Code of Conduct
AnimeXstasy
Code of Conduct & Operating Policies
Version: 1.0
1. Purpose and Scope
AnimeXstasy is an adults-only anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, art, entertainment, and fandom event intended to provide a welcoming environment for adults to socialize, participate in programming, and enjoy adult-oriented fandom activities.
This Code of Conduct applies to everyone participating in or working with the convention, including:
Attendees
Guests and featured talent
Cosplayers
Artists and exhibitors
Vendors
Panelists and presenters
Volunteers
Contractors
Photographers and videographers
Sponsors
Convention staff
Security personnel
Venue personnel while acting in connection with the convention
By purchasing a badge, accepting a complimentary badge, entering the convention, participating in an official event, or otherwise participating in convention activities, individuals agree to comply with these policies.
The convention may impose rules that are stricter than applicable law or venue requirements.
2. Adults-Only Policy
The convention is intended for adults 18 years of age or older, unless a particular activity or venue area establishes a higher age requirement.
2.1 Age Verification
Attendees may be required to present valid government-issued identification establishing their age.
The convention may require identification:
At registration or badge pickup;
At convention entrances;
Before entry into restricted programming;
Before alcohol service;
Before entry into designated 21+ areas; or
Whenever reasonably necessary to enforce an age restriction.
Possession of a convention badge does not eliminate the requirement to comply with applicable age restrictions.
2.2 Alcohol Age Requirement
Only individuals who are legally permitted to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol may do so.
Where alcohol is served or sold, the convention and its vendors will comply with applicable Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission requirements and the requirements of the venue and applicable permits. Texas prohibits licensed businesses from selling, serving, or delivering alcohol to individuals under 21.
The convention may establish additional restrictions on alcohol regardless of what the law permits.
2.3 Minors
No attendee may attempt to circumvent the age requirement by providing false information, lending a badge, using another person's identification, or otherwise misrepresenting their age.
3. Core Principle: Consent
Consent Is Mandatory
Consent is one of the central principles of AnimeXstasy.
Everyone has the right to decide what happens to their body, personal space, belongings, image, and participation.
Consent must be:
Freely given — without intimidation, coercion, threats, manipulation, or pressure.
Specific — agreeing to one activity does not mean agreeing to another.
Informed — participants should understand what they are agreeing to.
Current — previous consent does not automatically apply to a new interaction.
Reversible — anyone may change their mind at any time.
Mutual — all participating people must consent.
3.1 "No" Means No
"No," "stop," "don't," "not now," moving away, pushing someone away, withdrawing participation, or otherwise communicating a desire to stop must be respected immediately.
A person does not have to provide an explanation.
3.2 Silence Is Not Consent
Silence, lack of resistance, freezing, intoxication, sleep, or uncertainty should never be treated as permission.
3.3 Consent and Alcohol or Intoxication
A person who is substantially impaired by alcohol or another substance may not be capable of providing meaningful consent.
Do not initiate sexual contact, intimate contact, or other potentially exploitative conduct with a person who is incapacitated or unable to make a clear decision.
3.4 Cosplay Is Not Consent
A person's:
Costume,
Clothing,
Makeup,
Character,
Gender presentation,
Body type,
Online persona,
Previous interactions, or
Participation in adult programming
does not constitute consent to touching, sexual comments, photographs, or sexual activity.
3.5 Photography and Recording Require Consideration
Ask before photographing or recording identifiable individuals when practical, particularly in:
Cosplay changing areas;
Quiet areas;
Private or semi-private events;
Adult programming;
Meet-and-greets;
Photo shoots; and
Situations where a person has indicated that they do not want to be photographed.
Do not photograph or record someone who has clearly asked you not to.
Never secretly photograph, record, or distribute intimate or private material.
3.6 Sexual Contact
Unwanted sexual touching, exposure, sexual contact, or attempts to obtain sexual contact without consent are prohibited and may constitute criminal conduct under Texas law. Texas Penal Code §22.012, for example, prohibits certain sexual touching and exposure without the other person's consent.
Convention policy applies regardless of whether conduct rises to the level of a criminal offense.
4. Harassment-Free Environment
Harassment is prohibited.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
Unwanted sexual attention;
Repeated unwanted flirting or romantic advances;
Unwanted touching;
Following or stalking another attendee;
Sexual comments directed at another attendee;
Sexualized comments about someone's body;
Persistent requests for dates, contact information, or sexual activity after refusal;
Intimidation or threats;
Deliberate humiliation;
Doxxing or publishing someone's private information;
Non-consensual photography or recording;
Sharing intimate images without permission;
Hate-based harassment;
Targeted online harassment connected to convention participation; and
Retaliation against someone who reports misconduct.
