To ensure compliance with state law and to maintain a safe environment, NekoCon enforces strict rules regarding access to adult content and age-restricted programming.

Age-Restricted Materials

You must be at least 18 years of age and provide valid proof of age (e.g., driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID) to view or purchase adult materials in any convention location.
This includes, but is not limited to:

Hentai anime
DVDs
Manga
Doujinshi
Periodicals
Live films

18+ Panels & Video Rooms

Entry into 18+ panels, video rooms, and events requires age verification.
Starting in 2026, a NekoCon-issued 18+ wristband will be required for access.

How to Get an 18+ Wristband

Location: ID checks for wristbands will be available at registration, at the back of Hall B, at prop check, and at info booth.
Verification: Attendees must present a valid, government-issued photo ID confirming they are 18 or older.
Placement: Wristbands must be securely fastened by NekoCon staff and worn for the duration of the convention.

Wristband Rules

Wristbands grant access to all 18+ panels, events, and designated areas.
Wristbands are non-transferable and may not be removed or tampered with.
If a wristband is damaged or lost, a replacement will only be issued after a valid ID re-check.
Random ID checks may still occur in 18+ spaces to ensure compliance.
Any attempt to forge, share, or misuse a wristband may result in loss of convention access without refund.

Important Notes

2025: Wristbands optional, but valid ID must be shown at each 18+ entry point if you do not have one.
2026 and Beyond: Wristbands are required for all 18+ content and areas.

NekoCon staff reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone unable to provide valid ID upon request.

Artist Alley Policy

General

All convention rules apply inside Artist Alley unless expanded here.

Prohibited Conduct

Theft or shoplifting is strictly prohibited. Offenders may be permanently banned and reported to other conventions.

Photography Restrictions

No photography is allowed inside, near, or within six feet of Artist Alley doors.
Violators will be removed from the area.

Props & Costumes

Oversized or obstructive props (sharp protrusions, large headpieces, back extensions, etc.) are prohibited.
Final decisions rest with Artist Alley staff.

Bags & Storage

Bags are allowed if reasonably sized.
Dealer-issued bags may not re-enter Artist Alley.
Staff are not responsible for theft or monitoring belongings.

Unattended Items

Props, bags, trash, or costume parts may not be left unattended. They may be treated as trash or lost & found.

Purchased Items

Do not open purchases inside Artist Alley.
Items may re-enter only if unpackaged, compliant with all rules, and not in dealer-issued bags.

Right to Deny Entry

Staff may deny entry at any time. Disputes escalate through:

Department Head of Artist Alley
Division Heads of Finance
Convention Chairperson

Autograph Policy

General

Autographs are a highlight of NekoCon but demand often exceeds supply. To maximize fairness, rules must be followed.

Official Sessions

Autographs are not guaranteed.
Guest fees vary by individual.
Some guests may appear in Exhibit Halls for additional signings.
Music guests may sign after concerts.

What Guests Will / Will Not Sign

Guests sign program books and officially licensed merchandise.
Bootlegs and uncredited items are prohibited.
Unusual items are signed at guest discretion.
Staff may veto any item.

Etiquette

Limit two items per guest.
Photography is at guest discretion.
Have items ready and keep conversations brief.
Guests may decline personalization.
Aggressive behavior may result in removal.

How Sessions Work

Lines open 1 hour before session. Early lines will be dispersed.
Lines may close early due to time/space.
Return 20 minutes before end for possible reopening.
Be considerate of others waiting.

Enforcement

Staff may refuse access for violations.
Badges may be revoked for misconduct

Behavior Policy

NekoCon will not tolerate fighting, swearing, or activities deemed not family-friendly or illegal.
Such behavior will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may result in ejection from the convention center and possible involvement of the Hampton Police Division.

Costume Policy

General Guidelines

All props are subject to the Weapons Policy.
Props may be peace-bonded (zip-tied).
Violations may result in removal without refund.

Costume Appropriateness

Lack of clothing is not a costume.
Risqué costumes may require a bodysuit.
This is a family-friendly convention — minors are present.
Expect photos to be shared publicly.

Prohibited Conduct

Flashing or indecent exposure (even bodysuits) is prohibited.
Inappropriate photos without consent are harassment and grounds for ejection/ban.
Changing clothes in public spaces is not allowed.

Safety & Weather

Costumes must cover private areas (nipples must be covered regardless of gender).
Outfits must support chest areas and conceal outlines.
Plan for November weather.

Footwear & Mobility

Roller skates, rollerblades, Heelys, and stilts (except approved on first floor) are prohibited.

