Hay there everypony!
Ever since I started planning what I could bring to GalaCon with my Pinkie Pie cosplay I wondered: "Huh, will that even be allowed? Are they going to kick me out for that?"
So I thought I could collect these questions in one central thread for everpony to read. The point is to collect questions like "Is XYZ allowed at GalaCon?" in this thread and in the first post. I hope I'll get many people to ask their questions and GalaCon officials to answer them like "yes", "yes, but...", "maybe, if..." "no, except..." or plain "no!". So I'm going to start:
1. Prohibited by German laws
There are those things prohibited by federal law! No weapons, no Nazi symbols, no illegal stuff. It's common sense that you don't bring anything illegal, isn't it? If you're not sure if something might be illegal in Germany, feel free to ask!
2. Prohibited by the owners of the venue
There are things that might be banned from Forum Ludwigsburg for reasons of fire safety and other things. Feel free to ask, it's for your own safety!
3. Prohibited by GalaCon
Haters, meanies, litter... There are things that our hosts from GalaCon team and most visitors just won't see at the convention. This is another point you have to keep in mind when asking your questions.
And now for the questions and answers:
I. Sparklers [view image]
A sparkler is a type of hand-held firework that burns slowly while emitting colored flames, sparks, and other effects. (Wikipedia)
Pros: Great for concerts and stuff. There are even sparklers with letters or objects and someone might want to make a pony sparkler. That could be awesome.
Cons: A fire source is needed and a sparkler burns with a heat of its own shooting (twilight) sparkles at random!
GalaCon: "Shall only be handled by volunteers and panelist in events (most walls are real wood, and even sparklers can leave burn marks!)" (wh)
II. Confetti Guns [view image]
These guns that don't resemble real guns can shoot a small amount of plastic confetti.
Pros: These babies go with any kind of cosplay. You can just shoot a confetti storm in the air and nobody gets hurt. And it's plastic so it's not easily inflammable!
Cons: Litter. There will be confetti all over the place. Someone might offer to clean it up. Also the "pang" could easily shock people!
GalaCon: "In the front yard yes, if a cleaning volunteer is nearby - indoors, due to possible panics, no!" (wh)
III. Party Poppers [view image]
You turn these cannons and they will fire confetti in a bigger amount and with a louder "pang".
Pros: They are a hell of a fun for parties when everyone gets showered in confetti. It's like Pinkie Pie's party cannon and great for every Pinkie Pie cosplay. It'll be a blast!
Cons: They're loud and they're littering. You surely can't fire them off in small rooms and it'll be hard to clean outside! Also, see "Confetti Guns".
GalaCon: "In the front yard yes, if a cleaning volunteer is nearby - indoors, due to possible panics, no!" (wh)
IV. Actual confetti cannon! [view image]
These babies will blow confetti high up in the air. It's usually used for stadiums or music shows.
Pros: These cannons mean the real deal. Everyone will notice!
Cons: You definitely can't fire them off inside of buildings. How can you even afford to rent such a thing?!? Seriously are you even allowed to use this?!?
GalaCon: "No, since they are dangerous in hands of non-stage technicians."
V. Party Blowouts [view image]
You blow in them... they make noise... What else can I say?
Pros: No confetti, no pyrotechnics. Everyone could easily get one! You know how to use them, don't you? They're fun!
Cons: Oh the noise! Where did you all get these? That will be on every video in the internet! Why?!?
GalaCon: Allowed (wh)
VI. Open Fire [view image]
There are flames that burn with a specific color or even without. Let's have a bonfire!
Pros: Look at this green flame! Looks like Spike's! Let us all write letters to princess Celestia and "send" them into the fire! Also a bonfire is a great place to meet and stare at the flames!
Cons: Are you insane! That could actual set the whole place on fire!
GalaCon: "If you want to pay the fire fighters and waste 3 hours of the convention for all... - so NO!" (wh)
VII. replicas of weapons and similar devices [view image]
IvoryKeysADSR asked if a papercraft replica of the "Vigilance", a fictional gun from Fallout Equestria/Project Horizons could be allowed for cosplay reasons. Thanks for the question. I'd like to add similar ideas to this one since there are some points to keep in mind:
Cons: GalaCon is not a regular anime, comic, fantasy or SciFi convention. It's about My Little Pony and it's fandom. What do have ponies to do with weapons? Also, there's a law against carrying toys/replicas that look like real guns in public (§ 42a WaffG)
GalaCon:
Now to answer specific questions like these:
VIII. Gas masks, tactical suits and other military outfits [view image]
There have been cases of people bringing military equipment. Either as part of a cosplay or for personal identification. Thanks DehiXeM for reminding of this subject.
