ADA
ADA
Effective Date: January 18, 2024
Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time.
SPJA is dedicated to accommodating all attendees, volunteers, and staff who may have disabilities that are protected by federal, state, and local public accommodations and accessibility laws. Although Event Facilities such as, but not limited to, the Los Angeles Convention Center, event hotels, and event programming venues such as Peacock Theater and The NOVO are solely responsible for accessibility of and non-discrimination in their physical buildings, restrooms, and facilities, SPJA is ready and prepared to offer a hand to visitors with special needs or whom may require some sort of a reasonable accommodation. SPJA offers, for example:
- ASL interpreters for the deaf at large panels and events;
- A limited number of volunteer interpreters available for individual assistance;
- Limited special seating for programming events; and
- Event Registration service and support for attendees with mobility issues
- Accessible shuttle service
If you are an attendee who needs reasonable accommodation, SPJA wants to make your experience as fun and entertaining as possible. There are a few limitations, however, on what SPJA reasonably can provide. Please note:
- Programming rooms fill up quickly, and all seating is on a first-come, first- served basis, so special seating may not be available if you wait until the last minute to get to the room. Please be aware that once all ADA seats have been occupied, the ADA line for program room entry will close. Please read the program guide, check the mobile app for the most up-to-date schedule information, and plan your day accordingly, keeping in mind the popularity of most events.
- Elevators can be crowded and slow. Please plan in advance and allow plenty of time to change floors.
- Please try to provide at least 30 days’ notice if you will be requesting any special aides such as ASL interpreters. Anime Expo understands that things can change at the last minute and will nonetheless attempt to accommodate you as best as possible irrespective of such last minute notice.
- Service animals must be obedient and behave in a manner that is safe and non-threatening for other attendees and other service animals at all times. Only service animals will be permitted into SPJA Events. If service animals are behaving in ways that fundamentally alters the services offered by Anime Expo, such as behaving aggressively toward other service animals (barking, lunging, growling, snarling, scratching, biting) or toward other attendees, or howling in concerts, or is otherwise disruptive, Anime Expo may impose restrictions or ask that you remove the service animal from the premises, and you agree to and will cooperate with Anime Expo’s requests. You may continue to participate while your service animal remains outside. No poisonous or illegal exotic service animals are permitted.
- Each disabled attendee is allowed one (1) helper for events and panels that have special seating. Each disabled attendee and helper must purchase an entry badge through event registration on-line or on-site.
- If you need a break from the crowds for any reason, please visit any Information Services booth to request access to a SafeSpace or visit the Quiet Lounge. We recommend visiting the Quiet Room if you need a peaceful place to rest or simply a reprieve from the noise.
HOW TO APPLY FOR DISABLED SERVICES
- In order to receive disabled services at Anime Expo, a disabled attendee must apply for and receive a disabled credential, and his or her helper must also have a disabled helper credential.
- Before you apply for the disabled credential and a disabled credential for your helper, you must first make sure that you (the attendee) and helper have registered and paid for a badge on the Anime Expo website. You and the helper can also purchase a badge at Registration if you are on site.
- To apply, you and the helper must visit the Information Services Booth or Event Operations Office in person at the Event, to request for a disabled credential.
- At Information Services or Event Operations, please make sure you let the counter person know that you are requesting a disabled credential for your badge.
- Disabled Helper may accompany the Disabled attendee when such attendee is using such access accommodations, but in NO event will such access accommodations be made available to a Helper unaccompanied by a Disabled attendee.
Note: ADA sticker privileges are only available to the sticker holder and may not be redistributed, sold, or reallocated. Any abuse of the ADA sticker privileges will result in the revocation of your Anime Expo badge without refund and access to any future SPJA events.
For additional questions or special requests, please contact us at info@anime-expo.org.
AUTOGRAPHS: PROCEDURES FOR DISABLED ATTENDEES
What’s the procedure for disabled guests and their helper? What’s the procedure if a disabled guest does not have a helper
- To obtain an autograph, all attendees must first obtain an autograph ticket. All Autograph Ticketing will be on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure fairness, no exceptions will be made to this policy. Two types of tickets will be available: Priority and Standby.
- The disabled attendee and their helper each need a ticket for each autograph session they attend, whether their ticket is a Priority ticket or a Standby ticket. If the disabled attendee for any reason cannot wait in line to get a ticket, please inquire with an Autographs Volunteer to get a proxy’s assistance with waiting in line with the disabled attendee’s helper, if any.
- After securing a Priority autograph ticket (s), disabled attendees may go to the front of the Priority ticket line. They don’t need their helper to accompany them while waiting in line for the autograph, however, their helper, if any, may accompany them in the autograph Priority ticket line. For the Standby autograph line, all standby ticketholders must line up numerically in their designated area behind the guaranteed ticketholders of the same session.
- Once a session begins, Priority ticketholders must be in line when the session starts. For Standby ticketholders, they can come during the session and line up in numerical order in a designated area away from the guaranteed priority line.
- Disabled attendees with Priority tickets are allowed front-of-line access due to time constraints of each session. Disabled attendees with Priority tickets should arrive at least 15 minutes before the session in order to be placed at the front of the line.
- Standby tickets are not guaranteed "front-of-line access" as the ticket lines are organized numerically for fairness. However, this procedure can be changed due to autograph session traffic. Disabled attendees with Standby tickets should arrive when the desired autograph session is halfway done as that will be the time when the organization of the Standby line is well underway. However, a proxy will be provided for a Disabled attendee with a Standby ticket should he/she desire one for any reason.
Alcohol Policy
Effective Date: January 17, 2023
Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.
ALCOHOL POLICY
SPJA is committed to providing a safe and family-friendly environment for everyone’s attendance. SPJA expects its employees, staff, directors, and each of their guests or representatives, to follow all applicable laws and regulations and to refrain from consuming alcohol in the presence of minors, serving alcohol while at the Event, or bringing outside alcoholic beverages onto the Event premises.
SPJA does not serve alcohol. SPJA’s employees, staff, directors, and all SPJA representatives, including interpreters and those assisting Guests of Honor, are prohibited from serving alcohol. Adults 21 and over may order alcoholic beverages from the hotel, room service, and other places that legally serve alcohol and have required liquor licenses. SPJA does not encourage drinking. If you are legally permitted to drink and choose to do so, SPJA asks that you drink responsibly.
Prohibited alcohol conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following behavior:
- Consumption of alcohol by any person younger than 21 years old (a “minor”).
- Providing alcohol to, or facilitating the provision of alcohol to, any minor.
- Consumption of alcohol in any hotel room in which a minor is staying or in which any minor is present.
- Consumption of alcohol from any source other than the hotel concessions, room service, Lounge 21, or any other places that legally serve alcohol and have liquor licenses.
- Violation of any federal, state, or local law regarding alcoholic beverages.
- Violation of any policy of the Event facility or any Event vendor or concessionaire regarding alcoholic beverages.
Violation of this Alcohol Policy may result in forfeiture of your Event badge, your expulsion from the Event and/or termination of your position with SPJA.
Autographs
Effective Date: March 22, 2024
HOW TO GET AN INDUSTRY AUTOGRAPH FROM A GUEST AT ANIME EXPO
Please read this page carefully to find out how to get an autograph from Guests at Anime Expo. However, please note that this policy does NOT apply to all Industry Guests. Industry Guests are listed under the “Industry Appearances” tab on the Guest page. They will also be denoted as “Industry Guest” with a corresponding tag on their thumbnail on the Guest page.
Autograph guests will be charging for autographs, photos, videos, and any other services provided at their individual time sessions. Please visit the guests' table for pricing information.
Autograph sessions are subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice. Autograph tickets of any kind only denote eligibility to receive an autograph at the specified Guest-scheduled signing session.
If you have questions about the autograph session or policy, please ask an AX Autographs Volunteer or Staff located in the Autograph Ticket Booth in Gilbert Lindsay Plaza or in the JW Marriott Gold Ballroom Lobby during their posted hours of operation.
Autograph sessions are ticketed, and attendees must reserve a ticket for the respective autograph session prior to checking in for their selected autograph session to make a purchase at the Industry Guest’s table. Payments made at any autograph session is not handled by or accepted through the AX Registration or Event Ticketing event pages or sales platform. SPJA is not responsible for any payments for the autograph sessions.
STEP ONE: CHECK THE AUTOGRAPH SCHEDULE (WHEN AVAILABLE)
- Ensure you know when your preferred autograph session takes place and know when to line up to get a ticket.
- Autograph Tickets are distributed only on the day of the scheduled session (ex: If an autograph session is scheduled on July 5th, tickets are only available to pick up on July 5th).
- Note: Guests may have multiple autograph sessions throughout the weekend. Make sure to check the autograph schedule for the most up-to-date information.
STEP TWO: GET AN AUTOGRAPH TICKET
There are two separate processes regarding tickets. Selected industry guests may have a separate ticketing process. Please refer to our autograph schedule for the most up-to-date information.
Industry Autograph Ticket Information
- All autograph sessions hosted by AX require an autograph ticket and can be picked up at the designated Autograph Ticketing booth.
- Each attendee will be allowed to reserve up to one (1) ticket per session. Please note that you must have an AX General Admission badge valid for the day of the autograph session you are selecting to enter (ex: Friday autograph session will require either a 4-Day or Friday badge to attend).
*Attendees will not be able to enter the venue perimeter without a valid AX General Admission badge.
- Please be advised that Ticket Distribution will occur on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Industry Autograph sessions will be split into two sessions: Session A and Session B. Please check the corresponding session and time on the ticket before accepting.
- Tickets are only valid for the date and time of the selected autograph session.
- Note: No exchanges for missed autograph session. No replacement for lost tickets.
Guest of Honor Autograph Ticket information
- All Guest of Honor tickets will have an online reservation process and MUST be physically picked up at the designated Autograph Ticketing booth.
- The online reservation date and time will be announced on Anime Expo’s official social media and mobile app.
- Registered attendees will be allowed to reserve up to one (1) ticket per session.
- *Note: If you have multiple tickets under your registration, you are still only eligible to reserve one (1) ticket per session. Please transfer badges to the respective attendees for them to reserve their own autograph tickets.
- Online reservations will close for each session once all tickets are reserved and spoken for. Additional tickets will NOT be available on-site.
Industry and GoH Autograph Ticket Pick-Up
- Be sure to visit the Autograph Ticket Booth in Gilbert Lindsay Plaza to secure a ticket prior to going to the JW Marriott to line up in the Autograph Area.
- Industry and Guest of Honor autographs will have two separate lines for ticket distribution. Please check the signs to ensure you are in the right line.
- If you are unsure about where and how to line up, do not hesitate to ask an AX Volunteer or Staff member.
- Ticket distribution starts at 9 AM each day and promptly ends at 1 PM on Days 1-3 and begins at 9 AM and ends at 12 PM on Day 4.
- Tickets are distributed only for the autograph sessions scheduled on the same day.
- Ticket amount varies per guest:
- Industry guests participating in Session A or B will have 210 Priority tickets, followed by 30 Standby tickets.
- Industry guests participating outside of Session A or B will have 75 Priority tickets and 50 Standby tickets.
- Guest of Honor will have 75 Priority tickets and 50 Standby tickets.
- Industry guests participating in Session A or B will have 210 Priority tickets, followed by 30 Standby tickets.
Ticket Types
- Priority: These tickets guarantee (unless a session is canceled) an autograph from the respective guest at the session printed on the ticket.
- Standby: Standby ticket holders are not guaranteed autographs but will have a chance to receive autographs at the discretion of the autograph guest they are waiting for.
STEP THREE: INDUSTRY + GUEST OF HONOR AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS
Industry Autographs
- All items are subject to the Guest’s approval.
- All items must be properly licensed, and it is recommended that the item is from a project that the guest has worked on.
- Rules and restrictions on what will or will not be signed are subject to the Guest.
- Each Guest will be in charge of the cost for autographs, photos, videos, and any other services provided at their time sessions.
Guest of Honor Autographs
- Guests of Honor will only be signing shikishi boards provided by AX or other approved items.
Head over to the respective Autograph Area at JW Marriott.
- Industry Autographs will be held at the JW-Marriott Gold Ballroom. Please enter at the bottom level on West Road.
- Guest of Honor Autographs will be held in the JW Marriott Plaza Meeting Rooms. Please enter from the JW Marriott hotel lobby and take the stairs or escalator leading up to the meeting rooms.
- Please refer to the Autograph Ticket to find out which table the session will take place.
Door Entry and Line Policy
- Industry Autographs
- Head over to the Gold Ballroom at the JW Marriott
- Please refer to your Autograph Reservation Ticket to find out which booth/table the session will take place.
- Lines start 30 minutes before each session. Once the session has begun, attendees with a ticket can arrive at any time within the time session they have reserved. Attendees in the standby line are not guaranteed autographs but will have a chance to receive autographs at the discretion of the Guests they are waiting for.
- Guest of Honor Autographs
- Head over to the Plaza room at the JW Marriott.
- Please refer to your Autograph Reservation Ticket to find out which booth/table the session will take place.
- Lines start 30 minutes before each session.
- Standby Line Policy
- Stand-by line queues will be available for attendees who were unable to receive a priority ticket for their desired guests.
- Attendees in the standby line are not guaranteed autographs but will have a chance to receive autographs at the discretion of the Guests they are waiting for.
AUTOGRAPHS: PROCEDURES FOR DISABLED ATTENDEES
What’s the procedure for disabled guests and their helper? What’s the procedure if a disabled guest does not have a helper?
- All Autograph Ticketing will be on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure fairness, no exceptions will be made to this policy.
- The disabled attendee will need a ticket for each autograph session they attend, whether their ticket is a Priority ticket or a Standby ticket. If the disabled attendee for any reason cannot wait in line to get a ticket, please inquire with an Autographs Volunteer to get a proxy’s assistance with waiting in line with the disabled attendee’s helper, if any.
- o Note: Helpers accompanying disabled attendees may access the Autograph Area without a ticket, provided they display the requisite ADA Helper sticker on their badge.
- After securing an autograph ticket(s), disabled attendees don’t need to have a helper with them. If a helper is present, the helper may assist and accompany the attendee to the front of the autograph priority line. For the Standby autograph line, all standby ticketholders must line up numerically in their designated area behind the guaranteed ticketholders of the same session.
