POLICIES
Possible sanctions for not following the set forth policies include, but are not limited to: verbal warning, removal from event, removal from the convention center, revocation of convention badge, and if necessary police intervention. Please do not make us go any further than a quick verbal warning.
Badges must be in plain sight at all times.
ANYTHING illegal outside the venue is illegal inside the venue. All Federal, State, and Local laws apply and supersede any policies we have in place.
Setsucon is not liable for any injuries, should they occur.
Registrations are nonrefundable and nontransferable. If you have any questions, please contact our Registration Director prior to the convention or see the Registration Desk at the convention.
Setsucon is committed to creating a safe environment for everyone to enjoy and we have made this decision with much consideration. While COVID-19 unfortunately still exists, it is no longer considered a pandemic. There are currently no mandates for masks or vaccines at the state level, and it is unlikely that there will be in the near future. Given this information, Setsucon will have masks, vaccines, and negative tests be optional in 2024. This decision is final, unless regulations are imposed that we would be subject to adhere to.
Setsucon has a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment of any kind. Harassment is defined by the victim.
Harassment can include but is not limited to:
Remember, cosplay is not consent. Please be kind, polite, and courteous to other people. If someone asks you to leave a conversation or stop doing something that makes them or someone else uncomfortable, please abide by their request.
If you or anyone you know experiences or witnesses any verbal or physical action that may be considered harassment or bullying, please notify a staff member immediately. Setsucon will take any action necessary to prevent or stop the harassment or bullying from occurring including but not limited to, in no particular order:
Setsucon is a family friendly convention (PG-13). We ask that our attendees act accordingly. The following actions are considered disruptive behaviors:
Setsucon reserves the right to ask an attendee to change clothes if they are inappropriately dressed.
Animals are prohibited unless they are necessary for medical reasons.
Use common sense. If you are invading someone’s space or violating their rights, there is a good chance you shouldn’t be doing it. The above list is not all inclusive; if a Setsucon or the venue staffer asks a reasonable request of you, please follow their request.
Please be aware that there is a really good chance that you will be waiting in a line of epic proportions at some point in time. Please be respectful of the people around you. Anyone cutting in line will be sent to the back of the line. Also, please do not block doorways when waiting in line. Any line for an event may not be formed until 15 minutes prior to the event. The line will begin at the discretion of Setsucon staff and “lines for the line” will not be permitted. Setsucon staff reserves the right to disband any lines formed before this time period.
A friendly reminder: Setsucon and the venue are not responsible for lost or stolen items. If you do lose an item or suspect it has been stolen, please report to the Convention Operations room. If your item is in the Convention Operations room, be prepared to describe it in detail in order to get it back.
Feel free to take as many pictures as you would like in the convention area! However, lease do not block the hallways or doors, or hold up traffic to take pictures. Try to step off to the side and out of the way of traffic. Cameras will not be allowed in any event where they will cause a distraction. This includes, but is not limited to panels and viewings. Proper procedure for taking a picture of a cosplayer/attendee is to ask for permission first and then find a suitable spot to take the picture. If the person declines the request, please respect their decision.
Photography is NOT permitted in the Artist Alley.
To ensure that Setsucon remains a safe and family friendly convention there are a number of guidelines for you to follow when preparing a cosplay for the convention:
Setsucon reserves the right to deem any cosplay unsuitable for the convention space, in which case you will be asked to change into more appropriate attire. Your badge will be held at registration and will be returned upon approval of alterations.
If you have any doubts about your cosplay being acceptable, contact our Cosplay Coordinator prior to arriving to the convention.
Weapons are NOT permitted inside the venue. To reiterate: if it is illegal outside the venue, it’s still illegal inside.
the venue does not allow weapons and Setsucon does not allow weapons. It’s as simple as that. Any person found with a weapon will be asked to remove it from the convention area and may be escorted out. Failure to do so will result in confiscation of the weapon and your badge.
All props must be checked in at Weapons Check and approved. Any prop that resembles a gun must have a painted orange tip and must have no moving or internal parts. Misuse of props that endangers other attendees will not be tolerated. Full face masks must be easily removable and we ask that it be removed after leaving the convention area.
Props are acceptable as long as they:
Setsucon reserves the right to deem any prop unsuitable for the convention space.
If you are not entirely sure if your prop is acceptable, contact our Cosplay Coordinator prior to arriving to the convention.
Dance your heart out! To help ensure everyone has a good time, please be aware of the following rules:
Signs that are an integral part of a cosplay are acceptable. Any other sign is not allowed. This includes signs written on any medium such as: paper, cardboard, handwritten onto T-shirts, etc. Signs that could be considered solicitation are not allowed. For example, a sign reading “FREE HUGS” is not allowed. Signs with anything inappropriate on them will be confiscated.
Setsucon cannot guarantee that you will be able to get an autograph from the guests. There is a time limit on autograph sessions that we will be strictly adhering to. We want to ensure that as many people as possible are able to interact with the guests, so please keep the lines moving. We recommend writing down anything that you wish to say to the guests in case you forget.
