Policies & FAQ

By purchasing a ticket to attend an event hosted by the Pacific Media Association at Pacific Media Expo, you agree to the policies and terms listed herein on this website.

Pacific Media Association/Pacific Media Expo/PMX reserves the right to refuse admission, service and cancel your ticket(s) at their sole discretion without liability.

The following policies are subject to change without notice. Please check here regularly for an updated list of our policies and FAQ.

In order to maintain and promote a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees, their families, and guests of Pacific Media Expo (PMX), we ask that you observe the following rules and regulations:

1. Please have your badge visible at all times during the event.
2. Observe the Weapons Policy (see below).
3. No nudity, including partial nudity. (Body paint is not considered covering).
4. Rules for wearing masks will follow city regulation or recommendation during the event.
5. No smoking or vaping, except in areas specifically designated for smoking/vaping.
6. No smoking or consuming of cannabis (marijuana) on the premises at all times.
7. No use or possession of any illegal substances, narcotic or other illegal drugs will be allowed on the premises. Anyone found under the influence of the aforementioned substances and drugs will be denied entrance into the event.
8. No use or possession of an open can, bottle, or other receptacle containing any alcoholic beverages, except in areas specifically designated for the consumption of alcohol.
9. Obtain consent prior to taking a photograph of others.
10. Observe and respect all Pacific Media Expo signage and the signage belonging to the facility.
11. Treat others with respect and dignity as you would like to be treated.
12. Avoid unacceptable forms of behavior such as physically or verbally threatening, harassing, stalking, annoying, and pushing or shoving others.
13. Avoid using profanity, racial or discriminatory remarks, sexually explicit or offensive language, and obscene gestures.
14. Avoid loitering or congregating with the intent to disturb the public peace, engage in any offensive behavior, and/or result in fire hazards in the hallways and other areas inside the facility.
15. Use proper receptacles for all trash and recyclables.
16. Avoid violating any federal, state and local law or ordinance.

Anyone violating this Code of Conduct will be escorted out of the event and may be subject to badge confiscation without refund and suspension from any future Pacific Media Expo events. Pacific Media Expo reserves the right to deny entrance into the event and service to any individual or group at any time. Pacific Media Expo reserves the right to make changes to the Code of Conduct at any time.

Summary
The goal of the Pacific Media Association (PMA) is to create an environment where attendees can enjoy themselves as much as possible. However, this must be done without affecting the experience of others. This requires the cooperation of all attendees and the use of common sense and courtesy when costuming. PMA bears no responsibility or liability for any damages or injuries incurred by the use of costumes, props, or weapons. Any infraction may result in further tightening of our security, possibly decreasing the entire cosplay experience for all attendees. Because of recent high profile events that have heightened security and safety concerns, real weapons are prohibited at Pacific Media Expo {PMX) and other PMA events.

1. Compliance with the Law
   All weapons worn as props {simulations, replicas, etc.) must conform to all local, state and federal laws, including but not limited to the “Dangerous Weapons Control Law,” Part 4, Title 2, Section 12000-12590 of the California Penal Code {CPC). All such props must be inspected and registered by Pacific Media Expo Security/Safety staff, the security or public safety personnel of the facility, and/or the local Police or Sheriff for compliance.
2. California law prohibits convention attendees from carrying genuine firearms, whether loaded or unloaded.
   All genuine firearms must be checked with the host facility at the front desk. Any persons found to have firearms in their possession {except those covered under section 12002 of the CPC) at the convention is subject to arrest and confiscation of their weapon by the facility’s security or public safety personnel and/or the local Police or Sheriff. Furthermore, they may have their memberships revoked without refund by the PMA and be asked to leave and check out of the participating hotels.
3. Prohibited Weapons
   All weapons, functional or nonfunctional, including but not limited to firearms, crossbows, throwing knives, stars, bows, boomerangs, darts, flame throwers, tasers (stun guns), etc., are prohibited.
4. Replica Weapons
   Replica weapons (e.g., Airsoft guns), which must only be used as props or display, may be allowed if the replica weapon is inspected, approved, and peace bonded (see Section 6 below) by Pacific Media Expo Security/Safety Staff. Use of the replica weapon may be revoked at any time without cause or warning. The local Police or Sheriff and the facility’s security or public safety staff also have the option of revoking or preventing an attendee’s ability to display a replica weapon.
5. Props
   All props that look threatening or can still potentially harm others must be inspected by Pacific Media Expo Security/Safety staff, the facility’s security or public safety staff, or the local Police or Sheriff. All parties reserve the right to insist on inspection and approval of all props. The bearer will be required to sign a legal waiver excluding anyone else from legal obligation concerning the weapon and any damages resulting from its use. Full information of the owner of the prop  (driver license or identification number, membership number, room number, phone number, address, etc.) plus a description and/or photograph of the weapon itself will be required. This information will be kept by Pacific Media Expo, the facility’s security or public safety office, or the local Police or Sheriff.
6. Inspection & Peace Bonding
   PMA requires that all weapons/replicas/props be inspected by PMX Security/Safety staff. Peace bonding is the process of marking and/or binding props. In certain cases, props may be bound in such a way as to render them unusable. Peace bonding is performed at the Pacific Media Expo Security/Safety room or at designated locations around the convention. Peace bonding may also occur any time or place at the discretion of Security/Safety staff on the field. Even if the weapon/replica/prop has already been peace-bonded, any security/safety officer or personnel may re-inspect the item at their discretion. The owner of the weapon/replica/prop is solely responsible for the weapon/replica/prop and its usage at all times, even if they are not the wielder, and even if the weapon has been inspected.

Pacific Media Expo (PMX) is committed to helping ensure all our members are able to enjoy their experiences at our event. As such we work with our venues to ensure accessibility to the fullest extent they currently offer. Below are the accessibility policies for our venues.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance: In accordance with ADA, the facility is responsible for permanent premises access accommodations, including but not limited to ramp access, restroom accessibility, elevator standards, and door width standards. It is the licensee’s responsibility to provide non-permanent accessibility requirements, such as, but not limited to, hearing assisted or visually assisted devices, and temporary seating accessibility and/or interpreters.

Not sure what this Convention thing is all about? We can help!

Pacific Media Expo (PMX) is a convention. Pricing for conventions is something like a carnival, except that most of the attractions don’t have their own tickets. You just need to show your membership badge at the door to get in. Some events are open to the public (no badge required, but some may have their own tickets). Other events are premium and require a badge as well as their own tickets.

The programming schedule is more like a trade show or culture/film festival. Areas where things are sold tend to run all day, or at least for many hours. Premiere events usually happen at one set time. Programming tracks run all day and have many different features, usually with a similar theme. A convention badge gets you into nearly all of these. Exceptions will be posted at the door of each event that has its own tickets.

There are three types of memberships depending on how many days you will be attending or how many days the convention is running on:

One-Day – Valid for one day, from the morning (usually at 9 a.m.) until the wee hours of the night (like 2 a.m. the next day), depending on the programming schedule for that day.
Two-Day – Works like two One-Day badges for two days of your choosing, usually if the convention is running for three or more days.
Full – Valid throughout all the days of the convention.

There is a sliding discount scale as more days are added to your badge. If you had so much fun that you want to upgrade your badge for the next day, just go to PMX Registration by 8:00 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday. Upgrades cost only the price difference between your old and new badge; there is no upgrade fee.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask the PMX Information Desk. They’ll be more than happy to help you find something you like at PMX!

Anti-Harassment Policy

Pacific Media Expo has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment of any kind, including but not limited to:

• Stalking
• Offensive Verbal Comments
• Harassing Or Non-Consensual Photography Or Recording
• Bathroom Policing
• Unwelcome Physical Attention

• Intimidation
• Physical Assault And/Or Battery
• Sustained Disruption Of Panels, Signings, And Other Events
• Inappropriate Physical Contact
• Hate Symbols

In relation, but not limited to:

• Race
• National Origin
• Gender Identity
• Sexual Orientation
• Body Size
• Appearance
• Citizenship

• Color
• Gender
• Gender Presentation
• Age
• Disability
• Religion
• Pregnancy

Hate symbols are not permitted at Pacific Media Expo (PMX), including as part of cosplay, and PMX will not allow costumes that contain hate symbols or appropriate the symbolism of hate groups, including, but not limited to, historical/comic-related/satirical costumes that are associated with Nazis. Whether a behavior or a costume violates this policy shall be determined by PMX in its sole discretion.

If a person engages in harassing behavior, PMX Staff will take prompt action in any form they deem appropriate, including expulsion from PMX with no refund. Our policy applies to EVERYONE at the convention. Exhibitors, fans (attendees), speakers, guests, professionals, press, staff, crew, and security are all subject to our Anti-Harassment Policy.

Anyone can report harassment. If someone’s behavior has made you uncomfortable, or if you witness the same happening to someone else, you should immediately contact PMX Staff, Security Team, or a Crew member..

If necessary, we will contact local law enforcement, provide escort, offer a safe place or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to make sure they feel safe for the rest of PMX.

Keep your hands to yourself. If you would like to take a picture with or of another PMX fan, always ask first and respect that person’s right to say no. When at PMX, be respectful, be nice, be cool and be kind to each other.

Pacific Media Association’s mission is to create a fun, safe, welcoming, awesome event where fans of all kinds can come together and celebrate. We want you to not only have the most amazing weekend ever, but to experience it in an environment where you are safe and accepted. As fans ourselves, we understand the importance of creating a safe space for everyone who attends PMX.

ADA

Effective Date: October 1, 2022

PMX reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time.

PMX is dedicated to accommodating all attendees, volunteers, and staff who may have disabilities that are protected by federal, state, and local public accommodations and accessibility laws. Although Event Facilities such as, but not limited to, the Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel, are solely responsible for accessibility of and non-discrimination in their physical buildings, restrooms, and facilities, PMX is ready and prepared to offer a hand to visitors with special needs or whom may require some sort of a reasonable accommodation.  PMX offers, for example:

• ASL interpreters for the deaf at large panels and events;
• Limited special seating for programming events; and
• Event Registration service and support for attendees with mobility issues

If you are an attendee who needs reasonable accommodation, PMX wants to make your experience as fun and entertaining as possible.  There are a few limitations, however, on what PMX reasonably can provide. Please note:

• Programming rooms fill up quickly, and all seating is on a first-come, first- served basis, so special seating may not be available if you wait until the last minute to get to the room.  Please read the program guide and plan your day accordingly, keeping in mind the popularity of most events.
• Elevators can be crowded and slow.  Please plan in advance and allow plenty of time to change floors.
• Please try to provide at least 30 days’ notice if you will be requesting any special aides such as ASL interpreters. PMX understands that things can change at the last minute and will nonetheless attempt to accommodate you as best as possible irrespective of such last minute notice.
• Service animals must be obedient and behave in a manner that is safe and non-threatening for other attendees and other service animals at all times.  Only service animals will be permitted into PMX Events.  If service animals are behaving in ways that fundamentally alters the services offered by PMX, such as behaving aggressively toward other service animals (barking, lunging, growling, snarling, scratching, biting) or toward other attendees, or howling in concerts, or is otherwise disruptive, PMX may impose restrictions or ask that you remove the service animal from the premises, and you agree to and will cooperate with PMX’s requests.  You may continue to participate while your service animal remains outside.  No poisonous or illegal exotic service animals are permitted.

