- Attendees must visibly display their valid AniMayhem badge or wristband for the duration of the event.
- Badges/wristbands are non-transferable and non-replaceable if lost.
- All venue rules and any third-party obligations (safety, fire, venue policy) must be adhered to.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian aged 18 or older at all times.
- Prohibited items include (but are not limited to): real weapons, glass items, fireworks, illicit drugs, alcohol, large or oversized props that pose a safety risk.
- Smoking is prohibited inside the venue and in designated event-premises according to local laws.
- Only registered service animals / guide dogs are permitted, subject to verification.
- AniMayhem is not liable for personal loss, theft, or damage; attendees enter at their own risk.
- Do not tamper with barriers or crowd control equipment. Any interference with safety structures or attempts to alter them will result in immediate removal from the venue.
- By entering AniMayhem, you acknowledge that you may be photographed or recorded as part of the event which may be used in future advertising. If you wish to take photos or video of another attendee, you must ask for their permission first.
- AniMayhem reserves the right to refuse entry or remove anyone whose behaviour is disruptive, unsafe, or harassing towards attendees, staff, or venue personnel. These measures are in place to protect the wellbeing and enjoyment of everyone at the event.
Filming and photography
- By entering AniMayhem, attendees consent to being filmed or photographed by AniMayhem for promotion, press, social media, etc.
- Attendees retain the right to decline being photographed or filmed. Always ask permission.
- In designated “no-photography” zones, or during certain events (signings, panels), photography or recording may be restricted or prohibited.
- Any photography or video used for commercial gain must have prior written approval from AniMayhem.
- Shared images/videos should credit AniMayhem when appropriate.
- Staff have discretion to ask someone to stop recording or remove recording equipment if deemed inappropriate.
- By attending AniMayhem, you grant the organisers a perpetual, non-exclusive right to record, photograph, and use your likeness in any media, including promotional materials, publications, and online platforms.
commitment to safety
By attending AniMayhem, you agree to follow this Code of Conduct. Any actions that break the law will be reported to the appropriate authorities. Violations of these rules may result in immediate removal from the convention and possible exclusion from future AniMayhem event. To maintain a safe and enjoyable environment, the following are strictly prohibited:
- Physical or verbal aggression towards attendees, staff, traders, exhibitors or volunteers
- Fighting or any form of physical altercation
- Carrying real weapons or dangerous items
- Offensive, abusive, or threatening behaviour
- Indecent or unsafe exposure
safety disclaimer
AniMayhem takes every precaution to provide a secure event space. However, attendees participate at their own risk. AniMayhem, its organisers, staff, volunteers, partners, and venue(s) are not responsible for any loss, theft, damage, or injury that may occur during the event.
In the event of an emergency, please follow the directions of staff, security, and venue officials. Staff may provide assistance where possible, but any help is given at the attendee’s own discretion and risk.
security policy
- AniMayhem will have a visible security presence and routine patrols.
- Bag checks or prop checks may be required on entry or within the venue.
- Security and staff decisions are final in situations of safety or rule-breach.
- Attendees must follow all safety announcements; emergency procedures must be obeyed.
- Any suspicious behaviour or item should be reported to security or staff immediately.
Harassment policy
- Respectful behaviour is expected from everyone. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or other protected status is prohibited.
- Unwelcome physical contact, verbal abuse, unwanted sexual advances, stalking, intimidation, costume vandalism, wig tugging, photography without consent are examples of unacceptable behaviour and may result in your removal from the event.
- Cosplay is not consent: you must always seek explicit permission before photographing or touching someone in costume.
- If you witness someone else that is behaving badly or making someone uncomfortable, please report immediately to AniMayhem staff or security.
- AniMayhem will investigate reports or complaints and may take actions including warnings, removal from event, banning from future events.
- Serious misconduct may be referred to law enforcement where applicable.
Props and weapons policy
AniMayhem is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable convention for everyone. To ensure this, all props and costume weapons must comply with the following rules:
General Rules
- All props and weapons must be checked by AniMayhem staff upon entry. Items that do not meet safety requirements may need to be stored in the cloakroom or left outside the venue .i.e. stored in a personal vehicle.
- Oversized or heavy props may not be allowed in crowded areas and may only be used during specific events such as the Cosplay Competition.
- Props should not exceed 1.5 metres in length or be unreasonably heavy. Final decisions on suitability rest with the cosplay and security teams.
- Metal props are generally not permitted, except for small, non-dangerous decorative elements that pose no risk.
- Roller skates, skateboards, or similar items may only be carried as props for photos and cannot be used for movement inside the venue.
- No helium balloons as they can get lost in the ceiling or sucked into the air conditioning, so please leave them at home.
AniMayhem features some exhibitors that sell props and weapons that fall outside the scope of our policies. In this case, exhibitors are instructed to sell these props in secure boxes at the show. If you take a restricted prop weapon out of its box within AniMayhem, you will be removed from the convention without refund.
Bladed & Martial Arts Props
- All swords, knives, or martial arts replicas must be blunt, with no sharpened or cutting edges. (or made out of a different material that can’t be sharpened etc.)
- Any metal sword or blade purchased at the event must remain sealed in packaging or sheathed for the duration of the convention.
- Swinging, brandishing, or mock combat with props is not permitted in public spaces.
Archery Props
- Bows must be unstrung or fitted with a lightweight, non-functional cord.
- Arrows must have blunt, non-metal tips and cannot be capable of being fired.
