ｻｸﾗｺﾝのポリシー

Please review our Membership Policies here.

Asia-Northwest Cultural Education Association/Sakura-Con Policies

Asia-Northwest Cultural Education Association (“ANCEA”) is a Washington nonprofit dedicated to education about Asian Culture, with a focus on Japanese Animation, Comics, Gaming, and Cultural Arts. ANCEA hosts the annual Sakura-Con (the “Sakura-Con” or the “Convention”), the oldest and most well-attended anime convention in the Pacific Northwest. Together with ANCEA’s Bylaws, these Policies set out the rights and responsibilities of ANCEA’s Members and the policies governing Sakura-Con, as well as other ANCEA events and activities. 

Section I: Membership Policy

A. Membership

ANCEA is a membership-based, all-volunteer organization. All Members must pay applicable membership dues to attend ANCEA’s annual Sakura-Con and comply with these Policies. All Members are eligible to attend Sakura-Con. Additionally, all Members are entitled to attend ANCEA’s Annual Meeting, but will not be able to vote and are not entitled to notice of any meetings. There are two types of membership:

1. Attendee Membership

An individual becomes an Attendee Member on the day ANCEA receives their registration submission and payment of the applicable membership fees. Attendee Members have no duties or responsibilities whatsoever as defined by the Convention Structure other than abiding by these Policies while at the Convention. Attendee Members are invited to attend Sakura-Con general staff meetings to learn more about ANCEA/Sakura-Con and to become involved in year-round ANCEA activities, including receiving the electronic Sakura-Con Newsletter.

2. Staff Membership

Staff Members (also referred to as “Staff”) must apply to and be approved by the Director of the department in which they apply to hold a staff position for the current year of Sakura-Con. An individual becomes a Staff Member on the day they are approved by the Director and ANCEA receives their registration submission and payment of the applicable membership fees, if any. Staff Members are considered official representatives of ANCEA and Sakura-Con and are responsible for fulfilling their assigned duties and responsibilities as defined by the Convention Structure. The Chair will determine the number of volunteer hours that all Staff Members must complete during the current year. Staff Members also have all the rights and responsibilities of Attendee Members.

B. Membership Dues and Expiration

All Members must pay the annual dues determined by the Sakura-Con/ANCEA Board of Directors (“Board”) for each membership year. The “membership year” (also known as the “current year”) is the period of time beginning immediately following the last Annual Meeting and ending at the end of the next Annual Meeting. All memberships are valid until the end of the Annual Meeting unless otherwise revoked or terminated. Immediately following the Annual Meeting, all membership terms expire and must be renewed for the current year, with the exception of those Directors commencing the second year of a two-year term.

C. Payment of Membership Dues

Payment of membership dues can be made by any method approved by ANCEA.

D. Switching Memberships

Members may change from a Staff Member to an Attendee Member, or vice versa, provided the Member meets the criteria for the membership category they are switching to, including paying the correct dues for their level of membership.

1. Refund for differences in dues

When switching from an Attendee Membership to a Staff Membership, refunds for differences in dues may only be claimed if the individual switches memberships prior to the deadline determined by the Board for declaring staff candidacy for the Convention.

2. Payment for differences in dues

When switching from a Staff Membership to an Attendee Membership, the individual must pay the current Attendee Membership dues. However, the difference in dues may be waived if the individual has met their minimum volunteer hours for the current year [and / or] if approved by [the Board / the Director of the department in which the individual held a staff position].

E. Election of the Board of Directors

The Board is elected to two-year terms on a staggered basis at the Annual Meeting, as set forth in the Bylaws. The elected positions are the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Director of Operations, Director of Programming, Director of Relations, Director of Publicity, and Director of Membership. 

Following its election, the Board may, in its discretion, establish and appoint one or more Liaison positions to one-year terms with such authority and responsibilities as the Board determines. All other positions in the Convention Structure are filled by appointment only.