Code of Conduct

Effective Date: October 1, 2022

PMX reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Following this simple Code of Conduct helps ensure a safe convention and that everyone will have fun. Your own good judgment and courtesy towards others are key.

Please watch out for each other, take care of one another, help those who need help, and be careful. Play it clean, sober, and safe! Please don’t leave the Event with strangers, and make sure that your friends know when you leave or if you are going home early.

• Please don’t hesitate to call security if you see anything suspicious.
• Minors should not go to hotel rooms with unknown adults.

To participate in and/or attend any PMX Event (referred to below as the “Event”, you must comply with this Code of Conduct in order to attend and/or participate in these Events. PMX reserves the right to modify and/or update any PMX policy at any time without prior notice. Violation of this Code of Conduct may result in forfeiture of your Event badge, your expulsion from the Event and/or termination of your position with PMX. Where the Code of Conduct refers to “PMX’s written consent”, such written consent may be in the form of a separate written exhibitor/sponsorship agreement, vendor agreement, facility rental agreement, or other form of written agreement or permit. The Event Facilities, event hotels, and all other places where any Event programming is scheduled are “Event Facilities”.

BADGES

• Please be prepared to show proof of age and identification when entering the Event or any program at the Event. We will only accept the following forms of identification: valid government-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards, passports, or military identification.
• Please wear your Event badge/wristband at all times during the Event. Terms and conditions printed on the Badges apply to you and you must conduct yourself accordingly.

PROHIBITED ACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

The following, as such violations are determined in PMX’s sole discretion, are not permitted at the Event or its surrounding areas, including the parking lots, hotels, plazas, and structures:

• Failure to be appropriately clothed, as determined by the sole discretion of PMX. Please follow local laws, rules, and regulations when selecting your costume.
• Assaulting, threatening, behaving inappropriately to another person, discriminating conduct of any nature whatsoever, making racial, religious, ethnic, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, or other slurs, bullying, and/or expressing any act of hatred towards another.
• Lewd or offensive behavior, such as profanity, obscene language or conduct, exposing nipples or genitals, making recordings in bathrooms, bedrooms, or of nipples, genitals or up skirts.
• Conducting commercial or business transactions without PMX’s prior written consent, including without limitation, selling food or beverages from unauthorized carts, stands, or ice chests inside or outside Event venues or hotels; solicitation of money, contributions, or donations; distribution of commercial advertising or promotional material of any kind, such as signs, flyers, cards, or offers of discounts on rides, or other products or services; or offering samples of items which are sold, available for sale, or available in exchange for a donation or contribution.
• Unlawful conduct or failure to comply with the policies, rules, or instructions of PMX, Event staff, the Event facility, the hotel affiliated with the Event, or law enforcement officers.
• Smoking / Vaping:
• Never Inside: No smoking or vaping is permitted inside any of the Event Facilities, unless there is a place specifically designated by the Event Facility that permits either. – Limited Outside: Smoking or vaping must be at least 20 feet away from all entrances per California Government Code Sections 7596-7598; no smoking is permitted in outdoor dining areas.
• Possessing any open can, bottle or other receptacle containing alcoholic beverages, except in areas specifically designated for the consumption of alcohol and in compliance with the PMX’s Alcohol Policy.
• Possessing any illegal substance. PMX DOES NOT tolerate illegal substances in or around Events.
• Any action that impedes the flow of traffic, creates a potential or actual hazardous condition, or is deemed to interfere with the Event. Individuals may be asked to move or discontinue their actions. By way of example, an individual may be asked to relocate or terminate an activity in order to disperse a crowd which impedes traffic flow.
• Any noise or music that is disruptive to other attendees or the operation of the Event.
• No Soliciting
• Riding Hoverboards / Skateboards / Non-ADA Scooters / Segways
• Using Roller Skates / Roller Blades

 PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Stilts
• Weapons (Please see our Prop / Replica Weapons Policy for more info)
• Drones / UAV’s
• Illegal Substances
• Stickers / Adhesive Graphics (Keep them in your bags/pockets and off the walls/floors of the Event Facilities)
• All signs, whether for a costume prop or not, are prohibited unless approved in writing for use by Event staff
• Non-Service Live Animals
• Helium and Mylar Balloons
• Lasers or Similar Items
• Coolers
• Oversized Backpacks / Bags: All bags, regardless of size, are subject to inspection at any time.
• Motorized Vehicles (i.e. go-karts or kids’ battery-operated vehicles.)
• Wheeled Carts / Wagons
• Confetti / Loose Glitter (Glitter used on your costumes is OK)
• Flammable Liquids
• Open-Flame Use
• Any activity prohibited by law and/or prohibited by any Event Facilities

Cosplay Guidelines

Effective Date: October 1, 2022

PMX reserves the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.

COSPLAY GUIDELINES

At Pacific Media Expo (“PMX”) (the “Event”), we celebrate the creativity of cosplayers and encourage everyone to cosplay whomever they wish–regardless of size, gender, age, religion, shape, color, or even species. Cosplay is all about having fun!

We simply ask that you follow the guidelines below and please keep in mind that PMX is an all-ages event.

• Shoes are required at all times.
  – Cosplaying a character that’s barefoot? Please check out tutorials on how to make “invisible shoes.”
• Costumes and clothing should not expose the body in such a way as to be deemed indecent exposure by the City and State in which the Event is held. Private parts must be covered in an opaque material that will not slip or have gaps.
• Males wearing tight-fitting costumes are required to wear a dance belt.
• Costumes worn on the convention floor must not obstruct or impede the flow of traffic or entryways. If the costume cannot fit through a standard doorway, it may not be allowed during general convention hours. Exceptions may be made day-of for Masquerade contestants.
• Attendees with bulky costumes, costumes that obscure the vision, or costumes with large extensions such as wings or spikes, should have a designated “handler,” to assist them through the hallways and crowds.
• Functioning wheels cannot be used as part of a costume or prop (i.e. anything that you might ride, push, or pull). We love your creativity, but please save the wheeled costumes/props for your photoshoots.
• No costumes may be realistic depictions of American law enforcement, current American military uniforms, first responders, emergency medical personnel, or any official government agent. “Vintage,” historical, any non-current uniforms, and any military or police-style costumes may be addressed at the convention’s discretion (i.e., Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid, etc.)

COVID-19 Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the “CDC”), senior citizens and people with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. The CDC advises that some people are more likely than others to become severely ill, and some people are at a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19. Attendees should evaluate their own risk in determining whether to attend. People who show no symptoms can spread COVID-19 if they are infected, and any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19.

By purchasing a badge/wristband or attending an PMX event, you understand and agree for yourself and for each attending minor for whom you serve as a guardian that the attendee at an PMX event (and, in the case of any attending minor, the guardian for the minor) assumes these inherent risks associated with attendance at the event and that attendance is at their sole discretion and risk. As a condition of attending an PMX event or allowing a minor for whom you serve as a guardian to attend, you acknowledge, agree, and confirm for yourself and for each attending minor for whom you serve as a guardian, each of the following:

• You and, if applicable, each attending minor for whom you serve as a guardian agree to abide by all PMX health and safety requirements, as well as all directions from and requests made by PMX, while attending an PMX event, and understand that PMX reserves the right to deny admission and/or remove from the event anyone who fails or refuses to follow such instructions, directions and/or requests, with no promise or guarantee of admission (or re-admission).
• You have read the latest CDC Guidelines for Prevention.
• You and, if applicable, each attending minor for whom you serve as a guardian are not currently experiencing any of the following symptoms of COVID-19, including, but not limited to:
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscles or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
• You and, if applicable, each attending minor for whom you serve as a guardian have not been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms within the past 10 days.
• You and, if applicable, each attending minor for whom you serve as a guardian are not under any self-quarantine orders.
• You have read and agree to all policies listed in pacificmediaexpo.org/legal.

If you cannot confirm any of the above, please do not attend, and please do not permit any minor for whom you serve as a guardian to attend an PMX event. If at any point during an attendee’s time at an PMX event the attendee is not in compliance with any of the above criteria, the attendee will be required to isolate and may be relocated or asked to leave the venue at the sole discretion of PMX.

Note: PMX’s health and safety requirements and guidelines are based on correspondence and recommendations from federal, state, local, and venue officials regarding COVID-19 behavior and characteristics. These requirements and guidelines may be subject to change as more information and recommendations emerge. PMX reserves the right to change or modify these terms at any time.

Please note that the State of California recommends and encourages awareness of the following:

• Everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated when eligible.
• Everyone is encouraged to sign up for CA Notify as an added layer of protection for themselves and the community to receive alerts when they have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
• Please be aware that there is risk in attending large, crowded events where the vaccine status of others in attendance may be unknown to the individuals.
• Please be aware that there is risk in attending large, crowded events for populations that may not currently be eligible for vaccination, or may be immunocompromised and whose vaccine protection may be incomplete.

Registration Policy

CANCELLATION POLICY

By registering for a PMX event credential, you agree not to sell, trade, transfer, or share your promotional code, email confirmation, or credential. If the Pacific Media Expo (PMX) determines in its sole discretion that you have violated any PMX policies, PMX can cancel your credential(s) and keep any money paid by you. Confirmations and/or credentials that have been sold or provided by anyone other than PMX will not be honored.

You must register an individual name for each credential and each name must match a valid government-issued photo ID. If PMX determines you have purchased more than one credential in your name for any day, PMX has the right to cancel your duplicate credential(s) and issue you a refund less the processing fee.

EVENT CANCELLATION

PMX reserves the right to cancel or postpone a PMX event, or any part of the PMX event, on limited or no notice in PMX’s sole discretion. In the event of a cancellation or postponement of the PMX event, PMX shall not be responsible or liable for any costs, damages, fees, expenses, or other compensation associated with the PMX event

REFUND, TRANSFER & EXCHANGE POLICY

All sales are final for all credential purchases and, therefore, non-refundable.There are no refunds for missed shows.

All credentials are non-transferable to any other PMX event.

PMX reserves the right to change the Refund and Transfer Policy at any time without notification.

UPGRADE & DOWNGRADE POLICY

You can upgrade your child credential to a general attendee credential, based on availability, by sending an email to operations@pacificmediaexpo.com or visiting the Registration Booth onsite.

Downgrades and exchanges are not permitted.

CREDENTIALS & ENTRY POLICY

For security reasons, and to allow entry into the PMX event, all attendees must always wear, possess, and present their badge and any required wristband credential while onsite or at any other venue/location utilized for any PMX event as follows:

• Badges must be affixed on the PMX-issued lanyard and worn around the Attendee’s neck or displayed in an openly visible location.
• Wristbands must be securely affixed to the Attendee’s wrist and remain on the Attendee’s wrist throughout the PMX event.

Each Attendee must retain possession of their own credential for the duration of the PMX event and may not loan or give the credential to anyone else. If Credentials are not worn or presented correctly by an Attendee, PMX reserves the right to refuse admission, service, and cancel the Attendee’s credential at PMX’s sole discretion without liability. All credentials are the property of PMX and must be relinquished to PMX upon request.

AGE RESTRICTION POLICY

Purchase a credential appropriate for the child’s age by the first day of attendance at the PMX event.

