GalaxyCon Richmond is March 24 - 26, 2023 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center

GALAXYCON RUNWAY COSTUME CONTEST FRIDAY MARCH 24, 2023

The Runway Costume Contest is a catwalk event for cosplayers of all skill levels and ages to showcase a costume. This is a lighthearted and fun contest for contestants and spectators. Pre-registration required in advance online or at the Cosplay Lounge the day of the event.

The GALAXYCON Runway Costume Contest will be “Runway” style. There will be no pre-judging. Contestants can enter in store-bought or homemade costumes.

PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED AS FOLLOWS:

• Best in Show: $100 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Individual: $50 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Group: $50 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Junior / Youth: $25 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Judges’ Awards (3): Custom Medals

COMPETITION RULES 

• One entry per person. No separate entries from the same person.
• There is a limit of 50 entries.
• All costumes must come from an established cartoon, comic book, anime, video game, manga, novel, or movie.
• All contestants must fill out the entry form.
• All costumes must be PG-13 or less. No nudity or risque costumes.
• No bad behavior. You know what that means. No trash talking, sabotage or poor sportsmanship. Improper behavior will get you removed from the competition and possibly the convention. Remember, we’re all here to have fun.
• No harmful or potentially harmful materials will be allowed. This includes, but is not limited to water, cigarettes, flames, fireworks, silly string, confetti, and any other substance that can be fired, launched or dropped.

What to expect at the contest: When you first arrive at the show, there will be a COSPLAY INFO BOOTH in the COSPLAY LOUNGE. This is where all questions regarding the competition can be answered, and where you will need to go to sign up and/or check-in.

Who can enter? All attendees who have an event badge or bracelet for GALAXYCON can enter this contest. Participants can enter as individuals or in groups (up to 10 per group).

How do I sign up for the contest? There are two ways to register for the competition.
(1) Register Online. This is the most preferred method. You will receive an email confirmation with your contestant #.When you get to the show, you will need to sign in at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH in the COSPLAY LOUNGE, where you will be given further instructions.
(2) Register at the convention. Participants will be able to sign up for the contest at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH, located in the COSPLAY LOUNGE. Fill out and return the entry form to the registration table. You will be given a contestant # and further information. Everyone must be signed in and all forms must be handed in by 4:30pm on Thursday. Late Entries may be accepted at the stage up until the start of the contest ONLY IF there are open spots available.
Acceptance of late entries is not guaranteed and is conditional on space left in the contest. To have a better chance at being in the competition, please fill out the form ahead of time.

ROLL CALL All entrants must show up 30 minutes prior to the competition for roll call in the Hero Stage. All entries will be contacted back via email with a contestant # and check-in info. If you have any questions, please email us at cosplay@galaxycon.com

GALAXYCON HEROES & VILLAINS LATE NIGHT COSTUME CONTEST FRIDAY MARCH 24, 2023

The Late Night Costume Contest brings the more risqué Heroes and Villains to the catwalk. No contestants under 18 allowed. Pre-registration required in the Cosplay Lounge

A special costume contest showcasing our favorite heroes and villains! This is a runway-style contest with no pre-judging. Costumes may be of any superhero or villain in comics, cartoons, movies, anime, video games, etc. Costumes may be handmade or store bought. Since this contest takes place late at night and is intended for more mature audiences, no one under the age of 17 may enter this contest.

PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED AS FOLLOWS: (Additional awards may be created at the Judges’ discretion)

• Best in Show: $250 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Hero: $100 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Villain: $100 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Group: $100 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• 3 Judges’ Awards: Custom Medals

COMPETITION RULES

• One entry per person. No separate entries from the same person.
• There is a limit of 75 entries.
• All costumes must come from an established cartoon, comic book, anime, video game, manga, novel, or movie.
• All contestants must fill out the entry form.
• No Nudity. While this is a 17+ event, we still can’t allow any nudity. Costumes may be little racy and suggestive, but may not cross the line into nudity.
• No bad behavior. You know what that means. No trash talking, sabotage or poor sportsmanship. Improper behavior will get you removed from the competition and possibly the convention. Remember, we’re all here to have fun.
• No harmful or potentially harmful materials will be allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: water, cigarettes, flames, fireworks, silly string, and any other substance that can be fired, launched, or dripped.

