POLICIES

Every Good Adventure Has Some Rules to Follow

While Setsucon May be a Winter Convention, Our Staff Do Our Best to Make the Venue as Warm and Inviting as Possible. The Following Policies are in Place to Help Ensure that All Congoers Have Fun.
Policies Last Updated on January 28, 2023
Please Read and Understand These Policies. If Any are Unclear, Contact Us & We'll Clarify Them For You

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.

Refund Policy

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.

Refund Policy

In regular years, registrations are nonrefundable and nontransferable. With the uncertainty around COVID-19, this year only, registrations may be refunded up until 30 days prior to the event or credited toward a future Setsucon. If you have any questions, please contact our Registration Director prior to the convention or see the Registration Desk at the convention.

COVID-19 Policy for Setsucon 2023

We look forward to hosting you at Setsucon 2023! In order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all anime and gaming community members, we will be having the following health and safety policy related to COVID-19. Agreement to this policy, and all convention policies, is included in your acceptance of a convention badge. This policy, like all others, is subject to change.

 

For Setsucon 2023, we will be requiring all attendees, staff, guests, exhibitors, and persons in attendance over the age of 5 years old to either show proof of full vaccination or show proof of a negative test dated no earlier than three days prior to the con (January 10th, 2023). Masks/face coverings are strongly recommended.

 

COVID-19 vaccination is considered either two full doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novamax vaccine, or one full dose of the Johnson & Johnson-Janssen vaccine, with the final date of your dose being no later than fourteen days prior to the con (December 30th, 2022). Booster shots are not required. Proof of vaccination can be in the form of the original physical vaccination card, digital vaccination record issued by a government body/healthcare provider/vaccine administrator, or a third-party app that validates your vaccination record with a government body. If you have any questions if your vaccination status meets our policy, please do not hesitate to reach out.

 

Proof of a negative test can be provided by PCR/Antigen/Rapid tests administered by an appropriate, licensed medical professional, or an at-home test that has been observed and confirmed by a medical professional with a timestamped official result of your test (like the Abbott BinaxNow Test). Tests are available at local pharmacies and drug stores, like Rite Aid, CVS, Target, and Walmart. Due to the limited availability of testing, we want to ensure options are available and accessible to all. If you have any questions if your test results meet our policy, please do not hesitate to reach out.

 

We also ask that all be mindful to come to the convention healthy. If you feel sick at any time before or during the convention, we recommend staying home or returning home and self-isolating. Potential symptoms of COVID-19 include, but are not limited to fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

 

Setsucon reserves the right to update this policy as we continue to monitor cases leading up to the convention.

 

If you are unable to attend due to our updated COVID-19 policy, we are offering full refunds or rollovers to next year until December 30th, 2022. Refunds can be submitted via our Contact Form by contacting the Registration Team.

Harassment Policy

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:

  • Any action that can intimidate, insult, offend, or ridicule another person for any reason including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran’s status, appearance or body size, and/or relationship status.
  • Any behavior that threatens, humiliates, manipulates, degrades, or undermines another person.
  • Unwelcome physical or verbal attention.
  • Non-consensual sexual advances, flirtation, photography, or recording.
  • Requests for sexual favors.
  • Any action often referred to as “bullying”.
  • Any action that may be physically, emotionally, or mentally harmful to another person.

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:

  • A single verbal warning.
  • Revocation of badge without refund.
  • Immediate removal from the convention premises.
  • Placement of offender on blacklist for all future Setsucon events.
  • Notification of law enforcement authorities where appropriate.

Disruptive Behavior

Setsucon is a family friendly convention (PG-13). We ask that our attendees act accordingly. The following actions are considered disruptive behaviors:

  • Blocking hallways, doors, and exits
  • Running down the hallways
  • Excessive noise and yelling
  • Excessive PDA (Public Display of Affection)
  • Glomping, hugging, touching, or harassment of anyone without their consent
  • Selling of anything, with the exception of artists and vendors in their respective areas
  • Fighting, both real and mock

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.

Line Etiquette

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.

Theft Policy

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.

  • If an attendee is caught stealing, they will immediately be turned over to the proper authorities.
  • If you find an item that doesn’t belong to you, please turn it in to Convention Operations.

Camera Policy

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.

Cosplay Policy

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:

  • This is a family friendly convention, so it is important to wear appropriate attire. If it would not be acceptable at a pool it will not be acceptable at the convention. If there is a cosplay you have in mind that would cover you insufficiently consider the use of leggings or a leotard. When in doubt, reach out to our Cosplay Coordinator.
  • Shoes must be worn at all times.
  • Full face masks are acceptable but must be easily removable, and we ask that it be removed after leaving the convention area.
  • Keep in mind the size of your cosplay and props when planning for the convention. Consider ways in which your cosplay could inhibit your movement or the movement of those around you. As an example, a pair of wings that protrude from your back may easily hit people nearby when you turn. If you cannot avoid this, it is a good idea to have a friend with you to help you navigate safely.

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 Policy

Weapons are NOT permitted inside the venue. To reiterate: if it is illegal outside the venue, it’s still illegal inside.

  • NO LIVE STEEL. Metal or metal containing weapons of any sort are not allowed on the premises.
  • NO GUNS. Period. Of any kind. This even includes airsoft guns with orange tips.
  • No explosives or chemicals.

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.

Prop Policy

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:

  • Are made of wood, plastic, foam, or similar material
  • Are less than 7ft in any direction and less than 50lbs
  • Have been checked in and have received the approval marking
  • Have no sharp edges
  • Do not have chains longer than 18in
  • Do not contain metal

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.

Setsu Odori (Dance) Policy

Dance your heart out! To help ensure everyone has a good time, please be aware of the following rules:

  • Be mindful of people around you while dancing.
  • A badge must be displayed at all times.
  • Props are not allowed into the Odori.
  • No swinging or throwing objects (glow sticks, glowing swords, etc.).
  • No excessive public displays of affection.
  • No fighting.
  • No bottles or containers of any kind are allowed into the Odori.
  • No food of any kind is allowed into the Odori.
  • If you are under the influence, you will be asked to leave.
  • No bags are permitted within the Odori.
  • Setsucon staff will not hold, watch, or in any way assume responsibility for any items left near the Odori.

Sign Policy

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.

Guest and Autograph Policies

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.

Minors at Setsucon

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.

Parental Consent

All attendees younger than 18 years of age as of January 13, 2023 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 January 13, 2023 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

18+ Policies

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.

Photographs and Promotions

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.

Privacy Policy

Setsucon’s Privacy Policy is available here.

Policy Updates

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.