Code of Conduct
Guidelines for a Respectful Experience
Animaga wishes to create a fun and safe event for people of all ages to enjoy, this code of conduct exists so that injuries can be prevented and all attendees can enjoy themselves.
- Event attendees are required to visibly display their event passes or wristbands at all times.
- Wristbands corresponding to the purchased tickets will be provided to attendees. Animaga is not responsible for lost or stolen wristbands, and replacements will not be issued.
- All attendees are expected to adhere to the rules and guidelines established by Melboune Convention Exhibition Center (MCEC) or International Convention & Exhibition Centre (ICC Sydney)
- Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is over 18 years old. Those in violation of this requirement will be asked to leave the venue.
- Any form of theft is strictly prohibited at the event. Law enforcement will be contacted if theft is identified.
- Tickets for individual events, screenings, or tournaments are non-refundable in the event of scheduling changes or cancellations.
- Animaga, its board, management, staff, volunteers, membership, associates, and the venue shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, theft, or injury incurred on the premises during the event.
- Weapons, glass items, fireworks, illicit drugs, and alcohol are strictly prohibited within the venue and its surroundings.
- Smoking is not permitted indoors or within the general event premises.
- Animals and pets, except for Registered Guide Dogs, are not permitted at the venue or the event.
- Unauthorized tampering with barriers, crowd control structures, or any alterations will not be tolerated. Individuals engaging in such activities will be required to leave the venue.
- By attending, pass holders consent to being filmed or recorded as part of the crowd and/or audience. Individual photography or filming of attendees requires their permission.
- Animaga reserves the right to deny entry or remove any individual from the event whose behavior is deemed to be potentially harmful, harassing, or unsafe to other attendees, Animaga staff, or venue staff. This measure is taken to ensure a safe and positive environment for all participants.
- Photography and video recording of attendees in public areas of the event are generally permissible. Specific guidelines pertaining to video, audio, and photography are applicable in designated event areas.
- Compliance with all directions and restrictions provided by Animaga at any event or within any area of the event is mandatory.
- Prior consent must be obtained before photographing or recording individuals or their costumes. Individuals retain the right to decline photography or recording.
- Photographs and recordings taken during the event, featuring its activities, staff, or attendees, cannot be used for commercial purposes without written permission from Animaga.
- When sharing images or videos, it is important to identify them as captured at an Animaga event.
- Animaga holds the right to assess whether an individual’s use of photography or video technology is inappropriate.
- In cases where inappropriate use of photography or video technology is identified by Animaga, the responsible parties may be asked to leave the venue.
- By attending the event, you provide consent to be filmed or photographed by Animaga’s Board, Management, Staff, Volunteers, or their designees during the event without compensation.
- By attending the event, you grant Animaga an irrevocable, non-exclusive, and perpetual right to reproduce, display, distribute, perform, create derivative works from, and use any images or footage of you.
By accepting this Code of Conduct, you acknowledge that any breach of its terms that encompasses activities prohibited by law will prompt the notification of appropriate authorities. Such violation will lead to your removal from the Convention without refund and may result in your denial of entry to future Animaga events.
- Animaga enforces a strict prohibition of hazardous activities, which includes but is not limited to:
– Aggressive conduct towards Staff, Traders, Volunteers, or Attendees
– Engaging in fights or altercations
– Carrying weapons
– Displaying offensive behavior
– Indecent exposure
Safety Disclaimer
Animaga assumes no liability for any injuries, damages, or losses arising from these activities. In the event of an emergency evacuation or situation, please adhere to official directives.
Comprehensive precautions have been taken to guarantee the safety of the venue.
- Animaga, its board, management, staff, volunteers, members, and venue(s) shall not be held accountable for any loss, damage, theft, or injury that may transpire during the event.
- Staff members may offer aid during emergencies, but such assistance is provided at your own discretion and risk.
- Security is stationed at events to ensure the safety of attendees, staff, volunteers, and the venue.
- Visible security presence and regular patrols will be maintained.
- Security personnel and/or Police will address any instances of wrongdoing.
- Decisions rendered by Security personnel are conclusive and must be respected.
By attending the event, you acknowledge that security personnel have the authority to remove you from the Convention if your actions jeopardize the safety of attendees, staff, volunteers, the venue, or yourself.
Animaga maintains a zero-tolerance stance towards all forms of harassment and bullying. Individuals found in violation of this policy, whether they are staff, traders, volunteers, members of the press, or attendees, will be promptly removed.
Harassment is defined as, but not restricted to:
- Verbal Abuse (Insults, Aggressive Yelling, etc.)
- Physical Abuse (Punching, Kicking, Slapping, etc.)
- Sexual Harassment (Unwanted Touching, Unwanted Sexual Advances, etc.) [1]
- Intentional Intimidation
- Stalking
- Willful damage to another person’s belongings (Costume Vandalism, Bag Defacing, Wig Tugging, etc.)
- Capturing pictures/movies without Attendee Consent [2]
- Persistent Disruption of Events/Panels/Meetups
- Displaying overtly sexualized imagery to others
Participants are expected to cease the behavior immediately upon request.
