General Policy

Membership badges must be always worn conspicuously within the convention center. If your badge is ever covered, reversed, not worn, or carried inside of a pocket or bag, staff may request that you present it and wear it in a more visible manner or leave the building. Keep this in mind while wearing cosplay outfits. If your membership badge is lost or stolen, you can check to see if it was turned in at Registration. If you remain unable to locate your membership badge, you must purchase another at full price to remain in convention space.

Membership badges are the property of Katsucon Entertainment Inc. Even after purchase they are merely a symbol owned by said company to signify that they have allowed you to remain on convention space and/or property. Badges are also only to be used by the person to whom they are issued by KEI. Badge sharing (allowing another person to use your badge) is strictly prohibited. Failure to follow any rules set forth by Station Unity, KEI, or the Gaylord Hotel may be grounds for being ejected from the convention without refund, and in some cases, you may be banned from any future KEI events. Badges must be surrendered at the request of any senior staff member.

Failure to follow any of Station Unity rules may be grounds for ejection from the convention without refund. Except for designated areas, smoking/vaping/e-cigarettes are prohibited in the convention center, hotels, and immediately next to hotel or convention center doors.

Station Unity takes harassment very seriously. We acknowledge that harassment comes in many shapes and forms, and Station Unity Staff treats all harassment complaints with the same high level of urgency. We ask all attendees, guests, staff, and exhibitors to remember the following:

No Means No.

Cosplay Is Not Consent. You should always ask a cosplayer for a picture. It’s just polite, and literally takes seconds. You should never place your hands on anyone at Station Unity that you do not have explicit consent from. This can make anyone uncomfortable; and ruin their entire experience. No one wants to be the cause of that.

Everyone has different comfort zones. Please respect that, and always act on the side of caution.

If you feel like you need to talk to someone, seek out any staff member. Look for the people with the vertical aligned badges. If you feel a staff member or a volunteer has been inappropriate, ask to speak to the Human Resources Director Team, or their designee. Public Safety Staff will assist you with contacting them.

If you see something, say something to the staff. We are here to help, and we want everyone who enters our convention to feel welcome and safe.

Anyone caught stealing or shoplifting in any part of the convention space will be ejected from the convention space, remanded to local authorities, and banned from future Station Unity and any KEI sponsored events. We also reserve the right to share your name with other conventions in an informal warning system, and the victim(s) of the crime will have the opportunity to prosecute offenders.

KEI, Station Unity, the National Harbor Gaylord, and each group’s staff and volunteers will not be held liable for lost or stolen belongings. If any item is lost, please check with Station Unity staff for the Station Unity Lost and Found, and/or the Convention Center’s Lost and Found. Anything left in the hallways will be treated as Lost and Found or trash as the staff deems necessary to keep the convention center clean. Cleaning staff will do the same as they see fit, often with their own separate Lost and Found. At no time will any staff member be held responsible for any abandoned items, even if they interacted with said item after abandonment. Please keep personal items on your person or inside your hotel room or car for safe keeping.

Attendees will refrain from wearing signs that offer paid or free services in public. No flyers will be permitted that offer other forms of paid or free non-approved solicitation. (For example: Glomp Me, Hugs For a $1, Back Rubs for Free, Follow me for Glow Sticks).

You must be 21 years of age to possess, purchase, drink, or transport alcohol under most circumstances. Private parties off the convention space are the responsibility of the individuals throwing the party. Do not carry any open alcoholic beverages around the convention area. Maryland Code § 19-101 prohibits public intoxication or public profane swearing. Please remain within the confines of your home or hotel room if intoxicated. Please keep noise levels to a minimum to avoid disorderly conduct under Maryland Code article § 10-201 and other Prince George County ordinances governing noises which disturb public peace. If Station Unity staff deems that you are too intoxicated to be in the convention center, you will be asked to leave on your own accord. Further action will involve the Prince George County Police Department.

