Props Safety

ThunderCon Prop & Weapons Safety Policy

Important: Read Before Attending 

ThunderCon is committed to the safety of all attendees, vendors, and staff. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, all props and weapons must comply with our Prop & Weapons Safety Policy. Please review these guidelines before bringing any props to the event. 

Prop Check & Inspections

  • All props and weapons must be inspected at the Prop Check Area upon arrival. 
  • Approved props will receive a Prop Check Tag—this must remain visible at all times. 
  • If a prop is not approved, you must store it in your car, home, or hotel room—it will not be allowed inside the convention. 
  • ThunderCon staff have final authority on all prop and weapon approvals. 

Prohibited Items

  • Real weapons of any kind (firearms, knives, swords, etc.). 
  • Metal props that could cause harm, including metal swords, axes, and sharp-edged weapons. 
  • Functional projectile weapons, including soft dart (e.g. Nerf) guns, airsoft, BB guns, pellet guns, and cap guns. 
  • Blunt weapons, such as baseball bats, hockey sticks, and heavy metal props. 
  • Explosives or incendiary devices, including fireworks and smoke bombs. 
  • Any item deemed dangerous, unsafe, or disruptive by ThunderCon staff. 

Allowed Props (With Restrictions)

Replica Guns & Firearms:

  • Must have an orange safety tip at all times. 
  • Cannot fire any projectile or contain any kind of ammunition. 
  • Can be removed for photos but must be reattached when walking around. 

Bows & Slingshots:

  • Must be completely de-strung—no exceptions. 
  • Arrows are not allowed inside the convention. 

Swords, Blades & Melee Weapons:

  • Plastic, foam, or wood replicas only—no metal. 
  • Must not have sharp edges or points that could cause injury.

General Prop Rules:

  • Props must be lightweight and easy to carry—overly heavy or bulky items may be denied entry. 
  • No swinging, throwing, or brandishing props in a way that could harm or threaten others. 
  • If a prop is deemed unsafe or is used in an unsafe way at any time, staff may request it be removed from the event. 

Props Purchased at ThunderCon

  • If you purchase a replica weapon (e.g., metal swords, knives, martial arts weapons) from a vendor, you must keep it in its original packaging until you have left the venue. 
  • If you wish to use the item as a prop during the convention, you must take it to Prop Check for approval. 
  • Non-approved items must be immediately stored off-site (hotel room, car, etc.).

Legal & Liability Disclaimer

ThunderCon is not responsible for any misconduct, damages, injuries, or accidents caused by props or weapons. Failure to follow these rules may result in: 

  • Confiscation of your prop 
  • Removal from the event without refund 
  • Involvement of local authorities if necessary 

Please use common sense and be respectful of others. If in doubt, ask Prop Check Staff before bringing an item into the event. 

Questions?

 Contact us at [email protected] 

Thank you for keeping ThunderCon safe and fun for everyone!