Convention Safety Initiative

Each year FanimeCon strives to be a safe and healthy environment for everyone and in an effort to continue towards that goal, you will experience some changes as you enter FanimeCon this year. To ensure the FanimeCon Code of Conduct is followed, the most notable change is the metal detectors you will pass through when entering the San Jose Convention Center, South Hall, and Civic Auditorium. We will also continue to have our roaming security, weapon detection dogs, and mandatory mask policies in place to keep everyone safe and healthy. 

With the use of metal detectors this year, here are a few suggestions to make your entry into FanimeCon as smooth and fast as possible:

  • Reduce the number of metal objects you might be carrying
  • Leave large bags at home or with Fan Storage
  • If you need to have a bag, try to keep it small or bring a clear bag so it’s easy to check
  • Get your cosplay props checked at Peace Bonding before you get in line to enter
  • If your cosplay has metal in its construction, go to Peace Bonding as well
  • Always remember to have your badge ready to show to a FanimeCon staff member

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we know these last few years have come with a lot of adjustments. We strive to keep FanimeCon a safe and healthy environment for all attendees.

Metal Detector FAQs

Why is FanimeCon using metal detectors now?

We felt this was an important step to ensure that everyone continues to have a safe FanimeCon and we apologize for any inconvenience this transitional year may cause.

Will there be a metal detector at every door?

All FanimeCon events in the San Jose Convention Center, South Hall, and Civic Center will have metal detectors. These are the largest spaces and ones covered by Team San Jose who we are coordinating with on this initiative.

But what about my cosplay?

The cosplay community is a vital part of Fanime and we want to make sure that you have as smooth an experience as possible while entering FanimeCon. We have implemented two steps to help out cosplayers with the metal detectors. The first step is by using the new AI Power E-Gate technology. This new technology does not require you to remove small pieces of metal, such as metal clips, buckles, or decorative elements, before walking through an E-Gate. The second step is for peacebonding costumes for anyone who has metal elements inside their costumes and have had issues getting through a Metal Detector. We have moved our peacebonding table to the right side of the main entrance. Just look for the Fanime Air Dancer.

What is the difference between a metal detector and an E-Gate?

We use the term Metal Detectors to refer to the standard doorway style units that you might have seen in the airport, theme park, or other event venue. E-Gates are a newer system that have three vertical segments that are like the anti-theft alarms found at retail stores. The system uses AI Technology and Cameras to detect weapons and alert a security team for further inspection. The E-Gates Cameras are a live feed and the footage is not stored after a security incident is cleared.

Metal detectors will require that you take metal items off your person, such as phones, wallets, and keys. All bags going through a metal detector will also need to be searched. An E-Gate does not have those requirements and you will just walk through them without stopping.

What are prohibited items?

While we do recommend you keep the use of metal to a minimum on your props, we have not made any changes to our Props Policy from last year. Please review our Code of Conduct and Props Policy for more details

Has there been a threat made to FanimeCon?

The use of the metal detectors is not a response to a threat, but an extra step to ensure everyone’s safety.  We are operating with everyone’s safety in mind and metal detectors are now a standard part of securing an event.

What if I am unable to walk through a metal detector due to accessibility concerns?

We have an accessible entrance on the first floor entrance to the convention center on the Marriott side. You will be able to ask for reasonable accommodations in order to gain entrance to the convention center. There will be signs leading you to the entrance or you can ask any staff member for directions. This entrance is available during registration hours. After registration closes please use the nearby entrance on the main concourse as they will offer the same services.

Should we expect a long line getting into the convention center?

We know that it has been difficult the last couple of years getting into FanimeCon and have tried to lay out the metal detectors to make this as smooth as possible. The new E-Gates can handle several times the number of people per minute than a standard metal detector and there are three of them.

Hilton Second Floor Convention Center Entrance is for Staff and Attendees with accessibility needs only

Due to the space limitations of the second floor entrance from the Hilton Hotel, that entrance will be for Staff and attendees with special accessibility needs only. Please use the entrances on the first floor. We apologize for this inconvenience.

Are there any Bag Limits?

We have not put any bag limits in place for FanimeCon 2024. We would like to recommend that you bring smaller bags or clear bags to ensure the smooth flow of attendees through the metal detectors and E-Gates. We would also highly recommend that you leave your bags in your hotels or Fan Storage when going to events in the Civic Center or South Hall. Since those events will have a large number of people entering at one time, it will help the line move faster if attendees do not bring bags to those events.

I am an artist or dealer and need to keep my merchandise into FanimeCon

Please use the Special Access entrance on the first floor entrance to the convention center on the Marriott side. We will have more people on hand to clear your cases/suitcases/boxes for entrances into the Convention Center. If you need to bring any tools into the Convention Center, you will need to have a valid FanimeCon 2024 Artist or Dealer badge. This means leaving these items in your car or hotel room until you get your badge.

How will the process work?

We are asking attendees to follow all instructions of the gate security personnel. Please proceed through the detectors at a normal pace. If additional screening is needed, security will ask the individual to proceed to a secondary screening area, where they will be asked to divest themselves of certain items and pass through again until clear. Those who have prohibited items will have to dispose of them or return the item to their cars.

Where can I find more information about the E-Gates?
If you would like to find out more information about what the E-Gates are and how they work, you can visit the manufacturer’s website linked here: https://www.evolvtechnology.com/faqs

Any remaining questions should be sent to attendee.relations@fanime.com and they will be added to this FAQ