Prop and Costume Guidelines

NOTE: These policies are subject to change. Please check regularly.

We will be inspecting all prop weapons that are brought to the convention.  Props will be tagged and must be tagged to be carried about in and around the Gaylord.  Prop weapon inspection is located in the convention center on the ballroom level at the Maryland Registration Desk C. 

Weapons Policy

Weapons policies at Katsucon are for your (and others’) safety, and include, but are not limited to, the following:

Non-Permitted Weapons

  • NO METAL WEAPONS are permitted on the premises of Gaylord National Convention Center and Resort (GNRCC), without exception. These are defined as:
    • Swords, spears, bayonets, and knives (regardless of whether they are sheathed)
    • Star knives and shuriken
    • Metal gun/firearm props (regardless of functionality).
    • Other components (metal or non-metal) of costumes or props which may be sharp, capable of taking an edge, or are otherwise potentially a safety risk, are subject to approval by Katsucon Public Safety Staff and leadership.
    • The ONLY exception to this rule is that metal armor (chain, scale, plate) is now permitted, pending it contains no sharp edges.
    • All armor is subject to inspection at-con to ensure it is not sharp or otherwise poses a safety risk/hazard.
  • NO PROJECTILE WEAPONS OF ANY KIND
    • Examples include, but are not limited to:
    • Real or antique firearms (to include replica or “de-milled”)
    • Air rifle, air gun, air pistol, B-B gun, spring gun, blowgun, bow gun, bean shooter, sling, projectile, dart.
    • Airsoft (or similar type) guns, regardless of whether functional or not, are strictly prohibited. A non-functional Airsoft gun with no moving parts is still an Airsoft gun.
    • Stun guns and Tasers
    • The ONLY exceptions to this rule are: nonfunctional nerf and water guns (that cannot fire and contain no projectiles/liquid).
    • Functional versions of these will be immediately removed from the convention space.
  • NO COMPOUND BOWS are permitted within the GNRCC.
    • Additionally, authentic arrows (tipped or non-tipped), including crossbow bolts and other projectiles, are not be permitted.
  • NO “PADDLES” of any sort are permitted at the convention.
    • This includes, but is not limited to, Yaoi/Yuri Paddles.
  • NO NUNCHAKU of any kind will be permitted.
    • Nunchaku are defined as two sticks or other body connected at their ends with a short chain or rope. Two sticks can be made of any material, or shape.
  • NO EXPLOSIVES or CHEMICALS of any kind including, but not limited to:
    • Smoke powder, sparklers, or fireworks of any kind.
    • If it is illegal in the limits of Prince George’s County, it is illegal inside the GNRCC.
  • Illegal weapons WILL be reported to the appropriate authorities.

Permitted Prop Weapons

  • Staffs, bo sticks, bokken, shinai, and wooden swords will be permitted as long as they are handled responsibly and meet all other criteria.
  • Resin cast or solid rubber model guns (such as red/blue training weapons) that are easily identifiable as toys/props, or are clearly marked with a non-removable orange tip.
  • 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 chain must be less than three feet (3′) in length regardless of material.
    • This includes, but is not limited to, wallet chains and non-costume chains.
  • Bows may be carried in the convention space, provided they are NOT strung with authentic bowstring, and any alternative material used (e.g., twine, yarn, any other non-functioning material) is not attached to the bow in a taut (tight) fashion.
    • All bows must comply with all other general policies – no live steel or sharp edges, and not more than 6’6″ in height.
    • Prop or toy arrows clearly marked as such are allowed.
    • If our staff feels your bow or materials do not meet all of these criteria, you’ll be asked to remove the prop immediately from the convention space.
  • Costume Whips are allowed, but must be checked by Katsucon Public Safety and secured to prevent use on self or other attendees within in the convention space. All whips will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Behavior with Weapons/Armor/Props

  • Misuse of a weapon, armor, or prop (such as swinging it in a public area or posing a hazard to others, as determined by staff) will result in the weapon or prop being deemed unsafe for the convention.
  • You will be asked to remove the item from the convention center.
  • All props and weapons brought into the convention will be inspected for policy compliance by authorized Katsucon Public Safety staff and/or leadership, including those that may have had prior approval (other conventions, previous conventions, or pre-convention approval by Katsucon 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.
  • Wheeled vehicles, carts, props, shoes & skates are not permitted inside the GNRCC.
    • The only exception is for wheelchairs and other ADA compliant mobility devices.
  • The use of drones and RC aircraft is not permitted inside the GNRCC.
  • If in doubt, check with Katsucon staff.
  • NOTE: Katsucon’s Weapons policy is subject to change before, during, or after the convention, and changes may be made with or without advance written notification.
  • All decisions pertaining to the Katsucon Weapons Policy made by the Convention Chair, KEI, or their designees are final.
  • All updates will be provided as soon as possible and posted clearly, but any changes determined necessary by Katsucon staff will be immediate and binding in the current convention period.

Dress Code/Costume Policy

While Katsucon does not have a dress code of our own, we support and respect the wishes of the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center.   

GNRCC does have some things we’ll need to bear in mind: 

  • All attendees must have their private areas covered at all times.
  • Material must extend at least one (1) inch above the nipple and below/to the sides of the breast, and at least one (1) inch above the pubic area and below the crotch/buttocks.
  • This coverage must remain in place while moving/bending/posing/etc., so if your cosplay (or street clothes) rides up/down, please extend it, find a way to secure it, or wear something under it.
  • Shirt coverings must be worn at all times, by both sexes.
  • Mesh shirts are allowed if they provide the required coverage of sensitive areas.
    • Taping over the nipples will not suffice.
    • Capes will not be accepted in place of shirts – if you’re wearing one, please wear a shirt underneath.
  • Attendees with props are subject to the Weapons Policy.
  • Please familiarize yourself with that policy as well, as your prop may be required to be peace bound by Katsucon Public Safety Staff.
    • A member of staff will review the rules with you briefly and have you place a zip tie on your prop if it falls under one of the required categories.
  • Failure to abide by the rules at any time may result in removal from the convention without refund.
  • The lack of a costume is not a costume (ex. only wearing a nude body suit).
    • We have no problem with risqué costumes.
      • However, please keep the following in mind when planning, designing, and constructing your costumes:
        • You may be required to wear a nude body suit under your costume if your costume would be considered inappropriate for a family friendly convention or if the convention center staff feels it violates their image.

