Weapons Policy

The safety of all attendees is our top priority. This policy outlines the guidelines for possessing and displaying weapons, props, and other potentially dangerous items at Hype Con. By following this policy, we ensure that all participants can enjoy the event in a fun and safe environment.

1. Prohibited Weapons and Items

The following items are strictly prohibited at Hype Con:

Real Firearms – Including but not limited to guns, rifles, and any weapon that could discharge live ammunition.
Explosives – Fireworks, smoke bombs, or any device capable of causing harm or panic.
Bladed Weapons – Swords, knives, or any item with a blade longer than 4 inches, unless a prop meets the guidelines below.
Projectile Weapons – Bows, arrows, crossbows, slingshots, or any items that could fire projectiles (including Nerf guns).
Heavy or Dangerous Objects – Anything that could cause harm to others if dropped or swung, including large metal or hard material props.

2. Approved Weapons and Prop Guidelines

Props and weapons from fantasy, sci-fi, and other genres can add to the enjoyment of the event, but must meet the following guidelines:

Non-functioning props – All props should be non-functional, meaning they cannot discharge or cause injury in any way.
Size Limits – Props should be manageable in size and weight. They should not exceed the size of a standard human body or be cumbersome to carry.
No Sharp Edges – Props with sharp edges (e.g., swords or knives) must be blunted or constructed from safe materials (e.g., foam, rubber, or plastic)
No Realistic Replicas – Replicas of real weapons (e.g., firearms or knives) must look clearly artificial, such as foam or soft plastic versions that cannot be mistaken for real weapons.

3. Safety and Usage

No Combat or Fighting – Physical combat or mock fighting with props will not be allowed in public areas. All interactions involving props should be consensual and occur in designated areas only (e.g., designated cosplay or martial arts demonstrations).
Respect for Others – Please be mindful of the size of your prop and ensure it does not cause obstruction or pose a risk to other attendees. Large props should not block pathways or create crowd hazards.
Carrying Weapons – Cosplay weapons must be carried in a secure manner, such as holstered, sheathed, or in a carrying case, at all times when not in use.

4. Inspection and Enforcement

Inspection – All weapons and props are subject to inspection by security personnel upon entry to the event. Items that do not meet the requirements outlined in this policy will be confiscated, and the attendee may be asked to leave the premises.
Enforcement – Hype Con staff reserve the right to remove any attendee from the event who is found to violate this policy, with no refund provided. Anyone who refuses to comply with safety protocols may be reported to law enforcement.

5. Consequences for Violation

Violating the weapons policy may result in the following consequences:

Confiscation of prohibited items
Immediate expulsion from the event
Possible legal consequences depending on the severity of the violation

Final Reminder

Please be respectful of others and ensure that your costume or weapon does not pose a threat to the safety or enjoyment of fellow attendees. We are here to have fun, and together we can create an environment where everyone can enjoy Hype Con safely and responsibly.

By adhering to these guidelines, we can ensure that everyone enjoys the creativity, camaraderie, and excitement that Hype Con has to offer. Thank you for contributing to a fun, inclusive, and positive environment!