Con Rules

As a convention for attendees of all ages, we have a few rules. The rules are so that everyone can have fun without making things unfun for anybody else. Most of them are common sense. Follow them! When in doubt, ask yourself, “Would you do this in front of your mother?”

In addition to the rules below, attendees in costume should also refer to the Weapons Policy and Costuming/Cosplay pages for more guidelines.
More Information: Costume Events

Yes, we’re in San Francisco and we’re close to Polk Street. But AOD is a family event. Think of the children (and their parents). Please dress appropriately- if you woudn't wear it in front of your mother, then you probabaly should not wear it at the convention. If you are dressed (or undressed) inappropriately, you may be asked to change.If you fail to comply, your badge may be confiscated.

Simply put- Don't overcrowd the elevators!

Please shower the day before, or the morning of, the convention. Drink lots of fluids. And don't forget to eat! You'd be surprised how many ppl get sick because they forgot to do both. Don't ruin your weekend by forgetting to take care of yourself.

The hotel has the following policy regarding noise in the hotel rooms: If there is a complaint about your room being noisy, you will be given one official warning. After that, if there are further complaints, all guests not officially staying in the room will be asked to leave. In extreme cases, hotel security and/or the police will be summoned. You really don’t want that.

Signs offering or soliciting any sort of service or compensation, or signs of an offensive nature, are not allowed. All other signs must be approved by Convention Operations. To get your sign approved, take it to Convention Operations in room 2105. Only approved signs may be carried. All rulings by AOD Convention Operations are final. Signs that are not approved must be stored in your room or car or be subject to confiscation. Repeated violations may result in both the sign and your badge being confiscated.

Never, ever, touch another person or follow them around without their consent. Both are forms of harassment. It doesn't matter how cute they are. ASK FOR PERMISSION FIRST. If they say no, LEAVE THEM ALONE AND GO AWAY.

All weapons worn at the convention must conform to all relevant State and local laws. No concealed weapons of any type are permitted. Absolutely no non-replica firearms are permitted on the convention grounds, even if unloaded, unless specifically permitted by California law (i.e. on-duty law officers and licensed security officers). Any convention attendee found to be in violation of California law will be subject to felony arrest by local law enforcement.

All functional weapons such as sharpened swords, knives, nunchuku, stun guns, crossbows, rocket launchers, throwing weapons, airsoft or other projectile weapons are absolutely prohibited, loaded or unloaded, sheathed or unsheathed.

Any non-functioning replicas or prop versions of such weapons are permitted if inspected and approved by Convention Operations and peace bonded. Non-sharpened or wooden/practice swords are permitted if peace bonded into their scabbards or belts, as applicable. Any toy or prop guns that are obviously fake are permitted.

Items such as walking sticks or canes may be carried without being peace bonded. However, AOD staff may deem any item to be a weapon and thus subject to the weapons policy.

Any non-functional replica or prop weapon must be taken to the Convention Operations (located in room 2115 of the hotel) for inspection and peace bonding.

Attendees are responsible for use of their props. No horseplay will be permitted. Violation of this policy will result in revocation of convention membership and ejection from convention grounds. AOD reserves the right to amend or modify the weapons policy during the convention.
More Information: Weapons Policy