If harassment persists after being made unwelcome, report it to an Animaga Staff Member who will gather statements from both parties, assess the situation, and determine appropriate action.
Potential responses if the complaint is substantiated include:
- Issuing warnings to the offenders
- Ejection from the convention
- Banning from future Animaga events
In case of harassment at Animaga, or if you witness it, contact a volunteer or staff member to help resolve the situation. Comprehensive statements will be obtained from all parties involved, guiding the ensuing action.
[1] Due to previous incidents at other conventions, actions such as Free Hugs and Glomping are prohibited due to potential exploitation.
[2] Photography/filming must explicitly state their purpose before commencing.
Animaga retains the right to modify and update this policy at its discretion, without prior notice.
Animaga Props & Weapons Policy
In order to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, Animaga enforces strict guidelines regarding props and weapons. All attendees, vendors, and staff must comply with these rules, as well as all relevant state legislation and venue requirements.
Legal Compliance All individuals must comply with relevant state legislation concerning weapons, replica weapons, sharp implements, and props. This includes, but is not limited to, the NSW Weapons Prohibition Act 1998, the NSW Summary Offences Act 1988, the VIC Control of Weapons Act 1990, and the Firearms Act 1996.
It is an offence to possess, carry, or use a prohibited or dangerous weapon in a public place without a lawful excuse or permit.
Animaga is not responsible for any actions taken by local law enforcement if you choose to display or brandish your prop at or outside the event. Attendees are advised to exercise discretion and consider public perception when carrying prop weapons.
Prohibited Items (Real Weapons & Hazards)
REAL WEAPONS AND HAZARDS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED. No real weapons or hazards are allowed at Animaga events under any circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to:
Live/sharp blades, swords, or knives.
Firearms or ammunition.
Gel blasters, BB guns, and airsoft guns (these are heavily restricted under state laws).
Any incendiary devices, items that produce a live flame, explosives, or sparks.
Glass props or heavy-weight wooden props (e.g., solid baseball bats).
Helium-inflated balloons (Strict Venue Regulation).
Any items designed or manufactured with the intent to cause harm, even if they are inoperable or unusable.
Carrying a real weapon to any Animaga event violates this policy, regardless of whether you are legally licensed to carry it. Live/sharp blades are strictly prohibited in all public areas; any found will result in the individual being asked to immediately remove the item from the premises.
Toy, Look-Alike, or Imitation Firearms In the states of Victoria and New South Wales, devices that could reasonably be mistaken for functional firearms based on their appearance are classified as imitation firearms and are prohibited weapons.
Any toy, look-alike, or imitation firearm must have a bright orange tip to be allowed into the event.
Moving Parts & Realistic Imitations: To ensure props do not violate the Firearms Act 1996, props that substantially duplicate the appearance of a real firearm will face strict scrutiny. We strongly advise against bringing highly realistic imitation firearms with functional moving parts (such as a slide that racks back, a bolt or charging handle that cycles, a revolving cylinder, a detachable magazine, a pump mechanism, a hammer that cocks, or a folding/collapsing stock).
Proportionate Exception: Clearly identifiable toys, sci-fi blasters, or brightly colored prop guns with minor moving parts (such as a simple trigger) may be permitted at the discretion of the Prop Check team. However, if your prop weapon looks and operates too similarly to a working firearm, Animaga and its associated personnel reserve the right to deny entry or require the item to be securely stored in the cloakroom. For further clarification, please refer to the guidelines provided by Victoria Police and NSW Police.
General Prop Rules
Prop Inspections & Tagging: All props are subject to inspection upon entry. Compliant props may be tagged by Animaga staff to indicate they have been checked and approved. Staff will check all swords or props within a sheath with the sheath both ON and OFF. If a prohibited item is found inside a sheath, it will be denied entry.
Size Limits: Your prop must not exceed 1.5 meters in length when fully constructed, nor be excessively heavy, as determined by a member of the Animaga cosplay team. Additionally, worn props and costume pieces (such as large wings or bulky armor) must not exceed a 50cm radius around the body to ensure safe navigation through crowded halls.
Materials: Props must not be made of solid metal, except for specific purchases outlined below.
Projectiles: Items designed to shoot a projectile (e.g., NERF blasters, water guns) must be entirely empty, unloaded, and rendered completely incapable of firing.
Cloakroom: You may be asked to leave any large props and prop weapons in our cloakroom for the duration of the event. They may only be checked out for use during the official Cosplay Competition.
Wheeled Items: Roller skates, rollerblades, and skateboards are prohibited from use within the venue. They may only be carried and used as static props for posing to ensure the safety of all participants.
Bladed, Martial Arts, and Archery Props
All handmade or cosplay swords/bladed martial arts props must have blunt edges and cannot possess any sort of cutting or sharpened edge.
All bow props must either be unstrung or have a low-tensile thread, making them completely incapable of shooting a projectile.
All arrow props must have non-metal, blunted tips.
