Health and Safety

Be advised that a risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any event or public space, including Anime Central. If you choose to attend Anime Central, you acknowledge this inherent risk on behalf of yourself and/or any Minor for which you serve as Guardian, and, as a condition of entering Anime Central.

For the safety of everyone, to enter the Donald E. Stephen’s convention center (DESCC), everyone will need to pass through security checkpoints equipped with metal detectors. These checkpoints will be stationed at each entry point of the convention center, which includes the lobby and the upper-level hotel walkways. All attendees, retailers, artists and staff will be required to pass through the security checkpoints each time they wish to enter the convention center.

Everyone planning on visiting the convention center during Anime Central, should allow for additional time in their days to pass through the security checkpoints.

• Be prepared to open your bags and empty your pockets.
• Checkpoints at the convention center lobby will have a designated line for attendees with special needs.
• Attendees who cannot pass through a metal detector for medical reasons can be scanned by a security wand instead.
• Live steel is not allowed within the convention. This extends to metal props or cosplay that have blades or come to a point, regardless of whether it is sharp or blunt. If a metal prop does not have any points or blades, it is acceptable. Live steel purchased from a vendor must stay boxed while in convention spaces.
• Real firearms are not allowed on convention premises. This extends to real firearm, airsoft, and pellet guns regardless of whether they are disabled or not.
• Nonrealistic gun-like props are required to have an orange tip and have their firing mechanisms disabled with no ammunition loaded.
• If it is unclear whether an item should or should not be permitted into the convention center, the staff at the security checkpoints will have the final say.

During the EDM dances, concerts and selected events held in live events 1, bags will not be allowed at all. Attendees will also be screened with handheld security wands before they can enter these events. This is for the safety of everyone. The only exception to this will be a clutch/wristlet, with or without a handle or strap, that does not exceed 4.5” x 6.5” (approximately the size of a hand). Exceptions will also be made for attendees with a special needs access pass for medication. These passes can be obtained through our event accessibility services booth in the convention center. For events that may allow you to bring bags with you, please note that they may be subject to searching.