• Children ages 0-5 are free and not required to register for a credential. . In cases of emergency, the wristbands will allow an PMX representative to contact parents/guardians as needed.
• Children ages 6+ must purchase a general attendee credential (see event webpage for current pricing).

Attendees age 13 years old and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, age 18 or older, for the duration of their time at the event. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult if required to pick up their credential at the Registration Booth. We recommend attendees ages 14-17 have a parent or guardian close by for the duration of the event. Please refer to the full Youth Protection Policy on the PMX website

ONSITE CREDENTIAL PICK-UP

Attendees who purchased credentials must pick them up at the Registration Booth (see event page for hours of operation and location) The Buyer may pick up all credentials in their order or each individual Registrant can pick up their own credential. Upon arrival, you must present your registration confirmation email and a valid government-issued photo ID. This should match the Buyer or the Registrant’s name/information to pick up your credential. Your registration order confirmation is also available in your Eventbrite account.

All attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to pick up their credential.

CREDENTIAL ACTIVATION POLICY

Every credential must be activated to participate at any PMX event.

LOST CREDENTIAL

Lost credentials are subject to a reprint/reissue fee. To purchase a credential replacement, go to the Registration Booth for assistance

Youth Protection Policy

1.Purpose and Goals

PMX recognizes the importance of protecting youth participants in PMX events and activities, including online activities. PMX has adopted a zero tolerance policy with regard to actions or behaviors that threaten the safety of young people, including violence, bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other inappropriate or potentially harmful actions or behaviors. PMX views the safety and security of all participants—especially young people—as a top priority.

All participants at PMX events and activities (including online activities) are encouraged to report any unsafe or inappropriate behaviors, conditions, or circumstances, including any violation of this Youth Protection Policy or violation of any other policy or rule intended to promote a safe environment.

This Youth Protection Policy has been developed with sensitivity to the unique cultural aspects of PMX’s mission, events, and other activities.

The goals of this policy include:

• Increasing awareness about potential risks and recognizing each individual’s ability to help protect PMX’s youth participants;
• Inspiring confidence and competence in identifying dangerous situations and behaviors; and
• Creating a safe and fun environment for PMX’s youth participants.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all PMX-managed facilities and venues and to PMX events and activities (including online activities), as well as to all individuals involved with or participating in PMX events and activities, including employees, volunteers, panelists, performers, Guests of Honor (GOH), members of a GOH’s or performer’s entourage, Artist Alley participants, exhibitors, vendors, press (including reporters, photographers, and videographers), and others.

PMX encourages everyone to:

• RECOGNIZE that each individual can help protect youth;
• IDENTIFY harmful actions and report them to an PMX representative immediately;
• CREATE a safe and fun environment for youth.

3. Prohibition of Attendance or Participation in an PMX Event or Activity

PMX may refuse to admit or may prohibit the participation of any individual who refuses to comply with PMX policies, including this Youth Protection Policy. Any person who provides inaccurate or misleading information, or who is disqualified from participation pursuant to Section 5 (Disqualifying Criteria) below, will not be allowed to provide services on behalf of PMX at that year’s events and activities, and may be permanently disqualified from working with PMX in the future.

Those desiring to provide goods or services at PMX events must comply with the following requirements, and not be disqualified under Section 5 (Disqualifying Criteria). 

1. Employees & Volunteers

• All individuals applying for an employee or volunteer role at PMX must:
• complete an online application
• provide appropriate and accurate information, including full legal name
• complete PMX’s online youth protection training at www.youthprotectionportal.org/
• agree to PMX’s Code of Conduct for employees and volunteers
• consent to a criminal history background check conducted by a third party vendor retained by PMX, and
• provide truthful information as required by the background check provider in order to facilitate the background check.

1. Panelists, Performers, Guests of Honor, Guest of Honor or Performer Entourages, and Artist Alley Participants

• Each panelist, performer, Guest of Honor (GOH), GOH or performer entourage member, and Artist Alley participant who will attend PMX events is strongly encouraged to complete youth protection training available at www.youthprotectionportal.org/. The training provides information and tips to help you contribute to a safe and comfortable event or activity environment for all attendees and participants, especially youth.
• Although panelists, performers, Guests of Honor (GOH), GOH or performer entourage members, and Artist Alley participants are not required to complete a background check, they are strongly encouraged to do so, and may do so at PMX’s expense through its third party vendor.  They are also strongly encouraged to discuss internally and with PMX how to use carefully focused background checks to disqualify people with known histories of misconduct involving youth, as part of an industry-wide conversation about youth protection.

1. Exhibitors, Vendors, and Members of the Press and Industry

• Each exhibitor, vendor, member of the press, or member of industry who will attend PMX events is strongly encouraged to complete youth protection training available at www.youthprotectionportal.org/. The training provides information and tips to help you contribute to a safe and comfortable event or activity environment for all attendees and participants, especially youth.
• Although exhibitors, vendors, members of the press, and members of industry are not required to complete a background check, they are strongly encouraged to do so.  They are also strongly encouraged to discuss internally and with PMX how to use carefully focused background checks to disqualify people with known histories of misconduct involving youth, as part of an industry-wide conversation about youth protection.

4. Code of Conduct

To promote a safe environment and protect the many young participants at PMX events and activities, PMX has adopted a Code of Conduct which specifies behavioral expectations for PMX employees and volunteers.

5. Disqualifying Criteria
6. Employees and Volunteers: 

Any PMX employee, volunteer, or applicant for an employee or volunteer position will be deemed ineligible for service or participation at PMX if the individual:

• fails to complete a required screening process or fails to provide necessary information required to complete the check. 
• otherwise provides information that is false or intended to be misleading;
• was previously terminated from a paid or volunteer position due to misconduct involving a youth; or
• was previously found or determined by PMX to have engaged in misconduct involving youth at or around an PMX event or activity; or

1. Panelists, Performers, Guests of Honor, Guest of Honor or Performer Entourages, and Artist Alley Participants: 

In addition, and although they are not required to complete background checks, any performer, guest of honor, GOH or performer entourage member, panelist, Artist Alley participant, press, exhibitor, or vendor position will be deemed ineligible for service or participation at PMX events if the individual:

• provides information that is false or intended to be misleading;
• was previously terminated from a paid or volunteer position due to misconduct involving a youth; or
• was previously found or determined by PMX to have engaged in misconduct involving youth at or around an PMX event or activity.

In addition, reportable convictions or disclosures of registrations, for any of the following criminal offenses or registrations will prompt a determination that an applicant for an employee or volunteer role does not meet PMX’s criminal background screening criteria:

1. Any reportable felony conviction (crimes punishable by confinement greater than one year) involving violence, sexual activity, or harm to children, including distributing alcohol or drugs to minors:

• Defined on the basis of exposure for the offense for which the defendant was convicted, pled guilty or pled nolo contendere. If pled down, then the crime to which the defendant ultimately pled.
• Defined as all crimes punishable by greater than one year in jail or prison, regardless of how characterized by jurisdiction. If range, alternate sentencing, or indeterminate sentencing with an outer range greater than one year.

1. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction involving force or threat of force against a person
2. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction of a sexual nature or classified as a sex offense including but not limited to ‘victimless’ crimes of a sexual nature such as prostitution, pornography, indecent exposure, and crimes in which sexual relations is an element
3. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction involving cruelty to animals
4. Any reportable lesser criminal conviction involving harm to a minor, including distributing alcohol or drugs to minors
5. Any Sex Offender Registrant
6. Any prior allegations of behavior at an PMX event or activity that is inconsistent with our Youth Protection Policy.

Appeals Process: Any person for whom a background check is required who does not meet PMX’s background check criteria will be given the opportunity to: (1) withdraw the application, or (2) dispute the accuracy of the background screening report through an appeals process with the third party background checking firm retained by PMX.

Any decision regarding disqualified persons will be documented and kept in an internal database of persons deemed ineligible for employee or volunteer roles at PMX.

6. Responsibilities & Expectations
7. Youth Participants

• Youth participants are present throughout PMX events. Because of the crowded nature of PMX events, children aged 13 years and younger must be chaperoned by an adult at all times. All PMX representatives must be aware of their surroundings. If you notice an unaccompanied child who you believe to be aged 13 years or younger, contact your supervisor, or an PMX representative who will notify Security or the Appropriate Supervisor. If the situation requires immediate intervention, engage another PMX representative to assist you in approaching the child and contacting your supervisor.
• PMX representatives are prohibited from caring for children while providing services on behalf of PMX. All PMX representatives should ensure that their own children are under the care of an adult while at PMX events, and should not agree to watch or take care of another person’s child or children for any amount of time, even momentarily.

1. Lost Child Policy

• Unaccompanied children aged 13 years and younger are of an especially vulnerable age and are deemed critical missing. Children aged 14 years and older are not considered critical missing unless the child has a preexisting medical condition such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, an intellectual disability, or another similar condition.
• When a child deemed critical missing is reported missing, PMX will use all available resources to find the child. A security officer and/or a designated PMX staff member will stay with the parents or guardians at all times until the child has been found and reunited with their caretaker.

1. Found Child Policy

• When an unaccompanied child aged 13 years or younger is found, the child should be escorted to the Event Operations office by two PMX representatives or security officers—one male and one female. If the child is uncooperative or emotionally distraught, refrain from forcing the child to comply, and remain with the child in the current location. Request additional support if needed. If the child’s parents or guardians have not come forward to claim the child after 20 minutes, notify your supervisor and a PMX director will contact the police.
• When reuniting a child with their parent or guardian, ask for identification before releasing the child back into the custody of the parent or guardian. Document the identification information and a contact number for the parent or guardian.

1. Safety Concerns and SafeSpace Locations

• Any PMX event attendee who feels unsafe or concerned is encouraged to seek assistance from an PMX representative, or to proceed to a SafeSpace location. Messaging about SafeSpace locations will be featured during PMX events, and locations will be clearly marked. As an PMX representative, one of your important responsibilities is to make sure you know where the SafeSpace locations are located, so that you can properly and compassionately assist any attendee who needs to find a SafeSpace.

1. Social Media

• Social media is an important part of the PMX’s events and activities. In most cases, social media sites and accounts are used to celebrate and promote culture. Young people may be more susceptible to negative experiences on social media sites, more likely to fall victim to harmful behavior, and more likely to engage in risky behavior. Some youth use social media to ‘try on’ alternative versions of themselves, behaving more boldly online than they would in person. Adding to the risk is the fact that youth may not have spoken with their parents or guardians about social media safety. PMX is committed to providing a safe experience for young fans of culture, including on social media sites sponsored or supported by PMX.
• PMX will not tolerate any conduct, including online activity, that puts young event participants at risk of physical, emotional or sexual abuse or bullying. Under no circumstances may any content of a sexual nature be transmitted to an underage attendee. Any PMX attendee or representative who violates this strict policy concerning social media is subject to immediate dismissal. In addition, the transmission of any sexual content or requests for sexual contact made to an underage attendee will be promptly reported to law enforcement.

1. Photography & Video

• Photography is generally allowed and encouraged at PMX events. However, photography is prohibited in certain areas and all PMX event participants and representatives have the right to privacy. Thus, permission should be obtained before a photograph is taken, and if an individual indicates that they prefer not to have their photograph taken, this should be respected in all cases, including by professional and amateur photographers. Additionally, no youth attendee should be photographed in private, either on-site or off-site, without a parent or guardian.
• If you become aware of a situation where a person has been unwillingly photographed, or an inappropriate photograph has been taken, it is your responsibility to notify your supervisor right away. Persons taking inappropriate photographs or photographs of an unwilling subject are subject to discipline, up to and including immediate dismissal from an PMX event.