- Once a session begins, Priority ticketholders must be in line when the session starts. Standby ticketholders can come during the session and line up in numerical order in a designated area away from the guaranteed priority line.
- Disabled attendees with Priority tickets are allowed front-of-line access due to time constraints of each session. Disabled attendees with Priority tickets should arrive at least 15 minutes before the session in order to be placed at the front of the line.
- Standby tickets are not guaranteed “front-of-line access” as the ticket lines are organized numerically for fairness. However, this procedure can be changed due to traffic during the autograph session. Disabled attendees with Standby tickets should arrive when the desired autograph session is halfway done as that will be the time when the organization of the Standby line is well underway.
- However, a proxy will be provided for a Disabled attendee with a Standby ticket should he/she desire one for any reason.
Brand Usage Guidelines Policy
Using the Anime Expo® brand and trademarks
These guidelines are designed to help you use our brand and assets, including our logo, content, and trademarks.
A. Permitted Use
You are not required to seek permission to use the “Anime Expo” word mark or one of the logo marks depicted below (the “Marks”) when you use the Marks in the following ways:
- For any press coverage;
- To promote your appearance or activity at Anime Expo (AX). For example, you may use the Marks to inform the public about your booth or panel at AX. (Please be sure to use the trademark registration symbol ® with the first instance of the Anime Expo and AX word marks, e.g., Anime Expo® and AX®.)
B. Not Permitted
You may not use our Marks or Anime Expo Mascots (“Max”, “Ai”, “Xeno”, “Mahoko, and “Kisegi”), or any derivative versions of the Mascots, to suggest sponsorship or endorsement by AX for your products, services, or separate event without permission. Examples of unpermitted use include, but are not limited, to:
- Affixing our Marks and/or Mascots on merchandise or exclusive merchandise or packaging for merchandise;
- Using the Mascots in social media posts about your booth at AX;
- An “Anime Expo” page or collection in an online store;
- Using our Marks in the names of unofficial events held separately from Anime Expo, for example: “Anime Expo Kickoff Party”;
- Using our Marks for activities such as ticket giveaways or sweepstakes.
Such uses require permission and a trademark license from SPJA, if permission is granted. To request use of our Marks on products such as exhibitor exclusive merchandise or in any other way not permitted in Section A above, please contact marketing@spja.org and include any visual mockup of intended use, by May 15th.
Please refer to our Brand page for our AX Logo Usage guide.
Code of Conduct
Effective Date: January 17, 2023
The SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Following this simple Code of Conduct helps ensure a safe convention and that everyone will have fun. Your own good judgment and courtesy towards others are key.
Please watch out for each other, take care of one another, help those who need help, and be careful. Play it clean, sober, and safe! Please don’t leave the Event with strangers, and make sure that your friends know when you leave or if you are going home early.
- Please don’t hesitate to call security if you see anything suspicious.
- Minors should not go to hotel rooms with unknown adults.
To participate in and/or attend any SPJA Event (referred to below as the “Event” regardless of whether it’s Anime Expo, Project Anime, anime expo chibi, or another one of our Events), you must comply with this Code of Conduct in order to attend and/or participate in these Events. SPJA reserves the right to modify and/or update any SPJA policy at any time without prior notice. Violation of this Code of Conduct may result in forfeiture of your Event badge, your expulsion from the Event and/or termination of your position with SPJA. Where the Code of Conduct refers to “SPJA’s written consent”, such written consent may be in the form of a separate written exhibitor/sponsorship agreement, vendor agreement, facility rental agreement, or other form of written agreement or permit. The Event Facilities, event hotels, and all other places where any Event programming is scheduled are “Event Facilities”.
BADGES
- Please be prepared to show proof of age and identification when entering the Event or any program at the Event. We will only accept the following forms of identification: valid government-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards, passports, or military identification.
- Please wear your Event badge/wristband at all times during the Event. Terms and conditions printed on the Badges apply to you and you must conduct yourself accordingly.
PROHIBITED ACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
The following, as such violations are determined in SPJA’s sole discretion, are not permitted at the Event or its surrounding areas, including the parking lots, hotels, plazas, and structures:
- Failure to be appropriately clothed, as determined by the sole discretion of SPJA. Please follow local laws, rules, and regulations when selecting your costume.
- Assaulting, threatening, behaving inappropriately to another person, discriminating conduct of any nature whatsoever, making racial, religious, ethnic, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, or other slurs, bullying, and/or expressing any act of hatred towards another.
- Lewd or offensive behavior, such as profanity, obscene language or conduct, exposing nipples or genitals, making recordings in bathrooms, bedrooms, or of nipples, genitals or up skirts.
- Conducting commercial or business transactions without SPJA’s prior written consent, including without limitation, selling food or beverages from unauthorized carts, stands, or ice chests inside or outside Event venues or hotels; solicitation of money, contributions, or donations; distribution of commercial advertising or promotional material of any kind, such as signs, flyers, cards, or offers of discounts on rides, or other products or services; or offering samples of items which are sold, available for sale, or available in exchange for a donation or contribution.
- Unlawful conduct or failure to comply with the policies, rules, or instructions of SPJA, Event staff, the Event facility, the hotel affiliated with the Event, or law enforcement officers.
- Smoking / Vaping:
- Never Inside: No smoking or vaping is permitted inside any of the Event Facilities, unless there is a place specifically designated by the Event Facility that permits either. - Limited Outside: Smoking or vaping must be at least 20 feet away from all entrances per California Government Code Sections 7596-7598; no smoking is permitted in outdoor dining areas.
- Possessing any open can, bottle or other receptacle containing alcoholic beverages, except in areas specifically designated for the consumption of alcohol and in compliance with the SPJA’s Alcohol Policy.
- Possessing any illegal substance. SPJA DOES NOT tolerate illegal substances in or around Events.
- Any action that impedes the flow of traffic, creates a potential or actual hazardous condition, or is deemed to interfere with the Event. Individuals may be asked to move or discontinue their actions. By way of example, an individual may be asked to relocate or terminate an activity in order to disperse a crowd which impedes traffic flow.
- Any noise or music that is disruptive to other attendees or the operation of the Event.
- No Soliciting
- Riding Hoverboards / Skateboards / Non-ADA Scooters / Segways
- Using Roller Skates / Roller Blades
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Stilts
- Weapons (Please see our Prop / Replica Weapons Policy for more info)
- Drones / UAV’s
- Illegal Substances
- Stickers / Adhesive Graphics (Keep them in your bags/pockets and off the walls/floors of the Event Facilities)
- All signs, whether for a costume prop or not, are prohibited unless approved in writing for use by Event staff
- Non-Service Live Animals
- Helium and Mylar Balloons
- Lasers or Similar Items
- Coolers
- Oversized Backpacks / Bags: No bags over 14 x 12 x 6 inches will be permitted. All bags, regardless of size, are subject to inspection at any time. Clear bags are recommended to enhance safety inside and outside the venue and speed the security screening process.
- Motorized Vehicles (i.e. go-karts or kids’ battery-operated vehicles.)
- Wheeled Carts / Wagons
- Confetti / Loose Glitter (Glitter used on your costumes is OK)
- Flammable Liquids
- Open-Flame Use
- Any activity prohibited by law and/or prohibited by any Event Facilities
Cosplay Guidelines
Effective Date: January 3, 2023
Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.
COSPLAY GUIDELINES
At Anime Expo (“AX”), we celebrate the creativity of cosplayers and encourage everyone to cosplay whomever they wish–regardless of size, gender, age, religion, shape, color, or even species. Cosplay is all about having fun!
We simply ask that you follow the guidelines below and please keep in mind that AX is an all-ages event.
- Shoes are required at all times. - Cosplaying a character that's barefoot? Please check out this tutorial on how to make "invisible shoes."
- Costumes and clothing should not expose the body in such a way as to be deemed indecent exposure by the City of Los Angeles or the State of California. Private parts must be covered in an opaque material that will not slip or have gaps.
- Males wearing tight-fitting costumes are required to wear a dance belt.
- Costumes worn on the convention floor must not obstruct or impede the flow of traffic or entryways. If the costume cannot fit through a standard doorway, it may not be allowed during general convention hours. Exceptions may be made day-of for Masquerade contestants.
- Attendees with bulky costumes, costumes that obscure the vision, or costumes with large extensions such as wings or spikes, should have a designated “handler,” to assist them through the hallways and crowds.
- Functioning wheels cannot be used as part of a costume or prop (i.e. anything that you might ride, push, or pull). We love your creativity, but please save the wheeled costumes/props for your photoshoots.
- No costumes may be realistic depictions of American law enforcement, current American military uniforms, first responders, emergency medical personnel, or any official government agent. “Vintage,” historical, any non- current uniforms, and any military or police-style costumes may be addressed at the convention’s discretion (i.e., Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid, etc.)
- If your cosplay does have a weapon, please check the Prop/Replica Weapon Policy.
COVID-19 Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk
Effective Date: January 23, 2023
COVID-19 Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the “CDC”), senior citizens and people with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. The CDC advises that some people are more likely than others to become severely ill, and some people are at a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19. Attendees should evaluate their own risk in determining whether to attend. People who show no symptoms can spread COVID-19 if they are infected, and any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19.
By purchasing a badge or attending an SPJA event, you understand and agree for yourself and for each attending minor for whom you serve as a guardian that the attendee at an SPJA event (and, in the case of any attending minor, the guardian for the minor) assumes these inherent risks associated with attendance at the event and that attendance is at their sole discretion and risk. As a condition of attending an SPJA event or allowing a minor for whom you serve as a guardian to attend, you acknowledge, agree, and confirm for yourself and for each attending minor for whom you serve as a guardian, each of the following:
You and, if applicable, each attending minor for whom you serve as a guardian agree to abide by all SPJA health and safety requirements, as well as all directions from and requests made by SPJA, while attending an SPJA event, and understand that SPJA reserves the right to deny admission and/or remove from the event anyone who fails or refuses to follow such instructions, directions and/or requests, with no promise or guarantee of admission (or re-admission).
You have reviewed the latest CDC and State of California guidelines or information concerning Covid-19.
You have read and agree to all policies available via https://spja.org/legal/.
Note: SPJA’s health and safety requirements and guidelines are based on correspondence and recommendations from federal, state, local, and venue officials regarding COVID-19 behavior and characteristics. These requirements and guidelines may be subject to change as more information and recommendations emerge. SPJA reserves the right to change or modify these terms at any time.
Filming Your Panel Policy
Effective Date: 01/18/2024
Anime Expo®, anime expo chibi®, and the SPJA® reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.
If you are planning to film your panel, please carefully review the information below:
Recordings for Personal/Private Use and Limited Social Media: You may make Recordings of your panel using a cell phone camera for personal/private listening/viewing and posting or streaming to social media channels that are not significantly monetized.
Recordings for Commercial Purposes: Recordings for commercial purposes are expressly forbidden unless advance written permission has been obtained from the SPJA (and any venue in which you desire to make a Recording apart from the Los Angeles Convention Center or the Ontario Convention Center). Commercial Recordings include, but are not limited to:
· The purpose of sale to anyone
· Bonus content for home release (DVD/Blu-Ray)
· Concurrent livestream (outside of the AX Livestream)
· Post-event streams
· Vtubing (unless your booth or panel consists of Vtubing, however, Vtubing outside of your booth or panel requires a Filming Location Agreement)
· Television broadcast for non-press-related reasons (i.e. variety show, documentary, etc…)
· Posting videos on or streaming to websites, social media, and other promotional platforms that are significantly monetized
· Documentary film
· Filming/Recording/Streaming with professional equipment
The following provisions must be met to film/record footage of your panel for commercial purposes:
1. Written approval from SPJA (by two months before filming)
2. Signing a Filming Location Agreement
3. Obtaining media and other required insurance, and providing proof of insurance by providing your certificate of insurance
4. Payment of a Filming Location Fee to be determined by SPJA (generally, $2,500 per day)
More information is available in the Filming Location Agreement. Please reach out to marketing@spja.org for more information and a Filming Location Agreement.
**No Recording (photo/video capture, livestreaming, Vtubing) is permitted in adult content areas such as booths, events, or panels.**
Main Events Policy
Policy Effective Date: January 3, 2023
Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time.
AX MAIN EVENTS FAQ AND POLICIES
“Main Events” are events held at LACC West Hall B, LACC Petree Hall, Microsoft Theater, or The Novo (“Main Event Venues”), and many Main Events require that additional ticket purchases be made, in addition to an event badge, in order to attend (“Ticketed Events”). Each Anime Expo® Main Event (a “Main Event”) has its own rules when it comes to appropriate behavior. Please abide by those rules as stated below.
These rules apply to all those attending any Main Event, including Anime Expo Attendees, Volunteers, Staff, Press, and Industry in the Main Event Venues. Any violation of these rules occurring in a Main Event venue will count towards the convention’s one-strike policy for Main Events.
MAIN EVENTS FAQ
What are the Anime Expo Main Events?
The Anime Expo Main Events include:
- Anime Expo Concerts and Special Events
- Anime Expo Masquerade Contest
- Anime Music Video (AMV) Contest
- SPJA Charity Auction
- Welcome Ceremony
- Closing Ceremony
What is the difference between “ticketed” and “NON-ticketed” Main Events?
“Ticketed” Main Events include the following events:
- Concerts (such as Anisong World Matsuri)
- Special Events
- Anime Expo Masquerade
- Anime Music Video (AMV) Contest
“Ticketed” Main Events require a valid AX badge and a valid Main Event ticket for entrance to those particular Main Events.
“NON-ticketed” Main Events include the following events:
- Welcome Ceremony
- Closing Ceremony
- SPJA Charity Auction
“NON-ticketed” Main Events only require a valid AX badge for entrance to those particular Main Events.
If we exit the Main Events venue, are we allowed to re-enter?
For LACC Petree Hall:
- Re-entry is allowed.
For LACC West Hall B:
- There is no re-entry once you exit the doors.
For Microsoft Theater:
- There is no re-entry once you exit the lobby doors.
For The Novo:
- There is no re-entry once you exit the main doors.
MAIN EVENTS POLICIES
For 18+ Main Events in Main Events Hall (Hall B), it is required that you have an 18+ wristband at the door prior to check in, or you will be turned away. Wristbands at LACC can be obtained at any Information Service Booth or Event Operations.
For 18+ Main Events in NOVO or Microsoft Theater, it is required that you have your ID with birth date readily available prior to check in, or you will be turned away.
