FAQs & Rules

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours of the event, and when can I get in?

General Admission Hours
Friday: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

If you have a pre-purchased Tony Hawk autograph for the 10:00am time slot, then please bring your QR code with you and you will be permitted to enter the guest signing area to get your signature.  You will not be able to access the vendor floor until the show opens at 11:00am. 

VIP Admission Perks

VIP pass holders get in one hour early each day.

Friday: 12:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM

Registration Hours on Thursday for those who would like to pick up their passes on site that day. 
Thursday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

We highly recommend picking up your pass early if you can!
Friday: Registration opens at 10:00 AM
Saturday and Sunday: Registration opens at 8:00 AM for pass pickup only

I bought a regular pass, but I’d like to upgrade to a VIP pass, can you help? 

Yes, we can assist you, and please speak to one of our staff members at registration when you first arrive and before you redeem your pass on site. If your pass has already been redeemed, we will be unable to assist you.  Let a staff member know on site that you’d like to upgrade your pass to a VIP, and they will ring you up for only the difference in price, and will scan you in.

I purchased the wrong day pass, how do I switch? 

Please visit our registration booth on site and speak to one of our staff members.  As long as your pass hasn’t been scanned in and redeemed, let them know that you’d like to switch days.  If the day you want to switch to is more expensive thanthen the day you purchased, then you’ll be charged the difference. If the day you want to switch to is less expensive then the day you purchase, we do not offer partial refunds.

I’m no longer able to attend, can I get a refund? 

All pass sales are final and we do not offer refunds.

I’m planning on bringing in a skateboard to get signed by Tony Hawk. 

Per the Phoenix Convention Center policies, skateboards with the trunks and wheels attached are prohibited.  You can bring in a skateboard deck to get it signed, but you’ll need to make sure that the trunks and wheels are detached prior to entering the Phoenix Convention Center building.  You will also need to pre-order the skateboard signature before entering the Phoenix Convention Center building as well. You can pre-order those signatures here: https://gameonexpo.com/buy-passes/.  If you show up with a skateboard with the trunks and wheels attached, we will have the tools and staff there to assist you removing those items from the board. This is a Phoenix Convention Center policy.

I have a VIP pass, but I need someone to stand with me. Do they need a VIP pass too? 

Yes, everyone in the VIP line will need a VIP pass. The person with you is welcome to purchase an upgrade for the price difference to make their pass a VIP as well, if you’d like to stand together in line.

I require ADA. 

Please speak to one of our staff members at our information desk when you arrive. If you have an ADA pass and you require someone to stand with you in guest lines, please let one of our line and access people know.  All panel rooms and rooms at the Phoenix Convention Center are ADA compliant.

Where can I park? 

There are several large parking garages in downtown Phoenix by the Phoenix Convention Center.  You can reserve a spot early as well if you prefer, and visit this website to do so: https://space.aceparking.com/parkphx

Information about the Phoenix Metro Rail:

Valley Metro Rail is a convenient and easy way to get to the Game On Expo

Light rail stations closest to Game On Expo:

3rd St/Washington
Washington/Central Ave
Eastbound riders should exit here and use 1st St/Adams entrance.

Purchase your fare ahead of time to skip long lines when heading home.

For more information on planning your trip to Game On Expo using light rail or any Valley Metro service, visit valleymetro.org

What should I expect for security at this year’s Game On Expo event? 

Ensuring a safe and efficient entry process is a top priority for us. This year, we are introducing an advanced security screening system designed to be much faster than traditional metal detectors we’ve used in the past.

Bags are allowed, but please be aware that bringing one may cause slight delays. If the system flags your bag, it will need to be searched.
Cosplayers, take note! If your outfit includes props, they must be checked and peace-bonded. Costumes may also require additional screening, so plan accordingly.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a safe and smooth experience for everyone!

The security screening will be opening on Fridays at 10:00am and Saturday and Sunday at 8:00am., so if you plan on entering the event right when the doors open, we do recommend you arrive early and plan accordingly.

What items can’t I bring into the Phoenix Convention Center? 

