• By purchasing a membership, you agree to the terms of the following code of conduct. Any violation of the code of conduct may be punishable up to, and including, revocation of membership and expulsion from the premises. In extreme cases, we reserve the right to legal action.
• There are NO exceptions to any rule unless expressly stated. Universal Animation, Inc. and AnimeNEXT reserve the right to modify rules at any time without prior notice.
• AnimeNEXT badges must be worn at all times in order to gain access to all AnimeNEXT events. Each attendee must be wearing their own badge, which must be in plain sight and facing forward. Any attendee who loses their badge may check in with convention staff and the Lost & Found (which is run by Atlantic City Convention Center staff) to see if someone turned it in. If the original badge can’t be found, the attendee is required to purchase a replacement in order to access any AnimeNEXT event thereafter.
• Attendees under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The adult with them must also register with AnimeNEXT and wear their badge at all times in the convention center.
• AnimeNEXT does not have a Lost & Found department. Lost property will be turned over directly to the Atlantic City Convention Center Lost & Found, located on the ground floor of the convention center. You will need to contact the Atlantic City Convention Center to recover lost property. You can contact them either in person on the ground floor of the ACCC, or call:
  • Jim Menz, Public Safety Manager, 609-449-2026
  • Hassan Brown, Asst. Public Safety Manager, 609-839-2023
• AnimeNEXT is an all-ages family event, and attendees are asked to dress accordingly. AnimeNEXT staff reserve the right to ask an attendee to change clothing if it is deemed inappropriate or unsafe. See our dress code for more information at http://www.animenext.org/information/dress-code .
• For the safety of all our attendees, under absolutely no circumstances are bags to be left unattended at any time during the convention. Unattended bags may be removed from the premises at staff’s discretion. There will not be a bag check available at the convention, so be sure that any bags you bring with you into the convention are non-obstructive and can remain with you at all times.
  • For more information on our bag policies, including restrictions for specific events, visit http://www.animenext.org/information/bag-policy.
• AnimeNEXT is a drug-free event. Narcotics and alcohol of any kind are strictly prohibited in the convention center.

• All events and panels at AnimeNEXT have a limited amount of seating and space. Seating is not guaranteed to any attendee at any time, and standing room will be allowed at the discretion of convention staff and/or ACCC staff.
• Lining up for events will start at least 15 minutes, but no more than 60 minutes, prior to the start of any event, and convention & ACCC staff reserves the right to disband any existing line prior to this window at their discretion.
  • If lines are to be started prior to the 15-60 minute window, an announcement will be made on premises.
• The event schedule is subject to change at any time after the schedule is announced. Please download the Guidebook app, follow the AnimeNEXT Facebook or Twitter accounts, or visit our on-site Info Spaces for changes and cancellations.
• Special wristbands will be required for all 18+ events. Wristbands can be obtained at Registration or the Convention Safety Room (305). Valid photo ID with your birthdate, such as a passport or driver’s license, are necessary to attend any age-restricted events. AnimeNEXT reserves the right to request ID at any time for age verification, whether or not the attendee has an 18+ wristband.