All pre-approved AX Press/Industry badges must remain in the “Press” section during the Main Events.
Due to the high volume of people attending the Main Events, the following should be noted for safety and fire hazard reasons:
- NO SELFIE STICKS.
- NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGES(bottled water is acceptable).
- No excess or large baggage 12” x 12”. (Suitcases, luggage, duffel bags, etc. are not allowed.)
- No oversized costumes or oversized props (with the exception of Masquerade contestants).
- No weapons (i.e., swords, knives, bokkens, daggers, etc.)
- No skanking or moshing.
- No standing on chairs.
- No running in the aisles or rows.
- No smoking.
- No signs.
- No re-entry into LACC West Hall B.
- No re-entry into Microsoft Theater.
- No re-entry into The Novo.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO POLICIES
Welcome Ceremony, Closing Ceremony, and SPJA Charity Auction.
- No flash photography (photography WITHOUT flash is allowed), for the safety of our Guests of Honor and/or AX Volunteers on stage.
- Video recording is allowed.
- No selfie sticks.
Photos and videos must be for personal use only, with the exception of Anime Expo Archive Volunteers and registered, pre-approved Press representatives.
Please leave restricted items, such as oversized bags and oversized costume props, in your car or hotel room.
AX Masquerade
- No flash photography (photography WITHOUT flash is allowed), for the safety of our Guests of Honor and/or AX Volunteers on stage.
- Video recording is allowed.
- No selfie sticks.
Photos and videos must be for personal use only, with the exception of Anime Expo Archive Volunteers and pre-approved Press members.
Please leave restricted items, such as oversized bags and oversized costume props, in your car or hotel room.
Main Event Concerts and Special Events
Unless expressly announced from the stage at a Main Event Concert or Special Event, the following policies apply to all Main Event Concerts and Special Events.
Each Concert and Special Event’s Guest of Honor has a different set of photography and video recording policies.
These policies apply to all Main Events held in Microsoft Theater or the NOVO. Everyone in attendance will be subjected to mandatory bag checks by the Event Venue’s staff and required to go through metal detectors upon entry.
These policies also apply to all Main Event Special Events held at LACC Hall B.
- No photography.
- No video recording.
- No audio recording.
- No selfie sticks.
By attending, you agree not to bring any photography or recording devices into the Main Events venue.
Please leave restricted items in your car or hotel room. Cell phones and cameras should be kept in bags or pockets for the duration of the entire Main Event.
If you are found using your phone to record audio, record video, or take pictures during the Main Event, you will be removed from the Main Event and no refund will be issued for your event ticket or Anime Expo badge.
Any attendee(s), non-authorized Press, Anime Expo Attendee-Volunteers, or Anime Expo Volunteers violating the photography and video recording policies or the Main Event Policies will be subjected to immediate deletion of all relevant media stored on the device, one strike on the badge, and, at the discretion of Anime Expo Volunteers, ejection from the venue and badge revocation for the remainder of the convention.
All attendees, Press, Industry, AX Attendee-Volunteers, and AX Volunteers attending the “ticketed” Main Events must have valid AX badges and valid Main Event tickets.
All attendees, Press, Industry, AX Attendee-Volunteers, and AX Volunteers attending the “NON-ticketed” Main Events must have valid AX badges.
Those found loitering in aisles will face immediate ejection from the venue and receive one strike on the badge or, at the discretion of Anime Expo Volunteers, badge revocation for the remainder of the convention.
All attendees, Press, Industry, AX Attendee-Volunteers, and AX Volunteers are subject to the Anime Expo Code of Conduct.
*NOTE: Policies are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Guests of Honor and/or Anime Expo.
Contact Information
For any questions and concerns on the Main Events Policies, please contact mainevents@anime-expo.org.
For Main Events Ticketing inquiries, please contact ticketing@anime-expo.org.
For Anime Expo Registration and badge inquiries, please contact registration@anime-expo.org.
For Press inquiries about the Main Events Policies, please contact press@anime-expo.org.
Panelist Participation Policy
EFFECTIVE DATE: April 08, 2022
In consideration for being permitted to participate as a panelist or workshop host for a panel or workshop (a “Panel”) at any event produced by The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (“SPJA”), including but not limited to Anime Expo and Project Anime (each, an “SPJA Event”), you (“you” or a “Panelist”) agree to (1) the terms in this “Panelist Participation Policy” (this “Policy”), (2) SPJA’s Terms of Participation and Liability Release and Waiver (the “TOP and Waiver”), which are incorporated into this Policy, and (3) the SPJA policies located at www.spja.org/legal, (including but not limited to the Code of Conduct, Recording Policy, Privacy Policy, and Youth Protection Policy (“YPP”)) that are in effect at the time of the SPJA Event (collectively, the “SPJA Policies”). If you do not agree or do not comply with all parts of this Panelist Participation Policy, the TOP and Waiver, and the SPJA Policies, you will be denied access to and participation in the Panel and the SPJA Event. If you do not agree, please immediately exit the Panel and the SPJA Event.
1. PANEL PARTICIPATION. You are freely giving your services as a Panelist to SPJA, and you agree that participating in a Panel is an opportunity with real value. You are not and will not be eligible to receive compensation of any kind for your participation on a Panel. Panelists are not employees of SPJA and are not covered by SPJA’s employee benefits or Workers Compensation insurance. SPJA, in its sole discretion, may cancel your Panel for any reason. In addition:
a.) If you cancel your Panel fewer than two (2) weeks before the SPJA Event, SPJA may choose to give you lower priority and/or limit the number of Panels you may apply to present at future SPJA Events.
b.) Adherence to each of the procedures listed below is necessary for a safe and well-conducted Panel at the SPJA Event. If you fail to follow any of the procedures listed below, SPJA and/or its representatives at the SPJA Event may interrupt and/or cancel your Panel:
(i) You must handle all technical equipment carefully (e.g., you must not drop microphones).
(ii) You must adhere to the SPJA-approved content rating level (G, PG, 18+) of your Panel. No modification to the content of your Panel may be made after your application without approval by the SPJA Programming Department.
(iii) You must end your Panel on time. If your Panel does not end at the designated time, SPJA will stop your Panel’s sound and video.
(iv) You must cooperate fully and promptly with the requests of SPJA and LA Convention Center representatives, employees, volunteers, contractors, and security personnel (“SPJA/Event Reps”), including by stopping what you are doing immediately at the request of such SPJA/Event Rep or the SPJA Programming Department.
2. CARE. When participating in the Panel (and at all other times while you are at the SPJA Event) you must comply with this Policy, the TOP and Waiver, the SPJA Policies, and all applicable laws, regulations, and rules, and you must conduct yourself in a safe, conscientious, and courteous manner. Your Panel shall be factually accurate and shall contain nothing defamatory or otherwise unlawful or inappropriate. You shall not consume substances with a mind-altering or judgment-altering potential, such as alcohol, medications, or other drugs that may alter ability to participate in a Panel safely, conscientiously, and courteously. You shall immediately report any and all potential hazardous conditions or actual injuries that you observe or experience to any SPJA safety or medical volunteer, an SPJA/Event Rep, or to the police officer or other civic officer nearest to you. You shall make such a report no matter what the extent or cause of the potential hazardous condition or actual injury. Without limiting further actions by SPJA, SPJA may immediately remove you from a Panel and from the SPJA Event if you fail to comply with all of your obligations under this paragraph, this Policy, the TOP and Waiver, and any other SPJA Policies.
3. ASSUMPTION OF RISK, WAIVER, AND RELEASE. YOU PARTICIPATE IN A PANEL AT YOUR OWN RISK. YOUR PARTICIPATION IN A PANEL HAS INHERENT RISKS AND DANGERS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO HARM, LOSS, OR INJURY TO YOU, YOUR PERSON OR PROPERTY. AS A CONDITION OF BEING PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN A PANEL, YOU HEREBY DO ASSUME AND ACCEPT THESE RISKS. BY PARTICIPATING IN A PANEL, YOU REAFFIRM THE WAIVER AND RELEASE THAT YOU MADE WHEN YOU AGREED TO THE TOP AND WAIVER AT REGISTRATION.
4. YOUTH PROTECTION POLICY. By participating in a Panel, you represent and warrant that you are not disqualified under Section 5 of the YPP, and you agree that if anything changes prior to the Panel that would disqualify you under Section 5 of the YPP, you will inform SPJA and will not participate in the Panel or in the SPJA Event. You will make an effort to view the YPP training videos before the Panel. Abusive behavior, such as verbal abuse, inappropriate sexual remarks or touching, threats of violence, or any other violation of the Code of Conduct will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion from the Panel or the SPJA Event.
5. PHOTOGRAPHS AND GRANT OF RIGHTS. By participating in a Panel, you grant SPJA the right to create photographs, video, digital, audio, or other recordings, including the Live Simulcast & Broadcast (“SPJA Recordings”) of your presentation and grant SPJA the right to reproduce, display, distribute, perform, digitize, transmit, broadcast and otherwise use the SPJA Recordings in any and all media and manners now known or hereafter discovered throughout the world in perpetuity, in whole or in part, modified or altered, either by themselves, or in combination with other photographs, recordings or materials, without payment of royalties, license fees, or any other compensation. Additionally, you give SPJA permission to use your name, likeness and biographic information to use, promote or exploit the SPJA Recordings or any derivative work of the SPJA Recordings. SPJA will hold the copyright to the SPJA Recordings. To the extent you have any rights in the SPJA Recordings, you hereby assign all your rights, title and interests in and to the SPJA Recordings to SPJA. You shall provide SPJA with a good quality copy of distributed Panel materials, if any, and any PowerPoint, video, or media included in your Panel for its archives.
6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. You shall not use content from anime creators or other content owners in a Panel without their permission. You shall obtain all necessary clearances and agreements for any third party intellectual property presented or distributed in your Panel and the rights granted to SPJA herein. You will retain any existing intellectual property, such as trademark and copyright, that you may have in the material you present or distribute for your Panel.
7. GENERAL TERMS. No waiver or amendment of any provision of this policy will be effective unless in writing. ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS WILL BE GOVERNED BY CALIFORNIA LAW, EXCLUDING CALIFORNIA'S CONFLICT OF LAWS RULES, AND WILL BE LITIGATED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE FEDERAL OR STATE COURTS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, USA; YOU CONSENT TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION IN THOSE COURTS. The language in all parts of this policy shall be construed as a whole in accordance with its fair meaning, not for or against any party, and without regard to any statutes that provide for the language of an agreement to be construed against the drafter. If any provision herein is determined to be unenforceable, that provision shall be severed, and all other provisions shall remain in effect. This policy shall bind and be for the benefit of yourself, SPJA, and each of the respective party’s heirs, fiduciaries, successors, and assigns. You have not relied upon any promise, representation, or warranty in acknowledging this policy. This policy will continue in full force and effect even after the conclusion of the Panel and the SPJA Event.
MODIFICATION OF THIS POLICY, THE TOP AND WAIVER, AND THE SPJA POLICIES. We may revise and update this Policy, the TOP and Waiver, and our SPJA Policies from time to time at our sole discretion. We will notify you when we make changes to this Policy, the TOP and Waiver, or the SPJA Policies by posting on this page and by revising the “Effective Date” date at the top of this page. All changes are effective immediately when we post them and apply to your participation in a Panel and to your access to and participation in SPJA Events. Please check back frequently to see any updates or changes. If you do not agree with any of the policies as modified, please do not participate in the Panel and exit the SPJA Event.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: May 6, 2021
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (“SPJA”) is a Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting the unique and deep culture that surrounds Japanese animation. We strive to educate the public about Japanese animation, manga, video games, and traditional culture.
We are so happy you have decided to join us. As part of our educational goals, we have created this Privacy Policy to inform you about how we collect, use, store, and protect your information. This Privacy Policy pertains to information collected at SPJA events, on the SPJA site (www.spja.org), the Anime Expo® site (www.anime-expo.org), the Project Anime® site (www.project-anime.org), sites for any other events we may produce, and through the AX App and any other SPJA Event mobile applications (collectively, our “Services”).
- The terms “you,” “your,” and “yours” refer to you, the person utilizing our Services and agreeing to this Privacy Policy. The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to SPJA and to SPJA’s affiliates and subsidiaries (if any).
- “SPJA Events” include all events produced by SPJA, including, without limitation, the Anime Expo (commonly known and referred to herein as “AX”), Project Anime: Los Angeles, and Project Anime: Tokyo.
- “SPJA Event Sites” are the SPJA site (www.spja.org), the Anime Expo® site (www.anime-expo.org), the Project Anime® site (www.project-anime.org), the World Cosplay Summit USA site (http://worldcosplaysummitusa.org), and the AX App and any other SPJA Event mobile applications.
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully to understand how we will treat your information.
Data Controller
- Unless otherwise noted, the Data Controller of all data described in this policy is SPJA.
- SPJA is located at 19675 Temescal Canyon Road, Corona, CA, 92881, USA
How We Collect Information
Directly From You
You may provide us with personal information in several ways, such as when you:
- Purchase tickets and register for events. When you purchase tickets for SPJA Events or register as an attendee (fan, industry, or press), exhibitor, sponsor, panelist, workshop leader, or photographer, we ask for your name, email address, age, and gender. This information is sometimes collected directly by SPJA and sometimes indirectly through SPJA’s service providers, such as the event registration platform. We may collect additional information from individuals who register as an exhibitor, sponsor, panelist, workshop leader, press, or photographer related to that individual’s role. For example, exhibitors must provide information about their company, details about plans for tables, and additional contact information;
- Communicate with us by e-mail or phone;
- Subscribe to our e-mails or newsletters;
- Report a problem or request support for any of our Services;
- Interact with our Social Media Accounts; or
- Participate in our contests, promotions, sweepstakes, applications or surveys
Information We Collect From Other Sources
We work closely with third parties (for example, technical service providers, payment providers, promotion companies, advertising networks, and analytics providers) and may receive information about you from them.
Depending on the relationship and activity, they will provide us with certain information that will help us understand how you interact with our Services so we can tailor our marketing and provide better, more personalized Services to you. In some cases, third parties also provide us with information that helps us keep track of transactions, address technical or logistical issues, prevent fraud, or keep our community safe from security threats.
We may also receive and display information and content which you make publicly available on your social media account when you interact with any of our content, such as when you post using one of our promoted hashtags or respond to posts on our social media accounts.
