Attendees who come to any FAN EXPO HQ event with a prop may be stopped by show security and sent to the Prop Check Desk. At the Prop Check Desk, security will inspect that your prop complies with the below FAN EXPO HQ rules and regulations regarding props.

If approved, security will issue a tag to be placed in a visible area of the prop. If show security does NOT see this tag on your prop while on the show grounds, you will be asked to leave the convention center and store your prop or go to the Prop Check Desk.

If not approved, attendees have the option of storing their prop in their car, home, hotel room or check it at the desk. You may return at the end of your visit to pick up your prop. Props and weapons left at the Prop Check Desk past show close on Sunday will be disposed of.

For full rules and regulations regarding props, please see below.

Live firearms including airsoft, modern, hunting or historic, either functioning or de-commissioned, are not permitted at any FAN EXPO HQ event. Replica firearms made from metal, solid resin/plastic/rubber are not to be brought onto convention grounds. All other firearms/projectile weapons are required to have orange safety tips at all times on convention grounds, however they can be removable for photography or competition purposes as long as they are re-attached when moving around the convention.

No props or weapons capable of firing any projectile or powder charge of any kind. This is for the safety of both yourself and the people around you. Nerf guns and other foam dart guns ARE allowed, but they must not have any foam darts loaded at any time.

Bows and slingshots are allowed, however, they must be de-strung. There must be no capacity to fire any object from the bow or slingshot. Arrows and other items used in bows or slingshots are prohibited.

FAN EXPO HQ does not allow ANY laser pointers to be used on the convention grounds. If you have a laser pointer in your prop or weapon, make sure it cannot function by either removing the batteries or simply not bringing it.

If firearm or projectile props or weapons are deemed unacceptable by FAN EXPO HQ security, attendees will be asked to check it with security while they are on the convention grounds. Refusal to do so will result in being banned from the event without refund and local authorities being contacted.

Metal swords, metal knives and other active martial arts weapons are not allowed to be brought onto any of the convention grounds. Failure to comply will result in being banned from the event without refund and local authorities will be contacted.

If you buy a metal sword, knife or martial arts weapons at the convention, this is covered below in Section 5.

Costume swords must be tied to your costume in such a way that they can’t be drawn.

Blunt weapons such as baseball bats and hockey sticks are prohibited.

No items can have sharp points, sharp edges, excessive weight or any other features that could be deemed dangerous to others (E.g. we do not allow metal replica samurai swords, “BB guns/air guns” even if they are not loaded). If the items are not approved during security inspection, they are forbidden on convention grounds. Non-approved items must be securely stored in the security Prop Check Desk the attendee’s hotel room, vehicle or home. Failure to comply will result in being escorted off the event premises and banned from the event without a refund.

Props with an excessive weight are subject to approval by security at the convention entrances or Prop Check Desks. There is no set weight limit, however, if it is deemed to be too heavy or unsafe, it will be requested that the item is checked at the weapons check desk for the duration of the event.

Please consider how heavy your props are because you’re going to either be carrying them all day or be forced to check them in at the Prop Check Desk if they are deemed too heavy to be at the event. The prop check desk is NOT a cloakroom; it is storage for items which FAN EXPO HQ deems unsuitable to be on the convention floor.

Attendees who purchase imitation or replica weapons such as metal movie swords or knives from the Vendors/Exhibitors Hall must not remove items from their original packaging until they have been secured in their hotel room or vehicle.

To use the purchased item as a prop or costume piece, items must be presented to security staff in their original packaging. If FAN EXPO HQ prop check team approves the item, it may be used in accordance with our props and weapons policy guidelines and of course your best sense of judgment. Again, if the items are not approved, then they are forbidden on convention grounds out of their original packaging. Non-approved items must then be securely stored in the attendee’s hotel room, vehicle or left at the Prop Check Desk until they are leaving the event. Failure to comply will result in being escorted off-premises and banned from the event without refund.

FAN EXPO HQ will not be held legally responsible or liable for any misconduct, damages, injuries or death resulting from the actions of any FAN EXPO HQ attendee. Any inappropriate behavior or misconduct by any attendee will be not be tolerated by FAN EXPO HQ or local authorities. Please use your best judgment and discretion by refraining from swinging weapons around, or using them in an intimidating or threatening manner.