1. LINE ETIQUETTE: Unless you have a NINJA PASS, please do not queue up for any of the free autograph sessions in room 409 more than 15 minutes prior to the start of that session. This allows the team adequate time to clear out the previous group and start setting up for the next group;
   1. If a signing starts at 4:00pm and you have a NINJA PASS, you can begin lining up in room 408 no earlier than 3:30pm;
   2. If a signing starts at 4:00pm and you do not have a NINJA PASS, you can begin lining up in room 408 no earlier than 3:45pm.
2. ACCESSIBILITY: If you have a documented circumstance that does not allow you to stand in line for long periods of time, please communicate this with our staff and they will try their best to assist you with getting an autograph.
   1. Any conditions that merit special consideration should be noted with Registration and denoted on your badge with a decal, so our onsite team is aware (info about your condition will not be shared explicitly);
   2. If anyone standing in line sees a member of Guest Relations specifically move a person ahead in the line, please keep in mind that there is a distinct reason and any such individuals should not be harassed in any capacity.
3. AUTOGRAPH RESTRICTIONS: You can get one item signed by each guest present in the signing session. If you attempt to get more than one (1) item signed by any guest, you will be kindly asked to continue in the line after your first item is signed, so others get a chance to get something signed for free;
   1. If you do not comply with this rule and give any of the on-site staff difficulty, then a member of Con Safety may have to escort you from the room;
   2. Bear in mind that for domestic guests, we tried to make sure they all have three free signings (one per day) for a total of three and a half (3.5) hours throughout the weekend;
4. APPROVED ITEMS: You are permitted to get an autograph on our Program Guide, sketchbooks, Shikishi (autograph board), official copies of DVDs/CDs, or other merchandise;
   1. Keep in mind that our team will be spot checking merchandise to make sure that it is official, legal merchandise from any of the series a guest appears in and any bootleg merchandise will be flagged and ineligible for an autograph;
   2. Please note that guests can refrain from signing items based on their discretion.
5. RESTRICTED ITEMS: The items below are not be eligible for autographs:
   1. Unofficial merchandise;
   2. Bootleg copies of DVDs/CDs;
   3. Items unrelated to the guests or their body of work;
   4. Please note that guests can refrain from signing items based on their discretion.
6. GENERAL ETIQUETTE: While waiting on line, please be courteous to each other and the other attendees trying to get somewhere as well as other panels occuring at the time. Please do not block the walkway and use your inside voice.
7. PHOTO ETIQUETTE: Taking photos of the guests while you wait is strictly prohibited. Most people would not appreciate it happening to them and we expect you to show our guests the same courtesy you would like in return.
8. LOGISTICS: While you wait in line, we will pass out Post-Its with a pen. Write down your name as you would like to appear on the autograph. If you do not wish to have your name included, simply skip this step.
9. THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: When you finally get to the autograph table be courteous to the other attendees after you and do NOT hog the table/guests for long. We understand you waited so long for this moment and you want to tell your life story of how much you love them. But you got to this table because people ahead of you kept it short and sweet. Please do the same for the attendees waiting in line after you.
10. NOTE: In the interest of time, please do not expect our guests to draw something for you. Our goal is to get as many attendees to the autograph table.
11. EXPECTATIONS: There is NO GUARANTEE that all of you lined up will be able to get an autograph. Our guests are human and will try to get through as many autographs as possible.
12. INEXCUSABLE BEHAVIOR: Violence (physical or verbal) is absolutely prohibited. Your badge will be taken and you will be escorted from the facility immediately.

• All props must be checked at the Prop Check table on the Atrium level, or at Convention Safety headquarters (room 305). If a prop is deemed acceptable, a member of Con Safety will wrap an AnimeNEXT Prop Check Band somewhere on the prop. If the band is broken or lost, you must get a new one.
• AnimeNEXT reserves the right to deem any prop dangerous to the general public, regardless of size or material, and ask for it to be removed from the convention center.
• Props that are larger than 6 feet in length, or 3 feet in width/diameter, are strictly prohibited in all convention spaces. If your prop exceeds these limits, you will be asked to return it to your home/car/hotel room.
• No live steel will be allowed at AnimeNEXT. Live steel is defined as, but not limited to: swords, bayonets, knives (regardless of whether or not they are sheathed), star knives and shuriken, or other objects made of metal which can take an edge. This holds true regardless of whether the object is actually sharp. This rule also applies to selfie sticks, back scratchers, and collapsible walking sticks.
  • Live steel may not be used as a structural support component for any prop that enters the convention center or any other area maintained by AnimeNEXT.
  • Costume pieces bigger than pieces of jewelry that are constructed of metal, such as handcuffs, armor pieces, or chains, are also prohibited. Spikes and studs longer than half an inch are not allowed.
• All weapons purchased from vendors at the convention must be checked at the Dealers Room exit by Convention Safety staff. Weapons must be boxed and taken immediately to a car, a hotel room, or home after purchase. Please purchase weapons at a time when you are able to leave the convention center.
• Props made of polycarbonate are prohibited.
• Firearms are not permitted at the convention. All gun reproductions MUST have an orange tip at the end of the muzzle, and they MUST have an AnimeNEXT prop band attached at all times.
• NO PROJECTILE WEAPONS OF ANY KIND will be permitted. Examples include, but are not limited to: Airsoft guns, BB and other pellet guns, crossbows, dart guns, blowguns, and water guns / pistols.
  • Prop weapons with moveable parts but without ammunition are still prohibited.
  • Stun guns and tasers are also NOT allowed.
  • Bows must be strung loosely and unable to fire any projectiles.
• NO EXPLOSIVES, INCENDIARY DEVICES, or CHEMICALS of any kind, including but not limited to: smoke powder, sparklers, or fireworks.
• Leashes of any kind may not be worn by attendees at any time on convention grounds, but are required for all service animals.
• Do not use props in an unsafe manner. This includes but is not limited to: mock-fighting, swinging, throwing, and hitting yourself and/or others.
• For everyone’s safety, wheeled devices, excluding mobility devices, are prohibited from the convention. This includes, but is not limited to: heelies, roller skates/rollerblades, scooters, bicycles/unicycles, hoverboards, and skateboards/longboards.