1. Costuming & Cosplay

• Cosplay is generally allowed and encouraged at PMX events. However, inappropriate cosplay is prohibited. All PMX event participants have the right to an expectation of a family-friendly environment. Thus, if you notice someone who is dressed or is behaving inappropriately, it is your responsibility to notify your supervisor right away.

7. Prohibited Activities
8. Abuse and Physical Force

• All PMX representatives are strictly prohibited from engaging in violent behaviors while at PMX events, including but not limited to abusive or offensive language, hitting or shoving. If you become aware of violent behaviors involving youth, notify your supervisor right away.
• This policy does not apply to official demonstrations of martial arts or other performances.

1. Sexual Contact or Communication

• All PMX representatives are strictly prohibited from engaging in sexual activity or contact or discussing sexual activity with any under-age participants. If you become aware of prohibited sexual contact or sexual communication involving youth, contact your supervisor right away.
• Some PMX events and activities feature adult programs that include discussions or displays of content that is sexual in nature. This content is restricted to adults 18 years of age and older. Any PMX representatives who witness youth participants entering, participating in or attempting to gain access to adult-only programs should contact their supervisor right away.

1. Bullying and Harassment

• In addition to the avoidance of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and inappropriate contact, PMX representatives and participants are strictly prohibited from engaging in bullying or harassment of other participants or PMX representatives. If you become aware of a bullying or harassment situation, notify your supervisor right away.

1. Inappropriate Photography

• Photographs may not be taken in restrooms, dressing rooms, or from an angle intended to expose or reveal a participant’s undergarments or any part of the body intentionally covered by a costume.

8. Reporting
9. Child Abuse Definition

• PMX defines child abuse as any action or inaction that injures or creates the possibility of injury to a child or youth. Injury may be physical, psychological or emotional in nature.

1. Suspected or Actual Child Abuse or Injury

• Under California law, PMX representatives are not mandated reporters of suspected or actual child abuse. However, if you suspect that a child or youth is being injured or abused by anyone—including a parent, guardian, caretaker, unrelated adult, or another child—PMX requires that you notify your supervisor right away. Your supervisor will be able to help you assess the situation and determine the appropriate steps to take to resolve your concerns.

1. Escalation Process

• If you witness an incident, or you are approached by an PMX attendee who has been a victim or who has witnessed an incident of abuse or misconduct, notify your supervisor right away. Your supervisor will be able to help you assess the situation and determine the appropriate escalation process.

1. Anonymous Report

• The Youth Protection Portal, www.youthprotectionportal.org/, contains a reporting form through which anyone can report an unsafe or concerning situation or incident. Although employees and volunteers are required to report incidents to their supervisors directly without delay, please make sure you are also familiar with the online reporting form.

Prop / Replica Weapons Policy

Effective Date: October 1, 2022

PROP / REPLICA WEAPONS POLICY

Your participation in PMX Events means that you agree to comply with this Prop / Replica Weapons Policy. An “Event” shall mean any event held by The Pacific Media Association (“PMX” or “we”), such as Pacific Media Expo.

You further understand and agree that, for your own safety and the safety of everyone at an Event, PMX has the absolute and immediate discretion and right to inspect your costumes, prop weapons, and any other item you bring to the Event. We may temporarily or permanently remove any attendee in our sole and absolute discretion at any time for violating this Prop / Replica Weapons Policy— because your safety and the safety of every attendee is of the utmost importance. 

The PMX reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.

Prohibited Items

No Real Weapons Are Allowed at an Event.

This includes firearms, knives, curios, relic antique firearms, any form of ammunition, any items designed or manufactured with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury, whether carried openly or concealed, even if any such weapons are inoperable or unusable and irrespective of whether you are licensed to possess such weapons. Items that may otherwise be legal for you to own or carry are not welcome at any Event if they violate this Prop / Replica Weapons Policy.

The following items are not permitted at any PMX Event:

• All Metal Weapons
• Firearms, Ammunition, Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Blowguns, Tasers, Laser Pointers, Laser-Aiming Devices or similar Laser Devices
• Explosives, Incendiary Devices, Chemical Weapons, and Pepper Spray / Mace
• Knives, Live Blades/Swords (including Katana and other Martial Arts Style Swords), Daggers, Sword Canes, Switchblades, Bali-Song (Butterfly Knife), Axes, Kunai, Ice Skates, and Hatchets
• Metal Pole Arms, Wooden/Metal Bats, Paddles, Stilts, Golf Clubs, and Vuvuzelas
• Archery and Hunting Bows, Arrows, Nunchucks, Brass Knuckles, and Whips
• Any item designed or manufactured with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person or property, any item that is illegal in the state of California, or any item that appears, in PMX’s sole discretion, to be dangerous or which would pose or place others at risk or harm, immediate or otherwise.

(Note: some venues prohibit other items e.g. glass bottles, food, alcohol, and e-cigarettes. Please check with the venue before bringing such items.)

Peace Bonding

Prop weapons must be submitted to “Weapons Check” for Peace Bonding. PMX has the sole discretion to approve prop weapons. Please visit us at one of our Weapons Check booths during the Event. Locations are to be determined and announced on our website at www.anime-expo.org. Other Event Weapons Check booth locations shall be designated in the programs and on signs.

We may revoke your Peace Bond at any time at our sole discretion. Behavior which will warrant revocation of your Peace Bond includes:

• Brandishing an item in an inappropriate fashion, such as play-fighting or swinging the prop around
• Causing complaints from other attendees of the Event
• Tampering or altering of the Peace Bond

Prop Weapons

Prop weapons are inoperable weapons that support the overall look of your costume or character. For example, plastic Airsoft guns, Nerf guns, water guns, dart guns, disc guns, pellet guns, and cap guns are prop weapons.

Peace Bonding Rules

If a prop weapon is, or was, at any time capable of firing anything, it must be rendered permanently inoperable in order to qualify for Peace Bonding. You can do this by, for example, permanently plugging the barrel with glue, caulk, or any non-removable substance and hot gluing all moving components of the prop in place. You must be able to prove that the prop weapon is permanently inoperable upon inspection.

In addition, to qualify for Peace Bonding, your prop weapon must meet the following criteria:

• All bladed props, prop firearms and prop knives cannot contain metal, have metal components, or have metal-based paints on them.
  • Note: Lightsabers with metal hilts are allowed.
• Your prop weapon cannot be more than 7 feet (2.13 meters) in any direction or weigh more than 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms).
• Prop explosives or ammunition cannot be made out of metal.
• All swords and bladed prop weapons must adhere to the following rules:
  • They cannot be made out of metal
  • If your non-metal blade has a sharp edge or pointed tip, it must be anchored to a hard sheath for the duration of the Event
  • If you do not have a hard sheath, your non-metal blade must have a blunt edge and blunt tip
• All prop bows must be unstrung or have a low-tensile thread with no draw weight and be incapable of shooting.
• All prop arrows must have blunt non-metal tips.
• Metal chains are not permitted unless it is for cosplay and affixed to a piece of clothing and/or armor.
• Any prop chain must be under 7 feet (2.13 meters) to avoid safety and fire hazards.

If your prop weapon is a toy, look-alike, or imitation firearm, then federal regulations (15 CFR § 272.3) require that it either be translucent enough to, permit unmistakable observation of the device’s complete contents or must have at least one of the following:

• An Orange Solid Plug in Barrel: Have a blaze orange (Fed-Std-595B 12199) or orange color brighter than that specified by the federal standard color number solid plug permanently affixed to the muzzle end of the barrel as an integral part of the entire device and recessed no more than 6 millimeters from the muzzle end of the barrel; or
• An Orange Barrel Marking: A blaze orange (Fed-Std-595B 12199) or orange color brighter than that specified by the federal standard color number, marking permanently affixed to the exterior surface of the barrel, covering the circumference of the barrel from the muzzle end for a depth of at least 6 millimeters; or
• Entire Surface Coloration: Coloration of the entire exterior surface of the device in white, bright red, bright orange, bright yellow, bright green, bright blue, bright pink, or bright purple, either singly or as the predominant color in combination with other colors in any pattern.

Please take care when outside or when transporting any form of firearm prop.

Regardless of how realistic the prop may look, ensure that it is completely hidden while traveling and be aware of your surroundings, attire, and the appearance of your props to bystanders when outside of the Event. Do not assume a costume will reassure people that your prop is not a real weapon.

Peace-Bonded Weapons at the Event

You may display your prop weapons only as costume pieces. Do not swing or brandish your prop weapon in any way that could be considered unsafe or threatening.

You may pose with a prop weapon in a brandishing manner, so long as no reasonable person would interpret it as anything but a pose for dramatic effect. Event staff or management may stop your posed brandishing in their sole discretion.

Please put your prop weapons away when leaving the Event site at night so that you don’t get the attention of local law enforcement. PMX cannot be responsible for any actions taken by local law enforcement agencies, such as detaining and questioning you, if you decide to display or brandish your prop weapons at or outside of the Event.

Everyday Items

• Items that people normally carry such as umbrellas or walking sticks/canes are permitted within the Event and subject to inspection upon entry.
• Lightweight plastic or foam bats, paddles, and clubs are permitted.
• Roller skates/blades, skateboards, scooters, go-karts, hoverboards, etc. are not permitted within the Event area.
• Ice Skates are not allowed, even with skate guards attached.
• Power tools are not permitted e.g. chainsaws, drills, or hedge trimmers.

Buying Weapons at the Event

All Prop / Replica weapons purchased at the Event must remain sealed in its original packaging while at the Event. If you would like to use your Prop / Replica weapon at the Event, you must submit your item to a “Weapons Check” booth for peace bonding.

Martial Arts Performances and Demos

You may display working martial arts weapons during, and 30 minutes before and after, a performance that has been approved by Event management in advance.

Of course, you must use common sense to avoid harming any person or property. You must conceal or wrap the weapons when transporting them to and from the demonstration, and you must remove the weapons immediately after the demonstration. Event staff reserves the right to stop any performance or demonstration in their sole discretion.

Law Enforcement Uniformed Costumes

COSTUMES THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OR OTHER EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL UNIFORMS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT THE EVENT.

It is against the law to impersonate local law enforcement, emergency personnel, or first responders. PMX has the absolute right and sole discretion to decide whether your costume looks too much like one of these uniforms, and to request the removal or modification of that costume. Should you refuse to cooperate, we may expel you from the Event in order to protect the safety and welfare of everyone at the Event.

Terms of Participation and Liability Release & Waiver

Effective Date: October 1, 2022

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION AND LIABILITY RELEASE AND WAIVER. THE FOLLOWING TERMS OF PARTICIPATION INCLUDE A LIABILITY RELEASE & WAIVER AND ARE A LEGAL CONTRACT BETWEEN YOU, AN INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT OR A SINGLE ENTITY, AND PACIFIC MEDIA EXPO (“PMX”).

