Policies

Official Convention Policies & Code of Conduct

• Overall Conduct: Please use common sense. Arise Con staff has the final authority on what is and is not acceptable in convention spaces. You are a guest of the venue and the host city; be courteous to non-convention guests and follow all instructions from venue security and local police.

• Liability: Arise Con, its staff, and affiliates are not responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or injury occurring during the convention. Attendees are wholly responsible for their individual actions and any resulting repercussions.

To ensure the safety of our community, Arise Con maintains a strict access policy. The following individuals are prohibited from attending Arise Con or being present in convention-contracted spaces:

• Registered Sex Offenders: Any individual who is a registered sex offender in any jurisdiction.

• Active Warrants: Any individual with an active or outstanding warrant for their arrest.

• Active Injunctions: Any individual with an active injunction (restraining order) against them where the petitioner is an Arise Con staff member, exhibitor, guest, or confirmed registered attendee. 

If an individual matching these criteria is identified, their badge will be revoked immediately without refund, and they will be escorted from the premises.

Zero Tolerance: Harassment is defined as any behavior that intentionally annoys, alarms, or threatens another person. This includes:

• Unwanted physical contact or “glomping.”

• Following someone in public areas without a legitimate reason.

• Persistent photography or recording after being asked to stop.

• Infringing on personal liberties or “personal bubbles.”

The “No” Rule: If you approach someone and they tell you “no” or ask to be left alone, your business with them is done. If you continue to pursue them, it will be grounds for immediate ejection. If you feel harassed, please report it immediately to Arise Con Security or Staff.

The Proximity Rule: Any part of your costume that extends more than four inches (4″) off your body (wings, spikes, large armor) is officially considered a “prop” and must adhere to both costume and prop policies. 

Public Decency: In accordance with state law, genitals, buttocks, and breasts must be covered at all times. Coverage must be equivalent to at least a non-thong swimsuit. “Flashing” is grounds for immediate expulsion. Staff reserves the right to deem any costume “indecent” (e.g., sheer spandex without proper undergarments) and request you augment your coverage.

• Weapon Definition: Any prop viewed as related to combat (swords, guns, spears, etc.) or any item. misused/brandished in a threatening fashion (pipes, tools, baseball bats) is considered a weapon.

• Prop Check: ALL weapons and large props must be inspected and “peace-bonded” at the Prop Check station.

• Bladed Weapons: NO EDGED STEEL. Swords/knives must be prop-nature (plastic, wood, foam). No sharp edges or points.• Firearms: NO REAL GUNS are permitted, regardless of whether they are unloaded or disabled.

• Toy Firearms: Airsoft, Nerf, and toy guns must have a functional orange tip and be easily identifiable from a distance. Triggers will be zip-tied at Prop Check.

• Projectile Zero Tolerance: Discharging any projectile (water, foam, plastic) will result in immediate removal from the convention.

• No Tape/Stickers: Do not post flyers on the walls, doors, or windows of the venue. They will be removed and discarded and could result in removal from the convention without a refund.

• Strict Authorization Required: The distribution of flyers, stickers, business cards, or any other promotional materials for businesses, social media channels, or other events is strictly prohibited within the convention center and all Arise Con contracted spaces unless the individual or group has received explicit, prior written authorization from Arise Con Management.

• Unauthorized Solicitation: Any attendee found distributing unauthorized advertising materials will have their badge revoked immediately without refund.

• Prohibited Methods: This includes leaving stacks of flyers on tables, pinning notices to walls/doors, or “roaming” solicitation. Violators will be escorted from the convention site and may be subject to a permanent ban from all future Arise Con events.

The “Sticker Swap” Exception: Arise Con loves our creative community. Gifting small items or trading stickers is permitted without prior written approval ONLY if they meet the following criteria:

• Fan Art Only: The items must consist solely of fan-made artwork or designs.

• No Branding: Items must NOT contain business names, QR codes, social media handles, logos, or URLs.

• Non-Commercial: These items must be offered as free gifts or trades; they cannot be sold or used as a lead-in to a sales pitch.

• Respectful Gifting: Stickers should never be placed on venue property (walls, floors, elevators). They are for badges and personal belongings only.

Any item containing promotional links or business branding will be classified as “Advertising” under Section 6 and will be subject to immediate badge revocation.

• Wheeled Items: Hoverboards, skateboards, rollerblades, and “Heelys” are prohibited for use inside the venue. They may be carried as props but not ridden.• Drones: Remote-controlled flying devices/drones are strictly prohibited.

• Alcohol/Drugs: Arise Con function space is a “Dry Zone.” No alcohol is permitted on the show floor. Public intoxication is grounds for removal.

• Drugs: The possession or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances is strictly prohibited at Arise Con.

• Alcohol Policy: While we recognize Arise Con is held in a venue with public bars and lounges, all convention-contracted spaces (including the Exhibit Hall, Panel Rooms, Workshops, and Gaming Area) are “Dry Zones.” Alcohol is strictly prohibited within these areas. Consumption is only permitted in the venue’s designated bars and lounges. Public intoxication or disruptive behavior resulting from alcohol consumption will lead to immediate badge revocation.

• Service Animals Only: For the safety of our attendees and the welfare of the animals, pets are not allowed in convention-contracted spaces. Only Service Animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted. Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog or miniature horse that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.

• Exclusions: Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals under the ADA and are not permitted in convention spaces.

• Conduct: Service animals must be under the control of their handler at all times (tethered, leashed, or harnessed) unless these devices interfere with the animal’s work.

• Removal: Arise Con reserves the right to ask that a service animal be removed if it is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or if the animal is not housebroken.

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