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our guests, and to comply with state laws and local ordinances, the following items are prohibited at the Phoenix Convention Center:

• Outside food and beverages (bottled water for personal use is allowed)
• Outside Alcoholic beverages
• Illegal drugs
• Weapons of all types including real and simulated weapons. Examples of prohibited weapons and simulated weapons (prop weapons) include:
• Firearms (real and toy or simulated firearms) including Airsoft, BB, cap, paintball and pellet. This also applies to attendees who may have a permit or license to carry said weapons.
• Explosives (including firecrackers and fireworks)
• Edged weapons (swords, knives, daggers, axes, throwing stars etc.) made of metal or wood (including props made of fiberglass and glass)
• Impact weapons (clubs, bats, staffs, nunchaku, shields, hammers and martial arts weapons) made of metal or wood (including props made of fiberglass and glass)
• Archery weapons (functional bows, functional cross bows, arrows and bolts which are removable from the quiver). See exception below.
• Weapons from fictional sources (lasers, phasers, any pretend weapon which looks like a firearm) Chemical and self-defense weapons (including mace and pepper spray)
• Simulated explosives (grenades, dynamite, bombs, mortar rounds etc.)
• Any items not specifically listed here are subject to security discretion and may or may not be allowed.

I have dietary needs, can I still bring in food? 

Per the Phoenix Convention Center policies, the food and beverage service for all Phoenix Convention Center & Venues events is provided by their exclusive food and beverage partner, Adventura Catering. With the exception of single use bottled water, all outside food and beverage is strictly prohibited.  If you have specific dietary needs that requires you to bring in your own food, please let security know that it is medically necessary.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding their policy, please reach out to the Phoenix Convention Center here: https://www.phoenixconventioncenter.com/contact-us 

All Adventura retail outlets are cashless and only accept debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Payments.

Will there be ATM’s on site? 

No, there will be no ATMs on site at the Game On Expo, however there are ATMs within walking distance of the event.  Here is a link to the ATMs in the are: https://www.google.com/maps/search/atms+by+phoenix+convention+center

Where do I find the schedule of the event? 

You can view the event schedule by either downloading the official Game On Expo app, which is available on both the Android Play Store and the Apple App Store. Our website www.gameonexpo.com also includes the schedule.

Can I film a panel in the large ballroom panel room? 

Filming panels in the large ballroom panel room is strictly prohibited. If a staff member catches you recording, you will be asked to put your camera away. A second violation will result in removal from the panel room.

Don’t worry about missing out—we will be filming all panels in this room and posting them on Game On Expo’s official YouTube channel after the event for everyone to enjoy.

Can I stay in a panel room and watch back to back panels? 

Yes, the panel rooms will not be emptied, and if there is a specific panel you definitely want to see, we recommend you arrive early.

What items can I get signed? 

As long as the item isn’t a weapon, or on the list of prohibitive items, you’re welcome to get those items signed. Refer to the prohibitive item section for more specifics to what items are prohibitive to bring in.

Will there be an authentication service on site? 

Yes, JSA will be there on site and offering their services.

Are there pre-sale autographs?

The only pre-sale autographs we are offering is for Tony Hawk, which can be purchased on our website here: https://gameonexpo.com/buy-passes/ 

Are there pre-orders for photo ops?

Yes, POSE Photos is managing the guest photo ops and those can be pre-ordered here: https://captureticketing.com/events/124 

Where to find what is and isn’t allowed as a prop.

Allowed props at the Phoenix Convention Center
Final decisions on prop weapons and armor will always be at the discretion of Phoenix Convention Center Security and the Phoenix Police Department.

When prop weapons are a part of the event, the following list of prop weapons are allowed:

Simulated Edged weapons (swords, knifes, throwing stars etc.) made of soft foam, light weight plastic, cardboard and other materials that cannot be sharpened.
Impact weapons (clubs, bats, staffs, nunchaku, shields, hammers and martial arts weapons) made of soft foam, light weight plastic, cardboard and other materials that cannot be sharpened.
Light Sabers, Archery weapons (bows, cross bows and bolts, bows and arrows of all types) when the bow is unstrung and when arrows are permanently attached inside a quiver.
Wands, sonic screwdrivers, plushies, masks, fairy wings, empty holsters, signs attached to costumes, fur suits, cardboard-made costumes and non-weapon props, dishware
associated with costumes, empty quivers, hats and helmets, Power Ranger Morphers, and umbrellas by example are allowed.
Any simulated gun must have the trigger removed.
When allowed, prop weapons must be inspected by security staff upon entry.