Purchased Items and Packaging To comply with venue safety regulations, strict rules apply to the purchase of metal swords, heavy props, or replica weapons at the event:
All weapons, props, or sharp implements sold on-site will be securely sealed upon purchase.
Items will only be handed to the purchaser upon exiting the venue.
Metal sword props purchased at the event must remain in their original, sealed packaging throughout the event.
Once removed from sealed packaging, these items cannot be brought back into the venue.
Misuse and Safety Enforcement The misuse, swinging, or unsafe handling of any weapon or prop that poses a risk to others will result in the item being deemed unsafe.
Any prop or weapon deemed dangerous, misused, or non-compliant with Animaga, venue, or legal standards must be immediately surrendered to the cloakroom or removed from the premises entirely.
Unsafe or prohibited items will not be permitted at the venue under any circumstances.
GENERAL COSTUME RULES:
- Costumes should not be overly sexualized.
- Exposure of genitalia, buttocks, or breasts is strictly prohibited.
- Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times; the soles of your feet must be covered.
- Oversized costume wings or attachments (that extend significantly beyond your body dimensions) are generally not permitted in the exhibitor’s hall. Please store these in the cloakroom and retrieve them for the cosplay competition or photo booth.
In compliance with Victorian legislation, military uniform costumes cannot display banned iconography or symbols associated with the Nazi Party, including affiliated paramilitary as defined here. While not banned by legislation, we also recommend avoiding other contentious symbols such as the Rising Sun flag of Japan
- Please follow all instructions provided by staff.
- While we aim to accommodate everyone, we cannot guarantee photos with any particular guest. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.
- Each Photo Booth Token grants you two photo shoots for a group of up to five attendees.
- To keep the line moving smoothly:
- Limit conversations with the guest.
- Be prepared when you reach the front of the line.
- Respectful behavior towards our guests is mandatory. Anyone displaying rudeness or malicious intent will be removed from the event.
- Animaga reserves the right to close the Photo Booth line at any time.
- Entry can be refused to any attendee who does not follow these rules.
ON-THE-DAY ENQUIRIES AND ITEM CHECKS
Should you have any questions about our signing policies, general inquiries, or if you’re unsure whether your item is suitable for signing, our staff will be available at a designated location in the Animaga Guest Area to assist you.
Assistance will be provided for:
- Queries related to signing sessions.
- Examination of items for signing.
- Handling of gifts intended for guests.
Guests will be available for autographs during the weekend in the Animaga Guest Area in MCEC or ICC. Please check the schedule for specific signing times for each guest. Our guests are delighted to meet and greet their fans during these sessions. However, due to high demand and limited time, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will receive an autograph from a particular guest.
To ensure that as many people as possible can obtain Signing Tokens, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Signing Tokens will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the Animaga Guest Area.
- The Animaga Guest Area will serve as the central location for distributing a limited number of Signing Tokens prior to each session. These tokens are only valid for the signing session occurring on the day they were distributed.
- Each attendee may receive only ONE Signing Token per guest.
- Attendees may not line up for an autograph session without a Signing Token.
- Lining up for an autograph session more than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time is not permitted.
- To keep the line moving efficiently, attendees are requested to bring only ONE item to be signed. Please have your item ready when you are in line. (For CDs and DVDs, consider removing the cover in advance if you wish for the guest to sign inside.)
- Guests are happy to sign your program guide or any officially licensed merchandise. The signing of other types of items is at the guest’s discretion. Bootleg items will not be signed.
- Staff reserve the right to inspect items before they are presented to the guest for signing.
- Photography is strictly prohibited during signing sessions.
- Please be considerate of your fellow attendees by avoiding lengthy conversations with the guests during the signing session.
- Animaga reserves the right to conclude any autograph session at its discretion.
- The above policies are in addition to the general Animaga Code of Conduct.
If you plan to bring a special item for a guest, such as a personal note or a small gift, we request that you follow certain guidelines for both practical and safety reasons. Guests appreciate these thoughtful gestures, but kindly refrain from bringing anything large, bulky, or easily damaged.
- Make sure to include the name of the guest, as well as your own name and contact information, either written on the outside of your note or clearly attached to the exterior of the gift.
- Do not use tape or ribbon to wrap your gift. A gift bag or simple tissue paper is acceptable for covering it, as Animaga staff must be able to screen all gifts.
- Given that many guests travel a considerable distance to attend Animaga, they may have limited luggage space. Therefore, gifts should be small, durable, and easy to pack.
- Please note that we cannot accept any food items as gifts.
- Gifts containing human DNA (such as blood, skin, or hair) will not be accepted.
- If you have a gift to present at any guest appearance, kindly consult the Animaga staff member overseeing that specific appearance before handing it over.
- Gifts can also be taken to the merchandise table, where our staff will assist in ensuring the guest receives it later.
- It is inappropriate to use Q&A time during a guest’s panel to present your gift. This is not only disrespectful to the guest but also unfair to other attendees who wish to hear the guest speak.
- If you’d like to give your gift during a signing session, please consult our staff first to inspect the item before it is presented to the guest.
- If you have any unique or specific gift requests, please confirm them with Animaga staff in advance.