• No signs are permitted at AnimeNEXT except for those signs that are an established part of a costume. I.e., the sign must be used by the character in official art, such as the sign carried by Genma the Panda from Ranma ½; signs from fan-produced works are not considered official.
  • Signs that are not from the source material are considered solicitation and are therefore prohibited.
• Signs with offensive content are not allowed at AnimeNEXT, even if the character uses them in canon. Please remember that this is a family event. This includes, but is not limited to: expletives, racist and/or antisemitic words and imagery, sexism, and/or nudity.
• All signs must adhere to the same restrictions imposed on all props: no live steel, and not exceeding 6 feet tall & 3 feet in width/diameter.
• Apparel may not be used as signs to communicate messages, such as “Free Hugs” or “Free Kisses”. AnimeNEXT staff reserve the right to ask the attendee to change clothing if deemed to promote an inappropriate message.
• Any attendee that breaks the sign rules will be asked politely to remove the sign.

Within the Atlantic City Convention Center

Women

Whatever you are wearing must have the same coverage area as a properly fitted bikini. The fabric must be opaque in color and obstruct the underlying features. If you are unsure your garment may move we suggest the use of double stick tape, pasties / nipple guards or the use of a nude colored undergarment. The bottom of your feet must also be covered at all times when outside of your hotel room or the pool areas of each hotel.

Men

Whatever you are wearing must have the same coverage area as a brief styled swimsuit, like a speedo. The fabric must be opaque in color and obstruct the underlying features. If you are unsure your garment will be appropriate we suggest the use of double stick tape, dancer belts or the use of a nude colored undergarment. The bottom of your feet must also be covered at all times when outside of your hotel room or the pool areas of each hotel.

If any part of your outfit does not fit our dress code, you will be approached by a member of our con safety staff, in red or yellow staff shirts, and politely asked to cover the area in issue or go back to your room to change into a more appropriate garment. If you find you are having a garment malfunction we have a fully staffed Cosplay Repair Station in room 420 of the Atlantic City Convention Center.

We do not allow any form of harassment at our convention under any circumstances. If for any reason you feel bothered by an attendee or staff member we ask that you report it to a con safety member or a member of the operations department immedaiately. Our our Con Safety Ops in room 317 of the ACCC and our Operations department can be found in room 201 of the ACCC wearing blue staff shirts. In this situation, the person’s name, a photo of them or detailed description will be requested so we can address the situation with all appropriate parties.

Within Atlantic City Casinos

– Patrons must be fully clothed at all times which at a minimum may include shorts, tank tops and skirts.

– No bare feet or bathing suits are allowed.

– Face painting, masks, hoods covering facial features and sunglasses are prohibited.