Firearms, Toy Guns & Lookalikes
- Real weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited. This includes firearms, knives, or any item designed to cause harm, even if disabled or non-functional.
- Toy or replica firearms must be clearly marked with an orange or green tip and must not be capable of firing projectiles.
- Any item that could reasonably be mistaken for a functioning firearm may be refused at staff discretion.
- Props must not be carried outside the venue in a way that could alarm the public.
Legal Compliance
AniMayhem operates under local laws and venue regulations. Attendees are responsible for ensuring their props comply with these rules. AniMayhem is not liable for any action taken by law enforcement if prohibited items are brought to or displayed outside the convention.
cosplay/costume policy
AniMayhem supports creative, expressive cosplay but must ensure everyone feels safe and respected. All costume choices must align with the rules below. Failure to comply may result in being asked to change, remove parts of costume, or being asked to leave.
- Costumes should be tasteful and suitable for a mixed‐audience environment. Overly sexualized outfits are not permitted.
- As long as stockings are worn, costumes that expose the buttocks may be allowed.
- Exposing genitalia, and full breasts is prohibited.
- Footwear is required at all times, and soles of feet must be covered for safety.
- Large wings, extended props or parts that significantly exceed typical body dimensions may be restricted in certain areas (exhibit halls, public walkways).
- Such items may need to be stored (e.g. in cloakroom) during general exhibition; retrieval may be allowed specifically during cosplay contests or official photo sessions.
- Queensland law prohibits use or public display of hate symbols, especially those that promote or represent ideologies of extreme prejudice. This includes symbols strongly associated with Nazism and similar extremist movements.
- Use of any symbol that may be “prohibited” under Queensland hate‐symbols legislation—if worn or displayed in a way that could harass, intimidate, or offend others—is not permitted.
- There are some exemptions under the law (e.g. religious, historical, artistic contexts) but these are specific and limited. AniMayhem reserves the right to assess whether an exemption applies.
animayhem official guest photo policy
AniMayhem provides attendees the opportunity to meet official guests and capture photos in a safe and orderly manner. Please read the following guidelines carefully to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.
- All guest photo sessions occur at designated times and locations. Attendance requires a valid Photo Booth Token.
- Each token allows up to two photo sessions for a group of up to four people.
- We cannot guarantee photos with any particular guest; arriving early is recommended to avoid missing your session.
- Follow all instructions from AniMayhem staff and volunteers.
- Limit conversations with guests to brief greetings to keep the line moving efficiently.
- Be ready when it is your turn for a photo.
- Respectful conduct is mandatory. Anyone showing rudeness, harassment, or malicious behaviour may be removed from the event.
- AniMayhem staff reserve the right to close the photo booth line at any time.
- Entry to the photo session may be refused if rules are not followed.
- Checking whether items are suitable for signing AniMayhem staff will be available in the Guest Assistance Area for any questions regarding signing sessions or photo sessions.
- Assistance is provided for:
- Queries about guest photo or signing procedures
- Checking whether items are suitable for signing
- Accepting and handling gifts intended for guests
guest signing policy
Official guests will be available for autographs at designated times throughout the weekend in the AniMayhem Guest Area. Signing Tokens are required to participate in guest autograph sessions.
- Tokens for autographs and photo sessions can be purchased online in advance or at the AniMayhem Guest Area on the day of the event, while supplies last. Tokens are available on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out.
- Each token is valid only for the session on the day that it was purchased for.
- Attendees may receive one Signing Token per guest.
- You must have a valid token to join the autograph line; lining up without a token is not allowed.
- Attendees should not line up more than 30 minutes before the session begins.
- Each attendee may bring one item per session for signing. Items should be ready when entering the line. Otherwise the guest will have complimentary items to sign.
- Official merchandise, program guides, and licensed products are preferred. Guests may sign other items at their discretion.
- Bootleg, pirated, or counterfeit items will not be signed.
- Staff may inspect items before they are presented to guests.
- For CDs, DVDs, or books, consider preparing the item in advance (e.g., opening the cover) to speed up the session.
- Photography or videography during autograph sessions is not allowed.
- Attendees should limit conversation with guests to brief greetings to keep the line moving.
- Disruptive or disrespectful behaviour may result in removal from the session or the event.
- AniMayhem staff reserve the right to conclude any signing session at their discretion.
- These policies work alongside the AniMayhem Code of Conduct and other event rules.
- Following these guidelines helps ensure a safe, fair, and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
gifts for guests policy
Attendees who wish to present a guest with a personal note or small gift are welcome to do so, but we ask that all items follow these guidelines to ensure safety, fairness, and convenience.
- Gifts should be small, durable, and easy to transport. Large, bulky, or fragile items are not permitted.
- Include the name of the guest and your own contact details clearly on the gift or note.
- Wrapping should be simple: use a gift bag or tissue paper. Avoid tape, ribbons, or coverings that cannot be easily screened by staff.
- Food items are not allowed.
- Gifts containing human DNA (blood, hair, or skin) cannot be accepted.
- Consult AniMayhem staff overseeing the guest’s appearance before handing over a gift.
- Gifts may also be left with staff at the merchandise or Guest Assistance area to be presented to the guest later.
- Do not use Q&A sessions during panels to deliver gifts. This ensures the guest has time to speak and all attendees can enjoy the session.
- During autograph sessions, staff will inspect gifts before they are given to the guest.
- If your gift is unusual or requires special consideration, please contact AniMayhem staff in advance to ensure it can be safely accepted and delivered.