Body Paint & Liquids

Must be sealed to prevent mess.

Mask Policy

Masks allowed unless they impair safety.

Large Costumes

Costumes over 8 feet or 60 pounds may be prohibited. Communicate with staff in advance.

Policy Authority

Rules may be amended before, during, or after the event.
Convention Chair decisions are final.

Dance Policy

The NekoCon Dance is a place for fun, music, and energy — but it must also remain safe for all attendees. Please review and follow the rules below.

Props & Performance

Props such as hula hoops, light wands, LED staves up to 6 feet, light sabers, or similar items are allowed only in pre-designated locations within the dance. Staff reserve the right to reject any props deemed unsafe.
Glow sticks are welcome, but not on strings. Strings may be worn but not swung. Two warnings will be given; a third violation results in ejection. Light wands are the only exception, but staff may still ask you to put them away if used unsafely.
Break dancing is allowed only in designated areas. Outside of those areas, it is prohibited, and feet may not go above thigh height while dancing.
Dancing on NekoCon equipment will result in immediate ejection from the dance for the night.

Masks & Face Coverings

Masks covering the lower half of the face are permitted, but staff may ask you to lower them at any time.
Full-face masks or helmets are permitted.
Fursuit heads and similar face coverings are permitted if they comply with the costume policy. If they cause a safety hazard in the dimly lit area, staff may require removal.

Bags, Food & Drink

No bags are allowed, except approved medical bags.
Cameras, oversized coats, large bags, or packages are also prohibited. There is no bag check, and items may not be left outside the dance space. Please secure belongings in your hotel room or vehicle.
No food or drinks are permitted inside the dance. Water stations are available both inside and outside the event.

Behavior & Safety

Do not sit or lie on the dance floor.
Drug use or suspected drug use will result in ejection from both the dance and the convention.
Harassing performers or climbing the stage without permission will result in immediate ejection from the dance and possibly the convention.
Sexual harassment, misconduct, or physical assault toward anyone will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the convention
Cameras/recording devices are permitted during the dance, but at your own risk.

Authority

NekoCon and Event Support Solutions, Inc. (ESSI) reserve the right to amend these rules at any time.

Entrance & Access Policy

To ensure the safety and smooth operation of the convention, the following rules apply to all attendees entering and exiting the NekoCon convention space:

Badge Requirements

NekoCon has rented the entire convention center, and badge checks will be performed at all entrances.
You must have a valid NekoCon badge to enter the building.
Badge Pickup: To receive your badge, you must enter through the southeast entrance near Hall C (next to the parking lot).
Once you have your badge, you may enter through either the Hall C entrance or the entrances closest to the Embassy.
All front-facing doors will be designated as exit only. Please plan accordingly.
NekoCon Staff will make accommodations for attendees with physical disabilities to use the most convenient door.

Staff Assistance

If you have questions about NekoCon policies or need to report something, please locate the nearest NekoCon Staff Member, identifiable by their vertically aligned STAFF badge.
Staff will assist you in contacting Con Safety if needed.

Right to Refuse Entry

Both NekoCon Staff and Convention Center Staff reserve the right to deny entry to the convention space at any time, for any reason, without explanation.
Disputes regarding enforcement may be directed to the Department Head of the staff member involved, or to the NekoCon Convention Chairperson.
Convention Center Staff are responsible for managing the facility itself and may only forward complaints to NekoCon staff on your behalf.

Exhibit Hall Policy

General

All standard rules apply inside the Exhibit Hall.

Shoplifting

Zero tolerance for theft. Offenders may be banned permanently.

Photography Restrictions

No photography in, near, or within six feet of Exhibit Hall doors. Violators will be removed.

Props & Costumes

Oversized or obstructive props (sharp protrusions, wide extensions, etc.) are not permitted.
Final decisions rest with Exhibit Hall staff.

Bags & Storage

Reasonable-sized personal bags allowed.
Dealer-issued bags may not re-enter.
NekoCon is not responsible for theft.

Unattended Items

No props, bags, or items may be left unattended. They may be treated as lost & found or trash.

Purchased Items

Do not open items inside Exhibit Hall.
Return only with unpackaged, rule-compliant items not in dealer-issued bags.

Right to Deny Entry

Staff may deny entry at any time. Disputes escalate through:

Department Head of Exhibit Hall
Division Heads of Finance
Convention Chairperson

Food & Beverage Policy

The Hampton Roads Convention Center prohibits the sale or distribution of outside food or beverages.
No outside food or beverages may be brought into the convention center, except water bottles.

