Policies & Safety

These standards apply throughout Matsuricon-controlled areas. Staff, venue personnel, and law enforcement may give additional safety directions when circumstances require them.

• 01No live ammunition is allowed at the convention. If you are found with live ammunition, you will be removed from the event and the police will be contacted.
• 02While attending Matsuricon, you are subject to all state, local, and federal laws.
• 03Treat every person you encounter with the same respect you wish to receive.
• 04Wear your badge in a visible area at all times. If you cannot produce a badge when asked, Matsuricon may ask you to leave convention areas.
• 05Carry a state-issued photo ID when possible, in accordance with ORC 2921.29.
• 06Shoes must be worn at all times. Heelys, skateboards, roller skates, and other forms of conveyance may not be ridden unless Matsuricon has expressly permitted them. Appropriate exceptions are made for people with mobility needs.
• 07Do not drop anything from balconies or second-story walkways.
• 08Respect the hotel and convention center. You are responsible for damage caused by you or anyone in your care, including children and pets.
• 09Keep hallways, walkways, exits, staircases, and doorways clear. Matsuricon, venue staff, or police may stop or relocate activity that obstructs traffic.
• 10Actual weapons of any kind are not allowed inside the convention center, whether peace bonded or not. Flammable materials, fireworks, and airsoft guns are also prohibited.
• 11Replica swords, blades, firearms, and similar items purchased in the Vendors Room must remain boxed or wrapped and be stored promptly in a hotel room or vehicle.
• 12Mock fighting and swordplay are not allowed inside the convention center. Still poses are permitted when props meet policy requirements and do not endanger or obstruct others.
• 13Signs that promote solicitation, including “free hugs” or “kiss for $1,” are prohibited.
• 14Vulgar remarks and hate speech will not be tolerated for any reason.
• 15Panhandling of any kind will not be tolerated.
• 16Matsuricon may have Columbus Police search bags at specific events, including dances and concerts. You may decline a search, but you must store the bag in a personal space before entering. Beverage containers may also be inspected.
• 17Laser pointers are prohibited.
• 18Alcoholic beverages may not be taken outside the hotel or convention center, in accordance with local open-container laws.

Programming listings use the following ratings so you can plan your convention. Check the published schedule for the rating assigned to each panel or event.

Autograph schedules, payment expectations, line limits, signing rules, and mobility assistance are maintained in the dedicated autograph guide.

The convention does not have a site-wide public announcement system and cannot page a missing child. If you cannot reconnect at your meeting place, contact Matsuricon Security, Convention Operations, or the Information Desk immediately.

• 01Clothing must cover at least the same areas as a typical swimsuit, such as a standard bikini or trunks.
• 02Nipples must be covered at all times for every gender. Opaque tape may be used. Although public toplessness may be legal in Columbus, the convention venue is private property and may set its own dress standards.
• 03Metal is permitted on clothing when it is dull and extends no more than two inches. It must not be able to damage people or property during normal movement.
• 04Clothing with offensive or inappropriate messages is not permitted. Matsuricon may ask you to cover the message or change clothes.
• 05Modern military and official-service uniforms from the 20th or 21st century may not be worn as costumes. This includes uniforms that could be understood as military, militia, security, police, fire, or emergency medical attire. Uniforms, flags, badges, or markings affiliated with terrorist groups are also prohibited.

• 01The General Dress Code applies to every costume without exception.
• 02Live steel, airsoft guns, props over six feet, projectile toys, and swinging props are prohibited. You are responsible for your prop in crowded areas, and Matsuricon may confiscate a prop that damages or threatens people or property.
• 03A costume that restricts vision, uses stilts, or includes large armor or props must have a handler who can help its wearer navigate safely. Stilts may not be worn in elevators.
• 04If a prop or costume blocks another attendee’s view during an event or panel, staff may ask you to relocate.
• 05Feathers, glitter, and body paint must be sealed properly. Costumes may be subject to a smear test to confirm that materials will not transfer through casual contact.

• 01Staves, bo staffs, bokken, shinai, and wooden swords are permitted when handled responsibly and when they meet every other policy requirement.
• 02Fake or fabricated props made from materials such as tissue paper, plaster, or cloth are permitted only when they are safe. Props may not create trip, snag, traffic, door, or hallway hazards.
• 03Prop weapons must be shorter than six feet, six inches (6′6″).
• 04Chains must be shorter than three feet (3′), regardless of material. This includes chain wallets and non-costume chains.
• 05Prop bows may be carried when they are not tightly strung and otherwise meet general policy. Authentic arrows, tipped or untipped, crossbow bolts, and other projectiles are prohibited.
• 06Every prop and prop weapon must be checked and tagged at Security Operations.

• 01No live steel is permitted. This includes swords, bayonets, knives, star knives, shuriken, and other metal objects that can have an edge, whether or not the edge is sharpened.
• 02No projectile prop weapon is permitted. This includes functional or nonfunctional airsoft guns, BB or pellet guns, crossbows, dart guns, blowguns, water guns, stun guns, Tasers, and Nerf guns.
• 03A resin or clearly toy-like prop firearm may be considered only when it has no moving parts and has a non-removable orange tip. Airsoft guns are never acceptable. Any item that resembles a working firearm is prohibited, and Security management has final say.
• 04No paddles of any kind are permitted, including yaoi or yuri paddles.
• 05No explosives or chemicals are permitted, including smoke powder, sparklers, and fireworks.
• 06Anything illegal in Columbus or the State of Ohio is illegal in every Matsuricon venue. Illegal weapons will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

Remember: the fact that a staff member has not stopped you does not mean an item is allowed.