Cosplay Props/Weapons Policy


FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY – ALL COSPLAY PROPS/WEAPONS MUST BE INSPECTED AND PEACE BONDED BY A MEMBER OF OUR STAFF
BEFORE ENTERING RETROXPO!

RetroXpo is dedicated to the safety and security of ALL attendees, vendors, guests, and staff. While we strongly encourage everyone to come in cosplay, we must enforce some basic rules for everyone’s safety. All attendees must adhere to Massachusetts state law at all times, including laws regarding firearms and weapons. If it is illegal outside of the convention, it is illegal inside the convention!

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR WEAPONS:
You may not carry or possess any item considered an illegal weapon, openly or concealed at any time at or around the hotel space, including the surrounding parking lots. As well, no firearms, antique firearms, or any forms of ammunition are allowed. Even items that may be legal for you to own or carry are not welcome and are to be left at home. Props may be used for costumes, however, a “prop” is something that you carry around as part of your costume in your hands or on your person that fall under certain terms, rules and exceptions outlined below. We use the term “weapon” to describe any prop that is viewed as related to combat or violence regardless of how you may be acting.
Prop weapons are homemade or commercially rendered costume prop weapons that support the overall look of a costume or character, including futuristic prop weapons made to look like phasers, ray guns, light sabers, etc… Removing or tampering with the peace bonding is a violation of the weapons policy and will result in immediate expulsion from RetroXpo. Any approved prop weapon may be revoked at any time at the discretion of staff or security, for reasons including, but not limited to, the item being utilized or brandished in an inappropriate fashion or if complaints are received regarding its improper display.
Prop weapons are to be displayed only as costume pieces and are not allowed to be swung, jabbed, brandished, and utilized in a threatening manner, thrust, or actively used on hotel grounds or in the surrounding parking lots. Doing so can injure others, create unsafe situations and possibly injure others. You may pose with a Prop Weapon in a brandishing manner, so long as no reasonable person would interpret the posed brandishing as anything but a pose for dramatic effect. Such posed brandishing may be stopped at the sole and absolute discretion of RetroXpo security or staff members.

BOWS/CROSSBOWS:
Bows and crossbows will only be permitted if they’re solely prop in nature – no tension on the string beyond what it takes to keep the string straight, and arrows should not have any form of tip. You are NOT permitted to bring arrows with metal tips into the event under any circumstances.

BATS:
Wooden and Metal Bats are permitted as props, but may not be swung around or used in a threatening manner. If you brandish your bat in a threatening manner, security will remove you from the premises.

BLADED WEAPONS:
Swords, knives and other METAL bladed weapons are not allowed. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
Swords, knives, etc. made of plastic or wood may be used as props. There is to be NO real or fake fighting on or near the hotel premises. Not inside the hotel, not in the parking lot, … nowhere. Violation of this rule will be cause for expulsion from the event.

WOODEN WEAPONS:
These may be used as props. Again, there is to be NO real or fake fighting on or near the hotel premises. Not inside the hotel, not in the parking lot, … nowhere. Violation of this rule will be cause for expulsion from the event.

SPRAY PAINT/CANS:
No spray cans are permitted as a part of a costume for any reason. Absolutely NO spraying from a can will be permitted at RetroXpo. If you use a spray for a costume, you must use the spray outside of RetroXpo. If you are caught spraying inside the RetroXpo or inside the hotel you will absolutely be evicted from the premises, and the Tiverton police will handle any vandalism that occurs.

GUNS:
ABSOLUTELY NO REAL GUNS may be used as props at RetroXpo regardless of being unloaded, stripped down, barrel filled, or any other precaution that could be taken. Prop or toy firearms, such as Airsoft and BB guns, NERF guns, etc. will be permitted under the following circumstances and regulations:
(1) All “prop” guns MUST have an orange tip at the end of the barrel, and be easily identified as such from a distance.
(2) These “prop” guns must be unloaded, with NO AMMUNITION in them under any circumstances.
(3) ALL “PROP” GUNS MUST BE TAGGED. You must make sure ALL prop guns are unloaded of any ammunition, as well as zip tie the trigger so that the prop or toy gun is incapable of firing. If at any time you are caught with a prop or toy firearm not meeting any of these requirements, you may be ejected from the show. WE HAVE ZERO TOLERANCE FOR DISOBEYING THE RULES!
(4) Plastic prop or toy firearms are preferred. Metal or wooden prop or toy firearms will receive more scrutiny from security and staff throughout the weekend.
(5) RetroXpo maintains a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on discharging a projectile, even from an approved prop or weapon. Water pistols, NERF gun, airsoft, it does not matter, discharge it, and you will be removed from the show. These rules apply to any prop or toy firearms purchased in the dealer’s room.


RetroXpo reserves the right to refuse entry of any prop/weapon it deems unfit for any reason. Any misuse of a prop/weapon (horseplay, dueling, fighting, running/swinging, firing, etc.) is grounds for removal and or ejection from hotel premises without recourse, up to and including legal action depending on the severity of the offense. Remember – your attitude goes a long way with how each and every situation is handled.
We ask that all props be constructed of light and flexible materials, and as little wood and metal as possible. As stated before, any “prop” may be considered a “weapon” in a certain situation, at the discretion of the staff. Props and weapons that are constructed of the preferred materials will certainly receive less hassle at Weapons Check and throughout the weekend by RetroXpo security and staff.

EXEMPTIONS:
During costume competitions and photo opportunities, CERTAIN policies will be given more leeway regarding costumes, props, and weapons. While posing for a picture, you may temporarily brandish your prop for the pose. This does not apply to weapons and props that have not been approved at Weapons Check. Safety, public exposure, questionable material, and any other weapon/prop policies must be adhered to even during photo ops.

PURCHASED PROPS AND WEAPONS:
If you purchase a weapon or prop from the Vendors that does not comply with the RetroXpo weapons/prop policy, you must either leave it boxed and taped or take it to your room or vehicle.
PLEASE NOTE that if you violate any of the above rules your weapon or prop WILL be confiscated or you will be removed from RetroXpo. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS! If you are asked by a member of RetroXpo security or staff, you are required to comply with their requests or risk removal from the hotel grounds. Please use common sense. If you cannot abide by the rules, please stay home. We will not endanger, nor put any of our attendees or event staff at risk because you want to have a more authentic looking costume.
RetroXpo reserves the right to amend or change these rules at anytime for any reason to provide for the safety, security and general well being of attendees and the general public.

Thank you for cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and enjoyable show for everyone!