By registering or participating in an event produced by PMX (the “PMX Event,”), in any capacity, whether as an attendee, panelist, exhibitor, sponsor, or other participant, you confirm that you have read and agree to be legally bound by the following Terms of Participation and Liability Release and Waiver (these “TOP”). These TOP and the PMX Policies, located at www.pacificmediaexpo.org/legal/, apply to your participation and/or registration in the PMX Event. PLEASE READ THESE CAREFULLY.  Failure to agree or comply will deny you access to the PMX Event. If you do not agree, please discontinue participating in the PMX Event.

• The terms “you,” “your,” and “yours” refer to you, the person participating in the PMX Event or using PMX Event Sites (defined below) and agreeing to these TOP. The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to PMX and to PMX’s affiliates and subsidiaries (if any).
• “PMX Events” include all events produced by PMX, including, without limitation, the Pacific Media Expo (commonly known and referred to herein as “PMX”).
• “PMX Event Sites” are the PMX site (www.pacificmediaexpo.org), the and any other PMX Event mobile applications.
• “Venue” means the facility at which the PMX Event is held.
• “Official Hotels” are hotels that PMX has explicitly designated for the PMX Event.
• The “City” refers to the city in which the PMX Event is held, such as the City of San Gabriel.

1. INDIVIDUALS: IF YOU ARE REGISTERING FOR ANOTHER PERSON, THEN YOU MUST ASK THEM TO READ AND AGREE TO THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION. ACCEPTANCE OR USE OF A BADGE, TICKET, OR CONFIRMATION CODE INCORPORATES THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION. BY REGISTERING FOR, ATTENDING, VOLUNTEERING, OR PARTICIPATING IN THE PMX EVENT, OR BY REGISTERING FOR, ACCESSING, BROWSING, DOWNLOADING FROM OR USING THE PMX EVENT SITES, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION AND TO THE LIABILITY RELEASE AND WAIVER INCLUDED HERE. IF AT ANY TIME YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION, PLEASE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATE YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE PMX EVENT AND YOUR USE OF THE PMX EVENT SITE.

1. ORGANIZATIONS: IF YOU ARE REGISTERING FOR THE PMX EVENT OR USING THE PMX EVENT SITE ON BEHALF OF A COMPANY, ENTITY, OR ORGANIZATION (COLLECTIVELY, A “PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION”) THEN YOU REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT YOU: (I) ARE AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THAT PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION WITH THE AUTHORITY TO BIND SUCH ORGANIZATION; (II) HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION; AND (III) AGREE TO THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION ON BEHALF OF SUCH SUBSCRIBING ORGANIZATION AND ANYONE PARTICIPATING IN THE PMX EVENT FOR AND ON YOUR ORGANIZATION’S BEHALF.

1. POLICIES. You agree that you have read, understand, and agree to abide by the PMX policies posted on the PMX website at www.pacificmediaexpo.org/legal, including but not limited to the Code of Conduct, the Recording Policy, the Alcohol Policy, the Weapons Policy, the Youth Protection Policy, the Privacy Policy, the COVID-19 Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk, and such other policies that PMX may adopt from time to time (the “PMX Policies”), which are incorporated fully into these TOP. Without limitation, you acknowledge and agree that the Recording Policy allows PMX and those acting on PMX’s behalf to take your photograph or video record you and to use those photographs or videos of you as set out in the Recording Policy, for lawful purposes such as streaming, broadcast, and/or rebroadcast over the internet, without compensation. You agree that these TOP and the PMX Policies together with any other policies or instructions posted on the PMX Event Sites or communicated by employees, officials, officers, volunteers, or other persons affiliated with or acting for or on behalf of PMX, the City, or any Official Hotel, are effective and apply to you at all times when you are participating in and around the PMX Event, the Venue, and Official Hotels.

1. LIABILITY RELEASE & WAIVER.
   • (a) GENERAL ASSUMPTION OF RISK. You agree that your participation in the PMX Event, whether as an attendee, panelist, exhibitor, sponsor, or other participant, is voluntary. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THE PMX EVENT AND SOME ACTIVITIES AT THE PMX EVENT, SUCH AS BUT NOT LIMITED TO DANCING, ROLE PLAYING, COSPLAY, PARTICIPATING IN A DEMONSTRATION, BEING ON A STAGE, STANDING IN LINES, AND BEING IN LARGE CROWDS, HAVE INHERENT RISKS AND DANGERS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ACTS OF TERRORISM, DEATH, INJURY AND SERIOUS BODILY HARM TO YOUR PERSON AND/OR PROPERTY. YOU AGREE THAT AS A CONDITION OF YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THE PMX EVENT AND/OR PARTICIPATION IN ANY ACTIVITY AT THE PMX EVENT, YOU ASSUME AND ACCEPT ALL RISKS OF HARM, LOSS, OR INJURY TO YOUR PERSON OR PROPERTY THAT MAY ARISE FROM OR BE RELATED TO YOUR ATTENDANCE AND/OR PARTICIPATION IN SUCH ACTIVITY.
   • (b) ASSUMPTION OF RISK RELATED TO COVID-19 AND/OR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES. You acknowledge that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and/or communicable diseases exists in any public place where people are present. By participating in the PMX Event, you and any guests agree that you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and/or communicable diseases. You agree to comply with PMX Event policies and rules, including but not limited to all social distancing policies, guidelines, signage, and instructions related to COVID-19 and/or communicable diseases.
   • (c) IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THE PMX EVENT WHETHER AS AN ATTENDEE, PANELIST, EXHIBITOR, SPONSOR, OR OTHER PARTICIPANT, YOU HEREBY WAIVE AND RELEASE, indemnify, and hold harmless PMX, the City, the Venue, the Official Hotels, and their respective officers, directors, members, employees, agents, affiliates, contractors, volunteers, managers, sponsors, funders, attendees, public officials, vendors, successors and assigns (“Released Parties”), from any and all demands, damages, losses, liabilities, causes of action, lawsuits, attorneys’ fees, costs, and/or claims of every kind and nature, whether known or unknown, in law or equity, that you ever had or may have, arising from or in any way related to your participation in the PMX Event (including any harm, loss, or injury to your person or property resulting from such participation as described in paragraph 4.a. above and any exposure or potential exposure resulting from such participation as described in paragraph 4.b. above) or your use of an PMX Event Site, including acts or omissions by third parties such as emergency or medical providers and vendors of food, drink, or alcohol. You understand and agree that the foregoing specifically waives your right to sue the Released Parties for negligence arising from or related to your attendance at the PMX Event. PMX reserves the right, at your expense, to assume the defense and control of any matter for which you are required to indemnify PMX, and you agree to cooperate with PMX’s defense of these claims. PMX will use reasonable efforts to notify you of any such claim, action, or proceeding upon PMX learning of any such claim, action, or proceeding. You agree that you will participate only in PMX Event activities that you are qualified to participate in. You are aware that PMX Events will be conducted in facilities open to the public. You agree and warrant that if at any time you believe conditions of any PMX Event activity to be unsafe, you will immediately discontinue further participation in any such activity. You intend and desire for this Liability Release and Waiver to be interpreted as broadly as permitted under California law, or if California law is inapplicable, under such other applicable law. This Liability Release and Waiver does NOT apply to any acts of gross negligence or intentional, willful, or wanton misconduct on the part of any Released Party.  If you become ill or are injured during your participation of the PMX Event, you authorize PMX, the Venue, or any Official Hotel to seek and obtain such emergency or medical services as may be deemed necessary or appropriate at the time, but understand and agree that they shall not be obligated to do so, and that the liability release and waiver above applies to the provision of such emergency or medical care or services. You may be billed and agree to pay for any such services, including ambulance transport.

1. DAMAGE YOU CAUSE. You agree that if you break, deface, damage, or destroy any real or personal property or software, or hurt or injure another person, in connection with your participation in the PMX Event, including but not limited to the property of PMX, the Venue, any Official Hotel, or the City, you shall be solely and personally liable and responsible for paying any and all costs to repair or replace such property, injury and care of such persons, and incidental or consequential damages relating to the damaged property or personal injury.

1. MODIFICATION OF THESE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION AND POLICIES. We may revise and update our TOP from time to time at our sole discretion. We will notify you when we make changes to our TOP by posting on this page and by revising the “Effective Date” date at the top of this page. All changes are effective immediately when we post them and apply to all access to and participation in PMX Events. Please check back frequently to see any updates or changes to our TOP. If you do not agree, please discontinue participating in the PMX Event and using the PMX Event Sites.
2. GENERAL TERMS. No waiver or amendment of any provision of these TOP will be effective unless in writing. ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TOP WILL BE GOVERNED BY CALIFORNIA LAW, EXCLUDING CALIFORNIA’S CONFLICT OF LAWS RULES, AND WILL BE LITIGATED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE FEDERAL OR STATE COURTS OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, USA; YOU CONSENT TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION IN THOSE COURTS. The language in all parts of these TOP shall be construed as a whole in accordance with its fair meaning, not for or against any party, and without regard to any statutes that provide for the language of an agreement to be construed against the drafter. If any provision herein is determined to be unenforceable, that provision shall be severed, and all other provisions shall remain in effect. These TOP shall bind and be for the benefit of yourself, PMX and its affiliates and subsidiaries, and each of the respective party’s heirs, fiduciaries, successors, and assigns. You have not relied upon any promise, representation, or warranty in signing these TOP. These TOP will continue in full force and effect even after the conclusion of the PMX Event. You understand and agree that your electronic submission of agreement to these TOP constitutes an electronic signature that is as legally binding as your signature on a hard copy of the TOP. Further, you agree that no certification authority or other third-party verification is required to validate this electronic signature, and that the lack of such certification or third-party verification shall not in any way affect the legal enforceability of these TOP.

YOU AGREE TO THESE TERMS OF THIS PARTICIPATION AND LIABILITY RELEASE AND WAIVER, AND SUBMIT THIS REGISTRATION FORM VOLUNTARILY, OF YOUR OWN FREE WILL AND FREE OF PRESSURE, DURESS, OR THREAT OF DURESS. YOU HAVE READ THESE ENTIRE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION AND THE PMX POLICIES AT www.pacificmediaexpo.org/legal CAREFULLY. YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT BY ACCEPTING THESE TOP AND LIABILITY RELEASE AND WAIVER, YOU HAVE GIVEN UP CONSIDERABLE FUTURE LEGAL RIGHTS. YOUR CHECKING THE BOX SAYING THAT YOU AGREE OR SUBMITTING THIS REGISTRATION APPLICATION IS PROOF THAT YOU INTEND AND AGREE TO SIGN AND BE FULLY BOUND BY A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL WAIVER AND RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY OF THE RELEASED PARTIES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.

PARENT OR GUARDIAN’S ADDITIONAL RELEASE FOR MINORS. You, the person submitting this Registration, represent and affirm that you are the parent or legal guardian of the minor whose name appears in the Registration, and that you have the authority to enter into this legal contract on the minor’s behalf. You understand and agree that the above Terms of Participation, including the Liability Release and Waiver and the PMX Policies, including the Privacy Policy, and the COVID-19 Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk, at www.pacificmediaexpo.org/legal, apply to the minor and to you.

I have read, understand, and agree to be legally bound by the PMX Terms of Participation, including the Liability Release and Waiver, and the PMX Policies, including the Privacy Policy, and the COVID-19 Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk, at www.pacificmediaexpo.org/legal.  I represent and warrant I am over 18 years old and I am competent to sign contracts.

