Cosplay & Weapon Policies
For any questions or concerns, please email the convention after reviewing the information below. We encourage attendees to familiarize themselves with our policies in advance. This way, we can avoid confiscating items or requesting last-minute costume changes. Thank you!
For additional questions, please reach out to us at AniAmesCon@gmail.com
Cosplay Policy
Cosplay is an essential part of Anime Ames! We encourage all attendees to select cosplays or costumes that are suitable for a family-friendly environment.
Failure to comply with these policies may result in being asked to change or leave the convention space without a refund.
All attendees must follow Iowa's decency laws. Public indecency is outlined under Iowa law and can be referenced here: IA Code § 709.
All badges must be clearly visible at all times. Please do not conceal them or cover them with your costume.
No clothing or cosplay that displays profanity, sexually explicit imagery, inappropriate remarks, illustrations, or hate speech in any language is permitted. All graphics must conform to PG-13 standards.
Shoes must be worn at all times. Even for attendees cosplaying as barefoot characters, going without shoes is strictly prohibited.
Cosplays featuring hazardous protrusions, such as pointed or sharp edges, are prohibited.
Any attendee wearing a bulky costume or cosplay that limits visibility are encouraged to have a handler available to assist them at a moment’s notice. If you do not have a handler, you may be required to remove your costume while moving around the venue.
Blood and Gore are not strictly prohibited, but be mindful that this is a family friendly con. All graphics and imagery should be PG-13 in nature.
Please be mindful of your surroundings while in cosplay. If you are wearing a large costume or carrying an oversized prop, exercise caution in narrow hallways and doorways. If any occurs, you will be held responsible for any damages incurred to the venue.
Costumes that depict realistic representations of U.S. law enforcement or any official U.S. government agency are strictly prohibited.
Items that are related to hate speech or groups will be denied entry without the option to take it off or cover it. Examples include Nazi Armbands/symbols, KKK, or other hate group items.
If a staff member determines that a costume or attire is inappropriate, it will be at their discretion to ask attendees to cover up, change, or leave the event.
Weapons Policy
If it’s illegal in the City of Ames, Iowa, it’s illegal here. All weapons and props must be taken to the weapons/props check station for inspection and peace-marked by the on-duty staff person. Any item(s), as well as some costumes, may warrant inspection as well. The staff will assess any problems on site on a case-by-case basis. Staff will also be happy to answer any questions regarding these items.
Real firearms are not allowed in the convention or on convention grounds. Period.
Firing of projectile weapons is strictly forbidden. Projectile weapons capable of shooting ammo must be empty of ammo and will have the trigger disabled with a non-removable safety zip tie. This includes but is not limited to Nerf guns, airsoft guns, water guns, etc.
Ammo will not be allowed. Exceptions may be made for fake ammo permanently attached to clothing at staff discretion.
No costume or prop may generate odor, glitter, confetti, smoke, or fog. Flashing lights and props w/sounds may be asked to be disabled or turned down at staff discretion.
Realistic-looking firearms must have an orange tip to be admitted. Triggers will be disabled with a non-removable safety zip tie and peace-marked.
Live steel is not allowed in the convention except for items purchased on convention grounds. Keep all items in their packaging and remove them from the premises as soon as possible to a personal vehicle or other location. Live Steel: Any object with a metal edge, or an edge capable of cutting or inflicting significant damage. This may include garments, props, or merchandise with a significantly sharp enough edge.
Inert/demilitarized props and real tools are not allowed. This includes shotgun shells, demilitarized grenades, sledgehammers, and other similar items. If it’s made of real material that can be swung around or mistaken for real items, it’s not allowed.
Running, rough-housing, or any horseplay with props is strictly forbidden. All firearms, props, and weapons should be holstered/sheathed and may not be brandished against another person or object at any time during the convention. Exceptions may be made for posing for photos/videos/cosplay contests, but do not do so in high-traffic areas where they could harm others. Items must be clearly peace-marked.
Large props must be peace-marked and should not pose a hazard to other attendees. Props may not be permitted to the con if staff deems it too obstructive.
The Anime Ames Staff reserves the right to deny any prop if deemed dangerous or harmful, and decisions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions to the above rules may be made for the cosplay contest or other events and decided on a case-by-case basis. Props that do not meet these requirements must be taken back to attendees’ cars or off convention venue property. Failure to follow instructions and guidelines by staff may lead to a warning or removal from the event with no refund.