Code of Conduct

NijiFest is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for all attendees, staff, volunteers, vendors, and guests. By attending our event, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Core Principles

Respect: Treat all individuals with dignity and courtesy
Inclusivity: Welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels
Safety: Maintain a secure environment for everyone
Fun: Foster a positive atmosphere for celebrating our shared fandom

Expected Behavior

Follow all instructions from convention staff, volunteers, hotel staff, and venue personnel
Respect personal boundaries and obtain consent before physical contact or photography
Keep convention spaces clean and report any safety hazards.
Do not move, tamper or damage the convention property.
Do not move signs and banners on the convention floor.
Be mindful of noise levels and crowded spaces
Respect others’ belongings and convention property

Badge Policy

A valid badge must be purchased and worn openly at all times. Persons who do not have a badge displayed on the convention floor will be asked to leave. Any person without a valid badge will not be permitted entry into events or vendor spaces.

By purchasing this badge, you have agreed to obey our Code of Conduct and understand that any pictures and/or video taken at NijiFest may be reproduced by Chaos Creators and NijiFest for promotional purposes. All created media about NijiFest is owned by the respective person/company. Badges are NON-REFUNDABLE. Badges are only valid if purchased from NijiFest. All policies and rules are subject to change without notice.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a NijiFest Badge.
To transfer badge ownership, this must be done 7 days before the start of the event. Due to high volume of attendees we cannot promise transfers. You can email us at info@nijifest.org.

Bag Policy

All guests are subject to search. Bags, backpacks, and personal items will be inspected at entry. Possession of prohibited items may result in denial of entry or ejection without refund.

Prohibited items:

Weapons, blades, sharp objects, firearms, ammunition, explosives, or hazardous tools.
Illegal drugs, controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia.
Unlabeled or loose pills.

Medications:

Prescription medication allowed only in original, pharmacy‑labeled containers that match a valid ID; bring only what is needed for the event duration; subject to verification by medical/security at entry.
Over‑the‑counter meds should be in factory‑sealed or original packaging; loose OTC pills are not permitted.

Cosplay Policy

Family-friendly event: All private areas must be covered with opaque fabric.
“No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” applies.
No profanity, sexual imagery, or offensive symbols allowed.
Offensive or shock-value costumes may result in removal.

Restricted Uniforms

Costumes resembling real-world law enforcement or emergency services are prohibited.
Military-style cosplays must be clearly fictional.
Questionable attire may result in a request to change.

Prohibited Props

Brass instruments
Real instruments larger than a violin

Bladed Weapons

No live steel or metal blades (no matter how dull or covered).
Lightsabers must not include metal above the hilt.
Props with sharp edges are prohibited.
May only be swung in designated photo areas.

Firearms

Props must have closed barrels and a visible orange tip (tape/paint not accepted).
Must be clearly fake and non-functional.
Laser scopes must be disabled.
Dallas Police decisions are final—no exceptions.

Blunt Weapons

No solid metal weapons (metal detailing okay).
Only foam bats permitted.
No spikes, nails, or dangerous attachments.
No swinging except in designated photo areas.

Prohibited Behavior

Harassment & Discrimination

Sexual harassment, assault, or unwelcome advances
Discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics
Stalking, following, or intimidating behavior
Bullying, mobbing, or targeted harassment
Hate speech or offensive language/imagery

Disruptive Conduct

Excessive noise, shouting, or disruptive behavior
Blocking walkways, entrances, or emergency exits
Unauthorized photography/recording of individuals
Vandalism or damage to property
Theft or unauthorized use of others’ belongings
Sleeping in the convention spaces: Lobbies, hallways, exhibitor hall and game hall. Respect the hotel’s policies regarding sleeping in their lobby.
Inappropriate attire. This includes breaking cosplay policies, lacking shirt, pants, and shoes.

Reporting

All reports will be taken seriously and handled confidentially.

Emergency: Call 911 or locate hotel security immediately
Safety Issues: Find any staff member wearing a Sonic EXPO badge
Non-Emergency: Contact us at info@nijifest.org or approach registration

Enforcement

Violations may result in:

Warning – For minor first-time offenses
Temporary Removal – From specific areas or events
Expulsion – Removal from convention without refund
Ban – Prohibition from future events
Legal Action – Involving law enforcement when appropriate

Convention Violations

Sharing/transferring badges at the event, or counterfeiting badges
Unauthorized solicitation or sales
Disrupting programming or events
Ignoring staff directions or venue policies

Safety Violations

Bringing prohibited weapons or dangerous items
Substance abuse (alcohol/drugs) in convention spaces
Ignoring safety protocols or emergency procedures
Reckless behavior that endangers others
To abide by local fire marshal requirements, form a single-file orderly line under the direction of convention volunteers. Cosplayers taking pictures are encouraged to move to the side of the hallway or find an open space where they will not impede the flow of traffic. Sitting against hallway walls is not permitted at any time.

Additional Policies

Cosplay: Must be family-friendly and follow our weapon/prop guidelines
Photography: Obtain permission and consent before photographing individuals

Questions?