon promotions. If you receive one, present it to the Autographs Staff to be admitted.
    • These passes should not be assumed to be available. If your priority is to get an autograph, please follow the proper procedures to obtain one.
  • Any rescheduling of sessions will be communicated as soon as possible via the official Otakon channels.
  • Any autograph sessions in the Autograph area are free for all members. (Exceptions include any merchandise being sold by the guest, which will be communicated in advance.)
  • Members will be limited to one free autograph per session.
  • Once you have received your autograph, please exit the autograph area promptly to help reduce traffic and ensure safety. If you are waiting for a companion or friend, please wait outside the immediate autograph area.

• MEMBERS WITH ACCESSIBILITY TAGS
  • Otakon Autographs will use a proxy system for any members with accessibility tags. Please see the Member Accessibility desk in the Grand Lobby, to obtain a tag. Members with Accessibility Tags should line up as usual in the autographs line and then flag an Otakon Autographs Staff member to use the proxy system. 
    • Proxy System: A companion or willing member will hold the place of a member with accessibility issues. Autographs Staff will provide the companion or Member with a proxy item to indicate the placement where the member with accessibility should be. The Otakon Autographs Staff will then escort the accessibility member to a seated area to wait for their proxy to move up in line. The proxy item is to be returned to the Autographs Staff after the Member has received their autograph.

• WHAT WILL BE SIGNED
  • Guests during Otakon autograph sessions will sign one item per member during their allotted session. Any changes will be communicated by signage or verbally by the Otakon Autographs Staff in charge.Guests will sign your Otakon program book, autograph boards or shikishi, or any officially licensed merchandise for which they are credited.  
    • No Funko Pop figures, including their packaging,  will be accepted for autographs by international guests.
  • Guests will not sign bootleg items, unlicensed merchandise, or material for which they are not properly credited.
    • Asking guests to sign prohibited items may result in your removal from the Autographs area.
  • Guests may choose to sign handmade or personal items at their sole discretion. Please check with Otakon Autographs Staff before approaching the Guest’s table.
  • Some Guest sessions may only be signing promotional items they are providing, which will be at no charge to the member. In such situations we will do our best to communicate this in advance. We ask that you respect these circumstances and refrain from requesting any other items to be signed.
  • Any apparel, clothing, and towel items to be signed should be unworn and clean. This will also be at the discretion of Otakon Autographs Staff and Guests. Additionally, no parts of the body will be signed under any circumstances.
  • If you're uncertain about a particular item, check with the Otakon Autographs Staff member in charge of the session. Otakon Autographs Staff may reject any item deemed unsuitable for signing at their discretion, and such decisions are final. We recommend that members prepare an alternative item for an autograph in case of rejection, e.g., the Otakon Program Book.

EXHIBITION BOOTH / INDUSTRY AUTOGRAPHS (NA/EU)

• Guest appearances and signings in industry/exhibition booths are not managed or scheduled by Otakon, and are not subject to Otakon’s official autograph session rules. 
  • Guests located in exhibitor booths or industry booths will sell merchandise and sign autographs for a fee, as listed by the Guest.
• For pricing and scheduling questions, please contact the Otakon Staff at that booth.For members with accessibility needs, please speak to the Otakon staff in charge of the Guest’s line.
• While limitations on what item is signed do not apply, please abide by the offering list of the Guest. Additionally, any non-official merchandise and personal items are subject to the Guest’s approval. 
   

While this is not officially policy, many points covered above are addressed in a more detailed manner here, specific to cosplay.

...and now:

A word about Cosplay Safety (For a better Convention Experience!) -By Jez Roth

Cosplaying is fun, exciting, and a hobby that brings unique challenges in construction and execution. But what comes with creating and donning that unique design is a responsibility to yourself and your fellow con-goers. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind to ensure a successful convention experience:

You owe it to yourself to make sure that your costume is manageable for your own safety. This entails that not only is your vision, mobility, and range of motion is adequate to get around but also your ability to show your badge upon request, and communicate well with your surroundings. If you are wearing a costume that jeopardizes any of the things above, consider having a handler – that is a friend who will make sure that you are not going to pieces, (figuratively or literally), and that you have an extra set of hands and eyes.

Your ability to move in a flowing gown, cloak, cape, or anything with fabric that trails is very important. To get a feel for it, try vacuuming a room with it on. You'll learn not only to avoid stepping on the excess fabric, but how to avoid having a tripping hazard for anyone else around you. If you have a particularly long train, consider putting handles or hidden loops on the inside of the hem so you can easily carry it on the go. Remember that conventions are pure excitement and not everyone is going to be paying attention when they are walking close to you – you may have the occasional treading so keep an eye on your surroundings.

