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General Convention Policies

General Policies

Anti-Harassment Policies

Hyatt Regency O’Hare Elevator Policies

Photography and Video Recording Policies

Live Events, Dance and Panels Policies

Cosplay Policies

Press Rules and Regulations

Guest of Honor Policies

Autograph Policies

Depending on the guest, there will be different locations and potentially different policies for getting autographs. This article will break down the differences between the types of sessions.

In addition, a limited amount of autograph sign boards signed by the guests will be distributed during guest panels. To be eligible for these items you must be present during the guest panel.

American Autograph Sessions

In our Exhibit Hall there is a guest signings area where guests will be signing autographs throughout the weekend. Anime Central will no longer offer a limited number of free autograph tickets as we have in the past. Some guests will be available to sign items in our exhibit hall for a fee set by each guest individually. The availability of each guest to sign an autograph will vary based on their convention schedule and any other obligations they may have to fulfill over the course of our event.

Japanese Autograph Sessions

Japanese autograph sessions will be held in the Hyatt Regency and attendees will be able to reserve spots for these sessions through Guidebook. This will allow us to better manage the meet and greet process, ensuring that there is a fair chance for our attendees to get an autograph with our Japanese guests. Please note that once all spots are booked, attendees will be added to a waitlist and notified if a spot becomes available. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Industry Sponsored Autograph Sessions

These sessions are not managed by Anime Central. The industry partner running the sessions may pass out autograph tickets or require you to pre-register in order to secure an autograph. These sessions are often held in booths in the exhibit hall and may have additional restrictions on what guests will and will not sign. We recommend reviewing the sessions descriptions for these sessions to avoid any confusion when you arrive at the session.

Getting Autographs

Be sure to bring an item to be signed, whether it’s an ACen program book or officially licensed merchandise. All items are subject to the guest’s approval. Some guests may provide an item such as a poster to be signed, but this is not guaranteed. All items must be properly licensed. If you’re not sure if the item you have is OK, stop by the vendor hall first and pick something up from one of our many Industry partners!

  1. Anime Central does not guarantee that you will get an autograph and/or sketch from a particular guest.
  2. During autographs, items with 18+ imagery and items that suggest adult themes are not allowed unless explicitly stated by the Guest that they will allow it.
  3. Guests reserve the right to decline any autograph related service, such as sketches, pictures, etc. For example, bootleg items, inappropriate pictures, body parts, etc.
  4. Do not attempt to have bootlegged items autographed. Some guests may have official merchandise available for purchase.
  5. Avoid lengthy conversations with guests during autograph meet and greets. Please keep the lines moving.  Be considerate of other attendees and their wish to get autographs too.
  6. In order to ensure the safety of you and your fellow attendees we ask that you maintain order while in line and lining up. If you are found violating this you will be removed from the autograph line and your membership will be up for review.
  7. Autograph lines may be terminated at any point to keep events on schedule. Lines form quickly and may be lengthy, so plan ahead for long lines.
  8. Some guests may have fees for autographs or pictures, please plan accordingly.
  9. Autograph signing hours are at the discretion of the Guest.

These policies are subject to change at any time during the convention, as determined by Autograph Area staff.  Anime Central does not and cannot guarantee that you will receive an autograph from any particular guest.