No attendee shall be allowed to solicit, free or for any amount of money, any product or service from a hotel room associated with the Station Unit.

Do not damage the National Harbor Gaylord or associated hotels, interiors, exteriors, or private property in any way. Signs or flyers may not be hung on any wall within the Convention Center or associated hotel without explicit permission from building staff. There will be a message/flyer posting area provided for such materials to be posted. Stickers, tape, or adhesive of any kind is not to be placed on Gaylord or Station Unity property – this is considered property damage and may result in expulsion from the convention space without refund and/or subjection to a fine.

The convention center prohibits the sale or distribution of outside food or beverages. No outside food or beverages may be brought into the convention center (with the exception of water bottles).

Station Unity will not tolerate fighting of any scale, swearing, or any other activities which could be deemed not family friendly or illegal. Any such behavior will be judged on a case- by-case basis and may result in ejection from the convention center and contact with Prince George County Police Division.

Station Unity will not tolerate the use of any illegal drugs or drug related paraphernalia within the convention space. Any reports of drug use will be turned over to Prince George County Police Division.

There will be no sleeping permitted in the National Harbor Gaylord Halls or Public Areas. Anyone found sleeping outside of these spaces on private or public land may be asked to move at any time and/or ejected from private land.

There are no cameras allowed in the Art Show, and there is no photography allowed in the Art Show or Exhibit Hall. If for any reason an event in Main Events prohibits the use of cameras, Station Unity Staff will attempt to put notice out in a timely manner.

When taking pictures please be respectful of those around you. Do not block any attendee passage of travel or obstruct any public area – this includes the stairs, escalators, or areas at the top and bottom of the stairs and escalators.

All local, state, and federal laws are in effect and are always enforced. Local authorities will be either present or nearby to assist in enforcing these laws for the entirety of the convention period.

You must be at least 18 years of age and provide valid proof of age (i.e. Driver’s License) to VIEW or PURCHASE adult materials in any location on convention space. This includes, but is not limited to, hentai anime, DVDs, manga, doujinshi, periodicals, and live films. This will also include any 18+ panels or video room.

The Station Unity and Convention Center Staff both reserve the right to deny entry to the Station Unity convention space at any time, for any reason, without having to provide said reason. Disputes with staff over this or any other rule may be taken up with the Department Head of that staff member’s department or the Station Unity Convention Chairperson, respectively. Convention Center Staff can only direct complaints to Station Unity staff on your behalf and should be allowed to run the Convention Center itself.

Please note that the Station Unity General rules are subject to change before, during, or after the convention, and changes may be made with or without advance notice or written notification. All updates will be provided as soon as possible and posted clearly, but any immediate changes implemented by senior staff will be immediate and binding to the current convention period.

Shoes must be always worn. Invisi-shoes are allowed but you may be stopped by numerous Station Unity staffers so they may verify you are not barefooted.

We know that there are some risqué costumes out there. Please see the Costume and Weapons policies for detailed guidelines.

Station Unity and the National Harbor Gaylord are not responsible for minors. Children 12 and under should always be accompanied by an adult. Children 13 and older who do not have legal identification should be accompanied by an adult. Parents or guardians are required to ensure their children follow all Station Unity and Gaylord policies.

Only service dogs, as defined by the ADA and Maryland law, are permitted in Station Unity convention spaces. ESAs are not permitted. For more information as to what constitutes a service animal under the ADA and Maryland law please visit [https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm]

Any Questions or concerns can be sent to su-publicsafety@katsucon.org.

The decisions of the Convention Chairman / Vice Chairman are final.

Weapons Policy

The staff at Station Unity recognizes that the majority of people attending anime conventions, and Station Unity in particular, are just looking to have a good time, and show off their hard work on costumes and their love for their favorite characters. That being said, we have a policy in place to ensure that everyone entering our convention can remain safe as well have a great time.

