Please read this entire policy page before attending

Intent

HILL COUNTRY COMICON is vitally interested in the ongoing health and safety of our employees, as well as that of our clients, visitors and guests. HILL COUNTRY COMICON has adopted this policy to ensure that we minimize the threat of injuries associated with weapons or props on our premises. As such, possession of a weapon is prohibited while on company premises and anywhere else that company business, is conducted. Due to the nature of our business a series of guidelines for safe weapon and prop rules have been established.

Cosplay and Costume Weapons Policy

All costumes need to adhere to all safety and decency regulations in keeping with Hill Country Comicon’s cosplay standards. Our show is all-ages, and costumes must reflect that this is a family-oriented event. We have created the following guidelines to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible, in and out of costume:

• No nudity or inappropriate attire. This includes wearing proper undergarments. If you’re not sure if your costume accomplishes that, please email the management at info@hillcountrycc.com. HCC reserves the right to decide what is considered appropriate for the show’s audience.
• Please make sure your costume is sturdily constructed. Hill Country Comicon cannot be responsible for damage incurred to your costume during the convention, and the staff reserves the right to ask you to change if your outfit is not acceptable.
• Wear protective footwear at all times.  This means some sort of hard sole–a unitard or stocking feet are not sufficient. We know a lot of characters like to run around barefoot, but since they are fictional, they don’t have to worry about tetanus. If you’re not within guidelines, you will be asked to shoe up.
• Wings, large props or large costumes are fine, but if your costume is over 8 feet tall or over 3 feet wide you may not fit through the doors. If possible, make wings and other oversized parts detachable. We have no limit on the size of costumes or props, but ask that you be safe and aware while at the convention. You will be responsible for ALL damage incurred by your costume.
• Uniforms are great! Some of the coolest outfits are uniforms. But if you intend to wear a uniform that looks super-realistic, please distinguish that it is a costume. If your costume could lead to you being confused with local law enforcement, please don’t wear it.
• Prop weapons are allowed if they meet certain criteria. Please view our weapons policy to make sure any prop weapons that go with your costume are in compliance.
• Visible convention passes and wristbands will be required at all other times while inside the Convention Center.
• No electrical power connections will be provided. If your costume requires power it must be part of your costume design.
• Any substance or material that may cause damage, or significant mess to the stage area are prohibited. Contact event staff for any questions on the use of a questionable item

When in doubt, don't hesitate to ask! Direct additional questions to info@hillcountrycc.com.

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Weapons Policy

Do not bring real swords, guns, or any type of authentic weapon to the show–only props are allowed! Simulated or costume weapons are allowed as part of your costume as long as they are in compliance with the following rules:

• No projectile weapons (including but not limited to airsoft or paintball weapons) will be allowed!
• Weapons with a metal blade, regardless if it is dull or sharp, are prohibited!
• Metal weapons, bats or shields (with or without sharp edges) are not permitted.  Prop weapons should be made of lightweight materials such as foam, cardboard, or plastic.
• No heavy wood props including shields and bats.
• All prop firearms must have an orange cap on the barrel.
• Weapons which are capable of firing (Nerf guns, bows, etc) must be rendered inoperable.  Projectiles are forbidden.
• Do not brandish weapons or props in a threatening manner.  Be aware of how security personnel may interpret your actions.
• Keep weapons in convention areas.  If you leave the convention premises, please put away any weaponry–even if it clearly looks fake.

