January 3rd – 5th, 2025 @ SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, CA

Convention Policies

Anyone who attends SacAnime is expected to follow these rules, and it is very important that you read and understand these policies before attending our convention.  These policies will also be posted at the convention itself.

Covid-19 Policy

These policies may change depending on State mandates at the time of the convention.

Proof of vaccination or negative test will NOT be required to attend SacAnime Summer 2024. Masks are strongly recommended, but not required indoors.

Effective April 1, 2022: the California Department of Public Health’s requirements for vaccine verification or proof of negative test for Indoor Mega Events will be lifted and move to a strong recommendation.

Anti-Harassment Policy

SacAnime has a zero tolerance policy for harassment of any kind, including but not limited to:

  • Unwelcome physical contact
  • Verbal harassment or abuse
  • Inappropriate photos taken of minors or without consent
  • Intimidation
  • Physical assault
  • Verbal or physical disruption of sanctioned and scheduled SacAnime events
  • Stalking

Attendees found breaking our anti-harassment policy face expulsion from the show and/or arrest based on the severity of the behavior.

If you encounter any sort of harassment at our event, please report it immediately so we can do something about it. Reporting it after our event makes it very difficult, if not impossible to resolve.

If any of our Special Guests act inappropriately or in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, please report it to us so we can investigate. We will also take this information into account for future bookings.

Security Hot line: (916) 287-3476

SacAnime takes the safety of our attendees very seriously. If you have any security concerns or are feeling harassed by anyone at the convention, call our Security Hotline for help. This number is printed in the program book and on the back of your Registration Badge. It is also available year round. If you have any pre or post convention security issues, feel free to give it a call and talk to our Security Director, Jeremy Curtis.

Disruptive Behavior Policy

Your registration at SacAnime entitles you to enjoy the primary benefit of that registration: you get to attend SacAnime! It does not entitle you access to staff only areas.

We work very hard to ensure that SacAnime takes place in a safe and family-friendly environment, and we need your cooperation. We have policies to address specifics such as weapons and lost children. We also have a general policy that we do not tolerate disruptive behavior of any sort, and we can and will take action when we see something we feel is dangerous or disruptive. The type of action we take may range from a quiet but stern word in private to forcible ejection from the convention, revocation of your registration at SacAnime, or even criminal charges. (The action taken is solely at the discretion of SacAnime.)

The sorts of things that may trigger such action include fighting (fake or real), heckling, impeding traffic flow, offensive behavior, failure to observe basic hygiene, public inebriation (or similar intoxication), or any other failure to follow the rules and directions of staff members. Remember, anything illegal outside the convention is illegal inside the convention. If your behavior is clearly problematic, we will deal with it as a problem. Show common courtesy to your fellow attendees, and follow the rules, and there’s no problem.

Line Etiquette

With so many people attending, waits in lines may last much longer than you’d expect. We know that this is frustrating, but it is sometimes unavoidable. Please do not take it out on other attendees or the staff, and please remember that following the directions of staff members will make the lines smoother for everyone!

Members caught jumping in line will be sent to the rear of the line. You will not be allowed to hold places in line. Lines cannot block entrances or exits, so leave a gap in front of the door.

Cameras at SacAnime

The usage of photographic devices is prohibited within certain areas of the convention, including the viewing room and the gaming room.

  • Prohibited devices include, but are not limited to, cameras (both film and digital), camera phones, and camcorders
  • Photography within the Artists Alley is at the discretion of the individual artist. Permission must be obtained from the artist for photography of any kind.
  • Fixed position and free-standing photography gear (including but not limited to: flashes, light modifiers, reflectors and bounce boards) is not allowed anywhere within the convention center facility grounds. Videographers who wish to set up tripods/etc, must get be a credentialed member of the press and have specific clearance from the press office (See the press info page for more information).

Events that allow photography will be marked as such.

Photographing Guests at SacAnime

SacAnime’s guests have the right to maintain their privacy. Convention members may be asked to refrain from photographing guests if the guests would prefer to not have their picture taken. Guests will join con-goers for a photo opportunity if they choose to have their picture taken.

When stopping to take photographs in the hallways, please be considerate of your fellow members by being brief and not blocking traffic.

Children at SacAnime

SacAnime is certain to be a fun family event, but is also a large event with thousands of people in attendance. As a result, SacAnime wants to ensure the satisfaction and safety of all of our members, especially children. In order to safeguard the well being of our youngest attendees, SacAnime has
put these policies into effect and offers some advice when it comes to keeping track of children at an Anime convention.