A person's decision not to interact, flirt, socialize, take a photograph, participate in an activity, or provide contact information must be respected.
5. Sexual and Adult Content
Because this is an adults-only event, some programming, artwork, performances, merchandise, discussions, and social activities may involve mature or sexual themes.
Adult content does not create permission for attendees to behave sexually toward one another.
5.1 Public Behavior
Adult content must remain within areas and activities designated by convention management.
Attendees must comply with:
Texas law;
Local ordinances;
Venue rules;
Fire and occupancy requirements;
Licensing requirements; and
Convention restrictions.
Being an adult-oriented event does not mean that all sexual conduct is permitted in public areas.
6. Photography, Video, and Streaming
Photography and recording are generally permitted in public convention areas unless otherwise posted.
However:
Respect requests not to be photographed.
Do not block walkways while photographing.
Do not enter restricted areas to obtain photographs.
Do not photograph people changing clothes.
Do not photograph or record intimate activity without explicit permission.
Do not secretly record private conversations where prohibited by law.
Do not use recordings to harass, threaten, impersonate, or dox another person.
Follow all panel, performance, guest, and venue-specific recording restrictions.
Convention staff may establish no-photography or no-recording areas.
7. Cosplay and Costumes
Cosplay is welcome.
Costumes must comply with:
Venue rules;
Applicable law;
Convention weapons policies;
Fire-safety requirements;
Obscenity or public-conduct restrictions applicable to the venue;
Posted dress requirements; and
Specific rules for individual events.
A costume does not excuse harassment, unwanted touching, or unsafe conduct.
Costumes that create a significant safety risk, obstruct vision, block emergency exits, interfere with accessibility, or create an unreasonable risk to others may be restricted.
8. Props and Weapons
All weapons and weapon-like props are subject to convention approval and applicable law.
Convention management may prohibit any item at its sole discretion where the item creates a safety, legal, insurance, or venue concern.
Examples of prohibited or restricted items may include:
Functional firearms;
Unapproved realistic firearms;
Explosives;
Unapproved pyrotechnics;
Unsecured sharp weapons;
Dangerous projectiles;
Chemical irritants;
Devices capable of causing injury; and
Any item prohibited by the venue or applicable law.
A convention prop policy should be published separately with specific requirements for approved replicas, storage, inspection, and peace-bonding.
9. Alcohol and Intoxicants
Alcohol may be permitted only where expressly authorized by the convention and venue and where all required licenses, permits, and legal requirements have been satisfied.
Texas TABC regulates alcoholic beverage sales and service, and its rules include requirements concerning licensing, age verification, public safety, and prohibited service.
9.1 Prohibited Conduct
The following are prohibited:
Providing alcohol to anyone under 21;
Purchasing alcohol for someone under 21;
Selling or serving alcohol without required authorization;
Bringing alcohol into prohibited areas;
Disorderly or dangerous behavior while intoxicated;
Driving while impaired;
Harassing others while intoxicated; and
Any conduct that creates a safety risk.
9.2 Intoxication
Convention staff may remove or restrict an attendee who is visibly intoxicated and creating a safety, harassment, or security concern.
Staff may contact emergency services, venue security, or law enforcement when necessary.
10. Drugs and Illegal Substances
Illegal possession, use, distribution, or sale of controlled substances is prohibited.
The convention may remove individuals suspected of violating this policy and may contact law enforcement where appropriate.
Nothing in this policy authorizes conduct that is prohibited by federal, state, or local law.
11. Vendors, Artists, and Exhibitors
All vendors and exhibitors must:
Follow the exhibitor agreement;
Comply with applicable laws;
Follow venue requirements;
Keep merchandise within their assigned space;
Maintain safe displays;
Keep aisles and emergency exits clear;
Follow applicable age restrictions;
Clearly identify restricted merchandise where required;
Avoid selling prohibited goods; and
Follow convention policies concerning adult material.
Convention management may remove merchandise that violates law, venue requirements, contractual obligations, or convention policy.
12. Panels and Presentations
Panelists and presenters are responsible for maintaining a safe and respectful environment.
Panel organizers must:
Follow the assigned room capacity;
Follow age restrictions;
Respect venue policies;
Avoid encouraging unsafe audience participation;
Establish rules for audience questions where appropriate;
Stop activities that create an immediate safety concern; and
Notify convention staff of significant incidents.