F. Revocation of Membership

1. Revocation of Staff Membership

Staff Membership can be revoked with a written notice of revocation, approved by the Director of the department in which the individual holds a staff position. A copy of the signed written notice shall be filed with the Secretary. No compensation for time volunteered will be made upon revocation of Staff Membership. Revocation of Staff Membership does not bar the individual from re-registering as either an Attendee Member or serving as a Staff Member in a different capacity, unless specifically noted in the notice of revocation.

2. Revocation of Attendee Membership

ANCEA reserves the right to refuse admission or eject an Attendee Member from the Convention and/or revoke Attendee Membership at any time in its sole and absolute discretion. However, a Director’s membership is revoked only upon removal from office as set forth in the Bylaws. If an individual’s Attendee Membership is revoked during the Convention, ANCEA will provide written confirmation of revocation within a reasonable period of time after the Convention.  If an individual’s Attendee Membership is revoked before the Convention begins, dues may be refunded except as otherwise provided in these Policies. 

H. Expenditure Reimbursement

All reimbursement for expenditures must fulfill the following requirements:

• The expenditure must be indicated in the department budget approved by the Board or be authorized by the Chair and the Treasurer. If an expenditure was not pre-approved in the department budget or authorized by the Chair and the Treasurer, it will NOT be reimbursed.
• A signed reimbursement form, together with a receipt, credit card statement, or other form of proof of purchase allowed by the Treasurer or the Treasurer’s designee, must be received before reimbursement can be made. 
• Expenditures for the previous Convention will be reimbursed if a signed reimbursement form and supporting documentation are received at least sixty days after the last day of the previous Convention. After sixty days have passed, no reimbursement for the previous Convention will be permitted, except as authorized by the Chair and the Treasurer.

I. Meetings

1. Board Meetings

A Board Meeting immediately follows each Annual Meeting. Subsequent Board Meetings are typically held at least once per month as Special Meetings pursuant to ANCEA’s Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) and may be canceled or postponed by the Chair. Special Meetings may also be called by any two Directors, as per the Bylaws.

2. Departmental Meetings

Departmental Meetings are required for all departments, at least once every three months beginning in January. Meetings may be held in-person and/or by remote means. 

3. Annual Meeting

As per the Bylaws, the Annual Meeting will be held annually at or within 45 days of the Convention, at the discretion of the Board. If the Annual Meeting is not held in the time period designated, the Board shall cause the Annual Meeting to be held as soon thereafter as a quorum of the Board can be reasonably expected to be achieved.

J. Sakura-Con Convention Dates

Sakura-Con’s dates shall be determined by the Board for the current year.

K. Sakura-Con Convention Structure

The Convention Structure sets out the organizational framework and the duties and responsibilities of Department Directors, Staff Members and others to carry out the Convention. The Convention Structure is administered by the Directors to fulfill the needs of their departments.

Section II: General Event Policies

A. Badges

Badges for the Convention will be issued to all Members and other individuals at the Convention (collectively, “Participants”). Badges must be worn chest high and be visible at all times. Individuals without badges will not be granted access to the Convention space. A fee will be charged for replacing a lost badge.

B. Guests of Honor and Autographs

Guests of Honor may have designated autograph times in the Autograph Hall and/or sign autographs at their discretion at a signing booth in the Exhibit Hall. To allow as many Members as possible to receive an autograph from Convention Guests of Honor, please obtain only one autograph per trip. Participants will not be barred from re-entering the line to obtain additional signatures during the scheduled autograph times, but please allow others to receive their autographs in a timely fashion as well. Participants who arrive early should respect those who are in line for an earlier session by following directions given by Sakura-Con Staff Members. Officially licensed products are recommended for autographing, but any Guest of Honor may at any time decline to autograph a particular item.

C. Costumes, Footwear, and Cosplays

We are all excited about dressing up as characters and in costumes for the upcoming Sakura-Con Convention. This Convention is a family-friendly event. Costumes and cosplays must comply with these Policies, including the Rules of Conduct below. ANCEA reserves the right at its sole discretion to deem a costume unacceptable and require the wearer to make modifications. Due to public health and safety requirements, appropriate footwear is required in the Convention space. Acceptable footwear includes shoes, sandals, flip-flops, aqua sox, and slippers. Unsafe or hazardous footwear is not allowed in the Convention space. 