Pros: I need this for my cosplay. My Wonderbolt/Rainbow Dash outfit is a Top-Gun-pilot style. Also I need my gas mask! People don't know me without it. It's what I am!
Cons: Tactical suits are no cosplay! Even for Resident Evil or Stargate cosplayers they should be forbidden. This is serious business. You could be mistaken for someone on a killing spree. People will call the police. Same goes for gas masks. Gee, you could even suffocate in this thing. Also see § 17a VersammlG that prohibits wearing face coverings on public events and demonstrations.
GalaCon:
IX. Bass Cannon [view image]
Picture exaggerated... maybe.
A fish-tossing device. A portable bass machine. Feel the beat.
Pros: This will be a great prop for a Vın̈yl Scratch (scnr)/DJ Pon3 cosplay and other cosplays. And it will bring the songs of our people to every place at the venue not just the event rooms.
Cons: When it's too strong or loud it could annoy the other visitors and guests and disturb panels and events. Also there's a hospital next to the venue... okay it's a private aesthetic-plastic surgery... but a hospital nonetheless. So please keep it down outside.
GalaCon: Within these terms (view original post) allowed. Stay below 80 dB with it.(wh) 80 dB can be compared to a lawn mower if you stand right next to him. Even this can cause long-term harm, so please don't overuse it.
X. Glow Sticks[view image]
A glow stick is a self-contained, short-term light-source. It consists of a translucent plastic tube containing isolated substances that, when combined, make light through chemiluminescence, so it does not require an external energy source. (Wikipedia)
Pros: No convention without glow sticks. They're fun after sunset and can enhance the atmosphere when music is played.
Cons: "While Bronypalooza a glow stick was thrown into one of the ceiling lamps. While the palooza nobody noticed it, but on the next day while the VA panel the glow stick caught fire."
GalaCon: "Since we can reach the lights and also the light bulbs are behind a protection: OK (no Burnycon for you)" (wh)
XI. Brought Food & Drinks [view image]
Actually I didn't want to post it here since it's a topic in other threads and the common rules just like no booze, no smoking. But sometimes we happen to forget what's also in this category.
Pros: I want to surprise my friends! With Derpy/Ditzy-muffins, Pinkie-cupcakes, Tara Pies, Rainbow-Cakes and the like. It's not provisions for me but gifts for my friends. Or it just goes with my cosplay.
Cons: The GalaCon has contracts with the venue and its caterer. So as long as we want to keep that location it's better not to break these contracts. Please don't bring your own food.
GalaCon:
XII. Additional cosplay accessories [view image]
A costume is not just clothing. There are wings and horns and other things to keep an eye on. Here are some individual questions.
Pros: The more the better! I've spent weeks on this costume and now I want to show it.
Cons: This is a convention for everybody so please consider other visitors.
GalaCon:
Some things you have in mind when filming or taking pictures as a visitor. For press rules visit [GalaCon Press Rules page].
Pros: I want to make memories and the best way to keep them are thousands of pictures that I'll share all over the web. (I also want to see the pictures that other visitors have taken!)
Cons: Even at a convention there are people that won't be filmed or photographed.
GalaCon: Filming is allowed except on panels where it's explicitly forbidden. Usually you have to ask for permission before taking pictures (yes, even when somepony wears a costume). People using "GoPro Hero" cameras and similar devices have to be especially wary. If someone who didn't want to be filmed finds himself on a photo or video on the internet and asks you to remove it, then delete the picture and edit the video. This is part of international personality right. Thank you.
XIV. Pressurized spray containers, e.g. deodorant sprays
Deodorants, hairsprays and similar hygiene products come in aerosol spray bottles. They might be a threat.
Pros: They're for personal hygiene.
Cons: They're a fire hazard.
GalaCon: Not allowed inside the venue due to the fire protection system and wooden walls inside the hall. Please use them in your hotel rooms.
Please keep your questions coming!
Ever since I started planning what I could bring to GalaCon with my Pinkie Pie cosplay I wondered: "Huh, will that even be allowed? Are they going to kick me out for that?"
So I thought I could collect these questions in one central thread for everpony to read. The point is to collect questions like "Is XYZ allowed at GalaCon?" in this thread and in the first post. I hope I'll get many people to ask their questions and GalaCon officials to answer them like "yes", "yes, but...", "maybe, if..." "no, except..." or plain "no!". So I'm going to start:
The YAYs and NEIGHs of GalaCon
pun by Weatherhoof :P
pun by Weatherhoof :P
1. Prohibited by German laws
There are those things prohibited by federal law! No weapons, no Nazi symbols, no illegal stuff. It's common sense that you don't bring anything illegal, isn't it? If you're not sure if something might be illegal in Germany, feel free to ask!
2. Prohibited by the owners of the venue
There are things that might be banned from Forum Ludwigsburg for reasons of fire safety and other things. Feel free to ask, it's for your own safety!
3. Prohibited by GalaCon
Haters, meanies, litter... There are things that our hosts from GalaCon team and most visitors just won't see at the convention. This is another point you have to keep in mind when asking your questions.
And now for the questions and answers:
I. Sparklers [view image]
A sparkler is a type of hand-held firework that burns slowly while emitting colored flames, sparks, and other effects. (Wikipedia)
Pros: Great for concerts and stuff. There are even sparklers with letters or objects and someone might want to make a pony sparkler. That could be awesome.
Cons: A fire source is needed and a sparkler burns with a heat of its own shooting (twilight) sparkles at random!
GalaCon: "Shall only be handled by volunteers and panelist in events (most walls are real wood, and even sparklers can leave burn marks!)" (wh)
II. Confetti Guns [view image]
These guns that don't resemble real guns can shoot a small amount of plastic confetti.
Pros: These babies go with any kind of cosplay. You can just shoot a confetti storm in the air and nobody gets hurt. And it's plastic so it's not easily inflammable!
Cons: Litter. There will be confetti all over the place. Someone might offer to clean it up. Also the "pang" could easily shock people!
GalaCon: "In the front yard yes, if a cleaning volunteer is nearby - indoors, due to possible panics, no!" (wh)
III. Party Poppers [view image]
You turn these cannons and they will fire confetti in a bigger amount and with a louder "pang".
Pros: They are a hell of a fun for parties when everyone gets showered in confetti. It's like Pinkie Pie's party cannon and great for every Pinkie Pie cosplay. It'll be a blast!
Cons: They're loud and they're littering. You surely can't fire them off in small rooms and it'll be hard to clean outside! Also, see "Confetti Guns".
GalaCon: "In the front yard yes, if a cleaning volunteer is nearby - indoors, due to possible panics, no!" (wh)
IV. Actual confetti cannon! [view image]
These babies will blow confetti high up in the air. It's usually used for stadiums or music shows.
Pros: These cannons mean the real deal. Everyone will notice!
Cons: You definitely can't fire them off inside of buildings. How can you even afford to rent such a thing?!? Seriously are you even allowed to use this?!?
GalaCon: "No, since they are dangerous in hands of non-stage technicians."
V. Party Blowouts [view image]
You blow in them... they make noise... What else can I say?
Pros: No confetti, no pyrotechnics. Everyone could easily get one! You know how to use them, don't you? They're fun!
Cons: Oh the noise! Where did you all get these? That will be on every video in the internet! Why?!?
GalaCon: Allowed (wh)
VI. Open Fire [view image]
There are flames that burn with a specific color or even without. Let's have a bonfire!
Pros: Look at this green flame! Looks like Spike's! Let us all write letters to princess Celestia and "send" them into the fire! Also a bonfire is a great place to meet and stare at the flames!
Cons: Are you insane! That could actual set the whole place on fire!
GalaCon: "If you want to pay the fire fighters and waste 3 hours of the convention for all... - so NO!" (wh)
VII. replicas of weapons and similar devices [view image]
IvoryKeysADSR asked if a papercraft replica of the "Vigilance", a fictional gun from Fallout Equestria/Project Horizons could be allowed for cosplay reasons. Thanks for the question. I'd like to add similar ideas to this one since there are some points to keep in mind:
- Is it really necessary?
- What material is it made of? (Usually allowed if made of soft and/or light material to reduce the risk of injury.)