How We Use Your Information
- Purposes Directly Related to Our Services. We use your information to provide you with the Services you have requested, contact you if there is a problem with providing you with those Services, add your name to the lists for Services you have asked to receive, update your information with any changes you have requested to us, and to notify you if there are any issues with the Services.
- Responding to “Contact us” requests. If you have submitted a “contact us” form on one of our websites or apps or emailed us asking us to contact you, your information will be used to respond to your request.
- Partner Marketing. With your consent, we may send you messages regarding products or services offered by our partners that you may be interested in.
- Sending Newsletters. With your consent, we will use your email address to send you SPJA’s newsletter. You may withdraw this consent by using the unsubscribe link in any newsletter or by contacting us at privacy@spja.org.
- Technical support/assistance. We use your information to provide you with technical support and other assistance to use our websites or apps.
How We Share Your Information
We share your information under the following circumstances:
- With your consent.
- When we have a legitimate business interest.
- To comply with our legal obligations, such as laws, regulations, search warrants, subpoenas, or court orders, or to exercise or defend legal claims.
The following paragraphs give further detail on circumstances when we may share your data:
- Service Providers. Like any other company, SPJA uses a variety of third-party businesses and partners to market and provide our Services to you (“Service Providers”). These include but are not limited to business partners, suppliers, and sub-contractors we contract with to provide you with the Services such as third-party payment processing. These Service Providers’ access to your information is limited to the information reasonably necessary to perform their limited functions, and our contracts with these vendors require that your data be treated in accordance with the terms of this Privacy Policy.
- Press list. SPJA will share the press list for an SPJA Event with industry members for the purpose of coordinating press and public announcements. The press list shows the full name, outlet, and email address of everyone who registered as press.
- Giveaway sponsors/their affiliates. When you sign up for one of our giveaways, sweepstakes, contests, or other promotions, with your consent, we may share your information with the sponsor of the promotion and/or its affiliates. See specific promotion rules for details.
- Exhibitors and Sponsors with badge tap stations. By tapping your badge at an SPJA Event exhibitor/sponsor booth, we may provide the exhibitor and any affiliated organizations with your name, gender, email address, and/or badge type and/or price. We may also provide booth and timestamp data from any badge tap-in. By tapping your badge, you consent to this sharing. This information is controlled by the respective privacy policies of these exhibitors and sponsors and not by our Privacy Policy.
- Exhibitors and Sponsors at SPJA Events. Please note that you may be able to enter drawings or provide information to exhibitors and sponsors at SPJA without using your badge. Once you provide information to an exhibitor/sponsor, the privacy policy of that exhibitor/sponsor is controlling. Each exhibitor/sponsor has its own privacy policy. Please review their privacy policies before providing your consent to their collection of your data. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for these policies or for the data collection and use by these exhibitors/sponsors.
- Safety. The owner of any SPJA Event Site may disclose your information if it believes such disclosure is reasonably necessary to protect the safety, rights, or property of the public, any person, or SPJA; to investigate, prevent, or otherwise address suspected fraud, harassment, or other violations of any law, rule, or regulation; to detect, prevent, or otherwise address security or technical issues; or as SPJA believes is required by law, regulation, or legal process.
- Change in control. If SPJA engages in a merger, acquisition, disposition, change of control, bankruptcy, dissolution, reorganization, or similar transaction or proceeding, or otherwise transfers the operations of such SPJA Event or website that relates to your information, SPJA will transfer your information to the successor entity.
- Similar Entities: With your consent, we may share your information with third parties that offer products or services that you may be interested in.
Cookies
We and our third-party service providers use cookies and other tracking mechanisms to track information about your use of our Services. We may combine this information with other personal information we collect from you (and our third-party service providers may do so on our behalf).
“Cookies” are small data files that a website places on your browser when you visit the website. Cookies allow a website or third party to recognize your browser. There are three primary types of cookies:
- Session cookies are specific to a particular visit and carry information as you view different pages within a website. Session cookies expire and delete themselves automatically in a short period of time, e.g., when you leave the website or when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies enable us to recognize you when you visit an SPJA Event Site and remember your preferences. Persistent cookies are stored on your browser or mobile device until you choose to delete them, and otherwise typically delete themselves at expiration.
- Third-party cookies are placed by someone other than SPJA. They may gather browsing activity across multiple websites and sessions. They are usually persistent cookies and are stored until you delete them or until they expire based on the time period set in each third-party cookie.
The cookies used in connection with your use of the Services will generally fall within one of the following categories:
- Necessary functionality: These cookies are essential to enable you to navigate the SPJA Event Sites and access the Services in a safe and secure manner.
- Important functionality: These cookies help us authenticate registered users.
- Performance and Analytics: These cookies provide data on how the Services are functioning to help us improve the performance of the Services and the user experience.
- Personalization: These cookies allow us to personalize the content we display to you.
Choices Regarding Cookies
Most browser software can be set to reject all cookies, including third-party cookies. If you choose to reject our cookies, however, your ability to access and use the Services may be limited. Typically, the cookie settings are within the “options” or “preferences” menu in your browser. The links below provide information about cookie settings for some commonly used browsers:
- Internet Explorer
- Chrome
- Safari
- Firefox
You can opt-out of interest-based advertising on the SPJA Event Sites by rejecting cookies. Please note that even if you reject cookies and opt-out of interest-based advertising, you will continue to receive generic advertisements through the Services.
To opt out of interest-based advertising, you may use the following links provided by third parties that manage opt outs for some ad networks:
http://preferences-mgr.truste.com
http://www.networkadvertising.org/managing/opt_out.asp
http://www.aboutads.info/
https://policies.google.com/privacy/partners
Note: If you delete cookies, use a different device, or change web browsers, you may need to opt out again.
Do-Not-Track Signals
Some web browsers may transmit “do-not-track” signals to the websites with which the user communicates. Because of differences in how web browsers incorporate and activate this feature, it is not always clear whether you intend for these signals to be transmitted, or whether you even are aware of them. Because there currently is no industry standard concerning what, if anything, websites should do when they receive such signals, we currently do not act in response to “do-not-track” signals.
Aggregated Data
We collect a variety of aggregated data about how you and other users use our Services. This aggregated data is anonymized and not connected to any individual.
- We collect information about your device when you access our Services electronically, including IP address, browser information (including referring URL), cookie information, and advertising ID (which is a unique, user-resettable identification number for advertising associated with a mobile device).
- We automatically collect and store information about your use of our websites and the Services you receive through those sites, such as your engagement with particular content, including links you have followed and pages you have requested, and how often and when you engage with any of our websites.
How We Store Your Information
- We store information that we collect on our websites, on our own servers, and/or on servers operated by third parties. These third-party servers are located in the United States.
- We retain your information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or our data retention policies unless a longer retention period is required by law. For example, if you have signed up to receive a newsletter, we will retain your name and email address until you unsubscribe from that newsletter (unless you have provided it for some other purpose as well). Within a reasonable period of time after your information is no longer required for any of the purposes outlined in this policy, we will delete it.
How We Protect Your Information
- We take reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction of data located on and collected by our Services. Sensitive and private data exchange between the Site and its Users happens over an SSL secured communication channel and is encrypted and protected with digital signatures. We exercise reasonable care to protect your non-public personal information. Unfortunately, no data transmission over the Internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. While we strive to protect your non-public personal information, we cannot guarantee the security of any information you transmit to us or receive from us while it is in transit. Once we receive your personal information, we maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect it. If a data breach occurs, we will notify you and the proper European Economic Area (“EEA”) authority (if required) within 72 hours (if reasonably feasible). If we are unable to notify the proper EEA authority within 72 hours, our notice will be accompanied by reasons for the delay.
- The SPJA Event Sites may contain links or references to other sites in addition to the ones we have already mentioned. Please be aware that we do not control such other sites and that, in any case, this Privacy Policy does not apply to those sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policy of every site you visit.
How We Handle Children’s Information (for Parents)
As a nonprofit entity, SPJA is not subject to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”). SPJA nevertheless makes commercially reasonable efforts with respect to the collection and protection of the data of children.
Our SPJA Event Sites are general audience websites, intended for use by individuals over the age of thirteen (13).
SPJA does not market to and does not knowingly collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen (13) through the Services.
We also do not share child badge data with SPJA Event exhibitors/sponsors. Should a child tap his or her badge on an SPJA Event exhibitor/sponsor booth, we will not provide the exhibitor any information from that badge.
If you are based in the EEA you may use our Services only if you are over the age at which you can provide consent to data processing under the laws of your country (the “Age of Consent”). If you are not over the Age of Consent, you may not use our Services without the permission of a parent.
If you are a parent or guardian of a child who is under 13 years old and using our Services, please contact us at privacy@spja.org to request deletion of any personal information we may have collected about the child. For privacy reasons, we may request proof of relationship to the child.
Management of Information
- You can update your personal information by going into your online account on the SPJA Event Site where you initially provided the information. If you are unable to update your information yourself, please contact us at privacy@spja.org for assistance.
- If you are from the EEA, in accordance with applicable data protection law, you have the right to (i) access your information; (ii) have your information corrected or deleted; (iii) in certain circumstances, object to our processing of your information; (iv) withdraw consent previously provided; (v) in certain circumstances, request that your information be transferred to another service provider, where feasible; or (vi) if you believe that we have not complied with applicable data protection law, lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact us by email at privacy@spja.org.
- For questions about this Privacy Policy and how your information may be collected, stored, used, and shared, please contact us by email at privacy@spja.org.
Links to Third-Party Websites
Our Services, newsletters, email updates, and other communications may, from time to time, contain links to and from the websites of others, advertisers, and affiliates. If you follow a link to any of these websites, please note that these websites have their own privacy policies and that we do not accept any responsibility or liability for these policies.
Changes to the Privacy Policy
We may revise and update our Privacy Policy from time to time at our sole discretion. We will notify you when we make changes to our Privacy Policy by posting on this page and by revising the “Effective Date” date at the top of this page. All changes are effective immediately when we post them and apply to all access to and use of the Services thereafter. Please check back frequently to see any updates or changes to our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree or consent to these updates or changes, do not continue to use the Services.
Contact
Questions or comments regarding this Privacy Policy should be addressed to:
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation
19675 Temescal Canyon Road
Corona, CA, 92881
USA
privacy@spja.org
Program Room Policy
Policy Effective Date: January 24, 2024
Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time.
PROGRAM ROOM POLICIES
Program Rooms include:
- Programming Rooms (i.e. panels and Q&A's)
- Workshops
- Video Rooms
These rooms will be checking badges upon entry. Please ensure that your badge is valid for that day and in clear view of room personnel to assist with line control.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO ENTER:
- Program Rooms: All Program Rooms require verification of your badge and will check your badge upon entry. To help the lines move quickly, please be sure that your badge is valid for that day and is in clear view of room personnel.
- Ticketed Events: Ticketed Events require both a Badge and Ticket to enter the Ticketed Event. Please see our Ticketing FAQ for more information.
- 18+ Events: All 18+ Panel Events, Workshops, and Video Screening Rooms will require a wristband from an Info Services Booth along with a valid Badge. Only those who verify with acceptable ID that they are 18 years of age or over as of the event date will be granted a wristband.
To receive the appropriate wristband, attendees will need to present a valid ID at an Info Services Booth. The below is a list of ID’s that will be considered valid:
- State Driver’s License
- State Identification Card
- Passport
- Military ID
There will be no exceptions to the types of identification. Re-entry into the room will require the wristband. Please refrain from tampering in any fashion with wristbands provided for entry. If you are over the age of 18 you may not escort another person under the age of 18 into the room. Please do not leave children unaccompanied to attend an 18+ event.
ORDER OF ENTRY
When a room opens for entry we will allow attendees to enter in the following order:
- Disabled Services Priority Access Sticker Holders: These stickers can be retrieved from an Information Booth. Please procure them prior to arriving to the event.
- All other valid Badges with access to Programming, Workshop, and video rooms.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Oversize Cosplay Props: These must be placed against the wall; do not place them in the aisle or on adjacent seats.
- Photo/Video Policies:
- Panel/Workshop Rooms: Permissions depend on each individual guest and presenter, therefore photo/video policies will be announced at the beginning of events as each has its own policy.
- Video Rooms: No filming or photos allowed.
NON-CLEARING
All Programming, Workshops and Screening Rooms WILL NOT be cleared between normal Panel Events unless specified in the panel description in the program guide, mobile app or online:
LACC- Main Events
LACC- Petree Hall
LACC- 402 AB
LACC- 403 AB
LACC- 404 AB
LACC- 406 AB
LACC- 408 AB
LACC- 409 AB
LACC- 411
LACC- 511 ABC
JW-Marriott- Platinum Ballroom
JW-Marriott- Diamond Ballroom
EXCEPTIONS: Room clearing WILL occur prior to the following:
Ticketed Event (i.e. concert, Masquerade)
18+ Content Tracks
Please refer to the AX Schedule for room clearing information on all panels.
Prop / Replica Weapons Policy
Effective Date: January 17, 2023
PROP / REPLICA WEAPONS POLICY
Your participation in SPJA Events means that you agree to comply with this Prop / Replica Weapons Policy. An “Event” shall mean any event held by The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (“SPJA” or “we”), such as Anime Expo®, or Project Anime®.
You further understand and agree that, for your own safety and the safety of everyone at an Event, SPJA has the absolute and immediate discretion and right to inspect your costumes, prop weapons, and any other item you bring to the Event. We may temporarily or permanently remove any attendee in our sole and absolute discretion at any time for violating this Prop / Replica Weapons Policy— because your safety and the safety of every attendee is of the utmost importance.
Anime Expo® and the SPJA reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.
Prohibited Items
No Real Weapons Are Allowed at an Event.
This includes firearms, knives, curios, relic antique firearms, any form of ammunition, any items designed or manufactured with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury, whether carried openly or concealed, even if any such weapons are inoperable or unusable and irrespective of whether you are licensed to possess such weapons. Items that may otherwise be legal for you to own or carry are not welcome at any Event if they violate this Prop / Replica Weapons Policy.
