Convention Rules

General

If you aren't allowed to do it outside of Otakuthon, it isn't allowed at Otakuthon.

Otakuthon strives to create an environment that meets the needs of the cosplay, anime and video game community but would like to remind participants that it is imperative to behave responsibly and obey the law. Participants who break these rules are liable to expulsion from the festival without a refund and could be banned from future editions of the festival.

Behaviour

All attendees must conduct themselves with proper decorum, that is, behaving in a controlled, calm, and polite manner.

Attendees must behave respectfully towards all individuals while attending events being held at Otakuthon venues, as well as Otakuthon staff and venue representatives. Attendees acting disrespectfully or disruptively on Otakuthon venues may be expelled from the Otakuthon event by venue security or Otakuthon Staff. Physical violence will not be tolerated and will result in immediate expulsion and permanent ban from the convention.

Any activities deemed to be a nuisance to Otakuthon or the venues, including but not limited to excessive noise or behaviour considered generally disruptive, dangerous, or damaging, will result in immediate expulsion from the convention by security and may result in further civil and criminal actions.

Laser pointers, laser-aiming devices, or similar devices, may not be used unless you are officially sanctioned to lead or present an Otakuthon seminar, workshop, display, or other Otakuthon-sanctioned event in which a laser is needed.

In the interest of respecting the rights of each individual, the following behaviours are considered unacceptable without the prior consent of the recipient: hugging, glomping, backslapping, kissing, or any unwanted physical contact. This also includes unwanted advances or other similar forms of behaviour considered to be harassment.

Any form of solicitation of goods, services, and favours without the permission of the Otakuthon convention is prohibited and may result in expulsion and a permanent ban from the event.

Badges

Badges must be worn, visible, and accessible at all times. Cosplayers may temporarily conceal them while taking photos only.

Attendees who do not have their badges properly displayed may be refused access to Otakuthon activities and/or be escorted off-site.

All participants must carry a valid government-issued picture ID at all times and must produce it when requested by Otakuthon staff or venue security. Failure to produce the requested ID may result in immediate expulsion from the convention and confiscation of the badge.

If your government-issued ID does not have a picture, you may use it in combination with another picture ID, such as a library card, a school card or a Costco card.

Participants who have lost their badge must report it as soon as possible to the Customer Service Desk (near the registration area on the Metro level). Lost badges should be returned to the Customer Service Desk. If your lost badge is recovered, you may pick it up at the Customer Service Desk upon presentation of a valid photo ID. See our Registration Rules for more details.

Sales

The sale or solicitation of any type of goods or services on Otakuthon premises without prior permission and arrangements with Otakuthon is strictly prohibited. This rule will be strictly enforced. Violation will result in immediate expulsion from Otakuthon and the venue. This rule applies to all guests, dealers, and attendees.

The following areas are designated as the only authorized sales areas:

• Attendees may only place items up for sale at the Garage Sale table in the Exhibition Hall (see Garage Sale rules for more details);
• Dealers with allocated spaces are permitted to sell merchandise in the Dealers’ Area;
• Artists with allocated tables are permitted to sell in the Artists’ Area;
• Exhibitors with allocated tables are permitted to sell in the Exhibition Hall;
• Guests with an assigned table are permitted to sell their merchandise at said guest table in the Exhibition Hall or designated event areas;
• Otakuthon-approved events with permission to sell goods may sell them in their designated event room.

At all times, no food or drinks may be sold on Otakuthon premises without express written permission from the Otakuthon Cultural Society. Maestro Culinaire is the exclusive caterer and food provider of the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

No sharp or metal weapons may be sold on the premises without the express permission of the organizers. All weapons must be lawful and conform to Otakuthon’s weapons policy.

Sharp or metal weapons may only be sold in the Exhibition Hall if they are immediately sealed in an appropriate carrying container. Should weapons sold not comply with our Weapons Policy, upon purchase, you will be escorted to the Weapons Check by the vendor.

Any weapons intended to be used as props must be inspected and approved without delay by Otakuthon’s Weapons Check Department. Otakuthon and the Palais des congrès de Montréal personnel reserve the right to restrict any participant from selling weapons.