Guests will be happy to autograph your Setsucon Programming Booklet, as well as any officially licensed merchandise. Guests reserve the right to refuse to sign anything that may be counterfeit. Signing of personal items is at the discretion of the guest. There is a limit of 2 autographs per person and there will be no flash photography at the autograph sessions unless otherwise noted.
Guests may accept small gifts that they can store in their luggage. We ask that all gifts are not wrapped because we will need to check them before giving them to the guest. Guests will not accept any food. Please do not visit the guest’s private quarters.
Setsucon reserves the right to make changes to the Guest and Autograph Policies as the circumstances or guests dictate.
Setsucon welcomes attendees of all ages. A parent or guardian must accompany a child under the age of 18 at all times. Setsucon is not a child sitting service. We recommend that all children carry some form of identification along with contact information of their parent or guardian. In the case that a child becomes lost, this makes it less stressful for everyone. the venue does not have a PA system. Please also see the section below on Parental Consent.
All attendees younger than 18 years of age as of February 2, 2024 must have a parent, legal guardian, or a designated chaperone registered for the convention (with a badge). This means that either a parent, legal guardian, or a chaperone has a badge.
All attendees younger than 18 years of age as of February 2, 2024 must have a signed by parent or legal guardian and completed Parental Consent to Attend Setsucon form when they arrive at Setsucon. If the minor attendee will have a chaperone, the chaperone must sign in the appropriate spot below (not instead of) the parent signature.
Minors without appropriately completed parental consent forms when they arrive at the convention can not be admitted to Setsucon.
Download: Parental Consent Form
Setsucon has a few 18+ events late at night. Attendees who wish to attend one of these must have their ID ready to be presented at the door to the event. Rooms will be cleared out prior to the event. There is absolutely no admittance into an 18+ event without a proper ID.
Attendees of Setsucon are granting permission to be photographed or recorded by authorized Setsucon staffers. By purchasing your registration, you inherently grant Setsucon the permission to use such photos or recordings for promotional or chronicling purposes.
Setsucon’s Privacy Policy is available here.
The policies are subject to periodic review by Setsucon’s Executive Board and may change without prior notice. A copy of the current policies in effect for the convention will be posted at the registration and information desks.
Founded in 2007 by the Penn State Anime Organization, Setsucon brings anime, manga, and Japanese culture to the winter months in Central Pennsylvania.
Get on your dance outfits, find your glowsticks, and be ready to party all night long at our Setsu Odori Late Night Dance! Featuring our slate of DJs, this three hour dance caps off a full Saturday of excitement. So go hit the dance floor, vibe to the groove, and finish out the night with us!
Experience this one-of-a-kind idol showcase event where we celebrate idols taking back power! This wild, unhinged, and memey event gives idols the chance to perform to whatever genre of music they want… and they won’t be the songs you are used to seeing idols perform to!
Looking to perform in the Idol’s Revenge Showcase? Click the button below to learn more about applications.
Step into the world of The Divas! This incredible group of drag performers – Ashlynn Manhattan, Amethyst, & Hexxa, led by their host Enigman – hit the Setsucon stage on Friday Night! With dazzling lip-syncs & jaw dropping performances, you will not want to miss the kickoff event of the con! [18+ Only Event]
The Setsucon Main Events stage has been graced by many performers throughout its history! Listen to awesome music from the featured performance group each year during our Saturday Night Concert – stay tuned to find out who will be performing this coming year.
No matter the style of game that you are looking for, hop on to one of the many consoles, both modern and retro, that our room has and give a try in our console gaming section of the Video Gaming Room, presented by Origin of Play. The catalog of games is endless – consisting of all the fan favorites, including numerous fighting games, rhythm style games, and party games.
And think you have what it takes to be the ultimate champion of the winter battle season? Enter our free-to-play tournaments all weekend long!
Stop by the Tabletop Gaming Room throughout the convention weekend to experience a multitude of games to enjoy! You’ll find a wide selection of board games and miniature activities, presented by Snake Eyes Gaming, for both the casual and expert player, and opportunities to dive into a tabletop role playing game, presented by The Quelmar Realm. Whether you’ve mastered every board game out there, or just want to learn a new one, we have something for you. Have your own tabletop games that you want to play? We have space for that too – just find an open table, set down to play your own game!
Are you ready to throwdown and duel? Get your decks out and be ready to play in our Card Gaming events, presented by Jake’s Cards & Games! From Magic the Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh to Pokemon trade and play events, we have a variety of card gaming tournaments and activities to keep you busy throughout the weekend. Or just pop into the Tabletop Gaming room and set up a game yourself!
Take yourself away on a trip to a Japanese arcade and play some of the best arcade cabinets around – provided by Snow Phoenix! Check out the different arcade cabinets, with popular types of cabs such as dance and rhythm games. Or give yourself a test with some of the Japanese crane machines – provided by Kawaii Catchers. Test your skill and precision to try and win fun prizes from these machines!