Cosplaying from something like Jet Set Radio with rollerblades may seem great in photos and at home, but at a convention center with large crowds, multiple floor surfaces, and escalators, this is not the place for anything that does not allow you to be 100% securely stationary on two feet.

The escalator is not the place for wings, mechas, costumes with stilts, or large costumes. If you have a bulky costume think about your surroundings. Do not block and cause areas to "bottleneck." Stay away from the dealer's room, confined areas, or areas with a lot of people. If you need to, bring part of the costume to the convention center and get dressed there.

If you have a headpiece that is pressing down on your head or a wig that is a little tight, keep in mind that this pressure may not be too bad for half an hour at home, but when you are at the convention center for several hours, sweating, and posing your head may start to really hurt, resulting in a headache for the rest of the day. Fit your headpiece and wigs loose enough to be comfortable but tight enough to be secure.

If you are doing a skit in the Masquerade with choreography or falls, or see yourself doing crazy photoshoots, consider taking an extra step to secure pieces so they stay – this means chin straps, elastic, extra straps or buttons.

Take the extra couple of hours and put hooks and eyes, snaps, and the proper closures into the costume. Safety pin are a quick fix but they can easily pop with movement and stab you. You also owe it to everyone else to makes sure that your costume is not a threat to the attendees, staff, or convention itself! There should be no sharp edges on your costume that are potentially dangerous – this goes with plastic, metal, or fiberglass. Splinters or sharp edges are prohibited and are dangerous to everyone – including yourself! Sanding equipment is very important to finish those sharp edges to dull. Blunt edges that stick out, such as blunt/prop swords, weapons, bokken, or projectiles that stick out from your costume must be considered as walking into someone may injure them and you will be at fault. Remember that at no time is live steel or sharp metal allowed into the convention center.

Costumes with heavy makeup (such as Homestuck), are allowed but must be sprayed down with a make-up fixative. This not only prevents the make-up from rubbing off and staining others and their costumes, but prevents damaging the convention center as well. Also, making the proper choice of make-up (proper make-up that is non-toxic, is designed to bend and flex with your skin, and blends well) applied is very important. Remember that facial makeup is oftentimes different from body makeup and remember to leave proper spaces on your skin open as you are essentially "sealing" off your body and this may lead to deleterious effects. Your skin needs to breathe and sweat – you do not want to have paramedics wiping the make-up off your skin so they can re-hydrate you.

Makeup and contacts ordered from the website in China or picked up at the roadstop for 12 dollars on the way up interstate 95 is not recommended. Find trustworthy contact dealers who have a strong reputation for cleanliness and health. You may scratch or infect your eyes by trying to take your cosplay to the next step and it's never worth damaging your eyes. Safely store them with fresh contact solution and in clean cases. Water is damaging to contacts and are not an option for storage.

Fursuits or other heavy costumes at summer conventions come with particular recommendations – get dressed at the convention, keep movement to a minimum, and have a handler. Keep water or juice on hand and make sure you have someone who's helping look after you.

When you stop for photos consider the traffic around you. Is this a good place to stop everything in a ten foot radius? Would, maybe, moving to a side area for a quick shot not only result in a better photo, but keep traffic from building up and creating a safety hazard?

Know where and when to cosplay. During the day and early evening at the convention is great. Thursday night around 11pm wandering the streets alone is not recommended. Standing in the hot line to get your badge on Friday morning is not recommended.

The number one word of costuming safety at Otakon is HYDRATION. Drink water and stay away from sugary drinks or drinks that give you a quick buzz and dehydrate you in the process. You are going to be wearing costumes that will require more energy and having to deal with the heat on top of that is very tolling on your body. Eat two square meals, snacks that are high-protein, and drink 100% juices. By taking a break and eating a snack or having a bottle of water, you can really help yourself have a better experience overall. Pocky does not a dinner make. There are many affordable food options around the convention center. Cosplay responsibly and the convention will be that much more of a better experience for you!

     (Credit goes to Jez, our Former Hall Costume Contest Coordinator for this great write up!)

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

Otakon recognizes that our members love to celebrate their fandoms through singing, playing music, staging elaborate photo shoots, and other spontaneous activities. While many of these activities are supported through our official programming, we understand that they also happen organically in shared spaces.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone, the following guidelines apply to these activities:

1. No Advance Planning or Promotion: These activities must remain spontaneous. You may not advertise or reserve space in hallways or other high-traffic areas in advance. Otakon cannot guarantee space for these gatherings.
2. Get On-the-Spot Approval: Before beginning, you must receive permission at that moment from Access Control staff.
3. Be Respectful of Others: Activities must not disrupt the event or create safety issues. This includes blocking walkways, stairways, or exits, or generating excessive noise.
4. Access Control Has Final Say: Access Control staff may stop or disperse any gathering at their discretion, even if prior permission was granted, for safety or operational reasons.