Panelists may not use their position, celebrity status, or access to attendees to obtain unwanted sexual contact or favors.
13. Parties and Social Events
Official parties and social events must comply with:
Venue rules;
Convention policies;
Applicable laws;
Capacity limits;
Alcohol restrictions; and
Noise and safety requirements.
Party hosts are responsible for monitoring the environment and contacting convention staff or security when necessary.
Consent rules apply equally at parties.
An invitation to a party, hotel room, private gathering, or after-party is not an invitation to sexual activity.
14. Hotels and Off-Site Events
Attendees are responsible for complying with hotel rules and applicable law.
Convention rules concerning harassment, consent, threats, stalking, and retaliation may apply to off-site activities when the conduct is directly connected to convention participation or materially affects the safety of convention participants.
The convention does not assume responsibility for private activities between attendees that are unrelated to convention operations.
15. Accessibility and Accommodations
The convention seeks to provide an accessible and welcoming environment.
Attendees must not obstruct:
Wheelchair-accessible routes;
Accessible seating;
Ramps;
Elevators;
Emergency exits;
Accessible restrooms; or
Designated accommodation areas.
Service animals and other legally protected accommodations will be handled in accordance with applicable law and venue policies.
16. Security and Safety
The convention may employ security personnel and establish screening procedures.
Attendees must follow reasonable instructions from:
Convention security;
Convention staff;
Venue security;
Emergency personnel; and
Law enforcement.
Failure to comply with a lawful safety instruction may result in removal from the event.
Do not interfere with security operations, emergency personnel, evacuation procedures, or emergency equipment.
17. Emergencies
In an emergency:
Remain calm.
Follow staff and venue instructions.
Evacuate when instructed.
Do not use elevators when prohibited during an evacuation.
Do not re-enter an evacuated area until authorized.
Call 911 when immediate emergency assistance is required.
Report hazards to convention staff immediately.
The convention may suspend, relocate, or cancel programming when necessary to protect attendees.
18. Reporting Misconduct
Attendees may report violations to:
Convention Safety / Conduct Desk: TBD
Safety Phone/Text: TBD
Email: Admin@animexstasy.com
Emergency: 911
Reports may concern conduct experienced personally or witnessed involving another attendee.
When making a report, provide as much information as reasonably possible, including:
What happened;
When it happened;
Where it happened;
Who was involved;
Names or badge numbers, if known;
Witnesses, if any;
Relevant photographs or documentation, if available; and
Whether there is an immediate safety concern.
A person does not need to determine whether conduct violates the law before making a report.
19. Immediate Safety Concerns
If there is an immediate threat of violence, serious injury, medical emergency, fire, or other imminent danger, call 911 first.
Convention staff can assist with contacting emergency services but are not a substitute for police, fire, or medical professionals.
20. Response to Reports
Convention management will evaluate reports as promptly as reasonably possible.
Possible responses include:
Speaking with involved individuals;
Issuing a warning;
Establishing a no-contact directive;
Relocating an attendee;
Revoking access to a particular activity;
Confiscating a prohibited convention item;
Revoking a badge;
Removing an attendee from the convention;
Banning an attendee from future events;
Contacting venue security;
Contacting emergency services; or
Contacting law enforcement where appropriate.
The convention may take action even when there is insufficient information to establish that a criminal offense occurred.
21. Confidentiality and Privacy
Reports will be handled as discreetly as reasonably possible.
However, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
Information may be shared with individuals who need it to:
Protect someone from immediate harm;
Investigate a report;
Enforce convention rules;
Comply with legal obligations;
Cooperate with venue security; or
Respond to law enforcement or emergency personnel.
The convention will not tolerate retaliation against someone who makes a good-faith report.
22. False Reports and Retaliation
Knowingly making a fabricated report for the purpose of harming another person is prohibited.
A report that cannot be substantiated is not automatically a false report.
Good-faith reports will not result in punishment merely because convention management ultimately determines that a violation cannot be established.
Retaliation against a person for making a good-faith report, cooperating with an investigation, or seeking assistance is prohibited.
23. Enforcement
Convention management has broad discretion to enforce this Code of Conduct in order to maintain safety and a functional event.
Enforcement may take into account:
Severity of conduct;
Immediate safety concerns;
Whether conduct was repeated;
Whether the individual complied with staff instructions;
Impact on other attendees;
Prior convention violations; and
Applicable law and venue requirements.