Unlicenced reproductions of copyrighted works (ie: “bootlegs”, “fansubs”, “Hong Kong versions”, etc.) may not be offered for sale. This includes but is not limited to, videotapes, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, computer software, collectibles, apparel or printed artwork not produced under licence by the original copyright holder, or any other unlawful reproduction of works. Rule of thumb: if it is not visibly authentic, don’t bring it.

The sale and display of explicit material to minors are strictly forbidden. Sellers may have a sign indicating adult materials are available, but they must be kept out of sight at all times and be restricted from minors.

Additional lighting and sound equipment are permitted in the Exhibition Hall on the condition that they do not interfere with other participants. Any devices that produce noise or other disruption, including megaphones, sirens, strobe lights, and horns are strictly prohibited. Yelling, hawking or other aggressive solicitation of customers is also prohibited.

Sellers are responsible for the collection of taxes and the acquisition of any applicable permits and licences.

Only original, personal fan works created by the selling artist may be sold in the Artists’ Area. The sale of commercial goods such as videotapes, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, posters, scrolls, pens, etc., is prohibited unless you or the group you represent are the copyright owner or licensors of said works. The advertising of any such restricted goods or services is also forbidden. Violation will lead to expulsion from the Artists’ Area.

All exhibitors must obey the policies as outlined in their respective Otakuthon Exhibitor Kit.

Venues

PALAIS DES CONGRÈS DE MONTRÉAL

The Palais des congrès de Montréal is rented for use by Otakuthon. Although parts of the venue have been reserved for Otakuthon use, it is a public space and is subject to general public safety laws and regulations.

• All exits, stairways, escalators, and corridors must be kept open and free to circulation at all times; Otakuthon or venue staff will request that anyone blocking free circulation move or otherwise be dispersed.
• Stairways, escalators, and elevators should also be used only for their intended purpose, and any horseplay or other unsafe activity is not permitted.
• Animals and pets are not allowed on site, except for service dogs trained to palliate a disability.
• It is forbidden to touch Otakuthon equipment, including AV equipment, consoles, computers, etc. unless asked to by Otakuthon staff.
• It is forbidden to touch, stick things to, write on or otherwise tamper with Otakuthon signage.
• Displaying posters or otherwise affixing objects on venue bulletin boards, walls or doors is strictly forbidden and may result in expulsion from Otakuthon premises by venue security.
• If you have special signage or other requirements, please speak to the Otakuthon Information Desk.
• The use of any type of roller blades, roller skates, skateboards, hoverboards or any other similar accessory in the venue is strictly forbidden.
• Drones are not permitted to be used on the premises.

PLACE DES ARTS

• Laws, Regulations and Policies
• Frequently Asked Questions

Costuming, Props and Dress Code Policy

Otakuthon is a family-friendly event and many underaged are part of our attendees. All costumes and cosplays should thus provide enough coverage to be presented in public and be in good taste.

We welcome and encourage any costumes that fall within the rules outlined here!

Otakuthon reserves the right to deem a costume, a cosplay or a prop unacceptable. The violation of the policy below may result in being asked to change, to put on additional covering or to retire the prop. The severity of the violation of the policy below may result in immediate removal from the premises of the convention. Repeated violations or a glaring violation may also result in no allowance for readmission regardless of the attendee’s expense.

Cosplay Dimensions

• Costumes and cosplays must be able to get through a standard sized door unaided.
• During events and concerts, staff may ask to move to the back or extremities to allow a clear view. Thus, costumes and cosplays should not block people or view.
• Costumes and cosplays should not be so large that they cause obstruction of traffic in crowded places.

Footwear is required at all times. Footwear must at least cover the sole of the foot and be hard-soled enough such that the foot doesn’t come into contact with the ground.

Obscenity

Nudity or implied nudity will not be tolerated at the convention.

• Costumes and cosplays must be no smaller than standard swimwear.
• If your costume or cosplay is revealing, please ensure vital parts are covered at all times and consider the use of tape to keep your costume secure. Costumes and cosplays must completely cover the genitals. No see-through material is accepted.
• Costumes and cosplays which give the illusion of nudity are not permitted. They must not be form-fitting such that they clearly define the outline of any genitalia or imply the imagery of.
• Body paint is not considered as body coverage.

All costumes, cosplay and props must be decent, with no messages considered offensive, discriminatory, sexual or implied to be sexual.