What to expect at the contest: When you first arrive at the show, there will be a COSPLAY INFO BOOTH in the COSPLAY LOUNGE. This is where all questions regarding the competition can be answered, and where you will need to go to sign up and/or check in.

Who can enter? All attendees who have an event badge or bracelet for GALAXYCON can enter this contest. Participants can enter as individuals or in groups (up to 10 per group).

How do I sign up for the contest? There are two ways to register for the competition: (1) Register Online. This is the most preferred method. You will receive an email confirmation with your contestant #. When you get to the show, you will need to sign in at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH, where you will be given further instructions. (2) Register at the convention. Participants will be able to sign up for the contest at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH in the COSPLAY LOUNGE. Fill out and return the entry form to the registration table. You will be given a contestant # and further information. Everyone must be signed in and all forms must be handed in by 8:00pm on Friday. Late Entries may be accepted at the stage up until the start of the contest ONLY IF there are open spots available. Acceptance of late entries is not guaranteed and is conditional on space left in the contest. To have a better chance at being in the competition, please fill out the form ahead of time.

ROLL CALL All entrants must show up 30 minutes prior to the competition for roll call. All entries will be contacted back via email with a contestant # and check-in info. If you have any questions, please email us at cosplay@galaxycon.com

THE GALAXYCON COSTUME COMPETITION SATURDAY MARCH 25, 2023

The GalaxyCon Costume Competition is our signature cosplay event with the best contestants and largest audience. More than $2,500 in cash and prizes is at stake. Pre-judging and Pre-registration are required.

A competitive costuming event with over $2,500 in cash and prizes at stake with $1,000 cash for Best in Show! This contest is open to ALL skill levels to ensure both novice and experienced costumers have a chance at winning an award.

 Please read before entering. Scroll down for rules and regulations.

PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED AS FOLLOWS:

• BEST IN SHOW: $1,000 CASH PRIZE & AWARD TROPHY
• Con Chair Spotlight: $400 Cash Prize & Award Trophy
• Masters Award: $300 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Craftsmanship Award: $100 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Individual, Journeyman: $100 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Individual, Novice: $75 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Individual, Junior/Youth: $75 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Group, Journeyman / Masters: $100 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Group, Novice: $75 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Original Character: $75 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Prop: $75 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Individual, Uncertified: $50 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Group, Uncertified: $50 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Judges’ Awards (3): Custom Medals

Enter the GALAXYCON Competition online prior to the advance registration deadline. Any entries not sent in advance by the deadline must be entered at the convention at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH in the COSPLAY LOUNGE. All entries will be contacted back with-in 48 hours via email with a contestant # and pre-judging information.

COSTUME COMPETITION SKILL DIVISIONS In the interest of fairness, and to allow for the best possible competition among peers, GALAXYCON has separate divisions for entrants based on skill and experience. This is to ensure that both novice and experienced costumers have a reasonably equal chance to win awards in the Costume Competition. The divisions include Master, Journeyman, Novice, and Junior/Youth. A competitor may always choose to compete in a higher division than that in which the costume competition director has placed him or her in. He or she may not choose to compete in a lower division. Commissioned costumes (paying a person to make your costume), or costumes which have been created by a person, not at the event with the entrant, may be classified as Uncertified, as long as the creator of the costume is available to speak with judges and go over the costume creation via Google Meet or Zoom during pre-judging. Costumes entered as Uncertified are eligible for consideration in the following award categories: Best in Show, Con Chair Spotlight, Best Individual: Uncertified, and Best Group: Uncertified. If the creator of the costume is unavailable to speak with judges, the entrant will only be able to enter as an Exhibition Costume and therefore only eligible for a Judges’ award.