The convention is not required to provide an attendee with a particular disciplinary procedure before taking immediate action necessary for safety.
24. Badge Revocation and Removal
A badge is a revocable privilege, not a guarantee of admission for the entire event.
A badge may be revoked for:
Harassment;
Assault;
Sexual misconduct;
Threats;
Stalking;
Theft;
Dangerous conduct;
Repeated policy violations;
Violating venue rules;
Possessing prohibited items;
Providing false age information;
Disrupting convention operations; or
Failure to follow reasonable staff or security instructions.
A person whose badge is revoked may be required to leave the premises.
Refunds following removal are determined by the convention's published refund policy and applicable law.
25. Staff and Volunteer Standards
Convention staff and volunteers are held to a high standard.
Staff and volunteers must:
Treat attendees respectfully;
Avoid using their position to obtain sexual or romantic attention;
Avoid conflicts of interest where practicable;
Protect confidential information;
Escalate serious safety concerns;
Follow established reporting procedures;
Avoid retaliation;
Not misuse attendee information; and
Follow instructions from convention leadership and venue management.
Staff are not expected to personally intervene in dangerous situations. They should request security or emergency assistance when appropriate.
26. Training
Before the event, designated staff should receive training concerning:
Consent and sexual harassment;
Incident reporting;
Emergency procedures;
Accessibility;
Emergency communications; and
When to contact venue security or law enforcement.
27. Venue Compliance
The convention will comply with the rules of its host venue.
Venue requirements may include restrictions concerning:
Capacity;
Fire exits;
Weapons;
Alcohol;
Food and beverages;
Decorations;
Electrical equipment;
Noise;
Photography;
Security;
Smoking and vaping;
Animals;
Deliveries;
Overnight activities; and
Adult entertainment.
If venue rules are stricter than convention policy, the stricter rule controls.
28. Compliance With Texas and Local Law
Nothing in this Code of Conduct authorizes conduct prohibited by federal, Texas, county, or municipal law.
The convention should conduct a location-specific legal and venue review before each event, particularly concerning:
Alcohol licensing and temporary event requirements;
Fire and occupancy regulations;
Food-service requirements;
Adult entertainment or sexually oriented business regulations, if applicable;
Public conduct and nudity restrictions;
Weapons;
Security;
Accessibility;
Copyright and intellectual property;
Employment and contractor requirements; and
Local permits and ordinances.
Texas maintains specific rules concerning alcohol licensing, temporary event authorizations, and venue operations through TABC.
29. Intellectual Property and Media
Attendees may not use another person's copyrighted, trademarked, or otherwise protected material in a manner that violates applicable law.
30. Commercial Solicitation
Unauthorized commercial solicitation is prohibited.
Attendees may not:
Sell merchandise outside authorized vendor areas;
Distribute commercial advertisements without permission;
Aggressively solicit attendees;
Block traffic for solicitation; or
Represent themselves as an official convention representative without authorization.
31. Accessibility, Respect, and Community Standards
The convention welcomes adults from diverse backgrounds and fandom communities.
Participants are expected to treat others with basic dignity and respect.
Disagreements about:
Anime;
Fandoms;
Ships;
Characters;
Cosplay;
Politics;
Games;
Art;
Personal preferences; or
Online communities
do not justify harassment, threats, intimidation, or unwanted contact.
32. Consent Reminder
ASK. LISTEN. RESPECT.
Before touching someone, ask.
Before photographing someone, ask.
Before recording someone, ask when appropriate.
Before entering someone's personal space, ask.
Before escalating physical or romantic interaction, ask.
If the answer is no, stop.
If the answer is maybe, treat it as no until the person gives clear permission.
If someone changes their mind, stop.
If someone is intoxicated or incapacitated, do not treat their condition as consent.
Your costume, your badge, your status, your popularity, your previous relationship, and the adult nature of this convention never entitle you to another person's body or attention.
Consent applies to everyone, including attendees, guests, performers, staff, vendors, panelists, photographers, and convention leadership.
33. Attendee Agreement
By attending AnimeXstasy I acknowledge that:
I am responsible for complying with this Code of Conduct.
I will respect the boundaries and consent of other participants.
I will follow reasonable instructions from convention and venue personnel.
I will comply with applicable law.
I understand that violations may result in removal from the event and/or future bans.
I understand that emergency situations should be reported to 911.
I understand that the convention may modify these policies when reasonably necessary for safety, legal compliance, or venue requirements.