D. Weapons, Weapon Replicas, and Other Props

Simulated, cosplay, or costume props may be allowed, subject to prior approval by Sakura-Con Staff as set forth in this Section and compliance with the following:

1. The following weapons are strictly prohibited, regardless of whether you possess a permit:
   1. Any type of firearm, including but not limited to rifles, pistols, shotguns, and revolvers. 
   2. Blackjacks, sand-clubs, chako sticks, slug shots, throwing stars, and any form of metal knuckles.
   3. Switchblade and springblade knives. 
   4. All functional projectile weapons of any kind, including but not limited to, Air Soft, Nerf, pellet, and BB guns. Permanently disabled cap guns and permanently disabled water guns are permissible.
2. All other weapons, weapon replicas, and other items that could be used as a weapon must be inspected and peacebonded at the designated peacebonding table before entering the Convention space. Government-issued photo ID is required to have your prop peacebonded. Participants under eighteen years of age must have their guardian or accompanying adult with them to have their prop peacebonded.
3. Please exercise common sense with any props that shine light or make noise, and ensure those elements can be easily switched off if requested by Staff. 
4. Items made from glass or with glass in any part of their construction are prohibited due to the possibility of breaking and shattering.
5. Items that emit smoke or vapors, fire, sparks, or have an open flame are prohibited.
6. All prop weapons made out of metal and designed to represent a blade (including, but not limited to, swords, daggers, kunai, and scythes), with an edge a quarter of an inch in width or narrower and/or a sharply pointed tip, must remain sheathed. Additionally, it must be possible for peacebonding staff to securely zip-tie the prop into its sheath so that it may not be drawn. Ribbons, cloth, or tape wrapped around the blade do not qualify as sheaths.
7. Gun props or other prop projectile weapons should not be pointed at anyone at any time. Prop pistols need to remain in a holster; prop rifles need to be slung. 
8. Bows or other props designed to represent a stringed weapon must be unstrung, regardless of the manner in which they were constructed. ‘Unstrung’ means that no length of cord, string, rope, or other flexible material may be connected from one limb of the prop to the other.
9. Exotic weapons will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Prop weapons must be easily distinguishable from real weapons. Do not bring weapons that Sakura-Con Staff cannot tell are fake from ten feet away.
10. Paddles are prohibited.
11. Do not brandish costume/cosplay and weapon props in a threatening manner. Please be aware of how security and law enforcement personnel may interpret your actions, in or outside of the Convention space.

Participants who use and carry allowed props, including but not limited to weapons and weapon replicas, use and carry them at their own risk and assume all risks of liability to and from anyone injured or otherwise harmed directly or indirectly by their action or inaction. ANCEA shall not be liable for any injury, harm, damage, or other liability associated with any prop, any individual’s use of any prop (permitted or banned), or any cosplay/costume during the Convention.

Sakura-Con Staff Members and event security reserve the right at their sole discretion to forbid any item from entering the Convention space for any reason whatsoever.

E. Lines

Attendees may line up in an orderly fashion up to 30 minutes before a panel at the designated location outside the panel room. Any line formation before this time period will be broken up due to safety concerns with the flow of people across the event. If you have ADA needs please inform a Sakura Attendee Services (SAS) Staff Member and they will setup a designated ADA entry point.

F. Flyers

Sakura-Con will have a message board available at the Info Booth for people to post information but it must be approved by Info Booth staff to be posted. Please do not post any flyers on the doors or walls of the Convention space; they will be removed.

G. Merchandise

All merchandise must be paid for. Participants must keep receipts with them at all times. Please wait in line and do not crowd the exhibitors’ tables. Any weapons, prop weapons, or other items that could be used as a weapon that are purchased from the Exhibit Hall must be inspected and peacebonded immediately after purchase.

