Policies

Zenkaikon aims to create a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all of its members. For this reason, it is important that all convention attendees read and follow the policies below.

Also, please remember that anything illegal outside the convention is illegal inside the convention. All federal, state, and local laws apply.

• General Policies
• Disruptive Behavior
  • Harassment Policy
  • Page a Chair
• Accessibility
• Lines
• Minors
• 18+ Programming
• Cameras and Photography
• Autographs
• Dress Code & Cosplay Policies
  • Signs
  • Props
  • Weapons
• Event Policies
  • Dances
• Attendance Policy

General Policies

• A Zenkaikon membership badge is issued to a single individual. The sharing of badges is not permitted. Any badge found being used by an individual other than the person to whom the badge was issued may be revoked.
• Please have your convention badge visible at all times. If you are at any time asked to present your badge by a Zenkaikon Staff Member, a Zenkaikon Volunteer, or a Convention Center Staff Member, please do so.
• Zenkaikon does not allow open alcohol within convention spaces. If you would like to consume alcohol, you may do so in one of the hotel bars, local restaurants, or your hotel room. Under no circumstances may alcohol be given to someone less than 21 years of age.
• All sales of goods or services within the convention center must be pre-approved by Zenkaikon (for example, vendors and artists within the Exhibit Hall, and the official Zenkaikon photo booth). All other sales or panhandling fall under the convention center’s “no solicitation” policy and are not permitted.
• We like the Convention Center, and the Convention Center likes us. We’d like to keep it that way. Please respect Convention Center and Zenkaikon property, and follow any policies the Lancaster County Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott set forth.
• Also, please remember that the Convention Center, hotels, and local businesses are not dedicated completely to Zenkaikon throughout the weekend. Please be considerate and respectful of non-convention individuals at all times, as you represent more than just yourself, but the entire fandom community.

Disruptive Behavior

While we want everyone to have fun at the convention, disruptive behavior interferes with the enjoyment of our fellow members, and is not permitted. Examples of disruptive behavior include, but are not limited to: running; yelling or using disruptive noise makers; rough-housing; profanity; public intoxication; blocking traffic flow; or any other behavior which is deemed disruptive, dangerous, or that common sense dictates you should not do.

Some behaviors such as theft, vandalism, assault, or any other action deemed highly disruptive or illegal may be grounds for immediate removal from convention spaces, revocation of a member’s membership and badge, and/or notification of the proper authorities.

Harassment Policy

Zenkaikon is dedicated to providing a friendly, safe, and welcoming experience for everyone in both our in-person and online spaces.  In-person spaces include all convention center and other meeting rooms where our annual event takes place. Our online spaces include Discord, Zoom, Twitch, YouTube, other video conferencing interfaces, associated chat/messaging areas, social media accounts, etc., related to Zenkaikon.

Harassment of any kind, including, but not limited to: verbal or physical assault, deliberate intimidation, stalking, or unwelcome physical or online attention, will not be tolerated. If someone tells you “no” or to leave them alone, your business with them is done. If you continue to attempt to have contact with that person, you may be removed from the premises or from our online spaces.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Offensive comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, body size, age, race, or religion, or other lifestyle choices and practices.
• Deliberate misgendering or use of ‘dead’ or rejected names.
• Gratuitous or off-topic sexual images or behavior in inappropriate spaces.
• Simulated or actual physical contact (e.g., textual descriptions like “*hug*” or “*backrub*”) without consent or after a request to stop.
• Threats of violence, including encouraging a person to commit suicide or to engage in self-harm.
• Deliberate intimidation.
• Stalking or following.
• Taking video recordings or screenshots without prior consent and for purposes of harassment.
• Unwelcome sexual attention.
• Continued one-on-one communication after requests to cease.
• Deliberate “outing” of any aspect of a person’s identity without their consent.
• Sharing of non-harassing private communication without consent.

 Zenkaikon reserves the right not to act on complaints regarding:

• Reasonable communication of boundaries, such as “leave me alone,” “go away,” or “I’m not discussing this with you.”
• Communicating in a ‘tone’ you don’t find congenial.
• Criticizing racist, sexist, cissexist, or otherwise oppressive behavior or assumptions.

Zenkaikon is not responsible for solving disagreements and interpersonal problems between individual members outside of the convention.

Our harassment policy applies to everyone – including but not limited to Zenkaikon standard and VIP members, staff, volunteers, contractors, guests, panelists, vendors, and artists. 

Reporting: 

At Con/In Person

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please notify a member of Zenkaikon Staff immediately so that they may address it. Members of Zenkaikon Staff can be identified by their red Zenkaikon Staff badges. If you feel our staff has not been able to meet your needs, or if you have further concerns, please Page a Chair.

