We are thrilled to have you join us for a festive celebration of anime, gaming, and cosplay! To ensure a fun and safe experience for all attendees, please review the following rules and policies. By attending Holiday Matsuri, you agree to abide by these guidelines.
Attendees participate in Holiday Matsuri at their own risk and are responsible for their own conduct and personal belongings. HMConventions, LLC is not liable for loss, theft, damage, personal disputes, or harm resulting from the actions of other attendees, vendors, or third parties.
Attendance at Holiday Matsuri constitutes acceptance of all event rules and policies. Failure to comply with staff instructions, venue rules, or event policies may result in removal without refund at the sole discretion of HMConventions, LLC, its staff, Public Safety personnel, or venue security.
Event spaces may require security screening, including bag checks or metal detection. Refusal to comply with screening may result in denial of entry.
Holiday Matsuri may modify or cancel programming or services at any time. HMConventions, LLC is not liable for delays or cancellations caused by weather, venue issues, emergencies, or circumstances beyond our control. Attendees are responsible for reviewing policies prior to and during the event, as updates may occur.
This Code of Conduct applies to all Holiday Matsuri controlled spaces, including the convention center, affiliated hotels, outdoor areas, designated lines, and event-related online platforms.
The behaviors listed in this policy are examples and are not exhaustive. Holiday Matsuri may take action in response to conduct not explicitly listed here if it is determined to be unsafe, disruptive, or inappropriate.
The following behaviors will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the event:
Any unwelcome conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. This includes but is not limited to: offensive verbal comments, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, sustained disruption of events or panels, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. If someone tells you “no” or asks you to leave them alone, your interaction with them is over.
Hate speech, slurs, or conduct targeting any individual or group based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or physical appearance.
Physical assault, fighting, or any verbal or written threats of violence against any person.
Taking photos or video of any person without their consent, continuing to photograph someone after being asked to stop, or photographing in designated no-photography areas such as changing rooms.
Attendees who appear visibly intoxicated or under the influence of drugs will not be permitted into venue spaces. Public intoxication that results in disruptive or unsafe behavior is grounds for removal.
Theft, vandalism, or damage to convention property, venue property, or the belongings of other attendees.
Impersonating staff, entering restricted areas without authorization, or interfering with the duties of staff, security, or volunteers.
Holiday Matsuri reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Depending on the severity of the situation, consequences may include:
Holiday Matsuri staff, security, and venue personnel reserve the right to bypass warnings and take immediate action, including removal, banning, or contacting law enforcement, based on their judgment of the situation. Removal from the event for any reason does not entitle the attendee to any refund, credit, or compensation.
If you experience or witness a violation of this Code of Conduct, please report it as soon as possible so the situation can be addressed promptly. You may report concerns to any Holiday Matsuri staff member, Public Safety personnel, venue security, or local law enforcement. All reports will be handled discreetly and respectfully. You will not be required to confront the person involved. Holiday Matsuri may take action based on staff judgment or information reported to us to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees.
In cases of immediate danger or an emergency, call 911 or notify on-site law enforcement.
Holiday Matsuri celebrates the creativity and artistry of cosplayers. A person’s costume, no matter how detailed, revealing, or accurate to a character, is never an invitation for unwanted attention, comments, or contact.
Ask before touching. Do not touch another person, their costume, or their props without explicit permission. This includes hugs, posing together, adjusting costume pieces, or any other physical contact.
Ask before photographing. Always request permission before taking photos of or with another attendee. If someone declines, respect their decision without argument or pressure.
Accept “no” gracefully. If someone declines a photo, conversation, or interaction, move on politely. Do not follow them, argue, or ask repeatedly.
No sexual comments or behavior. Regardless of what a person is wearing, sexual comments, catcalling, leering, or propositioning is harassment. Cosplayers portraying characters in revealing or sexualized outfits are not inviting this behavior.
You have the right to:
Professional and hobbyist photographers are welcome at Holiday Matsuri and are expected to
By attending Holiday Matsuri, you acknowledge and agree that you may be photographed, filmed, or recorded by event organizers or media personnel.
Holiday Matsuri is committed to providing a harassment-free convention experience for everyone. Harassment in any form will not be tolerated.
Holiday Matsuri is an inclusive environment and welcomes attendees of all backgrounds and body types. For the safety and comfort of all attendees and staff, the following guidelines for attire must be adhered to at Holiday Matsuri:
All costume props must be inspected daily at one of the Prop Check Desks prior to entry into any venue. The Prop Policy is subject to change at any time and final approval on costume props will be at the sole discretion of Holiday Matsuri Public Safety, Venue Security, or Law Enforcement.
After your prop(s) have been checked, they will be tagged by Public Safety to designate that your prop(s) have been approved. This tag must remain visible on your prop(s) while you are at the event. Security will escort you to the Prop Check Desk for inspection if your costume prop(s) is not tagged.
Props may be allowed as a part of your costume, subject to prior approval by Public Safety and compliance with the following:
If you do not want to have your costume prop(s) inspected or tagged, or if you are not willing to comply with these policies, please do not bring your costume prop(s) to Holiday Matsuri.
The Props Policy is subject to change at any time. Please be sure to continue to check this website closer to the event to ensure your prop(s) comply with the current Policy.
For the safety and comfort of all attendees and staff, there are a few things that are never allowed at Holiday Matsuri:
Holiday Matsuri includes programming for all ages, with specific restrictions for mature content.
Holiday Matsuri is primarily an all-ages event. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Attendees ages 14–17 must have a parent or guardian on-site and available. Some events and areas are restricted to attendees aged 18 or older. All attendees must follow local curfew laws as applicable.
A valid 18+ wristband is required for entry into all 18+ events. Wristbands can be obtained at Registration or the Information Desk. To receive an 18+ wristband, attendees must present a valid, government-issued photo ID showing they are 18 or older. Copies, photos, or digital versions of identification are not accepted. Wristbands that appear damaged or tampered with will not be honored. 18+ events are clearly marked in the event schedule. Primary 18+ programming takes place at the Hyatt Regency.
Accepted forms of ID include:
School IDs are not accepted as proof of age. International attendees must present a passport or other government-issued identification. Anyone who appears under the age of 30 may be asked to present ID when entering 18+ programming. Wristbands do not constitute identification for the purpose of purchasing alcohol.
If you are an attendee with disabilities, Holiday Matsuri wants to make your experience as fun and as entertaining as possible! Stop by our Accessibility desk for information and assistance with accommodations, such as:
Holiday Matsuri is proud to feature a wide variety of fan-run panels, workshops, and performances that help bring our community to life! To ensure an inclusive, fun, and safe experience for all, we ask that all panelists and attendees follow the policies outlined below.
The Applicant, Hosts, or the Organizer may cancel the Panel at any time with prior written notice for any reason. If no Hosts arrive at the specified time to host the event, the Organizer may bar Applicants and Hosts from hosting panels in future Event years.
Holiday Matsuri offers a variety of events and programming throughout the convention weekend.
Main Events:
Gaming Areas:
Dance Events & Raves:
The Vendor Hall and Artist Alley are important parts of the Holiday Matsuri experience. All vendors, artists, and shoppers must follow these guidelines.
General Shopping Guidelines:
Vendor Requirements:
Prohibited Merchandise:
Holiday Matsuri is committed to providing a safe environment for all attendees.
General Safety Guidelines:
Personal Health:
Emergency Procedures:
As Holiday Matsuri takes place across both the Orange County Convention Center and Hyatt Regency Orlando, proper conduct at our hotel venue is essential.
Hotel Guidelines:
Public Areas:
Room Policy:
