Autograph Schedule

Besides the occassional panel or break, all of our Guests of Honor (unless otherwise noted) will be at their booths throughout the weekend signing autographs.

Guest Schedules

Autograph Guidelines

We understand that getting autographs from our guests is a highlight of the convention for many attendees. Guests, too, value that rare opportunity to meet some of their fans.

However, demand often outweighs supply, and even the speediest and most accommodating guest can only sign so many things in a given period of time. In order to give the greatest number of fans the opportunity to meet the Guests, we MUST keep the lines moving smoothly.

Autographs

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All official autograph sessions take place in Talent Expo (Hall D – First Floor)

• SacAnime does not and cannot guarantee that you will receive an autograph from any particular guest. The vast majority, if not all of our guests charge for their autographs. Policies for specific guests may differ.
• Guests will usually sign fan-provided items, as long as they are officially licensed and not bootlegs. Guests may sign handmade or personal items at their sole discretion. When in doubt, check with the Staff assisting with the session. SacAnime Staff may veto any item as unsuitable for signing, and such decisions are final.
• Guests often have photos, etc. available to sign at their tables. They will usually sign fan provided items, as long as they are officially licensed and not bootlegs.
• Under no circumstance are live steel weapons allowed to be signed by Guests. Any person with an open/unsealed live steel product will be immediately removed from the premises.
• There will be no unauthorized photography, videography, content creation, or livestreaming within the autograph area. Unauthorized individuals may be asked to delete any images, video, or media by SacAnime Staff or be removed from the area.
• There will be no photo ops during official signing sessions, unless the guest offers table photos for a fee.
• Do not monopolize the guest’s time if there are others waiting. (Assume that whatever you have to say must be said in 30 seconds or less, while the guest is signing your item. It’s a good idea to write down what you want to say.)
• Do not request excessive personalization, sketches, etc. unless the guest offers.
• If you are bringing an item for the guest to sign, please have it ready for signing when you are within sight of the guest. (For CDs and DVDs, you should remove the cover insert to save time; for unusual items, please ask the autograph staff for their recommendations.)

SacAnime Staff reserves the right to refuse access to any attendee who fails to follow the rules (or attempts to circumvent them). Anyone caught in the act is subject to the disruptive behavior policy, and risks having their registration revoked.

SacAnime Staff reserve the right to make changes to Guests’ policies as circumstances dictate. If you have a policy question, please see the SacAnime Staff member assisting with the Guest appearance or signing. All Staff rulings are final.

Notes and Gifts for Guests
If you’ve brought something special for the guest, such as a personal note or small gift, we ask that you follow certain guidelines for practical and safety reasons. Most guests appreciate these small gestures, but many gifts cannot be accepted.

• Please ensure that you provide the name of the guest, as well as your own name and contact information, either written on the outside of the message or attached clearly to the outside of the gift.
• Wrapped gifts will not be accepted as all items must be screened by SacAnime Staff. However, a gift bag or simple, untaped, tissue paper cover is acceptable.
• Avoid anything large or bulky or easily damaged. Most guests fly quite a distance to appear at SacAnime, and may have limited space in their luggage. Any gifts you bring should be small, durable, and easily packed.
• No food items will be accepted.
• No items that intentionally contain HUMAN DNA will be accepted. (Blood, skin, or hair…)
• If you have an item to present as a gift at any guest appearance, please bring it first to the SacAnime staff member in charge of the appearance.
  • DO NOT use Q & A time during a guest’s panel to present your gift to the guest; this is extremely rude and unfair to the other people who came to hear the guest speak.
  • DO NOT use autograph time to present your gift without first clearing it with the staff member in charge, as this may deny othersthe opportunity to get to meet the guest.
  • You may be asked to wait until the end of the session, or the staffer may accept the gift in order to present it to the guest onyour behalf. (Rest assured, your gift will be given to the guest onyour behalf – that’s why we request your contactinformation on every gift.)

Tips for Interacting With Guests

1. 1. If you’re going to ask a question, write it down first. It’s easy to become flustered if you’re not used to public speaking or if you’re about to talk to someone you really admire. Writing down what you want to say helps you to organize your thoughts so you don’t waste everyone’s time or embarrass yourself.
   2. Every guest at the con is someone who has a cool job that they’re quite good at. It isn’t necessary to worship the ground they walk on – just be friendly and polite.
   3. Remember that guests get tired, too, and they’re entitled to downtime. If you encounter a guest outside the con, try to make eye contact before you approach them, and look for a signal that it’s okay to chat. Please don’t interrupt meals or private conversations.
   4. Try to avoid asking questions that the guest has answered a hundred times. And if you come late to a panel, find out whether a question has already been answered before you waste everyone’s time. Don’t ask questions that are answered in the guest’s bio, homepage, or Wikipedia entry.

DO…	DON’T…
Write down whatever it is you want to say. Be BRIEF. (see note #1) Tell them you like their work, and why. Ask interesting questions about past, current, and upcoming projects. Ask open-ended questions. Ask about favorite hobbies, shared interests, etc.	Ask them questions that are answered in their Wikipedia entry or SacAnime bio. Ask questions that can be answered with a Yes or No. Ask for hugs, kisses, or their hand in marriage. Ask for autographs or other favors. Waste everyone’s time. Ask deeply personal or invasive question.