The following items are not permitted at any SPJA Event:
- All Metal Weapons
- Firearms, Ammunition, Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Blowguns, Tasers, Laser Pointers, Laser-Aiming Devices or similar Laser Devices
- Explosives, Incendiary Devices, Chemical Weapons, and Pepper Spray / Mace
- Knives, Live Blades/Swords (including Katana and other Martial Arts Style Swords), Daggers, Sword Canes, Switchblades, Bali-Song (Butterfly Knife), Axes, Kunai, Ice Skates, and Hatchets
- Metal Pole Arms, Wooden/Metal Bats, Paddles, Stilts, Golf Clubs, and Vuvuzelas
- Archery and Hunting Bows, Arrows, Nunchucks, Brass Knuckles, and Whips
- Any item designed or manufactured with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person or property, any item that is illegal in the state of California, or any item that appears, in SPJA’s sole discretion, to be dangerous or which would pose or place others at risk or harm, immediate or otherwise.
(Note: some venues prohibit other items e.g. glass bottles, food, alcohol, and e-cigarettes. Please check with the venue before bringing such items.)
Peace Bonding
Prop weapons must be submitted to “Weapons Check” for Peace Bonding. SPJA has the sole discretion to approve prop weapons. Please visit us at one of our Weapons Check booths during the Event. Locations are to be determined and announced on our website at www.anime-expo.org. Other Event Weapons Check booth locations shall be designated in the programs and on signs.
We may revoke your Peace Bond at any time in our sole discretion. Behavior which will warrant revocation of your Peace Bond includes:
- Brandishing an item in an inappropriate fashion, such as play-fighting or swinging the prop around
- Causing complaints from other attendees of the Event
- Tampering or altering of the Peace Bond
Prop Weapons
Prop weapons are inoperable weapons that support the overall look of your costume or character. For example, plastic Airsoft guns, Nerf guns, water guns, dart guns, disc guns, pellet guns, and cap guns are prop weapons.
Peace Bonding Rules
If a prop weapon is, or was, at any time capable of firing anything, it must be rendered permanently inoperable in order to qualify for Peace Bonding. You can do this by, for example, permanently plugging the barrel with glue, caulk, or any non-removable substance and hot gluing all moving components of the prop in place. You must be able to prove that the prop weapon is permanently inoperable upon inspection.
In addition, to qualify for Peace Bonding, your prop weapon must meet the following criteria:
- All bladed props, prop firearms and prop knives cannot contain metal, have metal components, or have metal-based paints on them.
- Note: Lightsabers with metal hilts are allowed.
- Your prop weapon cannot be more than 7 feet (2.13 meters) in any direction or weigh more than 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms).
- Prop explosives or ammunition cannot be made out of metal.
- All swords and bladed prop weapons must adhere to the following rules:
- They cannot be made out of metal
- If your non-metal blade has a sharp edge or pointed tip, it must be anchored to a hard sheath for the duration of the Event
- If you do not have a hard sheath, your non-metal blade must have a blunt edge and blunt tip
- All prop bows must be unstrung or have a low-tensile thread with no draw weight and be incapable of shooting.
- All prop arrows must have blunt non-metal tips.
- Metal chains are not permitted unless it is for cosplay and affixed to a piece of clothing and/or armor.
- Any prop chain must be under 7 feet (2.13 meters) to avoid safety and fire hazards.
If your prop weapon is a toy, look-alike, or imitation firearm, then federal regulations (15 CFR § 272.3) require that it either be translucent enough to, permit unmistakable observation of the device’s complete contents or must have at least one of the following:
- An Orange Solid Plug in Barrel: Have a blaze orange (Fed-Std-595B 12199) or orange color brighter than that specified by the federal standard color number solid plug permanently affixed to the muzzle end of the barrel as an integral part of the entire device and recessed no more than 6 millimeters from the muzzle end of the barrel; or
- An Orange Barrel Marking: A blaze orange (Fed-Std-595B 12199) or orange color brighter than that specified by the federal standard color number, marking permanently affixed to the exterior surface of the barrel, covering the circumference of the barrel from the muzzle end for a depth of at least 6 millimeters; or
- Entire Surface Coloration: Coloration of the entire exterior surface of the device in white, bright red, bright orange, bright yellow, bright green, bright blue, bright pink, or bright purple, either singly or as the predominant color in combination with other colors in any pattern.
Please take care when outside or when transporting any form of firearm prop.
Regardless of how realistic the prop may look, ensure that it is completely hidden while traveling and be aware of your surroundings, attire, and the appearance of your props to bystanders when outside of the Event. Do not assume a costume will reassure people that your prop is not a real weapon.
Peace-Bonded Weapons at the Event
You may display your prop weapons only as costume pieces. Do not swing or brandish your prop weapon in any way that could be considered unsafe or threatening.
You may pose with a prop weapon in a brandishing manner, so long as no reasonable person would interpret it as anything but a pose for dramatic effect. Event staff or management may stop your posed brandishing in their sole discretion.
Please put your prop weapons away when leaving the Event site at night so that you don’t get the attention of local law enforcement. SPJA cannot be responsible for any actions taken by local law enforcement agencies, such as detaining and questioning you, if you decide to display or brandish your prop weapons at or outside of the Event.
Everyday Items
- Items that people normally carry such as umbrellas or walking sticks/canes are permitted within the Event and subject to inspection upon entry.
- Lightweight plastic or foam bats, paddles, and clubs are permitted.
- Roller skates/blades, skateboards, scooters, go-karts, hoverboards, etc. are not permitted within the Event area.
- Ice Skates are not allowed, even with skate guards attached.
- Power tools are not permitted e.g. chainsaws, drills, or hedge trimmers.
Buying Weapons at the Event
All Prop / Replica weapons purchased at the Event must remain sealed in its original packaging while at the Event. If you would like to use your Prop / Replica weapon at the Event, you must submit your item to a “Weapons Check” booth for peace bonding.
Martial Arts Performances and Demos
You may display working martial arts weapons during, and 30 minutes before and after, a performance that has been approved by Event management in advance.
Of course, you must use common sense to avoid harming any person or property. You must conceal or wrap the weapons when transporting them to and from the demonstration, and you must remove the weapons immediately after the demonstration. Event staff reserves the right to stop any performance or demonstration in their sole discretion.
Law Enforcement Uniformed Costumes
COSTUMES THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OR OTHER EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL UNIFORMS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT THE EVENT.
It is against the law to impersonate local law enforcement, emergency personnel, or first responders. SPJA has the absolute right and sole discretion to decide whether your costume looks too much like one of these uniforms, and to request the removal or modification of that costume. Should you refuse to cooperate, we may expel you from the Event in order to protect the safety and welfare of everyone at the Event.
Recording Policy
Effective Date: January 18, 2024
Anime Expo®, anime expo chibi®, and the SPJA® reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.
Recordings of You: You are advised and given notice that SPJA permits people and companies to take photographs and make recordings at SPJA Events, and post them on social media and use them for many lawful purposes. By attending an SPJA Event, you agree to be photographed or recorded during the Event (in still photographs, audio recordings, video recordings and any other media, now known or hereafter discovered, hereafter “Recordings”), by attendees, vendors, and others without compensation.
Additionally, by attending an SPJA Event, you grant to SPJA the rights, but not the obligation, to create photographs, video, digital, audio, or other recordings, including the Live Simulcast & Broadcast (“SPJA Recordings”) of you and grant SPJA the right to reproduce, display, distribute, perform, digitize, transmit, broadcast and otherwise use the SPJA Recordings in any and all media and manners now known or hereafter discovered throughout the world in perpetuity, in whole or in part, modified or altered, either by themselves, or in combination with other photographs, recordings or materials, without payment of royalties, license fees, or any other compensation. SPJA will hold the copyright to the SPJA Recordings. To the extent you have any rights in the SPJA Recordings, you hereby assign all your rights, title and interests in and to the SPJA Recordings to SPJA.
Your Recordings of Others for Personal/Private Use or Limited Social Media with Small Handheld or Cell Phone Camera: Except as prohibited below, individuals may make Recordings for personal/private viewing, or for posting/streaming to social media channels that are not significantly monetized, provided that such Recordings clearly identify the Event, date, and location at which they were Recorded. You are generally allowed to make Recordings in all common areas of the Event, with the exception of the Art Show, backstage, and restricted areas. Specific rules and restrictions regarding Recordings apply to specific venues, concerts, and Events, such as when a Guest of Honor prohibits photographs of their performance. If you are unsure, please check for signage, and if you do not see any, be respectful and do not make Recordings.
As a courtesy, and without changing this policy in any way, please obtain permission first to make Recordings of any individuals or costumes. If someone asks or otherwise indicates that they do not wish to be recorded, do not record them. The SPJA will make reasonable efforts to enforce this policy, but given the proliferation of recording devices and the ease with which Event attendees may conceal their recording devices, it is understood and agreed that SPJA shall not be liable for violations.
Your Recordings of Others for Commercial Purposes: Recordings of an SPJA Event or its employees, staff, or attendees for commercial purposes is expressly forbidden unless advance written permission has been obtained from the SPJA (and any venue in which you desire to make a Recording apart from the Los Angeles Convention Center or the Ontario Convention Center). Commercial Recordings include, but are not limited to:
• The purpose of sale to anyone
• Bonus content for home release (DVD/Blu-Ray)
• Concurrent livestream
• Post-event streams
• Vtubing (unless your booth or panel consists of Vtubing, however, Vtubing outside of your booth or panel requires a Filming Location Agreement)
• Television broadcast
• Posting videos or streaming to website, social media, and other promotional platforms that are significantly monetized
• Documentary film
• Filming/recording/streaming with professional camera person/crew and/or professional equipment
The following provisions must be met to make Recordings for commercial purposes:
• Written approval from SPJA (by two months before filming)
• Signing a Filming Location Agreement
• Obtaining media and other required insurance, naming SPJA and others as additional insureds, and providing proof of insurance by providing your certificate of insurance
• Payment of a Filming Location Fee to be determined by SPJA (generally $2,500 per day)
More information is available in the Filming Location Agreement. Please reach out to marketing@spja.org for more information and a Filming Location Agreement.
**No Recording (photo/video capture, livestreaming, Vtubing) is permitted in adult content areas such as booths, events, or panels.**
All bloggers and members of the press and staff are additionally required to conform to the SPJA’s Press Policy www.anime-expo.org/press and we encourage attendees to become familiar with those rules. Violation of this Recording Policy may result in forfeiture of your Event badge, your expulsion from the Event and/or termination of your position with SPJA.
Registration Policy
Effective Date: December 12, 2023
CANCELLATION POLICY
By registering for an Anime Expo (AX) credential, you agree not to sell, trade, or share your promotional code, email confirmation, or credential. If the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) determines in its sole discretion that you have violated any SPJA policies, SPJA can cancel your credential(s) and keep any money paid by you. Confirmations and/or credentials that have been sold or provided by anyone other than SPJA will not be honored.
You must register an individual name for each credential and each name must match a valid government-issued photo ID. If SPJA determines you have purchased more than one credential in your name for any day and have not completed the transfer process for additional credentials, SPJA has the right to cancel your duplicate credential(s) and keep any money paid by you.
EVENT CANCELLATION
SPJA reserves the right to cancel or postpone Anime Expo, or any part of Anime Expo, with limited or no notice in SPJA’s sole discretion. In the event of a cancellation or postponement of Anime Expo, SPJA shall not be responsible or liable for any costs, damages, fees, expenses, or other compensation associated with Anime Expo.
REFUND POLICY
All sales are final for all credentials purchased and, therefore, non-refundable. Please review all items in your order before checking out to ensure you are purchasing the items you intend to buy.
Any and all payments made to SPJA are not refundable for any reason, including, but not limited to, failure or inability to use Credentials due to illness, epidemics, pandemics, public health crises, government restrictions, travel-related problems, natural disasters, acts of God, civil unrest, cyber-attacks, loss of employment and/or duplicate purchases. SPJA will not issue refunds, deferrals, or credits for Credentials that have been revoked.
All credentials are non-transferable to any other SPJA event.
SPJA reserves the right to change the Refund Policy at any time without notification.
CREDENTIAL RESALE POLICY
Event Credentials (badges or wristbands) cannot be reproduced or resold. No resale of Credentials shall be permitted, except with prior written approval from SPJA. Credentials are immediately rendered void if altered in any way. The unauthorized resale of Credentials (including, but not limited to, “scalping”), the attempted unauthorized resale of Credentials, the unauthorized assignment of Credentials, the creation of counterfeit Credentials, or the unauthorized transfer of any Credentials to a third party are strictly prohibited and constitute an immediate forfeiture of your Credential(s) without compensation from SPJA. All Credentials are the sole property of SPJA and must be relinquished to SPJA upon request.
ShowClix is the only official ticketing platform authorized by SPJA for all credential and ticket sales. SPJA will not honor order confirmations or credentials purchased through any other online ticketing platform.
UPGRADE, DOWNGRADE AND EXCHANGE POLICY
You can upgrade your 1-Day (or Child) credential to a 4-Day credential, based on availability, by sending an email to registration@anime-expo.org on or before April 12, 2024, at 11:59 PM PT.
Downgrades are not permitted. Examples of downgrades include downgrading a 4-Day credential to any 1-Day, or any General Admission credential (for ages 14 and over) to a Child credential (badges or wristbands).
You can exchange your 1-Day credential for another 1-Day credential, based on availability, by sending an email to registration@anime-expo.org on or before April 12, 2024, at 11:59 PM PT.
CREDENTIALS & ENTRY POLICY
For security reasons, and to allow entry into AX, all attendees must always wear, possess, and present their credential (badge) and any required wristband credential while onsite or at any other venue/location utilized for AX as follows:
- Badges must be affixed on the AX-issued lanyard (or a lanyard of comparable quality) and worn around the Attendee’s neck or displayed in an openly visible location.
- Wristbands must be securely affixed to the Attendee’s wrist and remain on the Attendee’s wrist throughout Anime Expo.
- Tickets for additional events produced by AX, such as screenings, cafes, concerts and autograph sessions, must be presented during check-in via a physical ticket or on a digital device.
Each Attendee must retain possession of their own credential for the duration of AX and may not loan or give the credential to anyone else. If Credentials are not worn or presented correctly by an Attendee, SPJA reserves the right to refuse admission, service, and cancel the Attendee’s credential at SPJA’s sole discretion without liability. All credentials are the property of SPJA and must be relinquished to SPJA upon request.
AGE RESTRICTION POLICY
Purchase a credential appropriate for the child's age by the first day of attendance of Anime Expo 2024.
