FAQ

Before sending us an email or asking a question on the forums, be sure to check over this page to see if your question has not already been answered.

General
How old do I have to be to attend Colossal Con?
I’m a minor. Do I have to be accompanied by an adult?
Is there programing on Thursday night?
Do I need to bring my own food?
When will Colossal Con’s schedule be available?

Admission
I pre-purchased admission but haven’t received anything in the mail, where are my badges?
I pre-purchased admission. What do I need to bring to the con?
I didn’t pre-purchase admission, can I still buy admission at the door?

Location
I heard Colossal Con is at a waterpark. Is that true?
Does admission to the convention get me passes to the waterpark?
Can I wear a swimsuit in the convention center?
How old do I have to be to rent a room at the hotel?
Does the hotel charge to park?
What airport(s) are closest to Colossalcon?
What is the waterpark policy on mermaid tails?
I would like to enter the indor/outdoor waterpark. What do I need to enter?
Are inflatables and props allowed in the waterpark?

Security
Is there security?
What is Colossal Con’s behavior policy?
I purchased a sword or knife in the dealer room. Am I allowed to have it at the convention?
Does Colossal Con have a weapon’s policy?
Does Colossalcon have a dress code?
Can I consume alcohol within the convention space?
Are signs or messages/words written on my body permitted?
Can I sell stuff?

Panels
I’m interested in running a panel at Colossal Con. How do I submit one?
When will I find our is my panel is approved for Colossal Con?

General

How old do I have to be to attend Colossalcon?
Answer) Colossalcon is proud to maintain an all ages event. Any panels or events that are mature in nature are scheduled late in the evening and identification is checked at the entrance for any event that is age-restricted.

I’m a minor. Do I have to be accompanied by an adult?
Answer) No, but if  your parent(s) choose to accompany you to the convention, they will be required to purchase a badge.

Is there programming on Thursday night? Will I need a badge?
Answer) Yes, we will be offering programming Thursday night. You will be required to purchase a badge to attend these events.

Do I need to bring my own food?
Answer) No. Although, if you are on a limited budget, you will probably find that bringing your own snacks and drinks will save you a lot of money. The location of the convention is surrounded by food establishments, both within the hotel itself and the community at large.

When will Colossal Con’s schedule be available?
Answer) While we understand the desire of our attendees to want the schedule before the convention so they can plan their weekend accordingly, Colossalcon generally does not post their schedule of events online until a couple weeks prior to the convention.

Admission

I pre-purchased admission but haven’t received anything in the mail, where are my badges?
Answer) To avoid badges being lost in the mail or forgotten at home when you get to the con, badges are not mailed out. Rather they will be waiting for you at the convention at the registration table.

I pre-purchased admission. What do I need to bring to the con?
Answer) A print out of your paypal transaction (if you purchased online) or an ID if you purchased via mail. If you bought multiple pre-regs, just bring information pertaining to the person who purchased them. If mom bought 4 pre-regs for you and your friends and she won’t be there, just let us know (it’s no big deal).

I didn’t pre-purchase admission, can I still buy admission at the door?
Answer) Yes. We accept cash payments at the door.

Location

I heard Colossal Con is at a waterpark. Is that true?
Answer) Colossalcon is at the Kalahari Convention Center which is part of the Kalahari Resort complex in Sandusky, Ohio. The Kalahari Resort also has an indoor and outdoor waterpark, however Colossalcon is not in the water park area itself. Both the convention center and the water park are easily accessible from every guest room at the resort.

Does admission to the convention get me passes to the waterpark?
Answer) Admission to the Colossalcon does not include admission to the waterpark, however you do get four passes for the water park with every reserved hotel room.

Can I wear a swimsuit in the convention center?
Answer) Swimsuits are allowed in the convention center, although we require any and all attire to be dry at all times with the convention center itself. This is a safety issue, as well as a curtsy to those attendees who are cosplaying in order to prevent their work to get water damaged or ruined.

How old do I have to be to rent a room at the hotel?
Answer) 18.

Does the hotel charge to park?
Answer) Nope. Parking is free.

What airport(s) are closest to Colossalcon?
Answer) There are 3. Cleveland Hopkins (CLE), Akron Canton (CAK), and Toledo Express Airport (TOL)

Mermaid Tails are permitted around the pools and at the water’s edge. You are not permitted to swim with a mermaid tail in the pools.

You will need either a waterpark pass, or a spectator pass to enter any part of the indoor & outdoor waterpark.

Inflatables are not permitted in the pools for safety. Only the Kalahari’s clear inner tubes are permitted in the lazy river. Approved props would be permitted outside of the attractions for photo opportunities.

Security


Is there security?
Answer) We have an excellent security force (about 25 people) who operate 24 hours a day. Some are in plain clothes, but most are labeled as being a security member, in case you need to approach one for help. The Kalahari also has a security force.

What is Colossal Con’s behavior policy?