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General Rules

• You must wear your badge or wristbands at all times while at HCC.
• Be nice and have fun! All of your fellow HCC con-goers are there to have a good time, so be friendly, make new friends, and have a good time at HCC!
• Offensive behavior should be kept out of HCC and reserved for the privacy of your own home. HCC staff and security have the right to ask you to leave the convention without refunding the cost of your badge/wristband if you are behaving in an inappropriate fashion.
• Please wear appropriate clothing while attending HCC. You can refer to our costume policy for details.
• Please abide by our weapons policy. In the harsh reality of our times, our security staff and local law enforcement will treat anything that looks like a real gun as a real gun.
• While we don’t want anyone to lose anything, HCC is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property or for injuries sustained during the course of HCC.
• Please do not abuse the convention facilities. This includes putting signs on walls, littering, and smoking in non-designated smoking areas, among other things.
• Special events and guests are subject to change or cancellation without notice–sometimes last-minute. We will notify you of any changes via the HCC website and our social media channels.
• By purchasing a badge/wristband and being admitted to HCC, the holder consents to being recorded (by audio, visual and/or other means) for exhibition and exploitation by any means in all media now known or hereafter devised worldwide in perpetuity.
• All autograph and badge/wristband sales are final. No refunds or exchanges will be given.

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Harassment Policy

Hill Country Comicon is a safe place. This means we expect it to be a safe environment for fans of any ethnicity, creed, religious background, political background, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, sexual orientation, fandom, etc. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. This includes, but is not limited to: physical assault, verbal harassment, sexual harassment, stalking, unwanted physical contact, unwanted advances, or inappropriate photography.

Harassment is defined by the victim. If it is determined–either by observation or by complaint–that an individual or group has harassed another attendee, any or all of the following things may occur. That individual or group may be:

• Warned to cease and desist,
• Asked to leave the convention, or
• Banned from the convention for a period of time to be determined by staff

For your own safety, if you feel that you are being harassed, please report your problems to us before anyone else. If you cannot find a staff, crew, or volunteer member to assist you, please go to the information desks located near registration or near the entrance of the exhibition floor. Please report to us before taking matters into your own hands (such as personally confronting the aggressor or posting on social media). We have professional security, and they are properly equipped for these contingencies.

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Photography Policy

Photography is allowed, but not in high-traffic areas. This includes near doors and in busy hallways. Please move to a designated photography area to take photos.

Inappropriate photography is not permitted. Inappropriate photography is defined as photography where the subjects feel they are being stalked, exploited, degraded, or disrespected through being photographed. While it is reasonable that photographers will be photographing costumers/cosplayers and other parts of the convention, should this photography become harassing or sexual in nature, the photographer will be subject to the harassment policy.

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Accessibility

Hill Country Comicon strives to create an inclusive and friendly environment for all of its attendees. We are happy to provide a variety of services to help you enjoy your experience!

Accessibility and Companion Bracelets

Hill Country Comicon provides accessibility bracelets for those with mobility, vision, hearing, or other difficulties that allow attendees and one companion wearing accessibility and companion bracelets to access lines for autographs, and photo-ops much more quickly and has access to seating for panels after Fast Pass seating and before general admission.

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American Sign Language (ASL) Requests

ASL interpreters are available on a limited capacity through Blue Sun Interpreting, LLC. Requests for ASL interpreters can be requested by sending your request to bluesunasl@gmail.com

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General Accesibility of the Convention Center

• Grounds, walks and floor surfaces along accessible routes are stable, firm, and non-slip under most weather conditions.
• Sidewalks, leading from the front driveway loading and unloading zones for shuttle buses and taxis, and leading to the main facility entrances, are free of abrupt changes in surface level.
• Sidewalks and ramps have a 36 inch clear opening.
• All thresholds at exterior doors are flush with the floor.
• All stairs have handrails.

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Restrooms

• Restrooms for each gender are available in public areas.
• Family area restrooms are also available in public areas.
• Restroom entrances have a clear opening of 32 inches
• All restroom dispensers and accessories are within reach of a person seated in a wheelchair.
• The accessible toilet stall is arranged to provide either side or front approach by someone in a wheelchair.
• Grab bars are of sufficient length located along the sides and back of the accessible stalls.

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Service Animals

We love our animal friends, but the convention center prohibits all animals on its campus. This includes therapy or anxiety pets. Only animals trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability, through a specific action, are allowed.

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Questions?

If you have questions or need clarification, please send an email to: info@hillcountrycc.com‍