Master: (a) Any competitor may enter the Master division.

Journeyman: (a) Professional (Master) costumers may not enter as a Journeyman. (b) A contestant who has competed and won in the Master division at another major competition in the past may not enter in the Journeyman division. (c) A contestant who has won Best Journeyman at another major competition may not enter the Journeyman division. (d) A contestant who has won more than three major awards in the Journeyman division at other major competitions may not enter in the Journeyman division. (e) Minor awards may be counted towards placement at the discretion of the costumer.

Novice: (a) Professional (Journeyman or Master) costumers may not enter the Novice division. (b) A contestant who has competed and won in any division other than novice at another major competition may not enter in the Novice division. (c) A contestant who has won Best in Show or Best Novice at another major competition may not enter the Novice division. (d) A contestant who has won more than three major awards at other major competitions (in either the novice division or a non-division event) may not enter in the Novice division. (e) Minor awards may be counted towards placement at the discretion of the costumer.

Junior/Youth: (a) The Junior/Youth division is for any child under the age of 13. (b) A child wearing a costume designed and built entirely by an adult should be entered either in the adult’s appropriate skill division or entered as an Exhibition costume. We wish to encourage creativity among the junior division in an effort to help them grow into accomplished costumers.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR GROUPS: Each member of the group must note which skill division they belong to on the costume competition entry form. Group members may belong to any skill division. The judges will use their discretion to determine which skill division to judge the group as a whole.

AWARDS: All awards, with the exception of the Con Chair Spotlight and Judges’ Awards, will be chosen by a majority vote of the Judging Committee. The Con Chair Spotlight will be chosen by the Convention Chairman at his discretion. Judges’ Awards will be chosen by the individual judges.