Final decisions on prop weapons and armor will always be at the discretion of Phoenix Convention Center Security and the Phoenix Police Department.

General Rules
Game On Expo does not tolerate any discrimination or harassment. If you feel that you are being harassed, or see someone else being harassed, please locate a Game On Expo crew member, a local police department officer, or a member of security.. If you see something, please let someone know.

Inappropriate costumes or actions may result in a request from our staff to update parts of your costume. Game On Expo abides by state laws for nudity and indecent exposure: A.R.S. §13-1402. Failure to do so may result in revocation of your credentials and removal from the event.

Footwear including shoes or sandals are required to be worn while in the convention space. You may remove your footwear for picturs if desired, but they must be put back on directly after the photo is taken.

Wheeled items including Roller skates/blades or skateboards and hoverboards may not be worn/used while in the Phoenix Convention Center building.

Depictions of hate symbols are not allowed and you will be asked to remove them. Failure to do so will result in you being asked to leave the Game On Expo event without a refund.

Game On Expo has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment and discrimination of any kind, including but not limited to:

Inappropriate physical contact
Physical assault and/or battery
Sexually offensive actions or comments
Stalking
Intimidation
Non-consensual photography or recording
Constant disruption of panels, photo opportunities, and other events
Racial & ethnic backgrounds
Age
Sex & gender identity
Religion
Sexual preferences & orientation
Physical appearance
If you see someone violating any of the above rules, please talk to someone at our info booth located in the main lobby, or talk to one of our Game On Expo staff members.

 

Panel Rooms

Game On Expo has a no filming policy during all panels.  All guest panels will be filmed by the Game On Expo team, and we will be posting them on Game On Expo’s official YouTube channel.  If one of our staff member notices you filming a panel, they will kindly ask you to reframe from filming and ask you to put your camera or phone away. If a staff member has to remind you a second time about the no filming policy during a panel, a member of our staff will be escorted out of the panel room.

General Rules

Game On Expo does not tolerate any discrimination or harassment. If you feel that you are being harassed, or see someone else being harassed, please locate a Game On Expo crew member, a local police department officer, or a member of security.. If you see something, please let someone know.

Inappropriate costumes or actions may result in a request from our staff to update parts of your costume. Game On Expo abides by state laws for nudity and indecent exposure: A.R.S. §13-1402. Failure to do so may result in revocation of your credentials and removal from the event.

Footwear including shoes or sandals are required to be worn while in the convention space. You may remove your footwear for picturs if desired, but they must be put back on directly after the photo is taken.

Wheeled items including Roller skates/blades or skateboards and hoverboards may not be worn/used while in the Phoenix Convention Center building.

Depictions of hate symbols are not allowed and you will be asked to remove them. Failure to do so will result in you being asked to leave the Game On Expo event without a refund.

Game On Expo has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment and discrimination of any kind, including but not limited to:

• Inappropriate physical contact
• Physical assault and/or battery
• Sexually offensive actions or comments
• Stalking
• Intimidation
• Non-consensual photography or recording
• Constant disruption of panels, photo opportunities, and other events
• Racial & ethnic backgrounds
• Age
• Sex & gender identity
• Religion
• Sexual preferences & orientation
• Physical appearance

If you see someone violating any of the above rules, please talk to someone at our info booth located in the main lobby, or talk to one of our Game On Expo staff members.

Cosplay Rules

If your costume has pieces such as wings, spikes, armor, etc. that extend well beyond your person, or you are carrying a large prop, please be aware of your surroundings and of people around you. You may be asked to change your costume or remove your prop from the convention space if it is found to be unwieldy, disruptive, or dangerous.

Please do not block doorways, walkways, or exits with your costume, props, or costume pieces.

If your costume includes any item that covers or partially covers the face, especially if it is not easily removed, upon request, you may be asked for ID and/or additional information by security. Please be sure to keep your ID on you.

Helmets, masks, and hoods should not severely limit or impair the wearer’s ability to see. If your costume includes an eyeless hood or other face covering, considering bringing a friend to act as your “handler” to assist you through crowded spaces.

Game On Expo will always encourage fan convention costume enthusiasts (aka “cosplayers”) to SPEAK OUT against the inappropriate social behavior of a sexual and/or stereotypical nature toward themselves and fellow fans.