- Children ages 0-5 are free and not required to register for a credential. An optional, free RFID child wristband is available and can be picked up at the Registration Booth. In cases of emergency, this RFID child wristband allows an SPJA/AX representative to look up and contact a parent/guardian as needed.
- Children ages 6-13 must purchase a 4-Day Child credential (badge).
- Children ages 14+ must purchase a 4-Day or 1-Day general attendee credential (badge).
4-Day child credentials (badges) cannot be purchased individually and must be purchased with a valid general attendee credential (badge) in the same order. Professional credentials (Exhibitor, Industry, Artist Alley, or Press badges) are NOT allowed to be worn by a minor attendee under the age of 18 at any time.
Attendees with professional credentials are not eligible to escort, or have in attendance with them, any minor attendees with a Child credential (badge or wristband) while fulfilling their professional obligations for AX, and are not eligible to request a Child credential to be registered to their account.
If you have already registered for a valid general attendee credential (badge) and need to purchase a Child credential (badge), send an email to registration@anime-expo.org for assistance.
Attendees ages 13 years old and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, age 18 or older, with a valid registration for general attendee credential (badge) for the duration of their time at the event. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult if required to pick up their badge at Will Call at the Registration Booth. We recommend attendees ages 14-17 have a parent or guardian close by for the duration of the event. Please refer to the full Youth Protection Policy (Section 6) on the AX website.
Any programming designated as 18+ will require attendees to have an 18+ wristband to present for admission at the door. An 18+ wristband can be obtained at any Info Services booth by presenting a valid government-issued photo ID that shows date of birth. Please see our Program Room Policy for more information.
BADGE MAILING POLICY
Anime Expo will ship 4-Day, 1-Day, Child, Artist Alley, Exhibitor, and paid Industry credentials, purchased between January 17, 2024, through 12:00 PM PT on June 12, 2024, within the United States (excluding minor outlying islands and territories) and Canada. General Attendee credential shipping will start in early May. Artist Alley, Exhibitor, and paid Industry credentials will be shipped out in early June.
Credential orders cannot be bundled together and credentials will not be re-shipped under any circumstances. If you decide to switch your shipping method from US or Canada delivery to Will Call, no refund will be provided. Shipping fees will be collected if you change from Will Call to US or Canada delivery. Shipping fees are non-refundable in the event an order cannot be delivered by the mail carrier or is not received.
All credentials purchased in the same order will be shipped out to only ONE address. Be sure to enter the correct shipping address if it is different from the Buyer’s address when filling out the purchase form. The last day to change your shipping address is April 19, 2024.
These dates may be subject to change due to scheduling or external factors.
ONSITE BADGE PICK-UP
Attendees who purchased credentials after the Credential Mailing Deadline of June 12, 2024, and all International attendees must pick up their credential(s) at the Registration Booth beginning July 3, 2024 (refer to the AX website for location and hours of operation). The Buyer may pick up all credentials in their order or each individual Registrant who accepted a transferred credential can pick up their own credential. Upon arrival, you must present your registration confirmation email and a valid government-issued photo ID. This should match the Buyer's or the Registrant’s name/information to pick up your credential. Your registration order confirmation is also available in your ShowClix account (My Tickets) under the My Events tab.
All attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a valid government-issued photo ID, to pick up their credentials.
Buyer beware! SPJA does not honor any order confirmation provided by unauthorized registration or ticketing platforms. ShowClix is SPJA’s exclusive Registration and Ticketing platform.
Your personal information must match the order information to pick up your order. If SPJA is unable to verify your identity against the information listed on the order, the order will not be fulfilled.
BADGE TRANSFER & ACTIVATION POLICY
Every credential must be registered to a unique attendee. Buyers must transfer credentials to their intended recipient (the badge holder) and the intended recipient MUST complete the process by “accepting” the transferred credential in their ShowClix MyTickets account.
Child credentials are not transferable via ShowClix MyTickets due to the SPJA Privacy Policy. Any child credential transfers required after purchase must be requested via email to registration@anime-expo.org. The guardian for minor attendees must have a valid General Admission credential registration and must be over the age of 18.
Every credential must be activated via your Showclix MyTickets account to participate at Anime Expo 2024. Refer to our website for instructions on how to transfer and activate your credentials.
VIOLATION OF REGISTRATION POLICIES
Violation of any SPJA policy will result in the immediate cancellation of your order(s) and restriction of your account, preventing you from participating in any future SPJA events. Any money paid by you for the canceled order(s) due to violation will be kept by SPJA and all associated credentials will be revoked (voided). Voided credentials are not allowed for entry or participation at any time.
Transferring a credential to another person after it has been used (scanned in) is a direct violation of the Cancellation Policy.
Reselling a credential is a direct violation of the Credential Resale Policy.
Submitting a chargeback is a direct violation of the Refund Policy and if your credential(s) was/were shipped, all credential(s) in your order will automatically be voided.
SPJA reserves the right to determine any violations not listed above, in our sole and absolute discretion.
LOST BADGE
Lost credentials are subject to a replacement fee. To purchase a credential replacement, go to the Registration Booth for assistance.
Terms of Participation and Liability Release & Waiver
SPJA Terms of Participation and Liability Release and Waiver
Effective Date: January 4, 2024
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION AND LIABILITY RELEASE AND WAIVER. THE FOLLOWING TERMS OF PARTICIPATION INCLUDE A LIABILITY RELEASE & WAIVER AND ARE A LEGAL CONTRACT BETWEEN YOU, AN INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT OR A SINGLE ENTITY, AND THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROMOTION OF JAPANESE ANIMATION (“SPJA”).
By registering or participating in an event produced by SPJA (the “SPJA Event”), in any capacity, whether as an attendee, panelist, exhibitor, sponsor, or other participant, you confirm that you have read and agree to be legally bound by the following Terms of Participation and Liability Release and Waiver (these “TOP”). These TOP and the SPJA Policies, located at www.anime-expo.org/legal/, apply to your participation and/or registration in the SPJA Event. PLEASE READ THESE CAREFULLY. Failure to agree or comply will deny you access to the SPJA Event. If you do not agree, please discontinue participating in the SPJA Event.
- The terms “you,” “your,” and “yours” refer to you, the person participating in the SPJA Event or using SPJA Event Sites (defined below) and agreeing to these TOP. The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to SPJA and to SPJA’s affiliates and subsidiaries (if any).
- “SPJA Events” include all events produced by SPJA, including, without limitation, the Anime Expo (commonly known and referred to herein as “AX”), anime expo chibi (commonly known as “axc”), Project Anime: Los Angeles, and Project Anime: Tokyo.
- “SPJA Event Sites” are the SPJA site (www.spja.org), the Anime Expo® site (www.anime-expo.org), the Project Anime® site (www.project-anime.org), the World Cosplay Summit USA site (http://worldcosplaysummitusa.org), and the AX App and any other SPJA Event mobile applications.
- “Venue” means the facility at which the SPJA Event is held.
- “Official Hotels” are hotels that SPJA has explicitly designated for the SPJA Event.
- The “City” refers to the city in which the SPJA Event is held, such as the City of Los Angeles, Ontario, or Tokyo.
1. Individuals. If you are registering for another person, then you must ask them to read and agree to these top. Acceptance or use of a badge, ticket, or confirmation code incorporates these top. By registering for, attending, volunteering, or participating in the spja event, or by registering for, accessing, browsing, downloading from or using the spja event sites, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms of participation and to the liability release and waiver included here. If at any time you do not agree to these terms of participation, please immediately terminate your participation in the spja event and your use of the spja event site.
2. Organizations. If you are registering for the spja event or using the spja event site on behalf of a company, entity, or organization (collectively, a “participating organization”) then you represent and warrant that you: (i) are an authorized representative of that participating organization with the authority to bind such organization; (ii) have read and understand these top; and (iii) agree to these top on behalf of such subscribing organization and anyone participating in the spja event for and on your organization’s behalf.
3. Policies. You agree that you have read, understand, and agree to abide by the SPJA policies posted at www.anime-expo.org/legal, including but not limited to the Code of Conduct, the Recording Policy, the Registration Policy, the Alcohol Policy, the Weapons Policy, the Youth Protection Policy, the Privacy Policy, the COVID-19 Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk, and such other policies that SPJA may adopt from time to time (the “SPJA Policies”), which are incorporated fully into these TOP. Without limitation, you acknowledge and agree that:
(a) The Recording Policy allows SPJA and those acting on SPJA’s behalf to take your photograph or video record you and to use those photographs or videos of you as set out in the Recording Policy, for lawful purposes such as streaming, broadcast, and/or rebroadcast over the internet, without compensation.
(b) No Refund. All Event Credential (Badge) sales are final. As set out in the Registration Policy, once purchased, Event Credentials are non-refundable and non-transferable to any other SPJA Event. Any and all payments made to SPJA are not refundable for any reason, including, but not limited to, failure or inability to use Credentials due to illness, epidemics, pandemics, public health crises, government restrictions, travel-related problems, natural disasters, acts of God, civil unrest, cyber-attacks, loss of employment and/or duplicate purchases. SPJA will not issue refunds, deferrals or credits for Credentials that have been revoked.
(c) No Resale of Credentials. Also as set out in the Registration Policy, Event Credentials (Badges) cannot be reproduced or resold. No resale of Credentials shall be permitted, except with prior written approval from SPJA. Credentials are immediately rendered void if altered in any way. The unauthorized resale of Credentials (including, but not limited to, “scalping”), the attempted unauthorized resale of Credentials, the unauthorized assignment of Credentials, the creation of counterfeit Credentials, or the unauthorized transfer of any Credentials to a third party are strictly prohibited and constitute an immediate forfeiture of your Credential(s) without compensation from SPJA. All Credentials are the sole property of SPJA and must be relinquished to SPJA upon request.
(d) Violation. Violation of any SPJA policy will result in immediate cancellation of your order(s) and restriction of your account, preventing you from participating in any future SPJA Events. Any money paid by you for the canceled order(s) due to violation will be kept by SPJA and all associated credentials will be revoked (voided). Voided credentials are not allowed for entry or participation at any time. For the full Violation Policy, refer to the Registration Policy.
You agree that these TOP and the SPJA Policies together with any other policies or instructions posted on the SPJA Event Sites or communicated by employees, officials, officers, volunteers, or other persons affiliated with or acting for or on behalf of SPJA, the City, or any Official Hotel, are effective and apply to you at all times when you are participating in and around the SPJA Event, the Venue, and Official Hotels.
4. Liability Release & Waiver.
(a) General Assumption of Risk. You agree that your participation in the SPJA Event, whether as an attendee, panelist, exhibitor, sponsor, or other participant, is voluntary. You understand that the spja event and some activities at the spja event, such as but not limited to dancing, role playing, cosplay, participating in a demonstration, being on a stage, standing in lines, and being in large crowds, have inherent risks and dangers, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, death, injury and serious bodily harm to your person and/or property. You agree that as a condition of your attendance at the spja event and/or participation in any activity at the spja event, you assume and accept all risks of harm, loss, or injury to your person or property that may arise from or be related to your attendance and/or participation in such activity.
(b) Assumption of Risk Related to COVID-19 and/or Communicable Diseases. You acknowledge that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and/or communicable diseases exists in any public place where people are present. By participating in the SPJA Event, you and any guests agree that you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and/or communicable diseases. You agree to comply with SPJA Event policies and rules, including but not limited to all social distancing policies, guidelines, signage, and instructions related to COVID-19 and/or communicable diseases.
(c) IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THE SPJA EVENT WHETHER AS AN ATTENDEE, PANELIST, EXHIBITOR, SPONSOR, OR OTHER PARTICIPANT, YOU HEREBY WAIVE AND RELEASE, indemnify, and hold harmless SPJA, the City, the Venue, the Official Hotels, and their respective officers, directors, members, employees, agents, affiliates, contractors, volunteers, managers, sponsors, funders, attendees, public officials, vendors, successors and assigns (“Released Parties”), from any and all demands, damages, losses, liabilities, causes of action, lawsuits, attorneys’ fees, costs, and/or claims of every kind and nature, whether known or unknown, in law or equity, that you ever had or may have, arising from or in any way related to your participation in the SPJA Event (including any harm, loss, or injury to your person or property resulting from such participation as described in paragraph 4(a) above and any exposure or potential exposure resulting from such participation as described in paragraph 4(b) above) or your use of an SPJA Event Site, including acts or omissions by third parties such as emergency or medical providers and vendors of food, drink, or alcohol. You understand and agree that the foregoing specifically waives your right to sue the Released Parties for negligence arising from or related to your attendance at the SPJA Event. SPJA reserves the right, at your expense, to assume the defense and control of any matter for which you are required to indemnify SPJA, and you agree to cooperate with SPJA’s defense of these claims. SPJA will use reasonable efforts to notify you of any such claim, action, or proceeding upon SPJA learning of any such claim, action, or proceeding. You agree that you will participate only in SPJA Event activities that you are qualified to participate in. You are aware that SPJA Events will be conducted in facilities open to the public. You agree and warrant that if at any time you believe conditions of any SPJA Event activity to be unsafe, you will immediately discontinue further participation in any such activity. You intend and desire for this Liability Release and Waiver to be interpreted as broadly as permitted under California law, or if California law is inapplicable, under such other applicable law. This Liability Release and Waiver does NOT apply to any acts of gross negligence or intentional, willful, or wanton misconduct on the part of any Released Party. If you become ill or are injured during your participation of the SPJA Event, you authorize SPJA, the Venue, or any Official Hotel to seek and obtain such emergency or medical services as may be deemed necessary or appropriate at the time, but understand and agree that they shall not be obligated to do so, and that the Liability Release and Waiver above applies to the provision of such emergency or medical care or services. You may be billed and agree to pay for any such services, including ambulance transport.
5. Damage You Cause. You agree that if you break, deface, damage, or destroy any real or personal property or software, or hurt or injure another person, in connection with your participation in the SPJA Event, including but not limited to the property of SPJA, the Venue, any Official Hotel, or the City, you shall be solely and personally liable and responsible for paying any and all costs to repair or replace such property, injury and care of such persons, and incidental or consequential damages relating to the damaged property or personal injury.
6. Modification of these Terms of Participation. We may revise and update our TOP from time to time at our sole discretion. We will notify you when we make changes to our TOP by posting on this page and by revising the “Effective Date” date at the top of this page. All changes are effective immediately when we post them and apply to all access to and participation in SPJA Events. Please check back frequently to see any updates or changes to our TOP. If you do not agree, please discontinue participating in the SPJA Event and using the SPJA Event Sites.
