OFFICIAL TIDEWATER COMICON POLICIES

MEMBERSHIP POLICY

Wristbands are required for entry into TWCC and must be visible at all times. Membership Badges are non-replaceable, non-refundable, and non-transferable.
Acceptance of a Membership Badge constitutes consent to the use of the wearer’s image or likeness in any recording, transmission, or reproduction for use by TWCC.
Failure to comply with the published rules of TWCC, including disruptive or inappropriate behavior, will result in the revocation of Membership and ejection from TWCC. TWCC may revoke membership and eject anyone from the convention at anytime for any reason without a refund.

GENERAL CONVENTION POLICY

Follow requests and directions of Tidewater Comicon, Facility, and Convention Staff. Tidewater Comicon, and the Virginia Beach Convention Center (VBCC),are not responsible for personal items. Unattended and lost items will be turned over to proper authorities (Convention Center Management). Appropriate attire is required at all times, including shoes, pants/shorts/skirts, and shirts/tops.Each event room has limited space and seating. Seating is not guaranteed to any persons. Standing room is allowed only at the discretion of TWCC Staff. Lining up is permitted no earlier than one half hour prior for general events, and 30 minutes prior to autograph sessions.
Possession or consumption of alcohol is only permitted in designated locations.
The legal drinking age in Virginia is 21 years of age. Anyone under legal age found drinking or intoxicated will be reported.
Smoking is only permitted within designated locations outside the buildings.
Theft, assault, drug use, and other illegal activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Discrimination and/or harassment of any form will not be tolerated.
Do not hinder or obstruct the flow of foot traffic within the convention area.
Individuals may be asked to remove large or unwieldy bags, props, or other accessories from the convention areas.
Question or concerns should be brought to TWCC staff at either the Info Desk, or Registration Customer Service.
Flyers are welcome but are limited to your area. No “barking” or aggressive promoting please.

PROHIBITED ITEMS POLICY

Alcohol and illegal substances.
Wheeled items (excluding mobility assistance devices), including but not limited to:
1. Rollerblades.
2. Skates.
3. Skateboards.
4. Wheelies.
5. Scooters.
6. Bicycles.
Revealing and/or offensive attire. As a general rule, if you can’t wear it at the beach, don’t wear it here.

CAMERA/PHOTO POLICY

We love seeing fans capture and share their experiences at Tidewater Comicon! To make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time, please follow these guidelines:

Personal photography and video are welcome throughout the event for non-commercial use.
Cosplay photos are encouraged—just be sure to ask permission before photographing anyone.
Photos and videos for social media are great—don’t forget to tag us!

Please Be Respectful

Always ask before taking photos of guests, exhibitors, or attendees.
Respect anyone who declines to be photographed.
Be mindful not to block aisles, booths, or create crowding while taking photos.

Not Allowed

Professional cameras (DSLRs, detachable lenses, tripods, monopods, lighting rigs) are not permitted without prior approval.
No commercial photography or filming without a media badge or written permission from show management.
No recording of panels, screenings, or stage events unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Photography at guest tables may be restricted—please follow each guest’s posted rules.

Guests & Panels

Some guests may charge for photos or limit photography at their tables. Please respect their policies.
Panel rooms may have no-photo or no-video rules depending on the guest or content.

Enforcement

Staff and security may ask you to stop recording or photographing at any time.
Failure to comply may result in removal from the event without refund.

COSPLAY POLICIES

We love cosplay at Tidewater Comicon! To make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time, please follow these guidelines:

Dress Code

Tidewater Comicon takes place in a beach town, so keep it simple:
If you can wear it at the beach, it’s allowed at the show.
Costumes must provide appropriate coverage (no explicit nudity or indecent exposure).
Footwear is required at all times for safety.

Respect & Conduct

Cosplay is not consent. Always ask before taking photos.
Be mindful of your surroundings—no running, swinging props, or blocking aisles.
Keep poses and interactions family-friendly.

Masks & Visibility

Masks and helmets are allowed, but you may be asked to remove them briefly for security purposes.
Costumes should allow for clear visibility and safe movement.

Not Allowed

Offensive, hateful, or overly graphic costumes.
Anything that creates a safety hazard for yourself or others.
Costumes that violate local laws or venue rules.

Enforcement

Staff and security reserve the right to deny entry or ask for modifications to any costume.
Failure to comply may result in removal from the event without refund.

Cosplay Props:
We want a SAFE environment for ALL attendees so don’t bring anything that could hurt someone.

Real weapons are banned in the convention areas, regardless if they are functional or not.
No explosives or fireworks.
No loud stereos, horns, or whistles.
All prop weapons must be inspected each time you enter.
Any item found to violate city, state, or federal law may not be returned at the discretion of the Virginia Beach Police Department.
TWCC Security cannot approve a prop prior to the convention
Members who do not comply with this policy or are deemed repeat offenders will be subject to removal from TWCC.
Foam and cardboard weapons are acceptable. Prop firearms are allowed provided they have bright tips. Prop bows must have arrows without sharp tips.