The culture of cosplay is one of fun, creativity, and mutual respect. No one should accept inappropriate behavior from their peers. Speak out, speak up, and help keep cosplay comfortable and fun!

If you are taking pictures or video of cosplayers or attendees, you should make every attempt to gain direct consent from each person in your shot. This extends to members of the media, private photographers, and fellow cosplayers alike. Taking secret photos of cosplayers is not permitted at any time. Photos or videos shot with the intent of commercialization without the consent of the subject is prohibited. Cosplayers love to have their photos taken, so just be polite and ask!

Security Regulations

Enhanced security procedures will be in effect at the main entrance of Game On Expo, including but not limited to metal wands, bag checks, and police presence.

If you are wearing a costume, please allow additional time to get through the security checkpoint.

All props must be inspected at the Prop Checkpoint, located prior to the security entrance in the main lobby.

Any prop that is deemed unacceptable will not be permitted past security. If you feel your prop does not fit within our prop policy, we recommend leaving it at home.

Firearms whether real or replica of any kind, regardless of what material it is made of or how unrealistic it looks, are prohibited. This includes any weapon resembling a firearm such as a toy guns, Nerf guns, Halo blasters, Star Wars guns.

Props will be inspected and tagged by law enforcement and/or security. Anyone with an untagged prop will be escorted to the Prop Checkpoint. Props will not be allowed into the event without a tag. You can get your props checked and tagged at the info booth in the main lobby.

Failure to comply with costume rules, checkpoint procedures, or requests from official Game On Expo staff, security personnel, or local police officials will result in revocation of your credentials and removal from the event.

Game On Expo, the facility, and its contractors are not responsible for loss, damage, or theft of any private property including costumes, props, masks, or helmets. If you do not want to have your costume props inspected or tagged, or if you are not willing to comply with these policies, please leave them at home. All costumes and props must be inspected at Security and Prop Checkpoint.

Anti-Harassment Policy

Game On Expo seeks to provide a welcoming, fun, and safe convention and community. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Discriminatory language and imagery (including sexual) is not appropriate for any venue, including any game sessions and any community resources such as the Game On Expo social media pages. Game On Expo’s staff have both the power and the duty to investigate all reported incidents of harassment and to remove confirmed harassers from Game On Expo’s events both physical and virtual.

Harassment is understood as any behavior that threatens another person or group or produces an unsafe or un-inclusive environment. It includes offensive verbal comments or non-verbal expressions related to gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religious beliefs, sexual or discriminatory images in public spaces (including online), deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. The behavior above is not limited to explicit statements, but also meant to include comments made that could be deemed as in violation of the policy. Game On Expo’s Management is the ultimate adjudicator in any disputes arising from behavior at the event and on social media.

Conflict Resolution

1. Initial Incident If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please first consider informing the offender that the speech or behavior is problematic and that you would like them to stop. Oftentimes, the offending behavior is unintentional, and the accidental offender and offended will resolve the incident by ceasing the behavior and/or apologizing. If you believe that bringing up the incident with the offender will have negative consequences for you or will only lead to further offenses, then please inform a Game On Expo staff member about the incident.
2. Escalation If the offender insists that he/she did not offend, or if the offender continues the harassment after being asked to stop, then you will need a third party to step in. Find a Game On Expo staff member and let them know about the incident. If you are on the Game On Expo’s Facebook page, please email us at info@gameonexpo.com.
3. Investigation The Game On Expo staff are obligated to investigate thoroughly any reported incidents of harassment, seeking private accounts of the incident from all concerned parties.

Sanctions

Game On Expo attendees asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If an attendee engages in harassing behavior, staff may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender, expelling the offender from the Game On Expo event, or banning the offender from the Game On Expo community.

Specific sanctions may include, but are not limited to:

• Warning the harasser to cease their behavior and that any further reports will result in other sanctions
• Requiring that the harasser avoid any interaction with, and physical proximity to, their victim for the remainder of the event
• Requiring that the harasser immediately leave the Game On Expo event and not return
• Not allowing a person who violated the policy to attend future Game On Entertainment events
• Ending immediately any event responsibilities and privileges the harasser holds and requiring that the harasser not attend future Game On Entertainment events (either indefinitely or for a certain time period)
• Publishing an account of the harassment to other Conventions.

