THE FOLLOWING ARE EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED IN OTAKON CONVENTION SPACE:

METAL WEAPONS ARE NOT PERMITTED in Otakon convention spaces, without exception. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Swords, spears, axes, bayonets, knives, sai, throwing knives, darts, or shuriken. This is regardless of sharpness or if they are sheathed.
  • This also includes metal cooking utensils such as forks, BBQ forks, knives, spatulas, tongs, frying pans, pots, woks or similar.

METAL OR WOODEN SPORTS EQUIPMENT IS NOT PERMITTED. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Bats, tennis rackets, golf clubs, or javelins.
  • Bokken, shinai or similar practice weapons made out of metal or wood.

PROJECTILE WEAPONS OF ANY KIND ARE NOT PERMITTED. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Real or antique firearms, including replicas or decommissioned firearms.
  • Real ammunition or ordinance, including shells, casings, or bandoliers.
  • Airsoft guns, B-B guns, spring guns, blowguns, bowguns, bean shooters, slings, darts, or similar items.
  • Stun guns, tasers, batons, mace/pepper spray, knuckle dusters/brass knuckles or similar self-defense items.
  • Functioning bows, such as compound bows, crossbows or similar.
  • Items that propel other types of matter, such as water guns, silly string, money guns, or confetti poppers.
  • Confetti, glitter, or similar items are not allowed in general.

PADDLES ARE NOT PERMITTED.

  • This includes BDSM or Yaoi paddles.
  • Handcuffs are not allowed unless they have a safety release button.
  • Real whips and riding crops are not allowed.

NUNCHAKU ARE NOT PERMITTED

  • Nunchaku are defined as two sticks or other bodies connected at their ends with a short chain or rope. Two sticks can be made of any material, or shape.
  • Three-section staves are not permitted.

EXPLOSIVES or PYROTECHNIC CHEMICALS ARE NOT PERMITTED. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Smoke powder, sparklers, or fireworks of any kind.

DRONES or  RC CRAFT ARE NOT PERMITTED

LASER POINTERS ARE NOT PERMITTED

GLASS CONTAINERS ARE NOT PERMITTED. This includes, but not limited to:

  • Glass soda/beer bottles, jugs, jars, cups, stemware, vases or similar.

APPLIANCES ARE NOT PERMITTED. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Grills, air fryers, coffeemakers, electric kettles etc., even if they are not functioning and/or cannot be plugged in.

WHEELED VEHICLES ARE NOT PERMITTED. This includes, but is not limited to carts, wheeled props, skates or wheeled shoes. The only exceptions are for wheelchairs and other ADA compliant mobility devices, as well as strollers used to transport small children.

If it is illegal in the District of Columbia, it is illegal inside Otakon convention space. Any illegal weapons will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

THE FOLLOWING PROPS ARE PERMITTED IN OTAKON SPACE

  • Staves, swords, and other items made out of wood, plastic, foam or other similar material as long as they are handled responsibly and meet all other criteria.
  • Prop swords that are linked together by a rope or short chain as long as the rope/chain can be easily detached upon request.
  • Resin, rubber, or 3D-printed guns with no moving parts that have a bright orange tip.
  • Toy or water guns with no moving parts (including triggers, slides, pump handles, or removable ammo clips) are allowed as long as they have a bright orange tip.
  • Prop 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 fashion. Any prop bow should be strung in a way that makes it unable to fire a projectile.
  • Any arrows, bolts or similar are allowed as long as they are not sharp, are not made of metal, and conform to the prop policy in general.
  • Plate and chainmail armor are allowed if there are no sharp edges, and it does not interfere with the owner’s ability to move normally.
  • Any chain must be less than three feet (3′) in length regardless of material. This includes, but is not limited to, chain wallets and non-costume chains.
  • Musical instruments and/or speakers that play music are allowed if the music is played at a respectful volume and is not disruptive to those around you.
  • Toy, rubber, and plastic kitchen utensils or cookware are allowed.
  • Toy kitchen appliances are allowed if they are not plugged in or operating on batteries.
  • Props shall be limited to less than six feet, six inches (6’6″) in height and less than fifty pounds (50lbs) in weight.
  • In general, props should not be sharp, difficult to handle, should not be a fire or tripping hazard, and should not be disruptive or obstructive to those around you.


 BEHAVIOR WITH WEAPONS/ARMOR/PROPS

  • If a prop becomes a hazard to yourself or others, Otakon or convention space staff may direct you to remove the prop from the premises.
  • 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, and 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 Otakon staff and/or DC Metropolitan Police. Approval must be given for each Otakon event; having approval from prior Otakon events or from other events does not mean the prop is approved for the current event.

 Remember: Just because a staffer has not stopped you to check your item does not mean that the item is allowed. All decisions made by Otakon and/or the Public Safety Staff of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center are final.

This policy is subject to change at any time.