Footwear Policy

Shoes must be worn at all times.
Invisi-shoes are permitted, but you may be stopped by NekoCon staff to verify you are not barefoot.

Harassment Policy

Commitment to a Safe Environment

Event Support Solutions Inc. (ESSI)/NekoCon are committed to an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity and are free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Any form of harassment, even when not unlawful or directed at a protected category, is prohibited and will not be tolerated. All parties — including but not limited to staff, vendors, artists, contractors, attendees, guests, and volunteers — are expected to adhere to this policy.

Reported or suspected occurrences of harassment or discrimination will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. Following an investigation, ESSI/NekoCon will promptly take any necessary and appropriate disciplinary action.

ESSI/NekoCon will not permit or condone any acts of retaliation against anyone who files or cooperates in the investigation of harassment or discrimination complaints.

General Expectations

NekoCon takes harassment very seriously. We acknowledge that harassment comes in many shapes and forms, and NekoCon Staff treats all harassment complaints with the same high level of urgency.

We ask all attendees, guests, staff, and exhibitors to remember the following:

No Means No.
Cosplay Is Not Consent. You should always ask a cosplayer for a picture. It’s just polite and literally takes seconds. You should never place your hands on anyone at NekoCon that you do not have explicit consent from. This can make anyone uncomfortable and ruin their entire experience.
Everyone has different comfort zones. 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 vertically aligned STAFF badges.

If you feel a staff member or a volunteer has been inappropriate, ask to speak to the Division Head of Logistics, or their designee. Convention Safety Staff will assist you with contacting them.

If you see something, say something to the staff. We are here to help, and we want everyone who enters our convention to feel welcome and safe.

Definition of Harassment

The term “harassment” includes harassment based on any category protected by federal, state, or local law, which may include, but is not limited to: unwelcome slurs, jokes, or verbal, graphic, or physical conduct relating to an individual’s race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer-related or HIV/AIDS-related), genetic information, or sexual orientation.
Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature where:

Submission to such conduct is an explicit or implicit term or condition of volunteering;
Decisions are based on a volunteer’s submission to or rejection of such conduct; or
Such conduct unreasonably interferes with a volunteer’s performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

Complaint Procedure

ESSI/NekoCon provides you with a convenient and reliable method for reporting incidents of alleged harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination.

Any volunteer who feels harassed or discriminated against is encouraged to immediately inform the alleged offender that the behavior is unwelcome. In many instances, the person is unaware their conduct is offensive and this action alone may often resolve the problem.
If the informal discussion with the alleged offender is unsuccessful in remedying the problem, or if you do not feel comfortable with such an approach, you should immediately report the conduct to your immediate superior and/or the Human Resources Department.
We cannot resolve a harassment or discrimination problem unless we know about it. Therefore, it is your responsibility to bring those kinds of problems to our attention so we can take the necessary steps to correct any problems.
The report should include all facts available to you regarding the alleged harassment, sexual harassment, or discrimination.

If you wish to make an anonymous complaint, you may do so. However, the scope of our investigation may be limited based on the information you provide.

All complaints may be sent via email to hr@nekocon.com.

Confidentiality

All reports of alleged harassment, sexual harassment, or discrimination will be treated seriously. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible. However, to conduct a thorough investigation, certain information may need to be disclosed to other individuals, including the alleged offender. Consequently, absolute confidentiality cannot be promised and cannot be guaranteed.

Investigative Procedure

Once a complaint of alleged harassment, sexual harassment, or discrimination is received, we will begin a prompt and thorough investigation. The investigation may include interviews with all involved parties, including the alleged harasser, and anyone who is aware of facts or incidents alleged to have occurred.

Following an investigation, ESSI/NekoCon will promptly take any necessary and appropriate disciplinary action. Disciplinary action will be taken if the investigation reveals that a volunteer has acted in a manner that is not in alignment with the goals of this policy.

ESSI/NekoCon may address any issue discovered during an investigation. This may include some or all of the following steps:

Restore any lost terms, conditions, or benefits of staffing to the complaining volunteer.
Discipline the alleged harasser. This discipline may include written disciplinary warnings, transfer, demotion, or complete removal from the event.

If the alleged harassment, sexual harassment, or discrimination is from an attendee, vendor, contractor, or other entity, ESSI/NekoCon will take appropriate action to stop the conduct.

If you have made a complaint but feel that the action taken in response has not remedied the situation, you should make an additional complaint following the complaint procedure outlined in this policy.

Legal Compliance Policy

All local, state, and federal laws are in effect and strictly enforced at all times.
Local authorities will be present or nearby throughout the convention to assist with enforcement.