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 1, 2022

Pacific Media Expo (“PMX”) is an anime-and-more convention sponsored by the Pacific Media Association. PMX held its first convention in 2004 and is showcased annually in the Southern California area. PMX was one of America’s first major trade shows dedicated to Asian-Pacific popular culture and entertainment media. The show features honored guests, live performances, panel discussions, workshops, Asian cinema and animation video rooms, art exhibitions, and exhibit halls dedicated to Asian media and pop culture.

We are so happy you have decided to join us. As part of our educational goals, we have created this Privacy Policy to inform you about how we collect, use, store, and protect your information. This Privacy Policy pertains to information collected at PMX events, on the PMX site (www.pacificmediaexpo.org), sites for any other events we may produce and any other PMX Event mobile applications we may produce(collectively, our “Services”).

• The terms “you,” “your,” and “yours” refer to you, the person utilizing our Services and agreeing to this Privacy Policy. The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to PMX and to PMX’s affiliates and subsidiaries (if any).
• “PMX Events” include all events produced by PMX, Pacific Media Association, Club Awakening.
• “PMX Event Sites” are the PMX site (www.pacificmediaexpo.org), the sites for any other events we produce and any other PMX Event mobile applications we may produce.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully to understand how we will treat your information.

Data Controller

• Unless otherwise noted, the Data Controller of all data described in this policy is PMX.
• PMX is located at Pacific Media Association 1107 Fair Oaks Ave., Suite 168 South Pasadena, CA 91030

How We Collect Information

Directly From You

You may provide us with personal information in several ways, such as when you:

• Purchase tickets and register for events. When you purchase tickets for PMX Events or register as an attendee (fan, industry, or press), exhibitor, sponsor, panelist, workshop leader, or photographer, we ask for your name, email address, age, and gender. This information is sometimes collected directly by PMX and sometimes indirectly through PMX’s service providers, such as the event registration platform. We may collect additional information from individuals who register as an exhibitor, sponsor, panelist, workshop leader, press, or photographer related to that individual’s role. For example, exhibitors must provide information about their company, details about plans for tables, and additional contact information;
• Communicate with us by e-mail or phone;
• Subscribe to our e-mails or newsletters;
• Report a problem or request support for any of our Services;
• Interact with our Social Media Accounts; or
• Participate in our contests, promotions, sweepstakes, applications or surveys

Information We Collect From Other Sources

We work closely with third parties (for example, technical service providers, payment providers, promotion companies, advertising networks, and analytics providers) and may receive information about you from them.

Depending on the relationship and activity, they will provide us with certain information that will help us understand how you interact with our Services so we can tailor our marketing and provide better, more personalized Services to you. In some cases, third parties also provide us with information that helps us keep track of transactions, address technical or logistical issues, prevent fraud, or keep our community safe from security threats.

We may also receive and display information and content which you make publicly available on your social media account when you interact with any of our content, such as when you post using one of our promoted hashtags or respond to posts on our social media accounts.

How We Use Your Information

• Purposes Directly Related to Our Services. We use your information to provide you with the Services you have requested, contact you if there is a problem with providing you with those Services, add your name to the lists for Services you have asked to receive, update your information with any changes you have requested to us, and to notify you if there are any issues with the Services.
• Responding to “Contact us” requests. If you have submitted a “contact us” form on one of our websites or apps or emailed us asking us to contact you, your information will be used to respond to your request.
• Partner Marketing. With your consent, we may send you messages regarding products or services offered by our partners that you may be interested in.
• Sending Newsletters. With your consent, we will use your email address to send you PMX’s newsletter. You may withdraw this consent by using the unsubscribe link in any newsletter or by contacting us at operations@pacificmediaexpo.com.
• Technical support/assistance. We use your information to provide you with technical support and other assistance to use our websites or apps.

How We Share Your Information

We share your information under the following circumstances:

• With your consent.
• When we have a legitimate business interest.
• To comply with our legal obligations, such as laws, regulations, search warrants, subpoenas, or court orders, or to exercise or defend legal claims.

The following paragraphs give further detail on circumstances when we may share your data:

• Service Providers.  Like any other company, PMX uses a variety of third-party businesses and partners to market and provide our Services to you (“Service Providers”). These include but are not limited to business partners, suppliers, and sub-contractors we contract with to provide you with the Services such as third-party payment processing. These Service Providers’ access to your information is limited to the information reasonably necessary to perform their limited functions, and our contracts with these vendors require that your data be treated in accordance with the terms of this Privacy Policy.
• Press list. PMX will share the press list for an PMX Event with industry members for the purpose of coordinating press and public announcements. The press list shows the full name, outlet, and email address of everyone who registered as press.
• Giveaway sponsors/their affiliates. When you sign up for one of our giveaways, sweepstakes, contests, or other promotions, with your consent, we may share your information with the sponsor of the promotion and/or its affiliates. See specific promotion rules for details.
• Exhibitors and Sponsors with badge tap stations. By tapping your badge at an PMX Event exhibitor/sponsor booth, we may provide the exhibitor and any affiliated organizations with your name, gender, email address, and/or badge type and/or price. We may also provide booth and timestamp data from any badge tap-in. By tapping your badge, you consent to this sharing. This information is controlled by the respective privacy policies of these exhibitors and sponsors and not by our Privacy Policy.
• Exhibitors and Sponsors at PMX Events. Please note that you may be able to enter drawings or provide information to exhibitors and sponsors at PMX without using your badge. Once you provide information to an exhibitor/sponsor, the privacy policy of that exhibitor/sponsor is controlling. Each exhibitor/sponsor has its own privacy policy. Please review their privacy policies before providing your consent to their collection of your data. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for these policies or for the data collection and use by these exhibitors/sponsors.
• Safety. The owner of any PMX Event Site may disclose your information if it believes such disclosure is reasonably necessary to protect the safety, rights, or property of the public, any person, or PMX; to investigate, prevent, or otherwise address suspected fraud, harassment, or other violations of any law, rule, or regulation; to detect, prevent, or otherwise address security or technical issues; or as PMX believes is required by law, regulation, or legal process.
• Change in control. If PMX engages in a merger, acquisition, disposition, change of control, bankruptcy, dissolution, reorganization, or similar transaction or proceeding, or otherwise transfers the operations of such a PMX Event or website that relates to your information, PMX will transfer your information to the successor entity.
• Similar Entities: With your consent, we may share your information with third parties that offer products or services that you may be interested in.

Cookies

We and our third-party service providers use cookies and other tracking mechanisms to track information about your use of our Services. We may combine this information with other personal information we collect from you (and our third-party service providers may do so on our behalf).

“Cookies” are small data files that a website places on your browser when you visit the website. Cookies allow a website or third party to recognize your browser. There are three primary types of cookies:

• Session cookies are specific to a particular visit and carry information as you view different pages within a website. Session cookies expire and delete themselves automatically in a short period of time, e.g., when you leave the website or when you close your browser.
• Persistent cookies enable us to recognize you when you visit an PMX Event Site and remember your preferences. Persistent cookies are stored on your browser or mobile device until you choose to delete them, and otherwise typically delete themselves at expiration.
• Third-party cookies are placed by someone other than PMX. They may gather browsing activity across multiple websites and sessions. They are usually persistent cookies and are stored until you delete them or until they expire based on the time period set in each third-party cookie.

The cookies used in connection with your use of the Services will generally fall within one of the following categories:

• Necessary functionality: These cookies are essential to enable you to navigate the PMX Event Sites and access the Services in a safe and secure manner.
• Important functionality: These cookies help us authenticate registered users.
• Performance and Analytics: These cookies provide data on how the Services are functioning to help us improve the performance of the Services and the user experience.
• Personalization: These cookies allow us to personalize the content we display to you.

Choices Regarding Cookies

Most browser software can be set to reject all cookies, including third-party cookies. If you choose to reject our cookies, however, your ability to access and use the Services may be limited. Typically, the cookie settings are within the “options” or “preferences” menu in your browser. The links below provide information about cookie settings for some commonly used browsers:

• Internet Explorer
• Chrome
• Safari
• Firefox

You can opt-out of interest-based advertising on the PMX Event Sites by rejecting cookies. Please note that even if you reject cookies and opt-out of interest-based advertising, you will continue to receive generic advertisements through the Services.

To opt out of interest-based advertising, you may use the following links provided by third parties that manage opt outs for some ad networks:

http://preferences-mgr.truste.com

http://www.networkadvertising.org/managing/opt_out.asp

http://www.aboutads.info/

https://policies.google.com/privacy/partners

Note: If you delete cookies, use a different device, or change web browsers, you may need to opt out again.

Do-Not-Track Signals

Some web browsers may transmit “do-not-track” signals to the websites with which the user communicates. Because of differences in how web browsers incorporate and activate this feature, it is not always clear whether you intend for these signals to be transmitted, or whether you even are aware of them. Because there currently is no industry standard concerning what, if anything, websites should do when they receive such signals, we currently do not act in response to “do-not-track” signals.

Aggregated Data

We collect a variety of aggregated data about how you and other users use our Services. This aggregated data is anonymized and not connected to any individual.

• We collect information about your device when you access our Services electronically, including IP address, browser information (including referring URL), cookie information, and advertising ID (which is a unique, user-resettable identification number for advertising associated with a mobile device).
• We automatically collect and store information about your use of our websites and the Services you receive through those sites, such as your engagement with particular content, including links you have followed and pages you have requested, and how often and when you engage with any of our websites.

How We Store Your Information

• We store information that we collect on our websites, on our own servers, and/or on servers operated by third parties. These third-party servers are located in the United States.
• We retain your information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or our data retention policies unless a longer retention period is required by law. For example, if you have signed up to receive a newsletter, we will retain your name and email address until you unsubscribe from that newsletter (unless you have provided it for some other purpose as well). Within a reasonable period of time after your information is no longer required for any of the purposes outlined in this policy, we will delete it.

How We Protect Your Information

• We take reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction of data located on and collected by our Services. Sensitive and private data exchange between the Site and its Users happens over an SSL secured communication channel and is encrypted and protected with digital signatures. We exercise reasonable care to protect your non-public personal information. Unfortunately, no data transmission over the Internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. While we strive to protect your non-public personal information, we cannot guarantee the security of any information you transmit to us or receive from us while it is in transit. Once we receive your personal information, we maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect it. If a data breach occurs, we will notify you and the proper European Economic Area (“EEA”) authority (if required) within 72 hours (if reasonably feasible). If we are unable to notify the proper EEA authority within 72 hours, our notice will be accompanied by reasons for the delay.
• The PMX Event Sites may contain links or references to other sites in addition to the ones we have already mentioned. Please be aware that we do not control such other sites and that, in any case, this Privacy Policy does not apply to those sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policy of every site you visit.

How We Handle Children’s Information (for Parents)

As a nonprofit entity, PMX is not subject to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”). PMX nevertheless makes commercially reasonable efforts with respect to the collection and protection of the data of children.

Our PMX Event Sites are general audience websites, intended for use by individuals over the age of thirteen (13).

PMX does not market to and does not knowingly collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen (13) through the Services.

We also do not share child badge data with PMX Event exhibitors/sponsors. Should a child tap his or her badge on an PMX Event exhibitor/sponsor booth, we will not provide the exhibitor any information from that badge.

