POLICIES

Cosplay is a big part of Fanfaire NYC.

We encourage everyone to attend in costume. Our festival will feature a dedicated area for Cosplay and costume contests for kids and adults. We will also provide space for Cosplayer meet ups and group photo events. 
 

Acceptable Costumes

• For everyone's safety, firearms and sharpened instruments are prohibited. PEACE BONDED FOAM & LIGHT PLASTIC PROPS ONLY! We understand many characters are associated with various weapons, however, due to the fact that this event takes place in a school environment we ask you to please leave the weapons at home. To peace bond your weapons go to the coat check area.

• All costumes must observe a PG-rating, kids-friendly policy; no nudity, profanity, or abusive content.

• Any offensive content or complaints from fellow attendees will be addressed by convention staff and could result in dismissal from the premises.

• No clowning around or showing off in the common areas.

• Any prop used in an offensive manner will be confiscated.

• Anyone who violates these rules may be disqualified from the competition and may be asked to leave the convention area. 
   

Anti-harassment Standards

Fanfaire NYC is dedicated to providing a safe and fun environment for all fans. Toward that goal we have adopted guidelines for respecting the feelings and personal space of others. Harassment can take many forms and is determined by the victim, not the intentions of the perpetrator. Some actions that may be perceived as harassment include:

• Verbal comments, related to race, gender, size, shape, sexual orientation, disability, religion, quality of costume, or nerd cred.

• Unwanted physical contact.

• Intrusive or exploitative image capturing/photography. Guests are welcome to document the convention as long as no one feels they are being exploited. Best policy is to ask for permission before taking photos. Permission to take a picture is not permission to use the picture commercially.

• Persistent requests for photos, hugs, phone numbers or personal information of any kind.

• Persistent offers of unwanted assistance, gifts, or invitations of any kind.

• Stalking/following someone on the con floor.

• Displays of overly sexualized artwork. Vendors are expected to maintain a “PG-13” standard of displays in their booths. Guests must do the same.

• Overly-revealing Cosplay. No costume is not a real costume. Violators will be asked to cover up and/or leave the con floor.

• Display of offensive signs, gestures, t-shirts, symbols, etc.

• Failure to cease any behavior once asked to do so.
   

Enforcement of Standards

Complaints will be taken seriously by convention and security staff. If it is determined – either by observation or by complaint – that an individual or group has harassed another attendee, that individual or group may be:

• Warned to cease and desist, or

• Asked to leave the convention, or

• Banned from the convention for a period of time to be determined by staff.

To report harassment please find the nearest Fanfaire NYC volunteer or security personnel. They will direct you to an information desk or security center. If you feel your safety or the safety of others is in jeopardy please contact the New York Police Department at 911 if an emergency. For your own safety, if you feel that you are being harassed in a non-emergency situation please report your problems to us. If you cannot find a staff, crew, or volunteer member to assist you, please go to the information desks located near registration or just inside the entrance of the exhibition floor. Please report to us before taking matters into your own hands (such as personally confronting the aggressor or posting on social media).  We have professional security and they are properly equipped for these contingencies.