COSTUME COMPETITION RULES

• One costume per person. No separate entries from the same person.
• All costumes must come from an established cartoon, comic book, anime, video game, manga, novel, movie or jrock/jpop artist. Please bring reference photos or drawings of the original character.
• All costumes must be entered by their creator, with the exception of uncertified entries. Costumes may be worn by models, but prizes will be awarded to the person who created the costume, so both applicants must be present at the pre-judging and the contest. If you choose to use a model, be sure to include this information on your application. Uncertified entries (costumes created by a person or persons, not in attendance) may be entered by the model, but are only eligible for consideration in the following award categories: Best in Show, Con Chair Spotlight, Best Individual: Uncertified, and Best Group: Uncertified. Creators of costumes entered in the uncertified category must be available during pre-judging to speak with judges via Google Hangouts. If the creator of the costume is unavailable to speak with judges, the entrant will only be able to enter as an Exhibition Costume and therefore will only be eligible for a Judges’ Award.
• Store-bought costumes are not allowed. The following items are allowed to be store-bought: Wigs, Notions & Trims, Belts, Shoes, Jewelry, Most Accessories, and Props (which will make you ineligible for a prop award). Other items will be allowed at the discretion of the judges. Please email in advance if you have a question regarding a store-bought item. Remember: this is a competition that focuses on craftsmanship. The more you create, the more impressive the finished costume is. If you wish to wear a store-bought costume, you can enter as an Exhibition entry (non-judged).
•  Commissioned costumes may only be entered if the creator of the costume is in attendance. As well, commissioned costumes may be entered into the Uncertified category. See the above rules for requirements for Uncertified entries.
• The GalaxyCon Costume contest has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying/cyberbullying of any kind, before, during or after the event. Violation of this rule will result in immediate disqualification from all future GalaxyCon events. No trash talking, sabotage, or poor sportsmanship. Remember, we’re all here to have fun.
• NO PETS! Pets are not cosplay props. Anyone who enters the contest with a pet will be immediately disqualified.
• Prejudging will take place on Saturday between 10am and 5pm. You will be given a predetermined time slot based on your check-in number. You will be directed to come to prejudging during that time slot. If you are unable to make it during that time slot, your entry will be removed.
•  All contestants (with the exception of Juniors) must submit reference photos at pre-judging. We need accurate reference photos or drawings of your character/costume. Remember: it may be your favorite character from one episode of your favorite anime that only showed once in Japan or a costume worn by a character in one comic book issue, but to the judges, it may be something entirely new. We also need in-progress photos of you making your costume (at least 3 or 4). The higher the division, the more reference we expect. We want to see your costume from conception to creation. Show us how good you are… impress us!
• THE RERUN RULE: If you have won an award at any GalaxyCon contest, you may not enter it in another contest the same weekend. 1 contest, 1 costume. If you are presenting a costume that has won an award at another major competition, the following rules apply: (A) Any costume that has won an award at another major competition in a prior year is not allowed. It’s a new year, time for a new winning costume. You may present the winning costume as an exhibition entry if you’d like, but it will not be eligible for judging. (B) Any costume that has won an award at another major competition held in the same calendar year as Raleigh GalaxyCon is allowed.
•  No Nudity. This is a family show and will contain young contestants. All costumes must be PG-13, PG, or G.
• No harmful or potentially harmful materials will be allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: water, cigarettes, flames, fireworks, silly string, confetti, and any other substance that can be fired, launched, or dripped.
• PROP POLICY: You may pose with your prop at the costume competition, however, there is to be no waving of props around which could cause an accident. It’s never planned for someone to get hurt… that’s why they call them accidents.
• If participants are seen using a prop inappropriately (play fighting, waving it around, etc), they will be automatically disqualified and might potentially be removed from the con.
• There will be a maximum of 75 online entrants accepted, 75 at show entrants, for a total of 150 entrants.
• Please note that winners of cash prizes of $600 or over will be required to fill out a W9 on site. Anyone who cannot complete a W9 or have a parent complete a W9 on-site may have to wait until one is able to be completed before receiving their prize.

What can I expect at the contest? When you first arrive at the show, there will be a COSPLAY INFO BOOTH in the COSPLAY LOUNGE ROOM. This is where all questions regarding the competition can be answered, and where you will need to go to sign up and/or check-in.

Who can enter? All attendees who have an event badge or bracelet for GALAXYCON can enter this contest. Participants can enter as individuals or in groups (up to 10 per group).

How do I sign up for the contest? There are two ways to register for the competition: (1) Register Online HERE. This is the most preferred method. When you register online, you will receive an email confirmation with your contestant # and a time to arrive for pre-judging. When you get to the show, you will need to sign in at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH, where you will be given further instructions. (2) Register at the convention. Participants will be able to sign up for the contest at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH, located in the COSPLAY LOUNGE. Fill out and return the entry form to the registration table. You will be given a contestant # and a time to arrive for pre-judging. Everyone must be signed in and all forms must be handed in by 12:30pm on Saturday.

ROLL CALL All contestants must show up 1 hour before time at the designated line up location. All contestants must fill out the Costume Competition Entry Form prior to the Advance Registration Deadline. All entries sent by email will be contacted back via email with a contestant # and pre-judging information. Any entries not sent in advance by the deadline must be entered at the convention at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH in the COSPLAY LOUNGE. If you have any questions, please email us at cosplay@galaxycon.com.

GALAXYCON KID’S COSTUME CONTEST SUNDAY MARCH 25, 2023

A fun costume contest for kids 13 and under to walk the stage among peers. They can enter homemade or store-bought costumes and showcase their favorite character! To enter, please arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign up in the room before the contest.