    1. Anything that is illegal outside of the convention is illegal inside the convention.
    2. Harassment isn’t tolerated.
    3. Lost Badges = Buy a new Badge.
      • If you do lose your badge please check with Convention Operations (Con op’s) to see if it has been returned.
      • Please return all “Found” badges to Con Op’s.
      • Proper identification MUST be provided in order for your lost badge to be returned to you.
      • We suggest writing you name on the back of your badge.
    4. Walkie-Talkie It is crucial the staff frequency stay open. The Frequency is used for emergency situations. We understand how easy it is to contact your friends via Walkie-Talkie. Keep all chat to Frequencies between channels 1-6. We don’t want to but will confiscate your walkie-talkies. don’t ruin it for everyone.
    5. Please no glomping. We’ve had casualties.
    6. Please take mock battles outside (unless its part of an event). The grounds surrounding the Kalahari are spacious and scenic and serve as much better arenas anyway.
    7. *Note that behavioral policy is subject to perspective: if you are doing anything out of line; Colossalcon staff reserve the right to revoke your badge without question or fairness. Severe punishment will result in your expulsion from the hotel itself. All Staff decisions are final.I purchased a sword or knife in the dealer room. Am I allowed to have it at the convention?
      Answer) After purchasing a weapon that normally violates our weapons policy, it must remain in its packaging and be taken immediately to your room or car for storage.

      Does Colossal Con have a weapon’s policy?
      Answer) Yes, see below.

      Weapons NOT Permitted
      No metal swords, knives, bayonets, cane-swords, and/or other objects made of metal, which have a sharp point or sharpened edge. Exceptions may be made for cosplayers during the masquerade.

      No real or replica guns of any kind permitted. There are to be no:

      • Pellet guns
      • Air Guns
      • Mini or Pistol crossbows
      • Stun guns
      • Dart or Blowguns.

      Exceptions may be made for cosplayers during the masquerade.

      Exceptions regarding guns
      Easily identifiable toy plastic guns with no moving parts and that have a clearly visible non-removable orange tip will be permitted. Resin models will be permitted as long as they are marked with clearly visible non-removable orange tip.

      Nunchakus are not permitted. Nunchaku made out of craft materials for cosplay purposes will be permitted in the halls so long as it is not misused. Exceptions otherwise may be made for cosplayers during the masquerade.

      There are to be no explosives or chemicals of any kind, including but not limited to mace, smoke powder, sparklers and fireworks.

      Weapons Permitted

      Wooden weapons that are permitted:

      • staffs
      • walking sticks
      • bokken and other wooden swords.

      Fake or made-up weaponry (example: made of wood, plastic, foam, plaster of Paris, cloth etc) are permitted if they are safe and not dangerous to the other con-goers around you. For example, dangerous conditions include but are not limited to wires sticking out, items that trip passersby, clothes lining a member, etc.

      Please limit the size of the weapons to less than 8 feet in height and weighing less than 50 pounds. If you do happen to make something heavy, make sure you are able to carry it without a problem.

      Behavior with weapons
      Misuse of any weapon, such as swinging it in a public area or causing hazards to passerby, will get your privilege revoked immediately.

      If we deem a weapon to be unsafe for the con, we will ask you to store the unsafe weapon in your private quarters (i.e.: your room or car). If there is a repeat offense, we will escort you out of the convention and off of convention grounds so that you can place the weapon in your private quarters; if the weapon is illegal, we will turn it in to the appropriate authorities.

      Any weapon purchased in the dealers’ room that is boxed, should remain boxed and stored in your private quarters. Weapons are not to be taken out of their packaging or wrappings while at the convention.

      All objects brought into the convention may be checked and considered by Colossal Con staff. You may be asked to have your weapons peace bonded at the con.

      All questionable items will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Anything deemed illegal outside the convention is deemed illegal inside the convention premises. All Colossal Con staff decisions on weapons are final.

      Does Colossalcon have a dress code?
      Answer) Yes. Please read on:

      Shirts, clothing, costumes, or signs promoting pedophilia are strictly prohibited.

      Please do not wear clothing with distasteful messages or words.

      Proper footwear is required at all times by the Kalahari. An exception is made for cosplayers during the masquerade.

      No rollerblades or rollerskates. An exception is made for cosplayers during the masquerade.

      Short skirts, kilts, etc must be accompanied by proper underwear. Ineffective underwear or a lack thereof constitutes indecent exposure. Offenders may be turned over to law enforcement.

      Clothing should at least cover what a 2-piece bikini (for females) or swim shorts (for males) would cover. This is a Kalahari policy. If you wear less outside of the convention area, be prepared for the Kalahari security to confront you.

      Can I consume alcohol within the convention space?
      Answer) Yes. Alcoholic beverages purchased from any of the Kalahari?s bars or catering is welcomed.

      Are signs or messages/words written on my body permitted?
      Answer) Yes, but they must stay tasteful.

      Can I sell stuff?
      Answer) No. Unless you are part of the artist alley or dealers room you cannot sell anything. The exception to this is the Otaku Flea Market where you will be allowed to sell your unwanted anime & manga related items. Glow sticks, energy drinks, crafted items, and art are never permitted (except for AA and dealer room).

      Panels

      I’m interested in running a panel at Colossal Con. How do I submit one?
      Answer) Panel submission forms have be found in our forums and on our website. We welcome all who are interested in running a panel to apply and submit their ideas, however do to scheduling and limited space not every submitted panel will be approved for Colossalcon.

      When will I find our if my panel is approved for Colossal Con?
      Answer) Panel approval emails will start going out in late March, and pending on the schedule, will continue to go out until the schedule is finalized.