- Could it be mistaken for a real weapon?
- Is it functional/does it shoot projectiles even when they couldn't hurt someone?
Cons: GalaCon is not a regular anime, comic, fantasy or SciFi convention. It's about My Little Pony and it's fandom. What do have ponies to do with weapons? Also, there's a law against carrying toys/replicas that look like real guns in public (§ 42a WaffG)
GalaCon:
- All kinds of harmful weapons are prohibited.
- All replica weapons are prohibited.
- Soft air guns, blunted swords, anything explosive, brass knuckles, knives or any other weapons which can inflict serious pain are prohibited.
- Spike collars and bracelets are only allowed if the spikes are shorter than 5cm / 2 inch and blunt.
- LARP weapons, foam weapons and any other weapons meant for safe usage are allowed.
- The convention staff can and will check your weapon and decide whether it’s safe or not.
Now to answer specific questions like these:
- Staffs/rods/wands/poles/brooms are allowed if they are LARP/foam weapons (see above); please don't bring wooden or metal staffs.
- Whips and lashes are prohibited because they could lead to strangulation or other injuries.
- Water pistols/squirt guns are allowed outside the venue as long as they are not high pressure (that means no Super Soakers!) and you're not soaking random people.
- Nerf Guns and similar toys with projectiles are not allowed. If you like to bring a modified Nerf Gun for your cosplay okay (see below), but please leave your ammo at home.
- Models of fictional weapons that don't look like real/existing guns and can't be mistaken for such and are thereby no "replica weapons" in the way of § 42a WaffG are allowed. When in doubt, please ask the staff. (wh)
- Pinkie Pie Party Cannons (non-functional) are allowed if they are made of soft and/or light material to reduce the risk of injury. (wh)
- Bizzaams are allowed and encouraged.
- Wife-Throwing-Devices are allowed as long as they're used to protect the special guests/the convention/the world.
- If you’re not sure whether or not your weapon will be allowed, ask the GalaCon staff via email beforehand.
VIII. Gas masks, tactical suits and other military outfits [view image]
There have been cases of people bringing military equipment. Either as part of a cosplay or for personal identification. Thanks DehiXeM for reminding of this subject.
Pros: I need this for my cosplay. My Wonderbolt/Rainbow Dash outfit is a Top-Gun-pilot style. Also I need my gas mask! People don't know me without it. It's what I am!
Cons: Tactical suits are no cosplay! Even for Resident Evil or Stargate cosplayers they should be forbidden. This is serious business. You could be mistaken for someone on a killing spree. People will call the police. Same goes for gas masks. Gee, you could even suffocate in this thing. Also see § 17a VersammlG that prohibits wearing face coverings on public events and demonstrations.
GalaCon:
- Military accessories are prohibited - "so besides parade uniforms/fantasy uniforms (of the Royal Equestrian Guards), leave your war toys at home."(wh)
- Face painting is allowed but please refrain from radical/military warpaint etc. for it's not very "My Little Pony" and could cast us bronies in a negative light.
- Military/security/outdoor boots are allowed as long as they have a soft sole.
- If you’re not sure whether or not your costume will be allowed, ask the staff via email beforehand.
IX. Bass Cannon [view image]
Picture exaggerated... maybe.
A fish-tossing device. A portable bass machine. Feel the beat.
Pros: This will be a great prop for a Vın̈yl Scratch (scnr)/DJ Pon3 cosplay and other cosplays. And it will bring the songs of our people to every place at the venue not just the event rooms.
Cons: When it's too strong or loud it could annoy the other visitors and guests and disturb panels and events. Also there's a hospital next to the venue... okay it's a private aesthetic-plastic surgery... but a hospital nonetheless. So please keep it down outside.
GalaCon: Within these terms (view original post) allowed. Stay below 80 dB with it.(wh) 80 dB can be compared to a lawn mower if you stand right next to him. Even this can cause long-term harm, so please don't overuse it.
X. Glow Sticks[view image]
A glow stick is a self-contained, short-term light-source. It consists of a translucent plastic tube containing isolated substances that, when combined, make light through chemiluminescence, so it does not require an external energy source. (Wikipedia)
Pros: No convention without glow sticks. They're fun after sunset and can enhance the atmosphere when music is played.
