Event Rules and Policies

The following rules must be followed by all Anime Washington attendees and staff in order to provide a safe, secure, and pleasant environment for everyone.

These activities and behaviors are not allowed during the Anime Washington:

• Loitering
• Engaging in destructive and unsafe behavior that disturbs the public or staff
• Physical or verbal harassment of public or staff
• Any act which could result in substantial risk or harm to people or property
• Drunkenness
• Use of recreational drugs
• Sexual misconduct, such as indecent exposure, offensive touching, or sexual harassment
• Engaging in any activity prohibited by law
• Possession of any item defined as a weapon, illegal or not

Individuals whose actions violate these rules will be asked to stop such actions. The Anime Washington and its security agents reserve the right to require anyone violating these rules of conduct to leave the event without refund. Any violation of the rules of conduct, which involve activities prohibited by law, will result in the notification of proper authorities.

Please CLICK HERE to read the complete Rules and Code of Conduct that Govern Attendees and Cosplayers alike.

For show attendees, please remember the following:

• Please wear appropriate clothing while attending this family-friendly event.
• Cosplay is not consent for inappropriate, suggestive, or abusive behavior.
• Always ask a cosplayer before taking photos.
• Always keep your hands to yourself.

Anime Washington does not tolerate verbal or physical harassment in any form by anyone.

Harassment includes verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion. Harassment also includes sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation; stalking; following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the Anime Washington staff may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the convention without refund. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the Security staff immediately.

The Anime Washington staff will be happy to help participants contact event security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the convention.

Well-behaved Minors age 13 to 17 may attend without a parent or guardian.  Any Conduct or Behavior that is a violation of these Convention Rules will be grounds for removal.  Any behavior by unattended minors that disrupts the enjoyment of other event attendees will not be tolerated.  Repeated warnings will be grounds for removal from the event immediately.

All children age 12 and under must be accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian.

The Anime Washington is open to people of all ages. Specific Anime Washington programming, which we deem to be for adult audiences only, is not accessible to those under 18 and requires ID check. This will be strictly enforced and appropriate signs will be posted.

While in the Event Space, please refrain from displaying or wearing signs that offer or solicit services (ex: “free hugs”) or promote political, religious, or divisive statements. This includes the parking lot and open areas of the event. Signs that are an established part of the costume are allowed. Event staff has the discretion and authority to ask you to remove or destroy any signs that do not meet the Summer Con Guidelines.

Under no circumstance is handing out flyers or distribution of marketing materials to attendees or vendors allowed at Anime Washington without written and express consent.

The Anime Washington, its personnel, and its affiliates are not responsible for any damage, theft, injury, or loss. Attendees of the convention are responsible for their own actions, as well as for any resulting repercussions. Staff is on hand for assistance in most situations. However, any civil or medical emergencies that may occur must be handled directly by the appropriate authorities.

Any photographs or videos of attendees taken by the Anime Washington staff in an official capacity may be used or published by Anime Washington without further consent of the attendees being recorded. The Greater Tacoma Convention Center and Anime Washington are public spaces and the expectation of privacy should not be expected. Furthermore, it should be expected in an environment like this that there will be many photos and video taken by the public at any time.

Attendees taking photographs and videos is allowed in most public areas of the event. However, specific events, panels, or areas may restrict photography or video-recording. Please respect the wishes of anybody who asks not to be photographed or video-recorded.

Photography and Video recording in any celebrity line or in front of the celebrity area is not allowed expect paid selfies with the guest. Ambush selfies and/or interviews are cause for removal from the convention.

The Greater Tacoma Convention Center parking lot is to be considered Event Space and all rules and regulations are applicable to that areas as well. Selling is prohibited in all Parking Areas.

If you feel that you have been given an unfair warning on attire, conduct, or policy infringement, or for any other reason you may submit an appeal at the Official Anime Washington Information Booth. Any decision then reached by at least two Event Executive Staff and the staff member who made the original decision will then be final. Decisions can take up to two weeks to be made based on the information required.

Some special events, such as the VIP Dinner, Closed Panels, Live Events, etc. may require additional payment for admittance. The policies listed are subject to change at any time deemed necessary. The most current version will be available on the event website the days of the event.

Policies last updated on January 5, 2024.