Share in your favorite hobby, learn a new craft, or watch as creativity comes to life with our workshop programming track.
If you are looking to present a workshop, click the link to learn more about workshop applications.
If you are looking to learn something new, laugh about your favorite characters, share in some anime history and fandom, or take home a new experience that you haven’t gotten elsewhere – then dive into some amazing panels – presented by you, our attendees! Stay tuned for the full schedule as we get close to con.
If you are looking to present a panel, click the link to learn more about panel applications.
Kick of the convention with a throwback to our Twitch days with a Friday Night Party Night! Get out your comfy PJs and join us for some Jackbox Games – come prepared with creativity and be ready to laugh the night away!
Join us as we showcase the many AMVs from around the world that are submitted into our contest each year! With a contest that grows each year – now containing over 60 AMVs across five different categories, there is something for everyone – from laugh out loud comedies to tearjerking videos, our AMV entries cover the full spectrum of emotions sliced together for a major joyride.
Learn more about the history of our AMV Contest – and if you are an AMV Creator, click the button below to enter your creation into our contest!
Check out wig styling skills in action! Participants have just 60 minutes to cut and style a pre-selected wig, and model it in front of our judges! Stylists can maximize their score by ensuring cleanliness, complexity, wearability, & creativity – all on their way to winning the grand prize! Sign-ups are held a few months before convention.
Our premier cosplay event on the Main Stage – the Cosplay Masquerade Showcase! Come be entertained with some of the top skits and talents for a showcase of cosplay prowess, fashion, singing, dancing, variety, fun, and much more!
This event puts your ultimate cosplay skills to the test to be as creative as possible given a box of who knows what to work with! Watch as contestants face off against one another in a clash of cosplay creativity, cooperation, and skill to make a unique cosplay.
Show off your cosplay creation to our panel of judges! All entrants will have a chance to present their handmade cosplays to our judges and compete for a chance to win prizes! All experience levels are welcome – showcase your handcrafted cosplays and your hard work in our premier craftsmanship event.
Stop by the Cosplay Photo Suite in the Exhibitors Hall during the weekend for free professional cosplay photos, presented by our friends at The Variant. With unique backdrops and pro photographers at the ready, this is a great opportunity to have your cosplay captured in memorable photos that will be available after the convention on their website.
Are you ready to see what characters can find the match of their dreams? The Cosplay Dating Game allows your favorite characters to find their happily ever after… or at least someone for the night. Join us for this hilarious event and be ready to laugh as our characters give love a try! [18+]
Take a break, watch a new show, and dive into some anime in our Viewings room! Whether it is a new show, old favorite, or hidden gem – take a seat and watch a show!
If you have merch, toys, games, collectables, or items that are looking for a new home, stop by the Swap Meet on Friday Night to see what items you can grab in exchange! Walk away from the event with your new favorite treasure!
The Setsucon Silent Auction is dedicated in memory of the late voice actor, Setsucon guest, and Pennsylvania native Billy Kametz. Visit the Silent Auction booth in the Exhibitors Hall to place bids during the con. All proceeds are donated directly to the Colon Cancer Coalition, which raises the awareness about the importance of colorectal screenings and colonoscopies to decrease deaths from colon cancer.
Do you love reading? Take a break and enjoy our extensive Manga Library, featuring the Penn State Anime Organization collection! We have over 500 volumes to choose from – with both popular titles & hidden gems to explore! Unleash your inner bookworm & dig into a good read!
The PSAO Laura Rayman Memorial Manga Library, which was renamed in 2016 in memory of long-time Setsucon attendee, manga lover, and Central PA native Laura Rayman, is a fast growing collection of titles both new and old. Their collection is mostly donation based, having grown over the years as members have helped stock the shelves. A true symbol of the organization, the manga library is one of the first sights a new member sees as they walk into the organization’s office.
Experience fun and creative crafts and activities throughout the weekend in the Makerspace, presented by the MAGFest Makerspace Team! Come join in for crafts and fun. There are machines and supplies that you can pick up and play with or ask the team staffed by teachers and volunteers for a tutorial. Come in and make your own projects that you can take home with you!
With a blend of cosplay, games, music, performances, and hospitality, the Setsucon Maid Cafe, presented by Pixel Pop, is an event that is sure to be something special – and is a highlight for many each year! Sign-up at con at the Maid Cafe to book your time; each first-come, first-serve spot includes a 1-hour seating time, dessert, refreshments, games, performances, and more.
Check out a showcase of itasha and anime-inspired cars in the Itasha Car Show, presented by Isekai’d Dreams. See cars decked out in anime gear, replicas of famous anime vehicles, or just awesome modded up rides.
Take home some new art for your wall, a new figures, a manga, and more in our Exhibitors Hall – the main shopping hub of the convention! With over 80 vendors and artists, there is something for everyone to find amongst our many exhibitors. Come ready to shop!