If you are based in the EEA you may use our Services only if you are over the age at which you can provide consent to data processing under the laws of your country (the “Age of Consent”). If you are not over the Age of Consent, you may not use our Services without the permission of a parent.

If you are a parent or guardian of a child who is under 13 years old and using our Services, please contact us at operations@pacificmediaexpo.com to request deletion of any personal information we may have collected about the child. For privacy reasons, we may request proof of relationship to the child.

Management of Information

• You can update your personal information by going into your online account on the PMX Event Site where you initially provided the information. If you are unable to update your information yourself, please contact us at operations@pacificmediaexpo.com for assistance.
• If you are from the EEA, in accordance with applicable data protection law, you have the right to (i) access your information; (ii) have your information corrected or deleted; (iii) in certain circumstances, object to our processing of your information; (iv) withdraw consent previously provided; (v) in certain circumstances, request that your information be transferred to another service provider, where feasible; or (vi) if you believe that we have not complied with applicable data protection law, lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact us by email at operations@pacificmediaexpo.com.
• For questions about this Privacy Policy and how your information may be collected, stored, used, and shared, please contact us by email at operations@pacificmediaexpo.com.

Links to Third-Party Websites

Our Services, newsletters, email updates, and other communications may, from time to time, contain links to and from the websites of others, advertisers, and affiliates. If you follow a link to any of these websites, please note that these websites have their own privacy policies and that we do not accept any responsibility or liability for these policies.

Changes to the Privacy Policy

We may revise and update our Privacy Policy from time to time at our sole discretion. We will notify you when we make changes to our Privacy Policy by posting on this page and by revising the “Effective Date” date at the top of this page.  All changes are effective immediately when we post them and apply to all access to and use of the Services thereafter. Please check back frequently to see any updates or changes to our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree or consent to these updates or changes, do not continue to use the Services.

Contact

Questions or comments regarding this Privacy Policy should be addressed to:

Pacific Media Association 1107 Fair Oaks Ave., Suite 168 South Pasadena, CA 91030

operations@pacificmediaexpo.com

Main Events Policy

Policy Effective Date: October 1, 2022

Pacific Media Expo and the Pacific Media Association reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.

PMX MAIN EVENTS FAQ AND POLICIES

Each Main Event (a “Main Event”) has its own rules when it comes to appropriate behavior. Please abide by those rules as stated below.

These rules apply to all those attending any Main Event, including Attendees, Volunteers, Staff, Press, and Industry in the Main Event Venues. Any violation of these rules occurring in a Main Event venue will count towards the convention’s one-strike policy for Main Events.

MAIN EVENTS FAQ

What are the Pacific Media Expo Main Events?

Main Events may include:

• Concerts and Special Events
• Cosplay Contest
• Fashion Show

What is the difference between “ticketed” and “NON-ticketed” Main Events?

“Ticketed” Main Events may include the following events:

• Concerts
• Special Events

“Ticketed” Main Events may require a valid PMX badge and a valid Main Event ticket for entrance to those particular Main Events.

“NON-ticketed” Main Events may include the following events:

• Fashion Show
• Cosplay Contest

“NON-ticketed” Main Events only require a valid PMX badge for entrance to those particular Main Events.

If we exit the Main Events venue, are we allowed to re-enter?

For Programming rooms:

• There is no re-entry once you exit the doors. You must get back in line.

MAIN EVENTS POLICIES

Due to the high volume of people attending the Main Events, the following should be noted for safety and fire hazard reasons:

• NO SELFIE STICKS.
• NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGES (bottled water is acceptable).
• No excess or large baggage 12” x 12”. (Suitcases, luggage, duffel bags, etc. are not allowed.)
• No oversized costumes or oversized props (with the exception of Masquerade contestants).
• No weapons (i.e., swords, knives, bokkens, daggers, etc.)
• No skanking or moshing.
• No standing on chairs.
• No running in the aisles or rows.
• No smoking.
• No signs.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO POLICIES

Fashion Show

• No flash photography (photography WITHOUT flash is allowed), for the safety of our Guests of Honor and/or Volunteers on stage.
• Video recording is allowed.
• No selfie sticks.

Photos and videos must be for personal use only, with the exception of Pacific Media Expo registered, pre-approved Press representatives.

Please leave restricted items, such as oversized bags and oversized costume props, in your car, hotel room, or at Bag Check.

Please see the event website for bag check information.

Cosplay Contest

• No flash photography (photography WITHOUT flash is allowed), for the safety of our Guests of Honor and/or Volunteers on stage.
• Video recording is allowed.
• No selfie sticks.

Photos and videos must be for personal use only, with the exception of Pacific Media Expo registered, pre-approved Press representatives.

Please leave restricted items, such as oversized bags and oversized costume props, in your car, hotel room, or at Bag Check.

Please see event specific websites for bag check information.

Main Event Concerts and Special Events

Unless expressly announced from the stage at a Main Event Concert or Special Event, the following policies apply to all Main Event Concerts and Special Events.

Each Concert and Special Event’s Guest of Honor has a different set of photography and video recording policies.

These policies may apply to all Main Event Special Events.

• No photography.
• No video recording.
• No audio recording.
• No selfie sticks.

By attending, you agree not to bring any photography or recording devices into the Main Events venue.

Please leave restricted items in your car, or at your hotel room., Cell phones and cameras should be kept in bags or pockets for the duration of the entire Main Event.

If you are found using your phone to record audio, record video, or take pictures during the Main Event, you will be removed from the Main Event and no refund will be issued for your event ticket or event badge.

Any attendee(s), non-authorized Press or Volunteers violating the photography and video recording policies or the Main Event Policies will be subjected to immediate deletion of all relevant media stored on the device, one strike on the badge, and, at the discretion of staff, ejection from the venue and badge revocation for the remainder of the convention.

All attendees, Press, Industry, and Volunteers attending the “ticketed” Main Events must have valid PMX badges and valid Main Event tickets.

All attendees, Press, Industry, and Volunteers attending the “NON-ticketed” Main Events must have valid PMX badges.

Those found loitering in aisles will face immediate ejection from the venue and receive one strike on the badge or, at the discretion of staff, badge revocation for the remainder of the convention.

All attendees, Press, Industry, and Volunteers are subject to the PMX Code of Conduct.

*NOTE: Policies are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Guests of Honor and/or PMX.

Contact Information

For any questions and concerns on the Main Events Policies, please refer to our contact information at: https://pacificmediaexpo.org/about-us/contact/.

Effective Date: October 1, 2022

The PMX reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.

ALCOHOL POLICY

PMX is committed to providing a safe and family-friendly environment for everyone’s attendance. PMX expects its employees, staff, directors, and each of their guests or representatives, to follow all applicable laws and regulations and to refrain from consuming alcohol in the presence of minors, serving alcohol while at the Event, or bringing outside alcoholic beverages onto the Event premises.

PMX does not serve alcohol.  PMX’s employees, staff, directors, and all PMX representatives, including interpreters and those assisting Guests of Honor, are prohibited from serving alcohol.  Adults 21 and over may order alcoholic beverages from the Event Venue, hotel, room service, and other places that legally serve alcohol and have required liquor licenses.  PMX does not encourage drinking.  If you are legally permitted to drink and choose to do so, PMX asks that you drink responsibly.

Prohibited alcohol conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following behavior:

• Consumption of alcohol by any person younger than 21 years old (a “minor”).
• Providing alcohol to, or facilitating the provision of alcohol to, any minor.
• Consumption of alcohol in any hotel room in which a minor is staying or in which any minor is present.
• Consumption of alcohol from any source other than the hotel concessions, room service, Lounge 21, or any other places that legally serve alcohol and have liquor licenses.
• Violation of any federal, state, or local law regarding alcoholic beverages.
• Violation of any policy of the Event facility or any Event vendor or concessionaire regarding alcoholic beverages.

Violation of this Alcohol Policy may result in forfeiture of your Event badge, your expulsion from the Event and/or termination of your position with PMX.

Recording Policy

Effective Date: October 1, 2022

Recording Policy

Pacific Media Association and PMX reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.

Recordings of You: You are advised and given notice that PMX permits people and companies to take photographs and make recordings at PMX Events, and post them on social media and use them for many lawful purposes. By attending an PMX Event, you agree to be photographed or recorded during the Event (in still photographs, audio recordings, video recordings and any other media, now known or hereafter discovered, hereafter “Recordings”), by attendees, vendors, and others without compensation.

Additionally, by attending an PMX Event, you grant to PMX the rights, but not the obligation, to create photographs, video, digital, audio, or other recordings, including the Live Simulcast & Broadcast (“PMX Recordings”) of you and grant PMX the right to reproduce, display, distribute, perform, digitize, transmit, broadcast and otherwise use the PMX Recordings in any and all media and manners now known or hereafter discovered throughout the world in perpetuity, in whole or in part, modified or altered, either by themselves, or in combination with other photographs, recordings or materials, without payment of royalties, license fees, or any other compensation. PMX will hold the copyright to the PMX Recordings. To the extent you have any rights in the PMX Recordings, you hereby assign all your rights, title and interests in and to the PMX Recordings to PMX.

Your Recordings of Others for Personal/Private Use with Small Handheld or Cell Phone Camera: Except as prohibited below, individuals may make Recordings for private listening/viewing, without the need to obtain a Filming Location Agreement from PMX, provided that such Recordings clearly identify the Event, date, and location at which they were Recorded. You are generally allowed to make Recordings in all common areas of the Event, with the exception of the Art Show, backstage, and restricted areas. Specific rules and restrictions regarding Recordings apply to specific venues, concerts, and Events, such as when a Guest of Honor prohibits photographs of their performance. If you are unsure, please check for signage, and if you do not see any, be respectful and do not make Recordings.

As a courtesy, and without changing this policy in any way, please obtain permission first to make Recordings of any individuals or costumes. If someone asks or otherwise indicates that they do not wish to be recorded, do not record them. The PMX will make reasonable efforts to enforce this policy, but given the proliferation of recording devices and the ease with which Event attendees may conceal their recording devices, it is understood and agreed that PMX shall not be liable for violations.

Your Recordings of Others for Commercial Purposes: Recordings of an PMX Event or its employees, staff, or attendees for commercial purposes is expressly forbidden unless advance written permission has been obtained from the PMX (and any venue in which you desire to make a Recording apart from the Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel). Commercial Recordings include, but are not limited to:

• The purpose of sale to anyone
• Bonus content for home release (DVD/Blu-Ray)
• Concurrent livestream
• Post-event streams
• Vtubing (unless your booth or panel consists of Vtubing, however, Vtubing outside of your booth or panel requires a Filming Location Agreement)
• Television broadcast
• Videos posted on website, social media, and other promotional platforms
• Documentary film
• Filming/recording with professional camera person or crew

The following provisions must be met in order to make Recordings for commercial purposes:

• Written approval from PMX
• Signing a Filming Location Agreement
• Obtaining media and other required insurance, naming PMX and others as additional insureds, and providing proof of insurance by providing your certificate of insurance
• Payment of a Filming Location Fee to be determined by PMX [(generally $2,500 per day)]

More information is available in the Filming Location Agreement. Please reach out to marketing@PMX.org for more information and a Filming Location Agreement.