Online

If a participant of Zenkaikon’s online spaces is harassing you, you notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact the Code of Conduct Team (#moderators) on the Zenkaikon Discord. If the person who is harassing you is on the team, they will recuse themselves from handling your incident. We will respond as promptly as we can.

 If you do not feel comfortable addressing your concerns directly with our staff, you may also use our contact form, and select ‘Zenkaikon Online’ as the category.

Consequences

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior,  Zenkaikon Staff may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including expulsion from all Zenkaikon online and/or in-person spaces and other measures as seen fit by the convention chairperson and Board of Directors.

Page a Chair Program

If you are uncomfortable about how a policy is enforced or how you are treated by a Zenkaikon staff member or volunteer, you can ask for a Chair to be paged. The Zenkaikon staff member or volunteer will call for the Zenkaikon Chair Person on duty. The Chair will come to your location to assist as soon as possible. 

Accessibility

The Lancaster County Convention Center and Tellus360 are ADA accessible. For our members with accessibility needs, Zenkaikon has an Accessibility Desk located next to Registration to provide assistance and information. When you arrive at the convention, after picking up your badge, proceed to the Accessibility Desk where a staff member will provide you with a ribbon that will allow additional accommodations such as priority elevator access and line alternatives. You may also visit our Accessibility Desk at any time during the convention with any questions or concerns, and we will be happy to assist you. You can also send an email to accessibility@zenkaikon.org or via https://zenkaikon.com/contact-us/.

We work within the limits of our finances, logistics, facilities, and volunteer staffing, to the best of our ability, to create an event that works for all of our members. We always welcome discussion exploring how we can better accommodate our convention attendees.

Attention, our Deaf and Hard of Hearing members!

We offer ASL interpretation for panels and events! Please click through to the this form, so we can gauge how many members will be requesting this accommodation. Once the schedule is released, our Accessibility department will get in touch with you individually for planning.

Service Animals

• Only ADA-recognized service animals are allowed at Zenkaikon and the Marriott Penn Square/Lancaster County Convention Center. Pets are prohibited.
• “Service Animal” means a dog/mini-horse trained to perform a specific task(s) for the benefit of an individual with a disability, such as retrieving objects, alerting to low blood sugar, or providing deep pressure therapy during a panic attack.
• Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support by mere presence alone, a.k.a. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), are prohibited.
• Owners must control the movement of their service animals at all times (i.e. via harness, leash, tether, or voice commands). 
• Service animals must be housebroken.
• Service animals that exhibit aggressive or disruptive behavior are prohibited. Such behavior includes but is not limited to: biting, snapping, growling, barking, jumping up on other guests, or any other behavior not explicitly for the purpose of alerting others to assist its owner.
• Failure to abide by these rules may result in being asked to vacate the premises and/or the revocation of your badge by either Zenkaikon or venue staff. Removal is handled on a case-by-case basis and at the discretion of Zenkaikon or venue staff.
• Be advised that the Lancaster Convention Center is a private business, while hotels are considered public accommodation, and thus may enforce separate rules while still abiding by the ADA. Please contact the hotel you will be staying at for information on their accessibility accommodations and animal policies.

Quiet Space

Partnering with The Lancaster Public Library, located next to the Holiday Inn, has allowed us to have a dedicated Quiet Space for the 2025 convention! Want a place away from the loud noises and large crowds? A place to decompress before jumping back in on the fun? This is the place for you! No library card required, but if you’re a Lancaster resident, why not signup?

Friday, 2nd floor Media Room, 9am-5pm.

Saturday, 2nd floor Program Room B, 9am-5pm.

Closed Sunday.

Please note: This is a public space, so please be respectful to the non-Zenkaikon patrons. Because of the number of young children present, no frightening or overly risqué cosplay. No oversized attire or large props. Personal photography/ video is permitted, but no professional photography/ videography/ streaming, including no lighting, tripods, stands, or other professional equipment.

Lines

• It is unavoidable that there will be lines for some events. We recommend bringing a book, Nintendo DS, or another hand held gaming device to pass the time while waiting in a line.
• All lines will start a maximum of 30 minutes before the event or seating for the event takes place, no exceptions.
• Please follow all directions given by staff members, as their number one priority is making sure you have a safe and fun weekend at Zenkaikon.
• The 3 simple steps of line “etiquette” .
  • Please make sure that your badge is out and visible. (It should always be out, but we understand you may have put it away for a cosplay picture)
  • Please make sure the badge artwork is facing forward.
  • As you make it to the door, please lift your badge to the person at the door’s eye level so they can check it. If you are going to an 18+ panel, please use the hand the wrist band is on.
• V.I.P. members have priority access to the Exhibit Hall and first of line privileges for Main Events and ONLY Main Events. If you have a V.I.P. badge please let the line staff know.
• Cutting in line and “holding” spots will not be tolerated.  All those caught will be sent to the back of the line. Repeat offenders may face expulsion from Zenkaikon. 

