Cosplay Contest
HerdCon’s annual cosplay contest will be March 1st, 2025 at 1pm!
Online Registration is open until February 28th, 2025! In-Person registration will be available on the day of the event.
Register!
Cosplay Contest Categories
- Juniors (age 12 and under)
- Novice (ages 13+ with little experience)
- Journeyman (ages 13+ with a few competitions under their belt)
- Master (agees 13+ for experienced cosplayers)
- Exhibition (all ages, noncompetitive)
Cosplay Rules, Regulations, and Etiquette
COSPLAY IS NOT CONSENT!
Cosplay is an artistic expression not an invitation. Secure the permission of a cosplayer to enter their personal space. Do not touch any part of their costume or their person without permission and always ask before taking a photograph or a video.
Cosplay Etiquette Wristbands
This year we will be offering wristbands at the door for those in cosplay. These wristbands are meant to help other convention attendees know if you are comfortable being approached for pictures.
- Red band = please keep your distance
- Yellow band = you may approach with caution
- Green means = you may approach
Respect The Character You Are Portraying
Be mindful that any portrayal is a homage, so be sure to act in a manner that would not diminish any character representation. Your character is no doubt beloved and we hope to preserve the spirit of that.
Respect The Effort Of Others
HERDCON is open to all, and there will be varying levels of skill. Be kind to your fellow cosplayers in regard to quality or accuracy!
Be Mindful Of The Space You Take And The Safety Of Other HerdCon Attendees
We welcome your creativity! Please be mindful that you cannot enter with a costume that features any sharp spikes, sharp edges, dangerous projectiles or any manner of hazard that may endanger you or other attendees. We are relying on cosplayers to use common sense in their construction, but we will have final say as to whether a costume is unsafe at registration.
Weapons Policy
Marshall university is proud to host herdcon, a celebration of creativity and fun. We expect all attendees to adhere to the safety and weapons policy to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all
Anticipated attendance will be over 1000, so according to state law, no firearms will be allowed.
Prohibited: metal bladed weapons such as daggers, swords, axes, etc
Prohibited: projectile weapons such as functional slingshots, crossbows, water guns, long bows, etc
Prohibited: explosives and fire crackers
Prohibited: blunt weapons such as nunchaku, clubs, bats, brass knuckles, etc
Prohibited: hard/ overweight props such as items made of or covered with metal, fiberglass, hard wood, glass and other dense or heavy materials that may cause harm
Cosplay weapons will be inspected at the weapons check to determine if their construction meets with our approval.
Cosplayers must consent to a weapons check for inspection and tagging.
Any weapons not meeting safety standards will not be permitted in the CON
All cosplay weapons must be constructed of plastic, foam or wood that is light weight
Be mindful of wielding your cosplay weapons