Lost and Found Policy

NekoCon and its partners are not responsible for lost, stolen, or abandoned belongings. Please keep your personal items with you or stored safely in your hotel room or vehicle.

Responsibility

Event Support Solutions, Inc. (ESSI), NekoCon, the Hampton Roads Convention Center, and their staff or volunteers will not be held liable for lost or stolen belongings.
At no time will any staff member be responsible for abandoned items, even if they interacted with the item after abandonment.

Lost and Found Locations

If you lose an item, please check with:

NekoCon Lost and Found (see NekoCon staff for assistance)
Convention Center Lost and Found (operated separately by building staff)

Abandoned Items

Anything left in the hallways will be treated as either Lost and Found or trash, at staff discretion to maintain cleanliness.
Convention Center cleaning staff may also treat unattended items the same way, often with their own separate Lost and Found process.

Membership Badge Policy

To ensure the safety and organization of NekoCon, all attendees must adhere to the following rules regarding membership badges:

Wearing Your Badge

Membership badges must be worn conspicuously at all times within the convention center.
If your badge is covered, reversed, not worn, or carried in a pocket or bag, staff may request that you present it and wear it visibly—or leave the building.
Please keep this in mind when wearing cosplay outfits.

Lost or Stolen Badges

If your badge is lost or stolen, check with Registration to see if it has been turned in.
If the badge cannot be located, you must purchase a replacement at full price in order to remain in the convention space.

Badge Ownership & Use

Membership badges remain the property of Event Support Solutions, Inc. (ESSI). Even after purchase, they serve only as a symbol of permission granted by ESSI to remain in convention space and/or property.
Badges may only be used by the individual to whom they are issued. Badge sharing (allowing another person to use your badge) is strictly prohibited.

Rule Enforcement

Failure to follow any rules set forth by NekoCon, ESSI, or the Hampton Roads Convention Center may result in ejection without refund and possible banning from future ESSI events.
Badges must be surrendered upon request by any senior staff member.

Failure to comply with NekoCon rules is grounds for immediate removal from the convention without refund.

Minor Policy

NekoCon and the Hampton Roads Convention Center are not responsible for minors.

Children 12 and under must always be accompanied by an adult.
Children 13 and older without legal identification must also be accompanied by an adult.
Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring their children follow all NekoCon and HRCC policies.

Mobility Devices Policy

Roller skates and rollerblades may not be worn inside the convention center.
Stilts may only be worn on the first floor unless Event Support Solutions, Inc. (ESSI), NekoCon, the Hampton Roads Convention Center, or their staff/volunteers determine that you pose a danger to yourself or other attendees.

Photography Policy

No photography is allowed in the Artist Alley or Exhibit Hall.
If an event in Main Events prohibits cameras, NekoCon Staff will provide notice in advance whenever possible.
When taking photos, be respectful of others:

Do not block passageways or obstruct public areas.
This includes stairs, escalators, and the areas at the top and bottom of stairs or escalators.

Property Damage Policy

Do not damage the Hampton Roads Convention Center, The Embassy Hotel, associated hotels, interiors, exteriors, or private property in any way.
Signs or flyers may not be hung on any wall within the Convention Center or associated hotels without explicit permission from building staff. A designated message/flyer posting area will be provided.
Stickers, tape, or adhesive of any kind may not be placed on HRCC or NekoCon property. This is considered property damage and may result in expulsion from the convention without refund and/or fines.

Policy Amendments

Please note that the NekoCon General Policies are subject to amendment before, during, or after the convention, and amendments may be made with or without advance notice or written notification. Updates will be provided as soon as possible and posted clearly, but any immediate amendments implemented by senior staff will be binding for the current convention period.

Service Animal Policy

Preamble

Many people with disabilities use a service animal to fully participate in everyday life. Dogs can be trained to perform many important tasks to assist people with disabilities, such as providing stability, retrieving items, preventing a child from wandering, or alerting someone with hearing loss.

Under the ADA, state and local government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations must make reasonable modifications to allow service animals in facilities that are otherwise “no pets” areas.

Definition of a Service Animal

A service animal is defined by the ADA as a dog trained to perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability. Miniature horses may also apply if grandfathered.
Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not service animals under the ADA.
Psychiatric service animals are valid if trained to detect and respond to medical needs (e.g., preventing anxiety attacks).
Service animals in training are not covered under the ADA, but NekoCon allows dogs in training.