The GALAXYCON KID’S COSTUME CONTEST will be “Runway” style. There will be no pre-judging. If you have any questions, please email us at cosplay@galaxycon.com

MASQUERADE COSTUME & PERFORMANCE COMPETITION SUNDAY MARCH 26, 2023

The GALAXYCON Masquerade Costume Competition is where costuming and cosplay go to the next level! This is a competition based on performance and presentation. Pre-registration required Over $1,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs!

PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED AS FOLLOWS:

•  BEST IN SHOW: $500 CASH PRIZE & AWARD TROPHY
• Director’s Award: $250 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Individual: $150 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Group: $150 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Best Junior / Youth: $50 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
• Judges’ Awards (3): Custom Medals

Contestants can enter as individuals or as a group and will be judged based on stage performance and costumes. Think of it as a costume talent show; more than just a cosplay contest, this is your chance to put on a performance as the character(s) you are portraying

AWARDS: All awards, with the exception of the Judges’ Awards, will be chosen by a majority vote of the Judging Committee. The Judges’ Awards will be chosen by the individual judges.

MASQUERADE COSTUME & PERFORMANCE COMPETITION RULES

•  One entry per person. No separate entries from the same person. If you enter as part of a group, you may not enter as an individual. If you enter as an individual, you may not enter as part of a group. Groups are limited to a maximum of 12 individuals on stage at the same time.
• The competition is limited to 50 entries, with no exceptions. If you wish to compete, you may pre-register online via the Masquerade Competition Entry Form or register on-site at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH in the COSPLAY LOUNGE ROOM. There is a limit of 30 entries that will be accepted in advance. We will close the form when that number has been reached. The additional 20 spots will be held for people to enter at the convention. Any of the 30 advance slots not already reserved will be open at the convention in addition to the 20 already available. Once the roster of 50 entries is filled, additional entrants will be offered will-call slots in the event of a no show, on a first-come, first-serve basis. All pre-registered attendees MUST check-in at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH by Sunday at 3:00pm or you will lose your spot, which will be given to one of the will call entries. There are NO exceptions to this rule.
• There is a performance time limit of 90 seconds for individuals and 3 minutes for groups.
• When you check-in at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH in the COSPLAY LOUNGE, the staff will sign you up, verify your information and introduction, and take your USB Flash Drive with your audio file, or direct you on how to send your audio file to the tech booth. You will be directed on where to meet for roll call, which will be 30 minutes before the start of the contest.
• NO MICROPHONES may be used by the contestants. All vocals and music must be pre-recorded. You must bring a flash drive with the audio file, or you will be instructed on where to send your music when you sign up at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH in the COSPLAY LOUNGE.
• If you have won an award at another major convention prior to 2023 with the same performance / costume(s), you will be disqualified. It’s a new year, time for a new performance. You may enter if you have won an award at another major convention in 2023 with the same performance / costume(s).
• No Nudity. This is a family show and will contain young contestants. All costumes/skits must be PG-13, PG, or G.
• No bad behavior. You know what that means. No trash talking, sabotage, or poor sportsmanship. Improper behavior will get you removed from the competition and possibly the convention. Remember, we’re all here to have fun.
• No harmful or potentially harmful materials will be allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: water, cigarettes, flames, fireworks, silly string, confetti, and any other substance that can be fired, launched, or dripped.
• PROP POLICY: You may pose with your prop at the costume competition, however, there is to be no waving of props around so that there can be an accident. It’s never planned for someone to get hurt… that’s why they call them accidents.
• All performances are confined to the stage area or area immediately surrounding the stage including off stage left and off stage right and should be entirely self-contained. Performances will not include any person not listed on your sign up sheet and may not utilize audience members, other contestants, stage crew, convention staff or convention volunteers.
• IMPRESS US! This is a competition based on performance and costume. The more the judges and audience are entertained and impressed, the greater chance you have to WIN!
• Please note that winners of cash prizes of $600 or over will be required to fill out a W9 on site. Anyone who cannot complete a W9 or have a parent complete a W9 on-site may have to wait until one is able to be completed before receiving their prize.

