Security Screening & Permitted Items
Exhibitor Access & Security Screening
Exhibitors utilizing the loading docks for move-in, restocking, or move-out will not be required to pass through attendee security screening when entering through designated exhibitor and loading dock access points.
However, exhibitors entering through public convention entrances or re-entering the Exhibit Hall through attendee-facing entrances will be required to pass through the same security screening process as all attendees.
To avoid delays, exhibitors carrying inventory, displays, product stock, or equipment should use designated exhibitor access points whenever possible.
Please note that security reserves the right to inspect any item entering the convention center if a safety concern is identified.
Allowed Items
The following items are generally permitted inside the convention:
Gaming Supplies
Dice and dice towers
Metal dice
Metal miniatures
Deck boxes
Gaming tokens
Hobby tools
Paint kits
Small hobby files
Mobility & Accessibility Devices
Wheelchairs
Mobility scooters
Walkers
Canes
Crutches
Medical braces
Medical Supplies
Medications
Insulin pumps
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
Inhalers
EpiPens
Medical sensors
Bandages and medical supplies
Medical devices should never need to be removed during screening.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome at Origins.
Staff may only ask:
Is the animal required because of a disability?
What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
Staff may not request documentation or inquire about a person's medical condition.
Cosplay & Prop Weapons
Origins welcomes cosplay and costuming.
Permitted cosplay items include:
Foam weapons
Replica firearms
Fantasy weapons
Science fiction props
Wooden staffs
Costume bows
Armor and costume accessories
All prop weapons must be non-functional and must be inspected and peace-bonded before being carried within the convention. Approved items will receive a visible zip tie indicating they have been inspected. Removing the zip tie voids approval and requires reinspection.
Peace-Bonding Locations
Prop inspections and peace-bonding are available at:
Security Office
Designated Security Stations
Prohibited Items
The following items are not permitted inside Origins Game Fair:
Firearms
Handguns
Rifles
Shotguns
Concealed firearms
Ghost guns
Functional replica firearms
Exceptions apply only to sworn law enforcement acting in an official capacity.
Ammunition
Live ammunition
Loaded magazines
Speed loaders
Functional Weapons
Live-edge swords
Sharp daggers
Combat knives
Machetes
Hatchets
Throwing weapons
Functional bows intended for firing
Hazardous Materials
Pepper spray
Bear spray
Mace
Chemical irritants
Flammable liquids
Fuel
Explosives
Fireworks
Smoke devices
Pyrotechnics
Noise-Making Devices
Air horns
Compressed gas horns
Excessively loud signaling devices
These items are prohibited and may be confiscated or denied entry.
Pocket Knife Policy
Permitted:
Folding pocket knives with blades under 3 inches
Not Permitted:
Folding knives over 3 inches
Fixed-blade knives
Tactical knives
Combat knives
If security staff cannot determine whether a knife complies with policy, the item may be subject to additional review.
Our Approach to Security
Security screening is intended to identify genuine safety concerns, not interfere with normal convention activities.
We recognize that tabletop gamers, exhibitors, hobbyists, artists, and cosplayers frequently carry items that may appear unusual outside of a gaming convention. Metal miniatures, armor, gaming accessories, hobby tools, cosplay props, and medical devices are common throughout Origins.
Our goal is to create a safe environment while ensuring attendees can enjoy the convention with as little disruption as possible.
Questions?
If you have questions about a specific item before arriving at Origins, please contact the Exhibitor Team or Convention Operations before the show.