A convention?! What better a time to show off that fancy costume of your favorite character you've worked so hard on? Nothing starts a conversation in quite the same way as a well made costume, and there's plenty of ways for you to show off. There's also a few rules for prospective cosplayers that we'd like you to folloow to make the convention safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Cosplay
The Cosplay Contest is the main event where you, or your group, gets time on stage to exhibit your costumes in front of a panel of judges and a cheering crowd. Add a little bit of flair to your stagetime to make yourself memorable; you never know, doing a skit with a little song and dance might give you just the edge you need to come out on top!
Sign up
Online entry will not be available, and to reserve a slot you will need to sign up at the convention. There will be a limited number of sign up sheets available at the registration desk. Cosplay Contest sign up forms don't have to be handed in immediately, but must be completed and entered before 1:00pm on Saturday afternoon in preparation for the event. If you decide against participating, please bring the sign up form back to the registration desk.
Skits
Skits should be no more than four minutes unless pre-approved. Preferrably, skits should be pre-recorded to make things smoother; it makes it more difficult to forget lines, it doesn't necessitate having you shout out your lines, and it can simply help you relax by taking the pressure off of you to deliver your lines correctly. All props to be used must be approved by Winnipeg Convention Centre security before their allowance on stage.
Fashion Show
If you're not much for acting, we still have an event for you to get your image across to the rest of the convention attendees. The Cosplay Fashion Show is just that, a show that allows you to get your costume out in the spotlight in front of a large audience. You'll be brought on stage with a short introduction of who you are, your character, and what you're from. Strut on stage and do a pose for the judges and photographers. Music will be supplied for you that we can play that to help with the image you're trying to get across.
Costume Policy
With the wide variety of characters and styles seen in Japanese media comes many options available to our cosplayers for outfits to wear to the convention. However, due to Ai-Kon being an all-ages event, we ask that you stress discretion in the costume you choose, how it is constructed, and how you act in it.
While there are no definitive criteria for what will be deemed inappropriate, common sense guidelines will be used in our decisions. Please try to avoid overtly suggestive dress; if possible, modify outfits that may not meet our criteria in a way that will create less issue (ex. shorts instead of a speedo). We also ask that you conduct yourself appropriately in public and not in a manner that may be considered lewd, suggestive, or will otherwise make people uncomfortable.
In the end, what will and will not be considered acceptable at Ai-Kon is up to the discretion of the cosplay committee. If your costume or conduct falls under what we consider to be inappropriate, we will ask you to adjust your outfit and/or behavior accordingly, otherwise you will have to change.
Weapons Policy
For the safety and comfort of all convention attendees, Ai-Kon has implemented the following policy on what can and cannot be carried around during the convention. Please ensure you read and understand Ai-Kon's prop weapons policy prior to attending the convention. Failure to comply with the policy may result in your expulsion from Ai-Kon 2009 without refund. Misuse of a prop, weapon or any other item may be considered grounds for removal or ejection from the convention without a refund.
Functional weapons
Ai-Kon attendees may not carry or possess any working weapon at any time during the convention. The definition of working weapon includes, but is not limited to: firearms and ammunition of any and all sorts (BB guns, pellet guns, cap guns, air-soft weapons, paintball guns), tazers, explosives, knives, swords (including katanas, bokken and other martial arts style swords), daggers, sword canes, switchblades, fireworks or fire-crackers, axes, hatchets, clubs, silly string, martial arts weapons, brass knuckles, chains, pepper spray, mace and any other projectile item, toy or real. Firearms that have the firing pin removed or are otherwise modified to be made nonfunctional are still considered "real weapons" and are not permitted.
Bows, swords and other guidelines
Bows are allowed only if they are rendered incapable of firing a projectile, and arrows must have blunt tips. Props constructed using metal, hard wood, fiberglass, glass or hard plastics are not allowed, even if wrapped in or covered by a softer material, such as cloth. Cardboard, foam, balsa or other light, craft-type wood, light and/or soft plastic or any other material that collapses under forceful pressure are acceptable. Sharp edges are not permitted on and material. Generally, if the weapon or prop breaks when it hits someone, there's a good chance it'll be allowed; If someone breaks when the weapon or prop hits them, please leave it at home.
Firearms
Prop firearms are allowed only if such accessories cannot be mistaken for real weapons. The barrel crown of all replica firearms must be painted a bright colour (yellow, orange, etc.) or have a similarly-coloured plastic cap attached to the crown of the barrel. Any replica guns not meeting this criteria will not be allowed and must be returned to a hotel room, car, or convention centre security booth.
Failure to meet criteria
Any weapon, prop or other items which do not meet the aforementioned criteria must be immediately returned to a hotel room or vehicle for the duration of the convention, or held by Winnipeg Convention Security and returned at the end of the convention. If the weapon, prop or item is needed for the cosplay competition, arrangements can be made for it to be delivered to the backstage area for the competition, immediately after which the item must be returned to security or removed from the convention.
Dealers' room items
All items purchased in the dealers room are considered merchandise until they are removed from their packaging, at which time they fall under Ai-Kon's weapons policy. These items include, but are not limited to, replica weapons and accessories such as knives, spikes, blades, etcetera. Any such item purchased at the dealer's room must be wrapped before leaving the vendorÂfs table and taken, unopened, to a room or car.
Neither Ai-Kon Inc. nor any of its affiliates will not be held responsible for any loss, damage, theft or injury. Attendees are responsible for their individual actions and any repercussions that may result. Please ensure you read and understand the the Ai-Kon weapons policy prior to attending the convention. Failure to adhere to the policy may result in your expulsion, without refund, from Ai-Kon.
This policy is subject to change at any time.