H. Minors

Minors are individuals under age eighteen. When minors pick up their badges, they must be accompanied by a parent or designated guardian. All parents and guardians must be age eighteen or over and registered Participants. All minors age twelve and under must be accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian who is a registered Participants. All minors age thirteen to seventeen must have a parent or guardian in the Convention space at all times.

I. Photography and Video Recording

Photography of art, model, toy and collectibles displays may be allowed with the permission of Charity Auction Staff at the Charity Auction. Contact Charity Auction staff for more details. Photography of original artwork in Artist Alley is not allowed without permission of the artist.

Certain events may restrict photography. Please see event descriptions to see which events allow photography. Photography of all other aspects of the Convention is allowed, as long as it does not disrupt events or the flow of traffic, and the subject does not object. Audio and video recording may be restricted at any time. Please be considerate and ask for consent before taking pictures of or recording other people at the Convention.

You are solely responsible for compliance with applicable laws and not infringing on others’ legal rights.

By attending the Convention, an individual consents to the taking of photographs and audio and visual recordings of their person by Sakura-Con Staff or anyone authorized by ANCEA. These photographs, audio and audio-visual recordings (including modified, composite, or derivative works) may be used by Sakura-Con in any media for any purpose whatsoever, free of charge and without prior inspection or approval. ANCEA exclusively owns all rights to the images, audio and audio-visual recordings, and to any derivative works.

J. Press

Press MUST check at the Press Room for additional information pertaining to Press. ANCEA reserves the right to grant or deny approval for all photography and video recording requests. Permissions may be retracted at any time.

K. Restraining Order/No Contact Order

If you have a Restraining Order or No Contact Order (“RO/NCO”) against you and we are contacted by a Participant (or another person who has permission to be in the Convention space) who is protected by that RO/NCO, we will revoke your membership, refund your membership fee if any, and place you on our banned list for the duration of the RO/NCO.

L. Intellectual Property

ANCEA does not permit or condone the sale or display of bootleg or unauthorized materials at Sakura-Con. Participants must comply with copyright and trademark laws as applicable. ANCEA has no obligation to monitor the uses and displays of intellectual property at Sakura-Con, is not and will not act as an arbiter of the existence of valid intellectual property rights, and is not a legal enforcement body. ANCEA will review a claim of infringement or violation of intellectual property rights by the owner of, or person authorized to enforce, such rights. Such a claim must be submitted in writing and accompanied by proof of ownership or authorization to enforce such rights. ANCEA may take steps it believes reasonable and appropriate, in its sole discretion, to attempt to help resolve intellectual property rights issues.

M. Liability Waiver and Release 

Participants acknowledge that there are hazards and risks incidental to participating in the Convention. By attending the Convention, Participants freely and voluntarily assume on behalf of themselves and any Minor attending the Convention for which they serve as parent or guardian any and all risks incidental to the event, regardless of severity or cause, including but not limited to loss, property damage, injury or damage to persons and/or death. Further, Participants acknowledge there is an inherent risk of exposure to communicable disease, including but not limited to COVID-19, in any public place where people are present, and, by attending the Convention, Participants freely and voluntarily assume on behalf of themselves and any Minor attending the Convention for which they serve as parent or guardian any and all risks related to such exposure. As a condition of attending the Convention, Participants acknowledge, understand and confirm they will abide by all terms of admission and participation (as may be updated from time to time) and all health and safety instructions, guidelines, and/or standards issued by state, local, and federal government authorities and/or ANCEA in effect at the time of entry, and, where applicable, provide proof of compliance with any event entry requirements. Participants are responsible for their individual actions and any repercussions that may result. Civil or medical emergencies are to be handled directly by the proper authorities.

In consideration for attending the Convention, Participants on behalf of themselves and any Minor attending the Convention for which they serve as parent or guardian hereby release and forever discharge ANCEA and its agents, employees, volunteers, officers, directors, trustees, contractors, sponsors, and any third parties acting on their behalf (collectively, the Released Parties) from any and all claims, actions, damages, liabilities, costs or expenses (including attorney fees) that are related to, arise from or out of, or are in any way connected to Participants’ participation in the Convention, regardless of severity or cause. This release shall be effective and binding upon any heirs, agents, personal representatives or assigns of each Participant and on the parent(s) or guardian(s) of Minor Participants.