How do I sign up for the contest? There are two ways to register for the competition: (1) Register Online. You will receive an email confirmation with your contestant #. When you get to the show, you will need to sign in at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH, where you will be given further instructions. We will accept a maximum of 30 registrations via online entry. (2) Register at the convention. Participants will be able to sign up for the contest at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH in the COSPLAY LOUNGE. Fill out and return the entry form to the registration table. You will be given a contestant # and further information. Everyone must be signed in and all forms must be handed in Sunday by 3:00pm.

ROLL CALL All entrants must show up 30 minutes prior to the competition for roll call. If you have any questions, please email us at cosplay@galaxycon.com

Wheelchairs also are available on a first-come, first-served basis; they may not be taken out of the building. Visitors will be asked to leave an ID at the security desk while using the wheelchair. Please inquire at the main entrance at the corner of Third Street and Marshall Street or ask a staff member upon arrival.

Restrooms are available in main lobby, ballroom lobby, south lobby, and mezzanine.

Family and gender neutral restrooms are also available in the main lobby, ballroom lobby, and mezzanine

Faucet controls automatically start through sensors

Please visit the Convention Center's website to view placement of facility restrooms and elevators per facility level.

We use Google Live Transcribe to provide written transcripts in real time of our panels for the hearing impaired.

Please notify us two weeks in advance of the event so that we can make sure this technology is engaged in the panels you’d like to attend if you are hearing impaired: richmond@galaxycon.com

In general, animals are not permitted inside the Greater Richmond Convention Center except for the following instance:

Service animals, which the Americans with Disabilities Act defines as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. The dog must be trained to take a specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability. Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Also, service animals in training are not considered service animals under the ADA.

Attendees requiring the assistance from a service animal may pick up a Fast Pass Button at the Info & Disability Booth that will allow them access to the Fast Lane in the Autograph and Photo Ops area of the convention.

All sanitary needs for animals are the responsibility of the handler, and the animal must remain in the control of the handler at all times.

While it is not necessary, we encourage guests with assistive animals to contact facility management (919) 995-8500 in advance of the event in order to most appropriately accommodate the needs of the guest and their animal

Those requiring assistance from their PCA may request a complimentary companion day pass at the info & disability booth. This pass grants the PCA access to the event as well as a Fast Lane Badge for Autographs and Photo Ops in the celebrity area. PCAs are not granted VIP badges, even if the person requiring assistance has a VIP pass.

GalaxyCon Richmond attendees may be photographed or filmed at any time at the convention. By purchasing admission to GalaxyCon Richmond, all attendees consent to being recorded (by audio, visual and/or other means) for exhibition and exploitation by any means in all media now known or hereafter devised worldwide in perpetuity. In other words, by attending GalaxyCon Richmond, you give your consent to be photographed and appear on camera.

All attendees are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which is respectful of other attendees at all times. You may not engage in any kind of behavior that could be deemed harassing, bullying, or stalking in any way. While this is a very friendly environment, please DO NOT TOUCH ANYONE without EXPLICIT CONSENT. Do not touch peoples’ hair, bodies, costumes, props, or other items without permission. PLEASE RESPECT EVERYONE’S SPACE. Please engage in social distancing from anyone you are unfamiliar with, and even with friends, do not disregard social distancing without permission and consent. Do not use hateful speech. Do not follow anyone without their permission. Security personnel are on site to assist anyone that feels uncomfortable at the event, and you may also ask for assistance at our info desk at pre-registration. If Security, Richmond Police, or GalaxyCon Staff consider anyone’s behavior to be in violation of the code of conduct policies, you may be ejected from the event and have your wristband or badge removed without refund or recourse of any kind. Any illegal behavior will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If it is illegal outside of the convention, it is illegal inside the convention. Please be respectful of others at all times so that we can all have an outstanding event.

