Convention Rules

Weapons Policy

Absolutely no functional weapons are permitted on convention grounds, except those specifically permitted by California law (e.g. on-duty badged law officers). Absolutely no concealed weapons of any type are allowed.

All costume and prop replicas of weapons are permitted ONLY if inspected and approved by Convention Operations in Room 2103. All inspected and approved weapons will be visibly "peace-bonded".

Only obvious costume, prop, toy, and replicas of weapons will be approved. Non-sharpened or wooden or practice swords MAY be approved if bound into their scabbards or belts.

Items such as walking sticks or canes may be carried without being peace bonded. However, AOD staff may deem at any time an item to be a weapon, and thus subject to the weapons policy.

Attendees are responsible at all times for use of their costume weapons, even ones peace-bonded. Absolutely no horseplay or mock fighting will be permitted. AOD reserves the right to amend or modify the weapons policy during the convention.

Photography Policy

Photographs and videotape footage by attendees are generally allowed in all common areas of the convention. Specific rules regarding these matters may exist for selected events.

When photographing or recording others, ask permission first. Please respect their wishes. Any photography or videography for the purpose of sale or publication is expressly forbidden unless written permission has been obtained from Convention Operations. Attendees may take photos and video or other recordings for private viewing or sharing with friends and time travellers.

By attending AOD, you consent to being recorded or photographed for press or promotional purposes without limitation or compensation.

Dress Code

All attendees at AOD are welcome to wear costumes during the con. However, this code must be followed at all times.

All clothing and costumes must be decent to wear in public. When choosing your costume, please consider that there are young children at both the convention and hotel.

Costumes with large pieces (such as wings, armor, etc.) may not be worn in the halls. They block traffic and create a fire hazard. Please save these costumes for the Masquerade.

If, at any time, convention staff finds your dress or costume in violation of these rules or inappropriate in any way, you will be asked to change out of the costume. Failure to comply is a violation of attendee policy.

Canceling a Pre-Registration

We understand that unforeseen circumstances do occur, and there are times when you may need to cancel your pre-registration. In this event, please contact AOD Registration Staff and explain the situation, and they will issue you a full value credit towards registering for future events. To redeem your credit at a future event, once Pre-Registration has opened for that event, please contact AOD Registration staff and they will credit your account appropriately.

Lost Badges

Unfortunately, AOD cannot replace any badges which have been lost, damaged, or destroyed. If your badge does become lost during the AOD event, please speak with the Lost&Found box at Convention Operations (ask any AOD staff member for directions if you are unsure where they are located). Lost badges are frequently turned into Lost&Found.

Accuracy of Event Schedule

AOD makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the Event Schedule, and ensure that every event occurs as scheduled. However, due to the nature of coordinating events, late-hour changes do happen. Unfortunately, as much as we'd like to, we cannot guaranty that events will start at the scheduled time, feature the scheduled presenters, or sometimes occur at all. If an Event does change, we immediately issue updates on our website, at the Information Desk, and at the Event location itself, so please check these sources before Events start. Thanks for your understanding.