• Costumes and cosplays deemed to be offensive or deemed discriminatory to the casual observer are not permitted. If you were photographed and the image went viral, the general public should not be offended by your outfit.
• Explicit content and adult-themed material worn on the body or visible on signs carried are not permitted.
• Costumes and cosplays cannot depict, or themselves, be in violation of any provincial and federal laws.

Social Acceptability

All costumes, cosplays and props must abstain from the following:

• Taking any political position;
• Making political statements or being politically offensive;
• Promote alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, the use of firearms or weapons, or any activities that appear unsafe or dangerous.

Costumes, cosplays and props must not defame, misrepresent or contain disparaging remarks about Otakuthon, Otakuthon Cultural Society and the people, their partners, products or companies affiliated with the event.

Travelling to the Convention

When travelling to and from the convention, please keep all props covered and stowed away. Realistic props could cause worry or concern for the safety of the public.

Any questions concerning the ruling can be forwarded to weapons@otakuthon.com.

Props Policy

Please see the Props Policy on our website for more details.

You are responsible for your conduct and handling of props. Otakuthon and its venues will not be held responsible for any damages resulting from an attendee’s props, be it improper usage or mishandling, and attendees will indemnify, hold and save harmless Otakuthon and its venues for any such damages.

Photography and Video

General rule: Always ask for permission before photographing or video recording anyone.

• Take special care not to obstruct the flow of traffic. Photography equipment must not restrict traffic flow;
• Photography and recordings may be permitted during workshops, panels, guest events and in the Artists’ Area at the discretion of the host(s) or artists involved. If you are unsure whether photography or videography is allowed during a particular event or in a particular area, ask permission from the staff first;
• Flash photography is not allowed during the Masquerade and the World Cosplay Summit;
• The use of cameras in the screening rooms is prohibited;
• Photography of merchandise in the Dealers’ Area is prohibited;
• Otakuthon reserves the right to prohibit photography and/or videotaping in any event or area;
• Staff may review or demand the deletion of any unauthorized photographs or video recordings.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Smoking

Otakuthon is an alcohol, drug and smoking-free event, and the venue is a smoke-free establishment. While we do not restrict what people do outside Otakuthon area, any person found intoxicated on the premises will be asked to leave immediately or escorted outside of the convention. A repetition of this offence may result in a permanent ban from the convention.

The use of electronic cigarettes or any electronic smoking devices (vaping) is restricted in the same way as regular cigarettes and may not be used on-site.

Anyone found in possession of alcohol or cannabis will be escorted outside of the convention. Refusal to leave the convention may result in confiscation of the substances by the Palais des congrès de Montréal staff.

Food and Drinks

• The consumption of food and drink on site is allowed at the discretion of Otakuthon venues staff;
• Due to the Palais des congrès de Montréal regulations, it is forbidden to have food or drink delivered to the convention grounds through the use of an app or from a business directly;
• We strongly suggest that you take advantage of the Cosplay Cafe (located on the 7th floor), the Chibi Cafe (located in the Exhibition Hall) or rest area tables and chairs for eating and drinking;
• Consumption of food and drink on site is a privilege;
• Attendees are expected to take proper measures to maintain a clean environment and dispose of any food or drink (including packaging) related garbage properly when they are done;
• Attendees who cause damage or are otherwise abusive of their food and drink privileges may be expelled without notice from the convention;
• Otakuthon encourages you to stay hydrated by bringing your own water bottle and taking advantage of the water refilling stations at the water fountains;
• It should be noted that only water bottles will be permitted in events and function rooms (such as video rooms, panels and game show rooms).

Privacy

By attending our events, you grant Otakuthon permission to publish, electronically or in print, your name, a photograph or audio/video recording of you, as well as any names and logos of your company, group or other organization (such as a cosplay circle, team or club) for promotion, documentation or record-keeping purposes. Any additional information gathered will only be disclosed for legal compliance, to third parties contracted to act on Otakuthon’s behalf, or anonymized in aggregate.

Liability

The liability to any attendee by Otakuthon for any damage or loss suffered at or caused by Otakuthon, its staff or assigns, shall not exceed the registration fees paid by that attendee.

Each attendee agrees to indemnify, hold and save harmless Otakuthon and its staff or assigns against any damages or losses suffered by third persons for which the attendee is responsible to any extent.