All signs and banners must follow all of the rules of both costumes and props, and are also subject to the general rating of the convention (PG-13) and all other convention policies. Signs and banners may not contain solicitation (“Will _____ for _____.”, or any variation). We have a strict NO SOLICITATION POLICY! Signs and banners must also contain zero profanity and offensive material. You may carry a sign as part of your costume, so long as the sign is clearly relevant to the character you are portraying. Examples include: “Objection!” signs for a Phoenix Wright costume, “Hey, listen!” signs with a Navi costume, etc. Signs and banners that do not comply with this policy or any other will be confiscated, and may result in your removal from the convention. This policy also applies to white boards and other writing surfaces being displayed to the public. Regardless of whether the sign is acceptable or not, no sign or banner may be affixed to any surface in or around the Convention Center. GalaxyCon Richmond reserves the right to amend or change these rules at anytime for any reason to provide for the safety, security and general well being of attendees and the general public.

GalaxyCon Richmond is dedicated to the safety and security of ALL attendees. NO WEAPONS ARE ALLOWED. Use common sense and remember what seems harmless to you may appear like a threat to someone else. All attendees must adhere to Virginia State Law at all times during the weekend of GalaxyCon Richmond, including laws regarding firearms and weapons. If it is illegal outside of the convention, it is illegal inside the convention. Please read this entire policy before attending GalaxyCon Richmond. Failure to follow this policy may result in your removal from the convention without refund. We have ZERO TOLERANCE FOR WEAPONS. The following items are NOT ALLOWED at GalaxyCon Richmond: • NO Live firearms: This includes modern guns, hunting guns, historic guns, airsoft guns, BB guns, cap guns, paintball guns, or pellet guns – either functioning or de-commissioned. • NO CONCEALED FIREARMS EVEN IF YOU HAVE A PERMIT. • NO Realistic replica firearms: This includes reproduction, fake or toy guns that can be confused for functional firearms – either metal, solid resin/plastic/rubber. • NO Functional projectile weapons: This includes blow guns, functioning crossbows, functioning longbows, silly string, slingshots, water balloons and water guns. No props or weapons capable of firing any projectile or powder charge of any kind. • NO Sharpened metal-bladed weapons: This includes axes, daggers, hatches, knives, kunai, shuriken, swords, sword canes and switchblades. • NO Explosives: This includes firecrackers and fireworks. • NO Chemical weapons: This includes mace and pepper spray. • NO Blunt weapons: This includes brass knuckles, clubs and nunchaku. • NO Hard prop weapons: This includes props made of metal, fiberglass and glass. • NO laser pointers. If you have a laser pointer in your prop or weapon, make sure it cannot function by either removing the batteries, or simply not bringing it. • NO Items that cause excessive noise levels like vuvuzelas, grenade whistles and grenade horns. • NO Aerosol mustard. • NO Tasers. Prop weapons are homemade or commercially rendered costume prop weapons that support the overall look of a costume or character, including futuristic prop weapons made to look like phasers, ray guns, light sabers, etc…

