(1) Summary
The goal of the Pacific Media Association (PMA) is to create an environment where attendees can enjoy themselves as much as possible. However, this must be done without affecting the experience of others. This requires the cooperation of all attendees and the use of common sense and courtesy when costuming. PMA bears no responsibility or liability for any damages or injuries incurred by the use of costumes, props, or weapons. Any infraction may result in further tightening of our security, possibly decreasing the entire cosplay experience for all attendees. Because of recent high profile events that have heightened safety concerns, real weapons are prohibited at Pacific Media Expo and other PMA events.
(2) Compliance with Laws
All weapons worn as props (simulations, replicas, etc.) must conform to all state, local and federal laws, including but not limited to the "Dangerous Weapons Control Law," Part 4, Title 2, Section 12000-12590 of the California Penal Code (CPC). All such props must be registered with Pacific Media Expo and/or the Los Angeles Airport (LAX) Hilton for compliance. California law prohibits convention attendees from carrying genuine firearms, whether loaded or unloaded. All genuine firearms must be checked with the convention facility at the door. Any persons found to have firearms in their possession (except those covered under section 12002 of the CPC) at the convention is subject to arrest and confiscation of their weapon by the Los Angeles Police Department. Furthermore, they may have their memberships revoked by the PMA and be asked to leave and check out of the participating hotel(s). (3) Prohibited Weapons
All weapons functional or nonfunctional, such as firearms, crossbows, throwing knives, stars, bows, boomerangs, darts, flame throwers, tazers (stun guns), etc. are prohibited. (4) Replica Weapons
Replica weapons, which must only be used as props or display, may be allowed if the replica weapon is INSPECTED, APPROVED, AND PEACE BONDED (see Section 6 below) BY PACIFIC MEDIA EXPO SECURITY STAFF. Use of the replica weapon may be revoked at anytime without cause or warning. The Los Angeles Police and LAX Hilton Security also have the option of revoking an attendee's right to display a replica weapon. (5) Props
All props that look threatening or can still potentially harm others must be inspected by the LAX Hilton or PMX. All parties reserve the right to insist on inspection and approval of all props. The bearer will be required to sign a legal waiver excluding anyone else from legal obligation concerning the weapon and any damages resulting from its use. Full information of the owner of the prop (membership number, room number, phone number, address, etc.) plus a description of the weapon itself will be required. This information will be kept by the Los Angeles Airport Hilton and/or Pacific Media Expo. (6) Inspection & Peace Bonding
PMA requires that all weapons/replicas/props be inspected by Pacific Media Expo Security. Peace Bonding is the process of marking and/or binding of props. In certain cases, props may be bound in such a way as to render them unusable. Peace Bonding is performed at the Pacific Media Expo Security room or at designated locations around the convention. Peace Bonding may also occur anytime at the discretion of Security staff on the field. Even if the weapon/replica/prop has already been peace-bonded, any security officer or personnel may reinspect the item at his/her discretion. The owner/bearer of the weapon/replica/prop is solely responsible for the weapon/replica/prop and its usage at all times, even if he/she is not the wielder, and even if the weapon has been inspected.
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