Minors

• Anyone under the age of 13 is required to have a parent or guardian with them at all times. Accompanying parents or guardians must also be registered for the convention.
• We do not charge membership fees for children age 9 and under.

18+ Programming

Some Zenkaikon programming will be labeled as 18+ only. Anyone who wishes to attend 18+ programming must be at least 18 years of age on the day of the event, and must obtain an 18+ wristband from the wristband booth prior to the program.

• Only a valid, government-issued photo ID will be accepted as identification for issuing 18+ wristbands.
• 18+ wristbands will be available at Registration at designated times and locations. 
• An 18+ wristband will grant an attendee access to 18+ programming for an entire weekend, no need to line up for a new one each day

Cameras and Photography

• Use of stationary photography setups (e.g., lighting, backdrops, and tripods) are limited to the official Zenkaikon Photo Booth, attendees who have registered as Photographers, and members of the press who are approved by the Communications Department.
• All sales of goods or services within the convention center must be pre-approved by Zenkaikon (for example, vendors and artists within the Exhibit Hall, and the official Zenkaikon photo booth). All other sales or panhandling fall under the convention center’s “no solicitation” policy and are not permitted.
• Please be considerate when stopping to take photos in the hallway by making the photo stop quick, and not blocking the main flow of traffic. Do not take any photos in stairwells, elevators, or in front of doorways.
• Out of respect for our members’ privacy, we also request that you get permission before taking photos of attendees or guests.

Autographs

• Lines for autographs will start 30 minutes before the autograph session.
• Unfortunately, we can not guarantee everyone an autograph so we have to limit attendees.
• A limited number of tickets will be distributed to people in line on a first-come, first-serve basis, based on the length of the session. If you do not have a ticket, you are not guaranteed to get an autograph at that session.
• For any guests who are offering them, free autographs are limited to 1 item per person/weekend, free autographs are limited to 1 item per person. At the guests’ discretion, guests may choose to sign additional items for a fee. (For more details, please see our Autograph Sessions page)
• Guests will not sign any bootleg or illegal items. Please bring licensed items only.
• Please have whatever item you want autographed ready to be signed by the time you reach the front of the line. (e.g. Remove CD sleeves/DVD cover from their cases before you get to the guest.)
• Out of courtesy to those in line behind you, please try not to take up a lot of the guests’ time when you reach the front of the line. To save time, you can think of what you want to say to the guest as having a 30 second limit, and try writing it down before you get there. If you can’t catch your guest at their table to ask a question, you are welcome to ask them questions at their panels also.

Dress Code & Cosplay Policies

Zenkaikon is an all-ages event, so attendees are asked to dress appropriately.

All Zenkaikon attendees are required to follow the policies of the Lancaster County Convention Center and the Holiday Inn during the convention, hereafter referred to as Venue, and all applicable laws of the City of Lancaster, PA.

Zenkaikon has the Sole and Absolute Discretion to decide what costumes, cosplays, and clothing are permitted at the convention. We reserve the right to adjust and amend these terms on a case-by-case basis.

Any attendee in violation of these policies may be asked to change or otherwise remove, modify, or cover their cosplay, costume, prop, or clothing to meet Zenkaikon/Venue policies.

An attendee who refuses to comply with these terms may have their badge revoked and be removed from the convention space. Depending on the level of offense, they may also be banned from future events.

General Policy

• Footwear is required at all times.
• Costumes, cosplay, and clothing should cover all of the following areas at all times and prevent public visibility:
  • Groin
  • Buttocks
  • Chest, including nipples
• Attendees are not permitted to ride or wear the following in the Venue:
  • Heelys (with wheels)
  • Hoverboards
  • Rollerblades
  • Stilts
  • Skateboards
  • Scooters
  • Note: Devices that are used to accommodate a disability are an exception to this rule.
• Strollers are permitted within the venue but cannot be left in walkways or unattended. This does not include using them as props.
• Masks that cover an attendee’s face should be easily removable upon request.
• We prohibit any attire, signs, or props that contain depictions of sexual acts, extreme violence, or content not appropriate for all ages.
• We forbid any representation or iconography of any hate group. Zenkaikon does not tolerate discrimination or prejudiced behavior.
• Cosplay or costumes that may be confused with American law enforcement, emergency response personnel, first responders, emergency medical personnel, or government agencies are not permitted at Zenkaikon. Any cosplay or costume that falls under a military- or police-style uniform will be allowed only at the convention’s discretion.