All attendees with props are subject to being peace bound by Station Unity Con Safety Staff. A member of staff will review the rules with you briefly and have you place a zip tie on your prop if it falls under one of the required categories. Failure to abide by the rules by either bringing in a forbidden item listed below or doing a forbidden action (i.e. swinging a prop at another attendee) at any time may result in removal from the convention without refund.

METAL OBJECTS:

No live steel (sheathed or unsheathed) will be allowed on the property. Live steel includes, but is not limited to, swords, daggers, knives, bayonets, or other metal objects sharpened to an edge or mimics an item capable of taking an edge. (i.e. a metal sword that is permanently blunted and not capable of taking an edge is still a banned weapon). Please note Maryland Code §4-101 in regards to your inability to carry these and other weapons concealed anywhere in this state.

Metal items that are not designed to be sharpened or resemble any of the above items may be allowed. However, those items shall be checked by Public Safety Staff to verify the item is allowed in the convention. Any metal item allowed as a prop that can be swung around must be peace bound to prove a willing compliance with our weapons policy and to prove that our staff inspected prop and deemed it falls within the convention rules.

All questionable items will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

PROJECTILE WEAPONS:

Firearms, loaded or unloaded, are strictly prohibited from Station Unity premises. Actual bows and crossbows with arrows or bolts used in archery or hunting are banned from the convention center property. Any prop capable of firing a projectile will be actively regulated by Public Safety Staff. While Station Unity prefers any gun prop to be completely incapable of firing a projectile, we recognize again, that the vast majority of our attendees value a safe environment for all.

We will allow Nerf blasters that are unloaded, and either unloaded spring powered air soft or electronic air soft with the battery removed, and no pellets in any magazines. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in immediate removal from the convention, and possible intervention by the Prince George County Police Division. Plastic models which can easily be identified as fake or a child’s toy will be allowed.

All items that fall under Section 2 must be checked by Con Safety Staff and be peace bound to prove an understanding and willing compliance with our weapons policy to remain on Convention Center Property.

All questionable items will be decided on a case by case basis.

AT ANY TIME, THE DIRECTOR OF CONVENTION OPERATIONS OR THE CONVENTION CHAIR MAY BAN ALL GUN PROPS WITHOUT ADVANCED NOTICE IF STAFF BELIEVE THAT ATTENDEES ARE NOT ACTING IN A MANNER THAT FOSTERS SAFETY FOR ALL PERSONS ON THE CONVENTION CENTER PROPERTY

Any object (or costume) over 8 feet in length or width or weighing 60 pounds or more is considered an obstruction, and may even be considered a weapon by size alone, even if it does not meet other qualifications. If any item (or costume) approaches the ends of either of these limitations, please expect and ensure regular communication with the staff at the convention, and warn the staff of the presence of this item prior to the convention in person and/or via su-publicsafety@katsucon.org.

WOODEN AND OTHER WEAPONS:

Items allowed by Station Unity include, but are not limited to staves, walking sticks, bokken, and other wooden swords. All such items must be kept with their tips towards the ground; they may not present a danger at any time to those around you. Attendees may pose with their weapons in appropriate static, non-moving action poses as long as the cosplayer takes responsibility for ensuring the safety of those around them in areas that will not block the general flow of foot traffic.

All items that fall under Section 4 must be checked by Con Safety Staff and may be required to be peace bound to prove an understanding and willing compliance with our weapons policy to remain on Convention Center Property.

Fake or made-up weaponry, such as that made from tissue paper, plaster of Paris, cloth, foam, or other soft materials are all welcomed if they are safe and not dangerous to others. To ensure the safety of other guests, please also keep these weapons with their tips towards the ground. Attendees may pose with their weapons in appropriate static, non-moving action poses as long as the cosplayer takes responsibility for ensuring the safety of those around them in areas that will not block the general flow of foot traffic.