7. General Terms. No waiver or amendment of any provision of these TOP will be effective unless in writing. ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TOP WILL BE GOVERNED BY CALIFORNIA LAW, EXCLUDING CALIFORNIA’S CONFLICT OF LAWS RULES, AND WILL BE LITIGATED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE FEDERAL OR STATE COURTS OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, USA; YOU CONSENT TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION IN THOSE COURTS. The language in all parts of these TOP shall be construed as a whole in accordance with its fair meaning, not for or against any party, and without regard to any statutes that provide for the language of an agreement to be construed against the drafter. If any provision herein is determined to be unenforceable, that provision shall be severed, and all other provisions shall remain in effect. These TOP shall bind and be for the benefit of yourself, SPJA and its affiliates and subsidiaries, and each of the respective party’s heirs, fiduciaries, successors, and assigns. You have not relied upon any promise, representation, or warranty in signing these TOP. These TOP will continue in full force and effect even after the conclusion of the SPJA Event. You understand and agree that your electronic submission of agreement to these TOP constitutes an electronic signature that is as legally binding as your signature on a hard copy of the TOP. Further, you agree that no certification authority or other third-party verification is required to validate this electronic signature, and that the lack of such certification or third-party verification shall not in any way affect the legal enforceability of these TOP.
YOU AGREE TO THESE TERMS OF THIS PARTICIPATION AND LIABILITY RELEASE AND WAIVER, AND SUBMIT THIS REGISTRATION FORM VOLUNTARILY, OF YOUR OWN FREE WILL AND FREE OF PRESSURE, DURESS, OR THREAT OF DURESS. YOU HAVE READ THESE ENTIRE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION AND THE SPJA POLICIES AT WWW.ANIME-EXPO.ORG/LEGAL CAREFULLY. YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT BY ACCEPTING THESE TOP AND LIABILITY RELEASE AND WAIVER, YOU HAVE GIVEN UP CONSIDERABLE FUTURE LEGAL RIGHTS. YOUR CHECKING THE BOX SAYING THAT YOU AGREE OR SUBMITTING THIS REGISTRATION APPLICATION IS PROOF THAT YOU INTEND AND AGREE TO SIGN AND BE FULLY BOUND BY A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL WAIVER AND RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY OF THE RELEASED PARTIES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.
PARENT OR GUARDIAN’S ADDITIONAL RELEASE FOR MINORS. You, the person submitting this Registration, represent and affirm that you are the parent or legal guardian of the minor whose name appears in the Registration, and that you have the authority to enter into this legal contract on the minor’s behalf. You understand and agree that the above Terms of Participation, including the Liability Release and Waiver and the SPJA Policies, including the Privacy Policy, and the COVID-19 Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk, at www.anime-expo.org/legal, apply to the minor and to you.
I have read, understand, and agree to be legally bound by the SPJA Terms of Participation, including the Liability Release and Waiver, and the SPJA Policies, including the Privacy Policy, and the COVID-19 Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk, at www.anime-expo.org/legal. I represent and warrant I am over 18 years old and I am competent to sign contracts.
Ticketing Policy
Effective Date: January 3, 2024
CANCELLATION POLICY
By purchasing a ticket to attend an event hosted by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) at Anime Expo, you agree not to sell or share your ticket or order confirmation email. In the event the SPJA determines in its sole discretion that you have violated this policy, the SPJA can cancel your ticket(s) and keep any money paid by you. Confirmations and/or tickets that have been sold or provided by anyone other than the SPJA/Anime Expo will not be honored. The SPJA/Anime Expo reserves the right to refuse admission, service and cancel your ticket(s) at their sole discretion without liability.
When purchasing your ticket(s), you must provide an individual name for each ticket and each name must match a valid government-issued photo ID. If the SPJA determines you have purchased more than one ticket in your name for any event, the SPJA reserves the right to cancel your duplicate ticket(s) and issue you a refund less the processing fees.
TYPES OF PAYMENT ACCEPTED
Debit Card, American Express, Discover Card, Visa and Mastercard. Apple Pay and Google Pay may be available, but not guaranteed.
REFUND AND EXCHANGE POLICY
All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges for tickets, wristbands, vouchers or product sales. Please review all items in your order before checking out to ensure you are purchasing the items you intend on buying.
No refunds will be given for missed shows. See Door Open and Close Policy.
LOST/STOLEN TICKETS
The ticket purchaser is solely responsible for the event tickets and wristbands purchased or reserved. Lost or stolen event tickets and wristbands will not be replaced or refunded.
CHILD ADMISSION POLICY
For most events, children 2 years of age and younger do not require a ticket to be admitted at any ticketed event; however, they must sit on an adult’s lap and may not occupy a seat. Children 3 years of age and older will require a ticket to enter the event area or venue and must occupy their ticketed seat only. Please note that some events may have a different age policy. Please see the specific event page or contact events@anime-expo.org or come to the Ticketing Booth for further information.
WILL CALL
Will Call tickets or wristbands can be picked up at the Ticketing Booth onsite at the Los Angeles Convention Center beginning on July 3, 2024 (Day 0). The Buyer can pick up all tickets and wristbands in their order or each individual ticket holder can pick up their own ticket or wristband as long as their name is listed as on the order as a “ticket holder.” You are required to present the following items to pick up your ticket and/or wristband:
- Order Confirmation or mobile device showing QR code
- Government-issued photo ID showing date of birth (Driver’s license, State ID, Military ID, or passport). Must match buyer or ticket holder’s name in order to pick up ticket(s)/wristband(s).
- Anime Expo badge valid for the day of the event.
It is recommended tickets and/or wristbands be picked up no later than 3 hours before the start of the event to allow plenty of time to find the venue and be checked in once doors open for seating.
Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, who will be required to show a government-issued photo ID, in order to pick up a ticket or wristband. A school ID or birth certificate is not an acceptable form of ID.
TRANSFER/NAME CHANGE POLICY
You may transfer ticket(s) to another person by changing the name of each ticket holder in the order by logging into your ShowClix MyTickets account or contacting Ticketing at events@anime-expo.org.
UPGRADE POLICY
The buyer can upgrade their event ticket(s) to a higher priced ticket, based on availability, by doing the following:
- Purchase the ticket(s) in the higher priced tier, then contact Ticketing (events@anime-expo.org) and provide the following information:
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- Buyer’s name and email address used for order
- Order confirmation number and name of lesser priced ticket to be refunded
- New order confirmation number and name of higher priced ticket purchased as an upgrade to the original order.
- Buyer’s name and email address used for order
2. Once the request has been received and information verified, you will receive notification that the original order, or ticket if order consists of multiple tickets, has been cancelled.
Deadline to submit an upgrade request is June 20, 2024.
WHEELCHAIR AND ACCESSIBLE SEATING POLICY
Limited accessible seating is available at each venue/event location. Accessible seating is reserved exclusively for attendees with accessible needs and their companions. Anime Expo attendees purchasing accessible seating may purchase one (1) accessible seat and one (1) companion seat adjacent to the accessible seat. Depending on availability, seats for additional guests will be located as close as possible to the accessible space. This policy ensures that we can provide reasonable accommodation for attendees who require accessible seating. There is limited availability to accommodate other special needs as well. There is no guarantee that companion tickets will remain unsold and available for highly popular events.
For general information on services offered for attendees with disabilities, please read our Reasonable Accommodations for Attendees with Disabilities Policy on the Anime Expo website or send an email to ADA@anime-expo.org.
PURCHASING ACCESSIBLE TICKETS
Visit the Anime Expo website (www.anime-expo.org) or the Anime Expo event homepage on ShowClix to find your event. Go to the event page and view ticket selections. Most general admission events have accommodation for wheelchairs. For events with reserved seating, check the seating chart to note where available ADA and wheelchair seating locations are located based for each price tier. Email Ticketing (events@anime-expo.org) and provide your name, two (2) choices for ADA seat selection, and the names of your ticket holders including some information of your special needs to aid in offering appropriate seating arrangements as well as to prepare Front of House staff on the day of the event to assist with accommodations. Upon confirmation of your seat location and number of tickets needed, Ticketing will reserve tickets under your name. Two (2) payment options available:
- Come to the Ticketing Booth at least 2 hours before the schedule event start time to pay for your order and receive your tickets, OR
- Be referred to ShowClix Customer Care to process an online payment transaction using your credit card. Upon completion of the transaction, you will receive an email confirmation and your tickets delivered based on your choice of e-ticket or mobile delivery.
For additional information and/or to submit your ticket request, contact events@anime-expo.org. or ShowClix Customer Care for assistance.
WRISTBAND POLICY
Some events may either require a wristband for admission instead of a ticket OR in addition to a ticket if the event has an 18+ age restriction. When issued a wristband, please refrain from tampering, in any fashion, with wristbands or you may be denied entry.
Event Admission
If a wristband is issued in lieu of a ticket for admission to an event, you will be required to go to Will Call for pick up unless otherwise specified on the event page or order confirmation email. Upon pick-up, a Ticketing representative will immediately apply the wristband. Lost or stolen event wristbands will not be replaced or refunded.
18+ Ticketed Events
Most 18+ Ticketed Events (for example, but not limited to, 18+ Panels, Workshops, and Video Screening Rooms) will require a wristband along with a valid AX Badge. 18+ wristbands can be obtained from either:
- an Information Services Booth (located in South Hall, 2ndFloor Concourse Hall, West Hall Lobby and Gilbert-Lindsay Plaza outside West Hall),
- the Ticketing Booth (located on Chick Hearn Court near Peacock Theater), or
- Event Operations (West Hall Room 508A).
Only those whose age has been verified by showing a valid government-issued photo ID listing date of birth will be issued a wristband. Wristband must be applied to attendee’s wrist by an Info Services, Event Operations or Ticketing representative.
NOTE: NOT ALL 18+ Events require an 18+ wristband. For 18+ events that do NOT require a wristband, you will be asked to show a valid Government-issued photo ID showing date of birth to Security prior to entry at the door. Please refer to the event page for specific details on what will be required if there is an age restriction.
For events that require an 18+ wristband as well as a ticket for entry during check-in, please note the following:
- 18+ wristbands can only be applied by an authorized Ticketing, Event Operations or Info Services representative.
- Refrain from tampering, in any fashion, with wristbands provided for entry or you may be denied entry.
- You may NOT escort another person under the age of 18 into an 18+ event.
MERCHANDISE AND GIVEAWAY ITEMS
Occasionally, an event may sell merchandise or include a giveaway item with a ticket purchase, such as the Photo Op for Maid Café or a shirt giveaway included with the purchase of a VIP ticket. If merchandise is purchased or a giveaway item is offered, you will receive a redemption voucher along with your event ticket via your email confirmation. Please read the instructions on the event page or your email confirmation for how to redeem your voucher as distribution varies per event. Unless specifically stated on the event page or your email confirmation, all merchandise and giveaways will be distributed at the venue or during the event.
It is the Buyer’s sole responsibility to pick up any merchandise purchased, or giveaway items offered. All vouchers for merchandise or giveaway items become null and void once the event is over. SPJA is not responsible for merchandise or giveaway items not redeemed or picked up during the event. No refunds will be issued for purchased items not picked up.
RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITED ITEMS/ACTIONS
Cameras/Photography Restrictions
Non-professional, non-flash still photography is permitted at most events. However, for some events, at the request of the artist/performer, photos, as well as video/audio, of any type may be prohibited. For more information as well as policies pertaining to video recording, please refer to the Recording Policy listed on the Anime Expo website (anime-expo.org/legal). For events held at venues outside of the Los Angeles Convention Center (i.e., Peacock Theater, the Novo, Crypto.com Arena, etc.), please refer to any policies noted on their websites pertaining to Photography & Video Recording.
Strollers
Per fire marshal code, strollers are not allowed in the seated areas of the venue and cannot block any walkways or aisles. Attendees are encouraged to leave strollers in their vehicles during an event. Limited stroller parking may be available for some event locations but are not guaranteed. Please refer to the event venue’s website for their policy regarding strollers.
Prohibited Items/Actions
The following is a general list of prohibited items for all events held at the Los Angeles Convention Center and JW Marriott and is subject to change:
- No food or beverages (bottled water is acceptable)
- No bags that exceed 14” x 14” (i.e., large bags, backpacks, suitcases, etc.)
- No oversized costumes or oversized props (with the exception Masquerade/WCS contestants)
- No weapons (i.e., knives, swords, bokken, pepper spray, mace, etc.)
- No selfie sticks
- No noise making devices, air horns, whistles
- No signs, flags or banners
- No smoking or vaping
- No running in the aisles or rows
Always check the event page for specific policies/information regarding prohibited items or restrictions as well as the website for any outside venues Anime Expo events may be hosted at (i.e., Peacock Theater, the Novo, etc.).
DOOR OPEN & CLOSE POLICY
Door opening times are generally 30 minutes prior to the start of the show for all Maid Café and Butler Café shows. Door opening times for all other shows/concerts is generally 60 minutes prior to the start of the show but can vary according to the event. Therefore, it is recommended that you check the event page, your order confirmation, and/or your print-at-home ticket for specific information regarding when doors will open for your event AND ticket type.
Door closing times are always when the event is scheduled to start. Please check the event page to confirm the following:
- Maid Café and Butler Café: Once doors close, no late arrivals will be admitted. No refunds or exchanges for missed show.
- Concerts/Special Events/Masquerade: Once doors close, late arrivals may continue to be admitted until a designated time or may be held in the entryway until intermission. No refunds or exchanges for arrivals after the designated cutoff time.
RE-ENTRY POLICY
Anime Expo has a strict “No Re-Entry” policy for ALL ticketed events. Attendees who need to store an item in a locker or their vehicle, or need to exit and re-enter due to a personal emergency, must first contact either a Ticketing or Front of House Manager to make necessary arrangements.
THIRD PARTY SALES/TICKET RESELLERS
ShowClix is our official Registration and Ticketing sales platform. Resale or use of a third-party platform, unless officially approved by the SPJA, to resell any credential, ticket or wristband is strictly prohibited.
PLEASE BE WARY OF SCAMMERS AND COUNTERFEIT CREDENTIALS, TICKETS, WRISTBANDS, OR VOUCHERS!