 

Section III: Rules of Conduct for Sakura-Con

The rules below apply to all Participants in order to provide a safe, secure, and pleasant environment at Sakura-Con.

A. Anti-Harassment Policy

ANCEA is dedicated to providing a harassment-free and inclusive experience at Sakura-Con for everyone regardless of gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion, or other protected category. We have a zero tolerance policy toward harassment of event Participants in any form. This policy extends to any and all scheduled events during Sakura-Con, including social media, dances, hallway interactions, panels, etc. and applies to all attendees, partners, sponsors, volunteers, event staff, etc.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to: Personal insults or offensive language, including when related to gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion, or other protected category; sexual imagery in public spaces; deliberate intimidation; stalking; following; heckling; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention, including but not limited to sexualized comments or jokes, inappropriate touching, groping, and sexual advances.

Conversely, any attempt to have an innocent person removed from the event by falsely accusing them will be treated as an act of harassment and dealt with appropriately. The responsibility for settling interpersonal disputes lies solely with the individuals involved. We will not tolerate being used as a leveraging point in such disputes.

If you are being harassed or feel uncomfortable, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns about harassment, please contact a Director or Sakura-Con Staff Member immediately. Our zero tolerance policy means that we will look into and review every allegation of harassment and respond appropriately. Please note, while we take all concerns raised seriously, we will use our discretion as to determining when and how to follow up on reported incidents.

At their discretion, Sakura-Con Staff may help individuals contact hotel/venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.    

B. Anti-Hate Speech Policy

Sakura-Con is open to everyone. We feel strongly that our differences make us a better community overall, and that our membership, staff, vendors, exhibitors, sponsors, and guests deserve a welcoming and inclusive space to celebrate all things Asian Culture. We have a zero tolerance policy toward hate speech of any form.  

Hate speech is any form of expression through which speakers intend to vilify, humiliate, or

incite hatred against a group or a class of persons on the basis of race, religion, skin color,

sexual identity, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, or national origin.

If you experience or observe hate speech, please contact a Director or Sakura-Con Staff Member immediately. Our zero tolerance policy means that we will look into and review every allegation of hate speech and respond appropriately. Please note, while we take all concerns raised seriously, we will use our discretion as to determining when and how to follow up on reported incidents.

We thank you for supporting Sakura-Con, our community, and our shared vision of a safe and inclusive event for everyone.

C. Anti-Sexual Assault Policy

If an individual is publicly accused of a Sexual Assault, or is reported privately to a Director or Sakura-Con Staff Member, ANCEA will review the information and may revoke the individual’s membership and/or ban the individual from membership or admittance to future Sakura-Con events to ensure that our community is as safe as possible. If your membership is revoked as a result of sexual assault accusations, we will not return your membership fee, and you will be placed on the ban list indefinitely. Sakura-Con believes survivors and will stand with victims of gender-based, hate-based, and discriminatory violence.

D. Code of Conduct

We are dedicated to providing a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all. To that end, in addition to the General Event, Anti-Harassment, Anti-Hate Speech and Anti-Sexual Assault Policies above, all Participants of Sakura-Con must abide by the following Code of Conduct:

1. Expected Behavior

• Be excellent to each other. We want the event to be a positive experience for everyone regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion, or other protected category.
• Be considerate and respectful in your speech and behavior.
• Attempt collaboration before conflict.
• Follow the directions of Sakura-Con Staff.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow Participants. Notify Sakura-Con Staff if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct. 