We expect participants to follow these rules in all Game On Expo’s events, and social events, and online communication channels. The Game On Expo staff will help participants contact 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 participation in the Game On Expo community, and your efforts to keep Game On Expo a safe and friendly space for all participants!

Ethics & Conduct

Any of the following will be grounds for expulsion from the Game On Expo event without refund:

• Violating any federal, state or local laws, facility rules or convention policies
• Failure to comply with the instructions of the Game On Expo Event security personnel
• Using anything in a threatening or destructive manner against person or property
• Endangering the safety of oneself or others
• Threatening, stealing, cheating or harassing others

If at any time during our event you feel unsafe or feel you were subjected to harassing conduct, please locate a staff member (blue DEV shirts) and your concerns will be addressed immediately.

Prop Policy

We think cosplay is awesome, and we love the creativity that people put into their cosplay and the props they bring!

While safety is our number one priority for our attendees, guests, vendors, and staff, we still want you to bring your Cosplay A-Game, within the guidelines set by the Phoenix Convention Center.

The Phoenix Convention Center has designated a specific prop policy for Game On Expo, which is below.  Final decisions on prop weapons and armor will always be at the discretion of Phoenix Convention Center Security and the Phoenix Police Department. While Game On Expo shares your feedback and concerns with the facility, the final decision is made by them.

​A general list of approved and unapproved props is listed below.

For additional information or to request approval for your prop, please send your request, along with a picture to the Phoenix Convention Center here.

Allowed props at the Phoenix Convention Center

Final decisions on prop weapons and armor will always be at the discretion of Phoenix Convention Center Security and the Phoenix Police Department.

When prop weapons are a part of the event, the following list of prop weapons are allowed:

• Simulated Edged weapons (swords, knifes, throwing stars etc.) made of soft foam, light weight plastic, cardboard and other materials that cannot be sharpened.
• Impact weapons (clubs, bats, staffs, nunchaku, shields, hammers and martial arts weapons) made of soft foam, light weight plastic, cardboard and other materials that cannot be sharpened.
• Light Sabers
• Archery weapons (bows, cross bows and bolts, bows and arrows of all types) when the bow is unstrung and when arrows are permanently attached inside a quiver.
• Wands, sonic screwdrivers, plushies, masks, fairy wings, empty holsters, signs attached to costumes, fur suits, cardboard-made costumes and non-weapon props, dishware
  associated with costumes, empty quivers, hats and helmets, Power Ranger Morphers, and umbrellas by example are allowed.
• Any simulated gun must have the trigger removed.

When allowed, prop weapons must be inspected by security staff upon entry.

The sale of items which are prohibited must be coordinated with the Event Manager. Delivery of sold prohibited items must take place off-site. When on display, these items must be secured in some way to prevent theft.

Prohibited Items at the Phoenix Convention Center

To ensure the safety and wellbeing off all our guests, and to comply with state laws and local ordinances, the following items are prohibited at the Phoenix Convention Center:

• Outside food and beverages (bottles of water for personal use are ok)
• Outside Alcoholic beverages
• Illegal drugs
• Weapons of all types including real and simulated weapons. Examples of prohibited weapons and simulated weapons (prop weapons) include:
  • Firearms (real and toy or simulated firearms) including Airsoft, BB, cap, paintball and pellet. This also applies to attendees who may have a permit or license to carry said weapons.
  • Explosives (including firecrackers and fireworks)
  • Edged weapons (swords, knives, daggers, axes, throwing stars etc.) made of metal or wood (including props made of fiberglass and glass)
  • Impact weapons (clubs, bats, staffs, nunchaku, shields, hammers and martial arts weapons) made of metal or wood (including props made of fiberglass and glass)
  • Archery weapons (functional bows, functional cross bows, arrows and bolts which are removable from the quiver). See exception below.
  • Weapons from fictional sources (lasers, phasers, any pretend weapon which looks like a firearm) Chemical and self-defense weapons (including mace and pepper spray)
  • Simulated explosives (grenades, dynamite, bombs, mortar rounds etc.)

Any items not specifically listed here are subject to security discretion and may or may not be allowed.

Final decisions on prop weapons and armor will always be at the discretion of Phoenix Convention Center Security and the Phoenix Police Department.

Take the Valley Metro Rail to Game On Expo