A parent or guardian must accompany all children under the age of 12 at all times.

Children are required to carry some form of written identification and parent/guardian contact information with them at all times so that SacAnime staff may contact the parents or guardians should the need arise.

THERE IS NO CONVENTION-WIDE PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT SYSTEM.

We are unable to page you or your child if he/she becomes lost.

Recommendations

Here are some suggestions for keeping your children safe.

  • First and foremost, please do not leave your child unattended at SacAnime. As mentioned before, we are expecting thousands of people to attend the convention. It’s easy for a young child to get lost in a crowd this large.
  • Make sure your child knows important information, such as your name, what you are wearing, what hotel you are staying at (if any), a cellular phone number, and a home phone number. If a child is lost, we will make every attempt to contact you through this information.
  • It is a good idea to set up meeting places and times for children older than 12. SacAnime suggests that you do not use the following locations as meeting areas: the Vendors Room, as it is constantly crowded and very large; or the video viewing rooms because they are dark and also fairly large. We do suggest using landmarks, such as the stage in front of the lake area, or the fountain in front of the hotel.

In the case that you cannot find your child at your designated meeting place and cannot establish contact, please notify the SacAnime Information Desk.

SacAnime wishes you and your children a safe and happy convention!

Animals at SacAnime

Except for service animals, animals are not allowed in the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. Service animals must be supervised at all times.

Dance at SacAnime

  • Only SacAnime attendees with clearly displayed registration badges will be allowed into the dance. Registration badges must be clearly displayed at all times within the dance.
  • No bags exceeding 12 x 8 x 4 inches will be permitted
    within the dance.
  • SacAnime is not responsible for members’ bags left outside, beside, or near the entrance to the dance.
  • Please be considerate of the other dancers.
  • and REMEMBER, drink plenty of water!

18+ Policy

There are certain panels at SacAnime that are designated as 18+. Attendees who wish to view these panels must be at least 18 years old. Please have identification ready at the door.

Signs at SacAnime

While we understand the appeal of signs as ice-breakers and conversation starters, but there have been too many complaints from our attendees about offensive content or signs that amount to little more than panhandling or solicitation.

No signs are permitted except for those signs that are an established part of a costume. (The sign must be part of the standard “look” of the character, such as the sign carried by Genma the panda.)

Those members wishing to post notices or find other people should use the bulletin boards provided. Please note that signs asking for food, money, hugs, etc. are considered panhandling by the Sacramento Police Department, and signs offering to exchange any sort of sexual favor (kisses, hugs, glomps, etc.) are considered solicitation. Signs with offensive content are not allowed regardless of whether they are “in character.”

Signs in violation of this policy will be confiscated. Repeat offenders will be considered in violation of the disruptive behavior policy.

Please note that this policy applies to all types of signs, regardless of construction. SacAnime staff decisions regarding signs are final.

Props at SacAnime

Weapons NOT Permitted at SacAnime include, but are not limited to the following:

  • NO LIVE STEEL at all will be permitted on the premises of the convention.
    Live steel is defined as:

    • Swords, bayonets, and knives (regardless of whether or not they are sheathed)
    • Star knives and shurikens
    • Metal armor, including chainmail
    • Other objects made of metal, which can take an edge. This holds true regardless of whether the object is actually sharp.
    • Metal studs or chains on costumes or other metal components of costumes/props may also be subject to approval by SacAnime.
  • NO GUNS OR PROJECTILE LAUNCHERS OF ANY KIND will be permitted. Examples include, but are not limited to:
    • Airsoft guns, any and all kinds, regardless of whether or not it is functional. A non-functional airsoft gun with no moving parts is still an airsoft gun.
    • BB guns and pellet guns
    • Bows*, Crossbows, dart guns, and blowguns (* Prop bows with no string may be permitted but must be cleared by security first.)
    • Functional water guns or water pistols
    • Stun guns and tasers
    • The ONLY exception to this rule will be prop guns or resin models that are easily identifiable as toys, provided that they possess no moving parts.
  • NO “PADDLES,” of any sort will be permitted at the convention.
    • This includes, but is not limited to Yaoi/Yuri Paddles.
  • NO NUNCHAKU of any kind will be permitted.
  • NO EXPLOSIVES or CHEMICALS of any kind including, but not limited to:
    • smoke powder, sparklers, or fireworks of any kind
  • Finally, if it is illegal outside in the City of Sacramento and/or State of California, it is illegal inside the convention.

