Personal Interaction Policy

• DO NOT touch another person, or his/her costume, without permission. Uninvited hugging, grabbing or rough housing is dangerous and will not be tolerated. Repeat violators will be ejected from the convention.
• Be respectful of others. No harassment, catcalling, verbal abuse or stalking will be tolerated.
• The BCTC is intended to be a safe space for all attendees, guests, and staff to come together and share. If you feel you are being harassed by any attendee, staff, guest, or member of the general public, please contact Security or convention staff and provide them with a description of the incident as well as the person, including what they wearing and the area it happened in. DO NOT engage in retaliation or in any way escalate the event.
• The hotel and convention center are public areas so nuisance noisemakers will not be tolerated. This includes vuvuzela horns, cowbells, kazoos, etc.

Photography

• If you wish to take a photo, please ask permission first.
• Do not block hallways or public areas while taking photos. If you are taking a photo, please move to one side of the hallway against a wall, or move to another area.
• Photography and video recording are not permitted in the video rooms, Dealer’s Room or Artist’s Alley.

Costume Coverage Policy

• Costumes must be “street-legal” and suitable for all audiences, as the BCTC is an all-ages convention. Laws of public decency apply — if you would not wear it to class, work, do not wear it at the con.
• No nudity or adult-themed props/paraphernalia is permitted, please, remember…the kids!
• No fake blood that can smeared, squirted, dripped, sprayed or be otherwise transferred to another person or surface. This includes any type of dye, food coloring, or makeup.
• You must have a clear line of sight, this includes peripheral vision. Being only able to see through a tiny eye slot does NOT constitute a clear line of sight. If this is unavoidable, cosplayer MUST have a handler at all times. Other cosplayer with masks or heads do not qualify as a handler. This rule does apply to furries as well- you require a handler with you at all times. This is due to the large crowds and tight confines of the hotel/ convention center space and is for the safety of all.
• The BCTC staff reserves the right to make final judgment calls on what is “decent”. If staff feels that your costume is indecent or inappropriate in any way, you will be asked to change or cover it.

Weapons Policy

ALL WEAPONS must be inspected and approved by Security prior to being carried or displayed in public areas. If you are found to be in violation of this policy, you will be asked to take it back to your hotel room or vehicle. If there are continued violations with the same prop, your weapon will be confiscated and you may be ejected from the convention.
Props carried in public areas must be no more than 72 inches/6 feet in length. This is for the safety of all con goers, as well as to prevent damage to personal property. If your prop is larger than 72 inches/6 feet, please do not bring it into public areas. Props larger than 72” total must break down into pieces no larger than 72” while on the convention floor. You may assemble them for photos, if you are completely out of the flow of traffic and there is room to do so.

Projectile weapons are limited to the following (*upon inspection by security):

• water guns
• cap guns
• Airsoft guns
• Replica firearms

The following projectile weapons are NOT permitted at the BCTC:

• Dart guns
• BB guns
• Crossbows
• Real firearms

Artificial and replica guns will be permitted, pending inspection by Security, only if they meet the following criteria:

• they have no clips or moving parts
• they have a non-removable orange safety tip

No live steel (edged metal weapons) will be permitted. Bladed replica weapons must be made of a non-metal, non-sharp material, must be no more than 72 inches in length, and must be approved by Security.
Commercial weapon replicas purchased in the dealer room must remain peace-bonded/wrapped at all times, and must be taken directly to your hotel room or car after purchase. They may not be carried around the convention. If you are seen carrying a non-compliant weapon in convention areas, it will be confiscated and held by Security until the end of the convention.

Props & Accessories Policy

• Use caution when carrying or displaying large props. If you are seen wielding a large prop in a reckless or dangerous manner, your prop may be confiscated.
• If convention staff feel that your prop poses a risk to others, you will be asked to remove the item from public areas, or it may be confiscated.

Prohibited Materials

• Inflammable materials such as candles, fireworks, sparklers, liquid fuels or other fire hazards are strictly prohibited. Small personal smoking paraphernalia (cigarettes, lighter, etc.) may be carried, but may not be used in public convention areas.
• Your costume should not shed. Please avoid loose materials such as sand, glitter, confetti, flower petals or other items that are designed to fall, scatter or otherwise separate from your costume.
• Clothing that displays messages deemed to be inappropriate or offensive to others (including, but not limited to, explicit language, sexually suggestive or racially offensive material) will not be permitted. Convention staff reserve the right to ask attendees to change or cover offensive clothing. Failure to comply will result in your badge being confiscated.

For the safety of all please observe the following:

• BCTC Staff & Security will have the final approval on questionable props, & weapons. Approved items will be tagged and you will be permitted to carry the item.
• If not approved, you will be asked to remove it from the convention premises. Attendees MUST take such items immediately to their hotel room or off convention property.
• BCTC Staff is not able to pre-approve weapons and props before the convention. A determination can only be made after actually handling and inspecting the object in question.
• HAVE FUN!