**No Recording (photo/video capture, livestreaming, Vtubing) is permitted in adult content areas such as booths, events, or panels.**

All bloggers and members of the press and staff are additionally required to conform to the PMX’s Press Policy www.pacificmediaexpo.org/about-us/press/ and we encourage attendees to become familiar with those rules. Violation of this Recording Policy may result in forfeiture of your Event badge, your expulsion from the Event and/or termination of your position with PMX.

Filming Your Panel

Effective Date: October 1, 2022

Filming Your Panel Policy

Pacific Media Association and PMX reserve the right to modify and/or update this policy at any time in their sole discretion and without prior notice.

If you are planning to film your panel, please carefully review the information below:

Recordings for Personal/Private Use:  You may make Recordings of your panel for private listening/viewing using a small handheld or cell phone camera, without the need to obtain a Filming Location Agreement from PMX.

Recordings for Commercial Purposes: Recordings for commercial purposes are expressly forbidden unless advance written permission has been obtained from the PMX (and any venue in which you desire to make a Recording apart from the Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel). Commercial Recordings include, but are not limited to:

• The purpose of sale to anyone
• Bonus content for home release (DVD/Blu-Ray)
• Concurrent live-stream (outside of the AX Live-stream)
• Post-event streams
• Vtubing (unless your booth or panel consists of Vtubing, however, Vtubing outside of your booth or panel requires a Filming Location Agreement)
• Television broadcast for non-press related reason (i.e. variety show, documentary, etc…)
• Videos posted on website, social media, and other promotional platforms
• Documentary film
• Filming/Recording with professional camera person or crew

The following provisions must be met in order to film/record footage of your panel for commercial purposes:

• Written approval from PMX
• Signing a Filming Location Agreement
• Obtaining media and other required insurance, and providing proof of insurance by providing your certificate of insurance
• Payment of a Filming Location Fee to be determined by PMX [(generally, $2,500 per day)]

More information is available in the Filming Location Agreement. Please reach out to marketing@PMX.org for more information and a Filming Location Agreement.

**No Recording (photo/video capture, livestreaming, Vtubing) is permitted in adult content areas such as booths, events, or panels.**

Panelists Participation Policy

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2022

In consideration for being permitted to participate as a panelist or workshop host for a panel or workshop (a “Panel”) at any event produced by The Pacific Media Association (“PMX”), including but not limited to Pacific Media Expo, Club Awakening (each, an “PMX Event”), you (“you” or a “Panelist”) agree to (1) the terms in this “Panelist Participation Policy” (this “Policy”), (2) PMX’s Terms of Participation and Liability Release and Waiver (the “TOP and Waiver”), which are incorporated into this Policy, and (3) the PMX policies located at www.pacificmediaexpo.org/legal, (including but not limited to the Code of Conduct, Recording Policy, Privacy Policy, and Youth Protection Policy (“YPP”)) that are in effect at the time of the PMX Event (collectively, the “PMX Policies”). If you do not agree or do not comply with all parts of this Panelist Participation Policy, the TOP and Waiver, and the PMX Policies, you will be denied access to and participation in the Panel and the PMX Event. If you do not agree, please immediately exit the Panel and the PMX Event.

1. PANEL PARTICIPATION. You are freely giving your services as a Panelist to PMX, and you agree that participating in a Panel is an opportunity with real value. You are not and will not be eligible to receive compensation of any kind for your participation on a Panel. Panelists are not employees of PMX and are not covered by PMX’s employee benefits or Workers Compensation insurance. PMX, in its sole discretion, may cancel your Panel for any reason. In addition:

a.) If you cancel your Panel fewer than two (2) weeks before the PMX Event, PMX may choose to give you lower priority and/or limit the number of Panels you may apply to present at future PMX Events.

b.) Adherence to each of the procedures listed below is necessary for a safe and well-conducted Panel at the PMX Event. If you fail to follow any of the procedures listed below, PMX and/or its representatives at the PMX Event may interrupt and/or cancel your Panel:

(i) You must handle all technical equipment carefully (e.g., you must not drop microphones).

(ii) You must adhere to the PMX-approved content rating level (G, PG, 18+) of your Panel. No modification to the content of your Panel may be made after your application without approval by the PMX Programming Department.

(iii) You must end your Panel on time. If your Panel does not end at the designated time, PMX will stop your Panel’s sound and video.

(iv) You must cooperate fully and promptly with the requests of PMX and Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel representatives, employees, volunteers, contractors, and security personnel (“PMX/Event Reps”), including by stopping what you are doing immediately at the request of such PMX/Event Rep or the PMX Programming Department.

2. CARE. When participating in the Panel (and at all other times while you are at the PMX Event) you must comply with this Policy, the TOP and Waiver, the PMX Policies, and all applicable laws, regulations, and rules, and you must conduct yourself in a safe, conscientious, and courteous manner. Your Panel shall be factually accurate and shall contain nothing defamatory or otherwise unlawful or inappropriate.

You shall not consume substances with a mind-altering or judgment-altering potential, such as alcohol, medications, or other drugs that may alter ability to participate in a Panel safely, conscientiously, and courteously. You shall immediately report any and all potential hazardous conditions or actual injuries that you observe or experience to any PMX safety or medical volunteer, an PMX/Event Rep, or to the police officer or other civic officer nearest to you. You shall make such a report no matter what the extent or cause of the potential hazardous condition or actual injury. Without limiting further actions by PMX, PMX may immediately remove you from a Panel and from the PMX Event if you fail to comply with all of your obligations under this paragraph, this Policy, the TOP and Waiver, and any other PMX Policies.

3. ASSUMPTION OF RISK, WAIVER, AND RELEASE. YOU PARTICIPATE IN A PANEL AT YOUR OWN RISK. YOUR PARTICIPATION IN A PANEL HAS INHERENT RISKS AND DANGERS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO HARM, LOSS, OR INJURY TO YOU, YOUR PERSON OR PROPERTY. AS A CONDITION OF BEING PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN A PANEL, YOU HEREBY DO ASSUME AND ACCEPT THESE RISKS. BY PARTICIPATING IN A PANEL, YOU REAFFIRM THE WAIVER AND RELEASE THAT YOU MADE WHEN YOU AGREED TO THE TOP AND WAIVER AT REGISTRATION.

4. YOUTH PROTECTION POLICY. By participating in a Panel, you represent and warrant that you are not disqualified under Section 5 of the YPP, and you agree that if anything changes prior to the Panel that would disqualify you under Section 5 of the YPP, you will inform PMX and will not participate in the Panel or in the PMX Event. You will make an effort to view the YPP training videos before the Panel. Abusive behavior, such as verbal abuse, inappropriate sexual remarks or touching, threats of violence, or any other violation of the Code of Conduct will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion from the Panel or the PMX Event.

5. PHOTOGRAPHS AND GRANT OF RIGHTS. By participating in a Panel, you grant PMX the right to create photographs, video, digital, audio, or other recordings, including the Live Simulcast & Broadcast (“PMX Recordings”) of your presentation and grant PMX the right to reproduce, display, distribute, perform, digitize, transmit, broadcast and otherwise use the PMX Recordings in any and all media and manners now known or hereafter discovered throughout the world in perpetuity, in whole or in part, modified or altered, either by themselves, or in combination with other photographs, recordings or materials, without payment of royalties, license fees, or any other compensation. Additionally, you give PMX permission to use your name, likeness and biographic information to use, promote or exploit the PMX Recordings or any derivative work of the PMX Recordings. PMX will hold the copyright to the PMX Recordings. To the extent you have any rights in the PMX Recordings, you hereby assign all your rights, title and interests in and to the PMX Recordings to PMX. You shall provide PMX with a good quality copy of distributed Panel materials, if any, and any PowerPoint, video, or media included in your Panel for its archives.

6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. You shall not use content from anime creators or other content owners in a Panel without their permission. You shall obtain all necessary clearances and agreements for any third party intellectual property presented or distributed in your Panel and the rights granted to PMX herein. You will retain any existing intellectual property, such as trademark and copyright, that you may have in the material you present or distribute for your Panel.

7. GENERAL TERMS. No waiver or amendment of any provision of this policy will be effective unless in writing. ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS WILL BE GOVERNED BY CALIFORNIA LAW, EXCLUDING CALIFORNIA’S CONFLICT OF LAWS RULES, AND WILL BE LITIGATED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE FEDERAL OR STATE COURTS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, USA; YOU CONSENT TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION IN THOSE COURTS. The language in all parts of this policy shall be construed as a whole in accordance with its fair meaning, not for or against any party, and without regard to any statutes that provide for the language of an agreement to be construed against the drafter. If any provision herein is determined to be unenforceable, that provision shall be severed, and all other provisions shall remain in effect. This policy shall bind and be for the benefit of yourself, PMX, and each of the respective party’s heirs, fiduciaries, successors, and assigns. You have not relied upon any promise, representation, or warranty in acknowledging this policy. This policy will continue in full force and effect even after the conclusion of the Panel and the PMX Event.

MODIFICATION OF THIS POLICY, THE TOP AND WAIVER, AND THE PMX POLICIES. We may revise and update this Policy, the TOP and Waiver, and our PMX Policies from time to time at our sole discretion. We will notify you when we make changes to this Policy, the TOP and Waiver, or the PMX Policies by posting on this page and by revising the “Effective Date” date at the top of this page. All changes are effective immediately when we post them and apply to your participation in a Panel and to your access to and participation in PMX Events. Please check back frequently to see any updates or changes. If you do not agree with any of the policies as modified, please do not participate in the Panel and exit the PMX Event.

Brand Usage Guidelines Policy

Using the Pacific Media Expo brand and trademarks

These guidelines are designed to help you use our brand and assets, including our logo, content, and trademarks.

You are not required to seek permission to use the Pacific Media Expo word mark or one of the logo marks depicted below (the “Marks”) for any press coverage or to promote your appearance or activity at Pacific Media Expo. For example, you may use the Pacific Media Expo word mark or a logo mark to inform others about your booth or panel at Pacific Media Expo. Please be sure to use the trademark registration symbol © with the first instance of the Pacific Media Expo word mark, e.g., Pacific Media Expo©.

You may not use our Marks to suggest sponsorship or endorsement by Pacific Media Expo for your products, services, or separate event without permission. Examples of unpermitted use include, but are not limited to:

1. affixing our Marks directly on exclusive merchandise;
2. an “Pacific Media Expo” collection in an online store;
3. using our Marks in the name of unofficial events that held separately from Pacific Media Expo such as “XYZ’s Pacific Media Expo Party”
4. using our Marks for activities such as “XYZ’s Pacific Media Expo Party Instagram Sweepstakes”.

Such uses require permission and a trademark license from PMX if permission is granted.

To make any use of our marks on products such as exhibitor exclusive merchandise or in any way that is not permitted by these guidelines, please contact us at marketing@pacificmediaexpo.org and include a visual mockup of intended use.

DO:

• Use our official, unmodified logo to represent our brand for permitted uses.
• Use the trademark registration symbol © with the first instance of the Pacific Media Expo word mark, e.g., Pacific Media Expo© for permitted uses.
• Allow for ample buffer space around the logo.

DON’T:

• Modify, alter, or add any effects to the marks or change any colors.
• Use the Marks in a confusing way, including in a way that confuses Pacific Media Expo with another brand.
• Use any other marks or logos to represent our brand.
• Use any Pacific Media Expo mascots or art for any purpose without permission.