Please read this entire policy before attending any Siesta Conventions, LLC event
INTENT
Siesta Conventions, LLC is vitally interested in the ongoing health and safety of our employees, as well as that of our clients, visitors and guests. Siesta Conventions, LLC 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.
POLICY
All Siesta Conventions, LLC attendees, exhibitors and staff must comply with all Federal, Provincial/State and local laws and regulations regarding weapons, imitation weapons and props, as well as their usage.
Attendees are reminded that while travelling to and from the event, to make sure due care is taken on your behalf to ensure any weapons or props, which could cause public alarm, are stored in bag or in a storage container.
Siesta Conventions, LLC attendees are, under no circumstances, allowed to possess or bring to the convention grounds any actual weapons. Unlawful possession of weapons is an offence and will result in denied admission into the convention or prosecution.
All weapons and props must be in plain sight at all times and are subject to mandatory inspections performed by Siesta Conventions, LLC staff or security staff. As a general rule, no metal or wooden prop weapons are allowed. Additional rules are outlined below.
Any weapon, prop, or item not covered in this policy must be inspected by security staff at the Administration Booth; these items will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
ADMINISTRATION BOOTH
Attendees who come to any Siesta Conventions, LLC event with a prop may be stopped by show security and sent to the Administration Booth. At the Administration Booth, security will inspect that your prop complies with the below Siesta Conventions, LLC rules and regulations regarding props.
If approved, security will issue a sticker to be placed in a visible area of the prop. If show security does NOT see this sticker on your prop while on the show grounds, you will be asked to leave the convention grounds and store your prop or go to the Administration Booth.
If not approved, attendees have the option of storing their prop in their car, home, or hotel room.
For full rules and regulations regarding props, please see below.
GUNS AND PROJECTILE WEAPONS
Live firearms including airsoft, modern, hunting or historic, either functioning or de-commissioned, are not permitted at any Siesta Conventions, LLC event. Replica firearms made from metal, solid resin/plastic/rubber are not to be brought onto convention grounds. All other firearms/projectile weapons are required to have orange safety tips at all times on convention grounds.
No props or weapons capable of firing any projectile or powder charge of any kind. This is for the safety of both yourself and the people around you. Nerf guns and other foam dart guns ARE allowed, but they must not have any foam darts loaded at any time.
Prop bows and slingshots are allowed, however, there must be no capacity to fire any object from the bow or slingshot. Arrows and other items used in bows or slingshots are prohibited.
Siesta Conventions, LLC does not allow ANY laser pointers to be used on the convention grounds. If you have a laser pointer in your prop or weapon, make sure it cannot function by either removing the batteries, or simply not bringing it.
If firearm or projectile props or weapons are deemed unacceptable by Siesta Conventions, LLC security, attendees have the option of storing their prop in their car, home, or hotel room.
Refusal to do so will result in being banned from the event without refund and local authorities being contacted.
SWORDS, BLADES, KNIVES AND OTHER MELEE WEAPONS
Metal swords, metal knives and other active martial arts weapons are not allowed to be brought onto any of the convention grounds. Failure to comply will result in being banned from the event without refund and local authorities will be contacted.
If you buy a metal sword, knife or martial arts weapons at the convention, this is covered below in Section 5.
Blunt, heavy weapons such as baseball bats and hockey sticks are prohibited.
Shields or melee weapons (swords, staffs, lightsabers etc.) made of foam or other lightweight materials are permitted. Please refrain from swinging weapons around or using them in intimidating or threatening manner. Props that are used to intentionally hit or otherwise cause harm to attendees, guests or exhibitors will be immediately confiscated and the attendee will be escorted from the premises without refund.
HELIUM, DRY ICE AND PYROTECHNICS AND OTHER CHEMICAL SPECIAL EFFECTS
Costumes or props that incorporate chemical special effects are prohibited. This includes helium balloons, any type of smoke or other pyrotechnics, or costumes and/or props that expel liquids, gasses or other matter.
PROP WEIGHT AND SHAPE RESTRICTIONS
No items can have sharp points, sharp edges, excessive weight or any other features that could be deemed dangerous to others (e.g. we do not allow metal replica samurai swords, “BB guns/air guns” even if they are not loaded). If the items are not approved during security inspection, they are forbidden on convention grounds. Non-approved items must be securely stored in the attendee’s hotel room, vehicle, or home. Failure to comply will result in being escorted off the event premises and banned from the event without refund.
Props with an excessive weight are subject to approval by security at the convention entrances or Administration Booth. There is no set weight limit, however, if it is deemed to be too heavy or unsafe, attendees have the option of storing their prop in their car, home, or hotel room.
Please consider how heavy your props are because you’re going to be carrying them all day.
ITEMS PURCHASED WHILE AT SIESTACON
Attendees who purchase imitation or replica weapon such as metal movie swords or knives from the Vendors/Exhibitors Hall must not remove items from their original packaging until they have been secured in their hotel room or vehicle.
To use the purchased item as a prop or costume piece, items must be presented to security staff in their original packaging. If Siesta Conventions, LLC prop check team approves the item, it may be used in accordance with our props and weapons policy guidelines and of course your best sense of judgment. Again, if the items are not approved, then they are forbidden on convention grounds out of their original packaging. Non-approved items must then be securely stored in the attendee’s hotel room, or vehicle. Failure to comply will result in being escorted off premises and banned from the event without refund.
LEGAL NOTICE
Siesta Conventions, LLC will not be held legally responsible or liable for any misconduct, damages, injuries or death resulting from the actions of any Siesta Conventions, LLC attendee. Any inappropriate behavior or misconduct by any attendee will be not be tolerated by Siesta Conventions, LLC or local authorities. Please use your best judgment and discretion by refraining from swinging weapons around, or using them in intimidating or threatening manner.