We highly discourage the purchase of credentials, tickets, wristbands, or vouchers from any third-party or ticket reseller. To avoid problems with counterfeit, stolen or voided tickets, wristbands, or vouchers, attendees should make all their purchases through SPJA/Anime Expo authorized websites only.
The resale of tickets (“scalping”) is against the law and will not be permitted. Upon determination by SPJA that a holder of a credential, ticket, or wristband is in violation of this policy, the credentials, tickets, wristbands, and/or vouchers will be canceled without refund. Scalping/reselling onsite, in or around the Los Angeles Convention Center or LA Live area, is prohibited and strictly enforced
Los Angeles Municipal Code. 42.03 states: “No person in or upon any public street, sidewalk, or other public place shall sell or re-sell or offer to sell or resell any ticket of admission to a place of public assemblage. No person in or upon any place which is open to the public shall sell or re-sell or offer to sell or re-sell any ticket of admission to a place of public assemblage.”
Have additional questions?
For general support related to tickets/wristbands sold and/or distributed by Anime Expo®, check out the Anime Expo Help Center (https://animeexpo.freshdesk.com/support/home) or contact (events@anime-expo.org).
Youth Protection Policy
1.Purpose and Goals
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) recognizes the importance of protecting youth participants in SPJA events and activities, including online activities. SPJA has adopted a zero tolerance policy with regard to actions or behaviors that threaten the safety of young people, including violence, bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other inappropriate or potentially harmful actions or behaviors. SPJA views the safety and security of all participants—especially young people—as a top priority.
All participants at SPJA events and activities (including online activities) are encouraged to report any unsafe or inappropriate behaviors, conditions, or circumstances, including any violation of this Youth Protection Policy or violation of any other policy or rule intended to promote a safe environment.
This Youth Protection Policy has been developed with sensitivity to the unique cultural aspects of SPJA’s mission, events, and other activities.
The goals of this policy include:
- Increasing awareness about potential risks and recognizing each individual’s ability to help protect SPJA’s youth participants;
- Inspiring confidence and competence in identifying dangerous situations and behaviors; and
- Creating a safe and fun environment for SPJA’s youth participants.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all SPJA-managed facilities and venues and to SPJA events and activities (including online activities), as well as to all individuals involved with or participating in SPJA events and activities, including employees, volunteers, panelists, performers, Guests of Honor (GOH), members of a GOH’s or performer’s entourage, Artist Alley participants, exhibitors, vendors, press (including reporters, photographers, and videographers), and others.
SPJA encourages everyone to:
- RECOGNIZE that each individual can help protect youth;
- IDENTIFY harmful actions and report them to an SPJA representative immediately;
- CREATE a safe and fun environment for youth.
3. Prohibition of Attendance or Participation in an SPJA Event or Activity
SPJA may refuse to admit or may prohibit the participation of any individual who refuses to comply with SPJA policies, including this Youth Protection Policy. Any person who provides inaccurate or misleading information, or who is disqualified from participation pursuant to Section 5 (Disqualifying Criteria) below, will not be allowed to provide services on behalf of SPJA at that year’s events and activities, and may be permanently disqualified from working with SPJA in the future.
Those desiring to provide goods or services at SPJA events must comply with the following requirements, and not be disqualified under Section 5 (Disqualifying Criteria).
a. Employees & Volunteers
- All individuals applying for an employee or volunteer role at SPJA must:
- complete an online application
- provide appropriate and accurate information, including full legal name
- complete SPJA’s online youth protection training at www.youthprotectionportal.org/SPJA
- agree to SPJA’s Code of Conduct for employees and volunteers
- consent to a criminal history background check conducted by a third party vendor retained by SPJA, and
- provide truthful information as required by the background check provider in order to facilitate the background check.
b. Panelists, Performers, Guests of Honor, Guest of Honor or Performer Entourages, and Artist Alley Participants
- Each panelist, performer, Guest of Honor (GOH), GOH or performer entourage member, and Artist Alley participant who will attend SPJA events is strongly encouraged to complete SPJA’s youth protection training available at www.youthprotectionportal.org/SPJA. The training provides information and tips to help you contribute to a safe and comfortable event or activity environment for all attendees and participants, especially youth.
- Although panelists, performers, Guests of Honor (GOH), GOH or performer entourage members, and Artist Alley participants are not required to complete a background check, they are strongly encouraged to do so, and may do so at SPJA’s expense through its third party vendor. They are also strongly encouraged to discuss internally and with SPJA how to use carefully focused background checks to disqualify people with known histories of misconduct involving youth, as part of an industry-wide conversation about youth protection.
c. Exhibitors, Vendors, and Members of the Press and Industry
- Each exhibitor, vendor, member of the press, or member of industry who will attend SPJA events is strongly encouraged to complete SPJA’s youth protection training available at www.youthprotectionportal.org/SPJA. The training provides information and tips to help you contribute to a safe and comfortable event or activity environment for all attendees and participants, especially youth.
- Although exhibitors, vendors, members of the press, and members of industry are not required to complete a background check, they are strongly encouraged to do so. They are also strongly encouraged to discuss internally and with SPJA how to use carefully focused background checks to disqualify people with known histories of misconduct involving youth, as part of an industry-wide conversation about youth protection.
4. Code of Conduct
To promote a safe environment and protect the many young participants at SPJA events and activities, SPJA has adopted a Code of Conduct which specifies behavioral expectations for SPJA employees and volunteers.
5. Disqualifying Criteria
a. Employees and Volunteers:
Any SPJA employee, volunteer, or applicant for an employee or volunteer position will be deemed ineligible for service or participation at SPJA if the individual:
- fails to complete a required screening process or fails to provide necessary information required to complete the check.
- otherwise provides information that is false or intended to be misleading;
- was previously terminated from a paid or volunteer position due to misconduct involving a youth; or
- was previously found or determined by SPJA to have engaged in misconduct involving youth at or around an SPJA event or activity; or
b. Panelists, Performers, Guests of Honor, Guest of Honor or Performer Entourages, and Artist Alley Participants:
In addition, and although they are not required to complete background checks, any performer, guest of honor, GOH or performer entourage member, panelist, Artist Alley participant, press, exhibitor, or vendor position will be deemed ineligible for service or participation at SPJA events if the individual:
- provides information that is false or intended to be misleading;
- was previously terminated from a paid or volunteer position due to misconduct involving a youth; or
- was previously found or determined by SPJA to have engaged in misconduct involving youth at or around an SPJA event or activity.
In addition, reportable convictions or disclosures of registrations, for any of the following criminal offenses or registrations will prompt a determination that an applicant for an employee or volunteer role does not meet SPJA’s criminal background screening criteria:
a. Any reportable felony conviction (crimes punishable by confinement greater than one year) involving violence, sexual activity, or harm to children, including distributing alcohol or drugs to minors:
- Defined on the basis of exposure for the offense for which the defendant was convicted, pled guilty or pled nolo contendere. If pled down, then the crime to which the defendant ultimately pled.
- Defined as all crimes punishable by greater than one year in jail or prison, regardless of how characterized by jurisdiction. If range, alternate sentencing, or indeterminate sentencing with an outer range greater than one year.
b. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction involving force or threat of force against a person
c. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction of a sexual nature or classified as a sex offense including but not limited to ‘victimless’ crimes of a sexual nature such as prostitution, pornography, indecent exposure, and crimes in which sexual relations is an element
d. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction involving cruelty to animals
e. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction involving harm to a minor, including distributing alcohol or drugs to minors
f. Any Sex Offender Registrant
g. Any prior allegations of behavior at an SPJA event or activity that is inconsistent with our Youth Protection Policy.
Appeals Process: Any person for whom a background check is required who does not meet SPJA’s background check criteria will be given the opportunity to: (1) withdraw the application, or (2) dispute the accuracy of the background screening report through an appeals process with the third party background checking firm retained by SPJA.
Any decision regarding disqualified person will be documented and kept in an internal database of persons deemed ineligible for employee or volunteer roles at SPJA.
6. Responsibilities & Expectations
a. Youth Participants
- Youth participants are present throughout SPJA events. Because of the crowded nature of SPJA events, children aged 13 years and younger must be chaperoned by an adult at all times. All SPJA representatives must be aware of their surroundings. If you notice an unaccompanied child who you believe to be aged 13 years or younger, contact your supervisor, or an SPJA representative who will notify Security or the Appropriate Supervisor. If the situation requires immediate intervention, engage another SPJA representative to assist you in approaching the child and contacting your supervisor.
- SPJA representatives are prohibited from caring for children while providing services on behalf of SPJA. All SPJA representatives should ensure that their own children are under the care of an adult while at SPJA events, and should not agree to watch or take care of another person’s child or children for any amount of time, even momentarily.
b. Lost Child Policy
- Unaccompanied children aged 13 years and younger are of an especially vulnerable age and are deemed critical missing. Children aged 14 years and older are not considered critical missing unless the child has a preexisting medical condition such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, an intellectual disability, or another similar condition.
- When a child deemed critical missing is reported missing, SPJA will use all available resources to find the child. A security officer and/or a designated SPJA staff member will stay with the parents or guardians at all times until the child has been found and reunited with their caretaker.
c. Found Child Policy
- When an unaccompanied child aged 13 years or younger is found, the child should be escorted to the Event Operations office by two SPJA representatives or security officers—one male and one female. If the child is uncooperative or emotionally distraught, refrain from forcing the child to comply, and remain with the child in the current location. Request additional support if needed. If the child’s parents or guardians have not come forward to claim the child after 20 minutes, notify your supervisor and an SPJA director will contact the police.
- When reuniting a child with their parent or guardian, ask for identification before releasing the child back into the custody of the parent or guardian. Document the identification information and a contact number for the parent or guardian.
d. Safety Concerns and SafeSpace Locations
- Any SPJA event attendee who feels unsafe or concerned is encouraged to seek assistance from an SPJA representative, or to proceed to a SafeSpace location. Messaging about SafeSpace locations will be featured during SPJA events, and locations will be clearly marked. As an SPJA representative, one of your important responsibilities is to make sure you know where the SafeSpace locations are located, so that you can properly and compassionately assist any attendee who needs to find a SafeSpace.
e. Social Media
- Social media is an important part of the SPJA’s events and activities. In most cases, social media sites and accounts are used to celebrate and promote culture. Young people may be more susceptible to negative experiences on social media sites, more likely to fall victim to harmful behavior, and more likely to engage in risky behavior. Some youth use social media to ‘try on’ alternative versions of themselves, behaving more boldly online than they would in person. Adding to the risk is the fact that youth may not have spoken with their parents or guardians about social media safety. SPJA is committed to providing a safe experience for young fans of culture, including on social media sites sponsored or supported by SPJA.
- SPJA will not tolerate any conduct, including online activity, that puts young event participants at risk of physical, emotional or sexual abuse or bullying. Under no circumstances may any content of a sexual nature be transmitted to an underage attendee. Any SPJA attendee or representative who violates this strict policy concerning social media is subject to immediate dismissal. In addition, the transmission of any sexual content or requests for sexual contact made to an underage attendee will be promptly reported to law enforcement.
f. Photography & Video
- Photography is generally allowed and encouraged at SPJA events. However, photography is prohibited in certain areas and all SPJA event participants and representatives have the right to privacy. Thus, permission should be obtained before a photograph is taken, and if an individual indicates that they prefer not to have their photograph taken, this should be respected in all cases, including by professional and amateur photographers. Additionally, no youth attendee should be photographed in private, either on-site or off-site, without a parent or guardian.
- If you become aware of a situation where a person has been unwillingly photographed, or an inappropriate photograph has been taken, it is your responsibility to notify your supervisor right away. Persons taking inappropriate photographs or photographs of an unwilling subject are subject to discipline, up to and including immediate dismissal from an SPJA event.
g. Costuming & Cosplay
- Cosplay is generally allowed and encouraged at SPJA events. However, inappropriate cosplay is prohibited. All SPJA event participants have the right to an expectation of a family-friendly environment. Thus, if you notice someone who is dressed or is behaving inappropriately, it is your responsibility to notify your supervisor right away.
7. Prohibited Activities
a. Abuse and Physical Force
- All SPJA representatives are strictly prohibited from engaging in violent behaviors while at SPJA events, including but not limited to abusive or offensive language, hitting or shoving. If you become aware of violent behaviors involving youth, notify your supervisor right away.
- This policy does not apply to official demonstrations of martial arts or other performances.
b. Sexual Contact or Communication
- All SPJA representatives are strictly prohibited from engaging in sexual activity or contact or discussing sexual activity with any under-age participants. If you become aware of prohibited sexual contact or sexual communication involving youth, contact your supervisor right away.
- Some SPJA events and activities feature adult programs that include discussions or displays of content that is sexual in nature. This content is restricted to adults 18 years of age and older. Any SPJA representatives who witness youth participants entering, participating in or attempting to gain access to adult-only programs should contact their supervisor right away.
c. Bullying and Harassment
- In addition to the avoidance of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and inappropriate contact, SPJA representatives and participants are strictly prohibited from engaging in bullying or harassment of other participants or SPJA representatives. If you become aware of a bullying or harassment situation, notify your supervisor right away.
d. Inappropriate Photography
- Photographs may not be taken in restrooms, dressing rooms, or from an angle intended to expose or reveal a participant’s undergarments or any part of the body intentionally covered by a costume.
8. Reporting
a. Child Abuse Definition
- SPJA defines child abuse as any action or inaction that injures or creates the possibility of injury to a child or youth. Injury may be physical, psychological or emotional in nature.
b. Suspected or Actual Child Abuse or Injury
- Under California law, SPJA representatives are not mandated reporters of suspected or actual child abuse. However, if you suspect that a child or youth is being injured or abused by anyone—including a parent, guardian, caretaker, unrelated adult, or another child—SPJA requires that you notify your supervisor right away. Your supervisor will be able to help you assess the situation and determine the appropriate steps to take to resolve your concerns.
c. Escalation Process
- If you witness an incident, or you are approached by an SPJA attendee who has been a victim or who has witnessed an incident of abuse or misconduct, notify your supervisor right away. Your supervisor will be able to help you assess the situation and determine the appropriate escalation process.
d. Anonymous Report
- The SPJA Youth Protection Portal, www.youthprotectionportal.org/SPJA, contains a reporting form through which anyone can report an unsafe or concerning situation or incident. Although employees and volunteers are required to report incidents to their supervisors directly without delay, please make sure you are also familiar with the online reporting form.