General Rules for Service Animals

Staff Questions: When it is not obvious a dog is a service animal, staff may only ask:

Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

Identification: No vest, harness, or ID is required.
Multiple Animals: More than one service animal may be allowed if tasks differ.
Breed Restrictions: No restrictions — all breeds can qualify.
Control: Service animals must remain under handler control at all times, via leash, harness, or effective verbal command. They may not bark excessively, behave aggressively, or roam.
Disruptive Animals: If out of control and not corrected, a Department or Division Head may require removal.

Complaints & ADA Rights

Attendees who believe they were illegally denied access may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice or pursue private legal action.
Staff must immediately document any negative interaction with an attendee with a service animal and report it to Human Resources and the Division Head of Logistics.

For more information:

ADA Website: www.ADA.gov

ADA Information Line: 800-514-0301 (Voice), 800-514-0383 (TTY)

Sleeping Policy

Sleeping is not permitted in the Hampton Roads Convention Center.
Most hotels have similar rules regarding lobbies and public spaces.
Anyone found sleeping on private or public land outside of designated areas may be asked to move and/or be ejected from the property.

Solicitation Policy

To maintain a safe and respectful environment, NekoCon prohibits all forms of unauthorized solicitation within convention spaces and affiliated hotels.

General Solicitation

Attendees may not wear signs offering paid or free services in public areas.
Flyers, advertisements, or promotions for non-approved services or products are not permitted.
Examples of prohibited solicitation include, but are not limited to:

“Glomp Me”
“Hugs for $1”
“Back Rubs for Free”
“Follow me for Glow Sticks”

Hotel Room Solicitation

Attendees may not solicit or conduct business from any hotel room associated with NekoCon.
This includes offering products, services, or activities, whether free or for money.
Violations of this policy may result in removal from the convention and/or referral to hotel security or law enforcement.

Substance Use Policy

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, NekoCon enforces the following rules regarding smoking, vaping, alcohol, and drugs.

Smoking & Vaping

Smoking, vaping, and the use of e-cigarettes are not permitted inside the convention center, hotels, or immediately next to hotel or convention center doors. These activities are only allowed in designated outdoor areas.

Alcohol

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase, possess, transport, or consume alcohol in accordance with Virginia Code § 4.1-304-5.
Open containers of alcohol are prohibited in all convention areas. Private parties held outside of official convention space are the responsibility of the hosts.
Virginia Code § 18.2-388 prohibits public intoxication and public profane swearing. If intoxicated, please remain in your hotel room or private residence.
Noise must be kept at a reasonable level to avoid disorderly conduct under Virginia Code § 18.2-415 and Hampton city ordinances.
If NekoCon staff determines that you are too intoxicated to remain in the convention center, you will be asked to leave. Continued issues may result in involvement of the Hampton Police Division.

Drugs

The use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs or drug-related paraphernalia is strictly prohibited within convention space. Any reports or incidents of drug use will be turned over to the Hampton Police Division.

Theft Policy

NekoCon maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding theft or shoplifting.

Anyone caught stealing or shoplifting in any part of the convention space will be immediately ejected from the premises.
Offenders will be remanded to local authorities and banned from future NekoCon conventions as well as any Event Support Solutions, Inc. (ESSI)–sponsored events.
NekoCon and ESSI also reserve the right to share the offender’s name with other conventions as part of an informal warning system.
Victims of theft or shoplifting will have the opportunity to pursue legal prosecution of the offender.

Weapons Policy

General

NekoCon values costumes and props but prioritizes safety. Questions should be directed to Con Safety staff (identified by vertical STAFF badges).

Metal Items

No live steel (swords, knives, daggers, etc.).
Non-sharpened metal props must be inspected.

Wooden Items

Staves, bokken, walking sticks, etc., are allowed.

Projectile Items

Firearms (real or replica), bows, and crossbows are prohibited.
Nerf or airsoft props may be allowed if unloaded and battery-free.
Toy plastic props are generally allowed.

Miscellaneous Items

Soft material props are allowed if safe.
Tips must remain pointed to the ground.

Inspections

All props must be inspected and peace-bonded
Swinging or misuse may result in ejection.

Conduct

Props may not endanger others.
Large props may be restricted in crowded areas.
Props over 8 feet or 60 pounds may be prohibited.
Staff will not store props.

Purchases

Restricted items purchased in the Dealer’s Room must be taken directly to your hotel or vehicle.
Buyers of bladed/airsoft items must be 18+ with valid ID.
Carrying a banned item outside the Dealer’s Room may result in ejection.

Enforcement

Convention Chair may ban gun props at any time
Policies may be amended without notice.
Failure to comply may result in removal without refund.
Convention Chair decisions are final.

NekoCon Policy - Reviewed and Revised - 2025