A general visual representation of our dress/costume policy can be seen with the diagram below.

Gaylord Minimum Dress-Rules are All Gender

  • There will be minors present at the convention and not every parent is ok with their child seeing excessive amounts of skin.
    • Please remember this is a family friendly event.
  • There will be hundreds of people taking pictures at Katsucon, and those pictures will most likely end up displayed on the internet, across any number of Social Media websites.
    • Anything you do not wish the world to see should remain covered.
  • Consequentially intentional flashing of any kind (even if you are wearing a full flesh colored body suit) can result in immediate removal from the convention and the GNRCC.
  • The convention floor and public areas are not changing rooms, do not remove your clothing or change costumes in open space, there are bathrooms located in the convention center if you do not have a room to change in.
  • Body paint and dried liquids (such as fake blood) are allowed as part of your costume but must be properly sealed so it does not rub off, to prevent damage of the convention space and/or the costumes or clothing of other attendees.
    • If we see you are making a mess, you will be asked to leave.
  • Staff will attempt to give advanced notice for any events that specifically prohibit full-face cosplay masks. The following events/locations may require such:
    • Merchant’s Hall
    • Dances
    • Formal Ball
  • If at any time for any reason any member of Katsucon staff, KEI, or the GNRCC asks you to remove your mask, you must do so immediately.
    • Failure to do so will result in ejection from the convention.
  • Props may be carried with the following rules:
    • All props must conform to the weapons policy.
    • Large props are not allowed in all areas of the convention (Ex. Vendors Hall and Main Events).
    • Please plan to store any large props in either your hotel room (or a friend’s hotel room), vehicle, or other storage arrangement before entering these areas.
  • KEI, the Katsucon event, GNRCC, or any of the above groups’ staff or volunteers will not watch or hold any props for you and are not responsible for any lost or misplaced props.
  • There will be minors present at the convention and not every parent is ok with their child seeing excessive amounts of skin.  
  • Please remember this is a family friendly event. 
  • There will be hundreds of people taking pictures at Katsucon, and those pictures will most likely end up displayed on the internet, across any number of Social Media websites.  
  • Anything you do not wish the world to see should remain covered. 
  • Consequentially intentional flashing of any kind (even if you are wearing a full flesh colored body suit) can result in immediate removal from the convention and the GNRCC. 
  • The convention floor and public areas are not changing rooms, do not remove your clothing or change costumes in open space, there are bathrooms located in the convention center if you do not have a room to change in. 
  • Body paint and dried liquids (such as fake blood) are allowed as part of your costume but must be properly sealed so it does not rub off, to prevent damage of the convention space and/or the costumes or clothing of other attendees. 
  •  If we see you are making a mess, you will be asked to leave. 
  • Staff will attempt to give advanced notice for any events that specifically prohibit full-face cosplay masks. The following events/locations may require such: 
  • Merchant’s Hall 
  • Dances 
  • Formal Ball 
  • If at any time for any reason any member of Katsucon staff, KEI, or the GNRCC asks you to remove your mask, you must do so immediately.  
  • Failure to do so will result in ejection from the convention. 
  • Props may be carried with the following rules: 
  • All props must conform to the weapons policy. 
  • Large props are not allowed in all areas of the convention (Ex. Vendors Hall and Main Events).  
  • Please plan to store any large props in either your hotel room (or a friend’s hotel room), vehicle, or other storage arrangement before entering these areas. 
  • KEI, the Katsucon event, GNRCC, or any of the above groups’ staff or volunteers will not watch or hold any props for you and are not responsible for any lost or misplaced props. 
  • Cosplay Is Not Consent! No Means NO!  
    • You should always ask for a picture to be taken.  
    •  Everyone has different comfort zones.   
    • You should never place your hands on anyone that you do not have explicit consent from. This can make anyone uncomfortable; and ruin their entire experience. Please respect that, and always act on the side of caution. 
  • If you feel like you need to talk to someone, seek out any staff member.   
    • Look for the people with the vertical aligned badges.   
  • If you feel a staff member or a volunteer has been inappropriate, ask to speak to Katsucon leadership, ask for a Chair, or ask for anyone in our Human Resources team. Katsucon Public Safety Staff will assist you with contacting them immediately. 
  • You should always ask for a picture to be taken.
  • Everyone has different comfort zones.
  • You should never place your hands on anyone that you do not have explicit consent from. This can make anyone uncomfortable; and ruin their entire experience. Please respect that, and always act on the side of caution.
  • If you feel like you need to talk to someone, seek out any staff member.
  • Look for the people with the vertical aligned badges.
  • If you feel a staff member or a volunteer has been inappropriate, ask to speak to Katsucon leadership, ask for a Chair, or ask for anyone in our Human Resources team. Katsucon Public Safety Staff will assist you with contacting them immediately.

NOTE: Katsucon’s Costume Policy is subject to change before, during, or after the convention, and changes may be made with or without advance notice or written notification. The Katsucon Convention Chairman, KEI, or their designees, as well as the Gaylord National staff (as directed through Katsucon staff) have the right to reject any costume for any reason. All decisions are final. 

Questions or concerns can be sent to [email protected] 

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