All costumes at GalaxyCon Richmond must be PG during regular exhibition room hours. After hours, please keep it PG-13. We are a family friendly show. Use common sense. Anything that is illegal outside of the convention is illegal inside the convention. Prop weapons will be allowed providing they are composed of cardboard, foam, wood or other light materials. Prop firearms are only allowed if they are clearly toys or props which are made of cardboard, foam, or other lightweight materials. They must also have an orange tip. Dull metal-bladed replica props must be peace bonded, checked, and tagged at the prop check table. Security will deny entry to anyone without a properly tagged prop. Bows and crossbows will only be permitted if they’re absolutely prop in nature – no tension on the string beyond what it takes to keep it straight, and arrows should not have any form of tip. You are NOT permitted to bring arrows with metal tips into the event under ANY circumstances. No items can have exposed sharp points, sharp edges, excessive weight or any other features that could be deemed dangerous to others. All props must be checked at the Prop Check Table, where security will inspect the prop and issue a tag to be placed in a visible area on the prop. EVERY prop will be handled on a case-by-case basis. You may be asked to take further measures to make the prop safe before it will be given approval. Be prepared for this contingency. Approved prop tags must be visible on your prop at all times. Removing the prop tag is a violation of the Prop Policy and will result in immediate expulsion from GalaxyCon Richmond. Any approved prop weapon may be revoked at any time at the discretion of GalaxyCon Richmond staff or security, for reasons including, but not limited to, the item being utilized or brandished in an inappropriate fashion or if complaints are received regarding its improper display. GalaxyCon Richmond reserves the right to refuse entry of any prop/weapon it deems unfit for any reason. Any misuse of a prop/weapon (horseplay, dueling, fighting, running/swinging, firing, etc.) is grounds for removal and or ejection from convention premises without recourse, up to and including legal action depending on the severity of the offense. PURCHASED PROPS AND REPLICAS: If you purchase a replica or prop from the Vendors Room that does not comply with the GalaxyCon Richmond Weapons/ Prop policy, you must leave it at the booth and retrieve it when you are ready to leave or when the exhibition room closes. You must take it to your vehicle, or hotel room immediately. PLEASE NOTE that if you violate any of the above rules you WILL be removed from the convention. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. If you are asked to leave by a member of GalaxyCon Richmond security or staff, you are required to comply with their requests or risk intervention by law enforcement. These decisions are based on the discretion of the security or staff member you are dealing with that exact moment. Do not attempt to skirt the rules. Do not attempt to play games with security or staff. Use common sense. If you cannot abide by the rules, please stay home. We will not endanger or put any of our attendees at risk because you want to have a more authentic costume. GalaxyCon Richmond reserves the right to amend or change these rules at anytime for any reason to provide for the safety, security and general well being of attendees and the general public. GalaxyCon Richmond reserves the right to deem a costume as unacceptable and request the wearer make modifications as necessary, change out of the costume entirely into more appropriate clothing, or require you to leave the convention. If your costume hinders your vision or movement in any way, you should have a friend, or “handler”, with you at all times who can move and see freely. Leashes are permitted; however, if you are wearing the collar, you must be holding the handle. Leashes should not be extended between two or more people, as this causes an issue for the other patrons. Masks are allowed, however security and staff may ask you to remove your mask at any time, for any reason for identification purposes. No public exposure. No flashing. State law says that a violation of public decency laws has occurred when the genitals, buttocks, or breasts are exposed to public view for any reason. You must wear shoes at all times (no bare feet) for safety purposes. QUESTIONABLE MATERIAL: Some costumes from anime, comic books, sci-fi, video games, and other sources may contain questionable material. We do not allow the use of hate symbols on costumes. You may wear a costume that is an accurate representation of an existing character in fandom, but shock costumes, or costumes which have the sole purpose of offending and disrespecting other individuals, cultures, or religions in any way, will not be tolerated. We ask that you be respectful of other attendees. UNIFORM COSTUMES: Costumes that may be confused with LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OR OTHER EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL UNIFORMS are not permitted. GalaxyCon has the absolute right and sole discretion to determine whether a uniform costume is permitted or too close to a real world uniform and to ask an attendee who is wearing a costume that is too close to a real world uniform to adjust it or remove it. ROLLER SKATES: The Convention Center has banned roller blades, bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, scooters, Segways, wheeled shoes such as Heelys, etc. inside the convention. You may carry these items as a prop, but you may not ride them at any time in the convention center. Hoverboards are banned as well. THE “PROXIMITY RULE”: Any part of your costume that extends more than four inches (4”) off of your body is officially considered a “prop” (wings, spikes, helmets, etc.) and should adhere to both the costume policies and weapon policies above. GalaxyCon reserves the right to amend or change these rules at any time for any reason to provide for the safety, security and general well being of attendees and the general public.