Cosplay Policies

Signs

• Solicitation signs are prohibited.
• Apparel that contains solicitation phrases is prohibited.
• Any signs containing offensive content as described in the General Policy are prohibited.

Signs that are established as part of a costume are allowed, but are subject to review by Zenkaikon and can be denied pursuant to Zenkaikon and Venue policy.

Props

• All prop weapons must be easily identified as being replicas.
• All props must be inspected and approved by Zenkaikon.
• All props must remain on a singular individual. They may not be used to connect, link, or tether two or more individuals. You may also not restrain or restrict any individual, including yourself. This includes chains, handcuffs, leashes, or any similar item.
• All props must not exceed 6 feet in length in any direction. Props with a larger surface area, such as shields, may not exceed 3 feet in width/diameter. These policies ensure props generally stay within the personal space of the holder and are not risking the safety of others or inhibiting traffic.

If a prop is deemed inappropriate or dangerous by Zenkaikon or Venue, attendees will be asked to remove it and store it outside of the convention.

All props must remain on a singular individual. They may not be used to connect, link, or tether two or more individuals. You may also not restrain or restrict any individual, including yourself. This includes chains, handcuffs, leashes, or any similar item.

Props must be handled with care, and misuse of a prop can endanger the safety of other attendees. Zenkaikon or Venue may ask attendees handling their props in dangerous ways to remove them from the convention.

If an approved item is handled in a manner that impacts the safety of others, the approval will be revoked, and the prop will need to be removed from all convention spaces.

Weapons

• Weapons that shoot a projectile are prohibited. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Firearms, including but not limited to:
    • Antiques
    • Replicas
    • Demilitarized/Demilled Weapons
  • BB or Pellet guns
  • Airsoft or Paintball guns
  • Crossbows
  • Dart or Blowguns
  • Water guns
  • Operable NERF guns
• Metal weapons are prohibited. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Any item with a metal blade, regardless of sharpness, including sheathed items
  • Metal gun/firearm props
  • Metal handcuffs or similar captive items
  • Metal bats, golf clubs, or similar blunt props
• Nunchaku are prohibited.
• Stun guns and tasers are prohibited.
• Explosives and Chemicals are prohibited.
• Paddles are prohibited.

    
Metal Props/Components

Components of costumes or props that are made of metal and are sharp or otherwise pose a safety risk must be reviewed and approved by Zenkaikon. This includes all metal armor. Our general policy is not to allow metal in costumes or cosplay.

Metal chains are permitted if less than three feet in length. As a reminder, they cannot be used to attach to other attendees or restrain/restrict a person in any way.

Permitted Prop Weapons

• Bows will only be permitted if they are not strung with tension.
• Staves, bo sticks, and similar items.
• Weapons made of paper mache, foam, plastic, or similar materials.
• Wooden weapons.

Prop Firearms

Prop firearms are permitted if they meet the following criteria:

• Are easily identifiable as toys or props
• Have no moving parts
• Are marked with a non-removable orange tip
• Are in compliance with all other existing policies
• Are checked by staff at one of Zenkaikon’s prop check locations

Purchased Weapons

Weapons purchased in the Exhibit Hall must remain boxed and be immediately removed from the convention space. Neither Zenkaikon nor the Venue will store these items.

Prop weapons that meet the policies outlined above, while being handled responsibly, are permitted to remain in the convention space.

Event Policies

Specific events may have their own policies that enforce stricter prop and cosplay requirements for safety.

Dances

Not all dance policies will be listed here. Check the appropriate event listing and description for additional policies.

Behavior that involves violent physical contact, such as moshing, is not permitted during any of our dances or events.

The following items are NOT permitted into any dance:

• Flow props, including but not limited to:
  • Hoops
  • Staves
  • Flow Fans
  • Poi
  • Glow Sticks on strings
  • Fiber optic whips

Attendance Policy

Attendance is subject to the rules and regulations of Zenkaikon.

A badge may be revoked and a member ejected from the convention for disorderly conduct, a violation of the law or rules, or in the sole discretion of a Zenkaikon official.

A member acknowledges that by appearing at Zenkaikon he or she may be recorded (by video, sound, or otherwise) and consents to such recording and its publishing and re-broadcasting.

In exchange solely for this membership, the member, in accepting a badge: (i) releases Zenkaikon from any liability for loss or damage to persons or property, infringement of any right, or any other claim or cause of action of any kind; (ii) authorizes and permits Zenkaikon and its designees to use for any and all purposes his or her name, voice, and likeness and all reproduction thereof in any and all forms and in all media now or hereafter known in perpetuity and further agrees to release Zenkaikon from any and all liability arising from or in connection with the taking, use, publication, or dissemination of such materials; (iii) agrees to comply with all Zenkaikon rules and regulations.

Any members under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.