Cons: "While Bronypalooza a glow stick was thrown into one of the ceiling lamps. While the palooza nobody noticed it, but on the next day while the VA panel the glow stick caught fire."
GalaCon: "Since we can reach the lights and also the light bulbs are behind a protection: OK (no Burnycon for you)" (wh)
XI. Brought Food & Drinks [view image]
Actually I didn't want to post it here since it's a topic in other threads and the common rules just like no booze, no smoking. But sometimes we happen to forget what's also in this category.
Pros: I want to surprise my friends! With Derpy/Ditzy-muffins, Pinkie-cupcakes, Tara Pies, Rainbow-Cakes and the like. It's not provisions for me but gifts for my friends. Or it just goes with my cosplay.
Cons: The GalaCon has contracts with the venue and its caterer. So as long as we want to keep that location it's better not to break these contracts. Please don't bring your own food.
GalaCon:
- Inside the venue: only bottled drinks (no glass bottles!) and food/drinks by the caterer
- Outside the venue: own food and drinks (soft-drinks, water and juice) and food/drinks by the caterer
- Outside at the restaurant's terrace: Only food and drinks by the caterer.
Code:
own drinks in bottles | other own drinks | own food | drinks by caterer | food by caterer
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inside yes | no | no | yes | yes
Outside yes | yes | yes | yes | yes
Terrace no | no | no | yes | yesXII. Additional cosplay accessories [view image]
A costume is not just clothing. There are wings and horns and other things to keep an eye on. Here are some individual questions.
Pros: The more the better! I've spent weeks on this costume and now I want to show it.
Cons: This is a convention for everybody so please consider other visitors.
GalaCon:
- Face painting, see VIII.
- Wings are okay, as long as they aren't too large. They are not allowed inside the venue if they are a hindrance - except for a cosplay contest.
- Armor: Typical LARP armors and armor parts are made of light, thin steel. The edges are blunt and there are no spikes or other pointy ornaments. [view example] These armors are tolerated as long as you are wary and cautious not to harm other people. You should be accustomed to wearing armor to avoid accidents. Self-made steel armors are forbidden because of the risks of leaving sharp edges. Foam rubber "armor" is encouraged. If you're not sure whether or not your armor will be allowed, ask the staff via email beforehand and send a picture.
- 18+ content: "Just like Friendship is Magic itself, GalaCon is 100% family-friendly. While we’re not a children’s event, we still aim to make the convention comfortable for all ages. This means that absolutely no sexualized, politically charged, brutal or otherwise inappropriate content will be featured at the convention. No exceptions!" [from GalaCon FAQs] That means any grimdark costume/cosplay is prohibited. That includes ".MOV" and "Cupcakes" content etc.
Some things you have in mind when filming or taking pictures as a visitor. For press rules visit [GalaCon Press Rules page].
Pros: I want to make memories and the best way to keep them are thousands of pictures that I'll share all over the web. (I also want to see the pictures that other visitors have taken!)
Cons: Even at a convention there are people that won't be filmed or photographed.
GalaCon: Filming is allowed except on panels where it's explicitly forbidden. Usually you have to ask for permission before taking pictures (yes, even when somepony wears a costume). People using "GoPro Hero" cameras and similar devices have to be especially wary. If someone who didn't want to be filmed finds himself on a photo or video on the internet and asks you to remove it, then delete the picture and edit the video. This is part of international personality right. Thank you.
XIV. Pressurized spray containers, e.g. deodorant sprays
Deodorants, hairsprays and similar hygiene products come in aerosol spray bottles. They might be a threat.
Pros: They're for personal hygiene.
Cons: They're a fire hazard.
GalaCon: Not allowed inside the venue due to the fire protection system and wooden walls inside the hall. Please use them in your hotel rooms.
Please keep your questions coming!
![[Image: nsWsqeh.png]](http://i.imgur.com/nsWsqeh.png)
![[+]](/images/collapse_collapsed.png "[+]")
Spoiler
![[Image: eurobarczechrep_zpsebab84c0.png]](http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b236/Tjamat/Eurobronies%20Flag%20Userbars/eurobarczechrep_zpsebab84c0.png)
![[Image: Signature_Banner_zps0bwfwkhu.png]](http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii72/CommandoCZ/Signature_Banner_zps0bwfwkhu.png)
Whats your view on this? 
