Code of Conduct
Sonic EXPO is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for all attendees, staff, volunteers, vendors, and guests. By attending our event, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.
Core Principles
- Respect: Treat all individuals with dignity and courtesy
- Inclusivity: Welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels
- Safety: Maintain a secure environment for everyone
- Fun: Foster a positive atmosphere for celebrating our shared fandom
Expected Behavior
- Follow all instructions from convention staff, volunteers, hotel staff, and venue personnel
- Respect personal boundaries and obtain consent before physical contact or photography
- Keep convention spaces clean and report any safety hazards.
- Do not move, tamper or damage the convention property.
- Do not move signs and banners on the convention floor.
- Be mindful of noise levels and crowded spaces
- Respect others’ belongings and convention property
Badge Policy
A valid badge must be purchased and worn openly at all times. Persons who do not have a badge displayed on the convention floor will be asked to leave. Any person without a valid badge will not be permitted entry into events or vendor spaces.
- By purchasing this badge, you have agreed to obey our Code of Conduct and understand that any pictures and/or video taken at Sonic EXPO may be reproduced by Chaos Creators and Sonic EXPO for promotional purposes. All created media about Sonic EXPO is owned by the respective person/company. Badges are NON-REFUNDABLE. Badges are only valid if purchased from Sonic EXPO. All policies and rules are subject to change without notice.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a Sonic EXPO Badge.
- To transfer badge ownership, this must be done 7 days before the start of the event. Due to high volume of attendees we cannot promise transfers. You can email us at help@sonicexpo.org.
Bag Policy
All guests are subject to search. Bags, backpacks, and personal items will be inspected at entry. Possession of prohibited items may result in denial of entry or ejection without refund.
Prohibited items:
- Weapons, blades, sharp objects, firearms, ammunition, explosives, or hazardous tools.
- Illegal drugs, controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia.
- Unlabeled or loose pills.
Medications:
- Prescription medication allowed only in original, pharmacy‑labeled containers that match a valid ID; bring only what is needed for the event duration; subject to verification by medical/security at entry.
- Over‑the‑counter meds should be in factory‑sealed or original packaging; loose OTC pills are not permitted.
Cosplay Policy
Family-friendly event: All private areas must be covered with opaque fabric.
“No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” applies.
No profanity, sexual imagery, or offensive symbols allowed.
Offensive or shock-value costumes may result in removal.
Costumes resembling real-world law enforcement or emergency services are prohibited.
Military-style cosplays must be clearly fictional.
Questionable attire may result in a request to change.
Prohibited Props
Brass instruments
Real instruments larger than a violin
Bladed Weapons
No live steel or metal blades (no matter how dull or covered).
Lightsabers must not include metal above the hilt.
Props with sharp edges are prohibited.
May only be swung in designated photo areas.
Firearms
Props must have closed barrels and a visible orange tip (tape/paint not accepted).
Must be clearly fake and non-functional.
Laser scopes must be disabled.
Dallas Police decisions are final—no exceptions.
Blunt Weapons
No solid metal weapons (metal detailing okay).
Only foam bats permitted.
No spikes, nails, or dangerous attachments.
No swinging except in designated photo areas.
Prohibited Behavior
- Sexual harassment, assault, or unwelcome advances
- Discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics
- Stalking, following, or intimidating behavior
- Bullying, mobbing, or targeted harassment
- Hate speech or offensive language/imagery
- Excessive noise, shouting, or disruptive behavior
- Blocking walkways, entrances, or emergency exits
- Unauthorized photography/recording of individuals
- Vandalism or damage to property
- Theft or unauthorized use of others’ belongings
- Sleeping in the convention spaces: Lobbies, hallways, exhibitor hall and game hall. Respect the hotel’s policies regarding sleeping in their lobby.
- Inappropriate attire. This includes breaking cosplay policies, lacking shirt, pants, and shoes.
All reports will be taken seriously and handled confidentially.
- Emergency: Call 911 or locate hotel security immediately
- Safety Issues: Find any staff member wearing a Sonic EXPO badge
- Non-Emergency: Contact us at help@sonicexpo.org or approach registration
Violations may result in:
- Warning – For minor first-time offenses
- Temporary Removal – From specific areas or events
- Expulsion – Removal from convention without refund
- Ban – Prohibition from future events
- Legal Action – Involving law enforcement when appropriate
- Sharing/transferring badges at the event, or counterfeiting badges
- Unauthorized solicitation or sales
- Disrupting programming or events
- Ignoring staff directions or venue policies
- Bringing prohibited weapons or dangerous items
- Substance abuse (alcohol/drugs) in convention spaces
- Ignoring safety protocols or emergency procedures
- Reckless behavior that endangers others
- To abide by local fire marshal requirements, form a single-file orderly line under the direction of convention volunteers. Cosplayers taking pictures are encouraged to move to the side of the hallway or find an open space where they will not impede the flow of traffic. Sitting against hallway walls is not permitted at any time.
- Cosplay: Must be family-friendly and follow our weapon/prop guidelines
- Photography: Obtain permission and consent before photographing individuals
Questions?
Contact us at info@sonicexpo.org or speak with any staff member.