Costume Whips are allowed at Station Unity, but must be checked by Public Safety and secured to prevent use of prop on self or other attendees within in the convention space. All whips will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Please note that the Station Unity Weapons policy is subject to change before, during, or after the convention, and changes may be made with or without advance written notification. All decisions pertaining to the Station Unity Weapons Policy made by the Convention Chair, or their designee are final. All updates will be provided as soon as possible and posted clearly, but any changes determined necessary by staff will be immediate and binding to the current convention period.

Prior to the convention, if you have any questions regarding the weapons policy you may contact Public Safety via su-publicsafety@katsucon.org. If you have a question about the policy while at the convention, please request to speak to the Public Safety Department Head in Safety Operations.

Costume Policy

All attendees with props are subject to the Station Unity Weapons Policy. Please familiarize yourself with that policy as well, as your prop may be required to be peace bound by Station Unity Con Safety Staff. A member of staff will review the rules with you briefly and have you place a zip tie on your prop if it falls under one of the required categories. Failure to abide by the rules at any time may result in removal from the convention without refund.

The lack of a costume is not a costume (ex. only wearing a nude body suit). Similarly, only wearing a towel wrapped around you or only wearing under garments is also not a costume. We have no problem with risqué costumes, however, please keep the following in mind when planning, designing, and constructing your costumes:

You may be required to wear a nude body suit under your costume if your costume would be considered inappropriate for a family friendly convention or if the convention center staff feels it violates their image. General visual representation of our overall dress policy can be seen with the below costume diagram. We encourage any cosplayer that has a question about this policy to contact our Public Safety Staff before the convention dates at su-publicsafety@katsucon.org.

There will be minors present at the convention and not every parent is ok with their child seeing excessive amounts of skin. Please remember this is a family friendly event.

There will be hundreds of people taking pictures at Station Unity, and those pictures will most likely end up displayed on the internet, across any number of Social Media websites. Anything you do not wish the world to see should remain covered.

Consequentially intentional flashing of any kind (even if you are wearing a full flesh colored body suit) can result in immediate removal from the convention and the National Harbor Gaylord.

Station Unity Staff, and Event Support Solutions, Inc. takes harassment of any sort very seriously, and this extends to harassment of cosplayers. Any attendee caught taking inappropriate pictures of anyone in our convention space without their explicit consent will be ejected from the convention; and may be turned over to the Prince George County Police Department, if the cosplayer wishes further action taken. Anyone ejected for this reason may be listed as ineligible to return to a subsequent Katsucon Entertainment Inc. event.

The convention floor and public areas are not changing rooms, do not remove your clothing or change costumes in open space, there are bathrooms located in the convention center if you do not have a room to change in.

Body paint and dried liquids (such as fake blood) are allowed as part of your costume but must be properly sealed so it does not rub off, to prevent damage of the convention space and/or the costumes or clothing of other attendees. If we see you are making a mess, you will be asked to leave.

If at any time for any reason any member of KEI, the Station Unity convention, the National Harbor Gaylord or any of the above groups’ staff or volunteers ask you to remove your mask you must do so immediately. Failure to do so will result in ejection from the convention.

Staff will attempt to give advanced notice for any events that specifically prohibit full-face cosplay masks. The following events/locations may require such:

Vendors Hall
Late Night Dances
Formal Ball

Props may be carried with the following rules:

All props must conform to the weapons policy.
Large props are not allowed in all areas of the convention (Ex. Vendors Hall and Main Events). Please plan to store any large props in either your hotel room (Or a friend’s hotel room), vehicle, or other storage arrangement before entering these areas.
KEI, the Station Unity convention, the National Harbor Gaylord or any of the above groups’ staff or volunteers will not watch or hold any props for you and are not responsible for any lost or misplaced props.

Please note that the Costume Policy is subject to change before, during, or after the convention, and changes may be made with or without advance notice or written notification. The Station Unity Convention Chairman, Convention Operations Director, Public Safety Department Head, or their designee, as well as the National Harbor Gaylord Staff (As directed through Station Unity staff) have the right to reject any costume for any reason. All decisions in this are final.

Any Questions or concerns can be sent to su-publicsafety@katsucon.org.