– At no time are weapons (real or fake) allowed on the casino floor or hotel complex.

– Management reserves the right to ask a patron to adhere to Company’s dress code requirements.

General

The safety of our attendees, staff, and all other visitors of AnimeNEXT is of utmost importance. As such, AnimeNEXT continually reviews and adjusts its policies to enhance public safety and make each convention goer’s experience a safe one.

Around the Convention Center

• Bags of all shapes and sizes are allowed in the general convention center areas.
• Please keep your bags attended at all times during the convention.
  • Any bag left unattended may be removed from the premises at staff’s discretion.
  • There will not be a bag check available, so be sure that the bags you bring with you into the convention are non-obstructive and remain with you at all times.
• A Con Safety Staff Member may request to perform a bag search of any person’s bags on-premises at any time.
  • The bag search is 100% voluntary; however, refusal will result in Con Safety escorting the owner of the bag off-site.

Specific Locations

Dealer’s Room & Artist Alley

• Bags of all shapes and sizes are allowed.

Concerts & Main Events

• Seated Events
  • Bags must be able to fit on the floor in front of your chair, under it, or on your lap.
  • If a bag is obstructing the view of others, you will be asked to remove it from the room.
• Standing Events
  • Bags must be held at all times.
  • If a bag is obstructing  the view of others you will be asked to remove it from the room.

Dance Parties & Cosplay Formal

• Bags must be smaller than 10 x 10 inches (e.g., clutches, drawstring backpacks, etc.).
• ALL bags will be searched before entry into the Friday and Saturday night dance parties.

• Acceptance of membership (i.e., purchasing a membership for AnimeNEXT) indicates that the attendee (or parent, in the case of minors under the age of 18) has read the Code of Conduct detailed here and consents to the use of the attendee’s image or likeness in any recording, transmission, or reproduction for the purpose of promoting AnimeNEXT.
• Photographers are permitted to take photos in the Atlantic City Convention Center using handheld equipment only. Standalone equipment, such as tripods, light stands, and backdrops are prohibited. If equipment is deemed obstructive by staff, you will be asked to put it away.
• Photographers and/or equipment cannot block any public area or impede the safe traffic flow of others at any time.
• Photographers and models/cosplayers must act in a respectful and safe manner towards all AnimeNEXT attendees, the Atlantic City Convention Center property, and ACCC staff at all times. This includes misuse of furniture, decorative items, and structural pieces of the center.
• All photographers and cosplayers/models must have a valid AnimeNEXT membership. Anyone unable to prove membership through showing their badge will be asked to leave the Atlantic City Convention Center immediately.
• The use of drones are not permitted within the Atlantic City Convention Center.
• There will be some events where photography is not allowed. If you are found recording photos, video, or any other form of media during one of these events, you will be asked to leave the event and delete any media recorded.
• Photography is not permitted in the Artist Alley area.

• Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated in any medium or on any platform associated with AnimeNEXT. Harassment is simply defined as any unwanted action against any person(s) or group(s) for any reason. Reports of harassment are be taken very seriously and can lead to legal actions. If you see something say something.
• Cosplay is not consent. Cosplayers work very hard throughout the year to present their projects to their Anime loving peers, not as a waiver to allow other attendees to invade what is considered, “personal space”. Please be courteous to each other and ask for permission to take pictures or touch any attendee at AnimeNEXT.

Q: Can I touch or lean on the vehicles for my photos?

Q: What kind of cars can I expect to see?

Q: How can I put my vehicle in the car show?

If your vehicle matches with the themes of our car show, you can try registering through our website and get a chance to show off your ride.

Q: Why do I have to leave my large cosplay prop at the entrance of the room?

We want to avoid any accidents that may occur from scratching or damaging the vehicles in the show. Just check in your prop and pick it up when you leave the area. We will keep an eye on it!

Q: Can I speak with the owner to a car in the show?

Of course you can! Just come up to the staff table and we will introduce you to the owner if they are available to talk to you at that time.