 

2. Prohibited Activities

By participating in the Convention in any way, each Participant agrees and acknowledges that they will not, and will not directly or indirectly cause others to, do any of the following “Prohibited Activities” in connection with the event:

• Interfere with, damage, or engage in any act which disrupts the operation of the Convention in any way, including but not limited to: obstructing aisles or entrances or exits; running; cutting in line; saving places in lines for others; jumping over barriers or guardrails; using foul language; screaming; yelling; encouraging disruptive behavior from others; disobeying any time limits, directions or prohibitions provided by Sakura-Con Staff, event space staff, or their designees; preventing or attempting to prevent any other participant from participating in the event by any means; or otherwise engaging in disruptive, unsafe, or unruly behavior.
• Sell or allow others to use your convention badge.
• Drink or possess alcohol within the convention space outside of specifically designated areas. No one under the age of 21 may consume alcohol within or around the Convention space. This also applies to international visitors. Serving alcohol to minors is against United States law. Individuals who appear to be intoxicated will not be allowed to enter or remain within the Convention space.
• Bring outside food or drink into the Convention space.
• Sleep or loiter in the Convention space or public areas.
• Smoke within the Convention space, which includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, vape pens, and marijuana. Washington State law prohibits smoking indoors and within twenty-five feet of doorways and building ventilation access. 
• Bring animals into the Convention space, except that ADA working animals are permitted.
• Engage in Live Action Role Playing (LARPing) outside of sanctioned Convention events.
• Engage in harassment or hate speech in violation of Sakura-Con’s Anti-Harassment or Anti-Hate Speech Policies.
• Engage in sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or otherwise discriminatory speech or behavior. 
• Engage in indecent exposure or otherwise sexually explicit, suggestive, and/or provocative speech or behavior. Nudity is not permitted. All Participants must wear attire equivalent to at least a non-thong swimsuit while in the Convention space.
• Distribute, wear, transmit, upload, display or otherwise circulate any material that constitutes hate speech or that is inaccurate, unlawful, infringing, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, invasive of privacy or publicity rights, harassing, threatening, abusive, inflammatory, or otherwise objectionable to ANCEA in its sole discretion.
• Distribute or post printed or recorded materials of any kind unless expressly approved by ANCEA. This includes but is not limited to flyers or email correspondence via any official Sakura-Con channels.
• Display or wear signs, clothing, or other similar items that offer services.
• Sell goods or services, display goods or services, make solicitations of any kind, or conduct any commercial activities without the prior written approval of ANCEA.
• Defame, abuse, threaten, or defraud other Participants in the event. “Threaten” includes but is not limited to the brandishing of any weapon or prop weapon.
• Steal or shoplift.
• Engage in or incite violence of any kind.
• Use, sell, possess, or distribute any illegal drugs or other illegal substances or paraphernalia.
• Possess and/or use any item prohibited in Section II.D above.
• Participate in the event for any illegal purpose, or in violation of any applicable local, state, national, or international law or regulation, including, without limitation, laws governing intellectual property and other proprietary rights, data protection and privacy.
• Engage in any activity prohibited by law.

E. Sanctions 

In response to an individual’s violation of these Policies, ANCEA may take any action and impose any sanction it deems appropriate. Specific sanctions may include, but are not limited to:

• Verbal warning
• Confiscation of prohibited items
• Temporary ejection from convention premises
• Permanent ejection from convention premises and revocation of membership, with or without refund
• Ban on membership or admittance to future ANCEA/Sakura-Con events
• Financial and legal responsibility for damages
• Reporting to law enforcement of possible illegal conduct 

All sanctions are administered at ANCEA’s sole and absolute discretion. A ban on membership or admittance to future ANCEA/Sakura-Con events must be approved by at least two Directors, with written notification to the individual. ANCEA further reserves the right to refuse admittance to, or remove any person, from Sakura-Con at any time in its sole and absolute discretion.

F. Appeals 

If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating these Policies, you may notify us with a concise written description of your grievance and any supporting evidence you wish to provide. Please email your description and any supporting evidence to the Chair (chair@sakuracon.org) and Secretary (secretary@sakuracon.org). At its sole discretion, the Board may investigate further, including but not limited to requesting additional information and/or meeting with you or other involved individuals. The Board’s decision regarding a grievance will be final. Decisions may take up to 30 days or more depending on the nature of the information submitted and any follow-up investigation by the Board.