Illegal weapons will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

Weapons Permitted

  • Staves, bo sticks, boken, shinai, and wooden swords will be permitted as long as they are handled responsibly and meet all other criteria.
  • Fake, prop, or made-up weapons (i.e. made of tissue paper, plaster of Paris, cloth) are permitted if they are safe and not dangerous to others around you.
    • Examples of dangerous conditions include, but are not limited to, items that may trip others, items that can snag on people or surroundings, items that obstruct doors and hallways.
  • Prop weapons shall be limited to less than six feet, six inches (6’6″) in height and less than fifty pounds (50lbs) in weight.
  • Any metal chains are to be less than three feet (3’) in length. This includes, but is not limited to chain wallets or any non-costume chains as well.

Behavior with Weapons/Props

  • Misuse of a weapon or prop, such as swinging it in a public area or posing a hazard to others, will result in the weapon or prop being deemed unsafe for the convention, and you will be asked to remove the item from the convention area.
  • Any weapon (including Airsoft guns) purchased in the Vendors Room must be boxed and removed from convention area immediately, and should remain boxed and stored in your private quarters or vehicle.
  • All props and weapons brought into the convention may be inspected and either approved or rejected by SacAnime staff (see Peace Bonding), including those that may have had prior approval (other conventions, previous conventions, or pre-convention approval by SacAnime staff).
  • Any item that poses a potential safety hazard may need to be removed from the convention.
    • This includes any costume, prop, or accessory that obstructs doors or hallways, or otherwise poses any kind of danger to other attendees, staff, or convention center property.
  • When in doubt, check with SacAnime staff. Also please note that just because a staff member has not stopped you to check your item does not mean that the item is allowed

All decisions made by SacAnime and/or the Public Safety Staff of the venue are final.


Peace Bonding Policy

It is SacAnime’s goal to provide a safe and family oriented convention. We require that all weapons, costume props, and any costume item that could be considered a weapon be taken to the peace bonding table for inspection upon entering the convention. If you purchase an item (s) that you would like to use as a prop for your costume that could be considered a weapon or dangerous (*see weapons policy) then you are required to clear it through peace bonding.

We do not allow concealed weapons. Your cosplay weapon may be zip-tied into the holster or sheath and may not be removed during the convention. All props and weapons must be certified regardless of whether or not they were peace bonded at a different convention or at a previous SacAnime.

SacAnime’s peace bonding station is there to ensure safety for all attendees in regards to the use of all weapons and/or props. Though we are not enforcing all the rules other conventions have, we have rules and guidelines for you to better understand our policy:

PEACE BONDING GUIDELINES

  • The effectiveness, or ineffectiveness, of the item or the skill, or lack of skill, of the person in possession of the item is irrelevant when determining whether or not it is a weapon.
  • All weapons & props must be approved at the peace bonding table upon entering the convention.
  • If you purchase a weapon or prop such as: swords, knives, stars, air soft guns, plastic pellet guns, gun blades, wooden katanas, Kendo sticks, etc. and you intend to carry it around the convention as a prop you need to take it to peace bonding to have it approved.
  • If you do not intend to use it as a prop, we would appreciate it if you kept it in the packaging and placed it in your vehicle or hotel room.

Guests and Autograph Policy

We understand that getting autographs from our guests is a major highlight of the convention for many attendees, not just because it’s a fantastic souvenir, but also because it’s a chance for that tiny bit of face time with the guest. Guests, too, value that rare opportunity to meet some of their fans.

However, demand often outweighs supply, especially for very popular guests. Even the speediest and most accommodating guest can only sign so many things in a given period of time. In order to give the greatest number of fans the opportunity to meet the guest, we MUST keep the lines moving smoothly.

SacAnime’s official, scheduled autographing sessions are governed by the following rules:

  • SacAnime does not and cannot guarantee that you will receive an autograph from any particular guest. SacAnime’s official autograph sessions are free of charge to registered attendees.
  • Guests will always be glad to sign your SacAnime program book, as well as any officially licensed and properly credited products. They absolutely will NOT sign bootleg or unlicensed merchandise, nor material for which they are not properly credited. At their sole discretion, they may sign handmade, personal, or otherwise unusual items. If you are uncertain about a particular item, check first! (Guests may be offended if they’re presented with bootleg items.) As a last resort, check with the staffer in charge of the session. SacAnime staff may veto any item as unsuitable for signing, and such decisions are final.
  • Unless a specific limit is posted for a particular guest, assume that you are limited to ONE ITEM PER PERSON.
  • There will be no flash photography during official signing sessions, unless otherwise noted.
  • There will be no photo ops during official signing sessions, unless otherwise noted.
  • Do not monopolize the guest’s time if there are others waiting. (Assume that whatever you have to say must be said in 30 seconds or less, while the guest is signing your item. It’s a good idea to write down what you want to say.)
  • Do not request excessive personalization, sketches, etc. unless the guest offers.
  • If you are bringing an item for the guest to sign, please have it ready for signing when you are within sight of the guest. (For CDs and DVDs, you should remove the cover insert to save time; for unusual items, please ask the autograph staff for their recommendations.)
  • Policies for specific guests may differ.
  • SacAnime staff reserve the right to refuse access to any attendee who fails to follow the rules (or attempts to circumvent them). Anyone caught in the act is subject to the disruptive behavior policy, and risks having their registration revoked.

SacAnime staff reserve the right to make changes to guests policies as circumstances dictate. If you have a question about policy, please see the SacAnime staffer in charge of the guest appearance or signing. All staff rulings are final.

Notes and Gifts for Guests

If you’ve brought something special for the guest, such as a personal note or small gift, we ask that you follow certain guidelines for practical and safety reasons. Most guests appreciate these small gestures, but many gifts cannot be accepted.

  • Please ensure that you provide the name of the guest, as well as your own name and contact information, either written on the outside of the message or attached clearly to the outside of the gift.
  • Please do not wrap your gift using tape or tie it using ribbon; however, a gift bag or simple tissue paper cover is acceptable. (We must be able to screen all gifts.)
  • Avoid anything large or bulky or easily damaged. Most guests fly quite a distance to appear at SacAnime, and may have limited space in their luggage. Any gifts you bring should be small, durable, and easily packed.
  • No food items will be accepted.
  • No items that intentionally contain HUMAN DNA will be accepted. (Blood, skin, or hair…)
  • If you have an item to present as a gift at any guest appearance, please bring it first to the SacAnime staff member in charge of the appearance.
    • DO NOT use Q & A time during a guest’s panel to present your gift to the guest; this is extremely rude and unfair to the other people who came to hear the guest speak.
    • DO NOT use autograph time to present your gift without first clearing it with the staff member in charge, as this may deny others the opportunity to get to meet the guest.
    • You may be asked to wait until the end of the session, or the staffer may accept the gift in order to present it to the guest on your behalf. (Rest assured, your gift will be given to the guest on your behalf – that’s why we request your contact information on every gift.)

Tips for Interacting With Guests:

    1. If you’re going to ask a question, write it down first. It’s easy to become flustered if you’re not used to public speaking or if you’re about to talk to someone you really admire. Writing down what you want to say helps you to organize your thoughts so you don’t waste everyone’s time or embarrass yourself.
    2. Every guest at the con is someone who has a cool job that they’re quite good at. It isn’t necessary to worship the ground they walk on – just be friendly and polite.
    3. Remember that guests get tired, too, and they’re entitled to downtime. If you encounter a guest outside the con, try to make eye contact before you approach them, and look for a signal that it’s okay to chat. Please don’t interrupt meals or private conversations.
    4. Try to avoid asking questions that the guest has answered a hundred times. And if you come late to a panel, find out whether a question has already been answered before you waste everyone’s time. Don’t ask questions that are answered in the guest’s bio, homepage, or Wikipedia entry.
DO… DON’T…
  • Write down whatever it is you want to say.
  • Ask one question, and then give the next person a turn.
  • Be BRIEF, and speak clearly.
  • Tell them you like their work, and why.
  • Ask interesting questions about past, current, and upcoming projects.
  • Ask open-ended questions.
  • Ask about favorite hobbies, shared interests, etc.
  • Ask them questions that are answered in their Wikipedia entry or SacAnime bio.
  • Ask questions that can be answered with a Yes or No.
  • Ask for hugs, kisses, or their hand in marriage.
  • Ask for autographs or other favors.
  • Ask your question in the guest’s native language if you are not fluent in that language.
  • Ask deeply personal or invasive questions.

Photographs and Promotional Material Policy

Participants in SacAnime or other SacConvention events are granting their permission to be photographed or recorded by authorized SacConvention photographers. By purchasing your registration you inherently grant SacConvention permission to use such images or footage for archival or promotional purposes.