Updates

Dragon Con Updates

Updated August 1, 2022

Dragon Con 2022 is just around the corner and we are looking forward to having so many fans join us for another exciting Labor Day in downtown Atlanta. While we spend a lot of time each year planning to make sure that Dragon Con is the greatest pop culture convention on the planet, we always make health and safety a top priority.

We want to thank everybody for their patience as we have worked very hard to develop COVID protocols intended to keep our Dragon Con Family safe. While things are certainly better now than they were a year ago, we are not yet out of the woods. Unfortunately, the spread of Covid in the metro-Atlanta area is currently at a high level. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to take precautions to keep our attendees, guests, and partners safe. These decisions were not made lightly and came as a result of many discussions with health officials, our venues, and the city.

In 2021, we committed to following CDC guidelines, and as a result, Dragon Con 2021 was a safe environment allowing our fans to come together for a much needed celebration of all things fandom. CDC guidelines will continue to be our guidepost as we determine the safest way to gather. This includes:

Well-fitting and appropriate masks are required indoors at all our convention venues, including all five host hotels and AmericasMart Buildings Two and Three.
This year’s convention will have reduced capacity compared to 2019’s convention, though we will welcome more fans than in 2021 and will bring back a limited number of Saturday-only memberships. We expect memberships at all levels to sell out.
Related to that, there will be no onsite membership sales to reduce congestion, increase social distance, and improve traffic at badge pickup in the Sheraton. If memberships are available for purchase, they will only be available online through Growtix.
We have made other changes throughout the convention to reduce traffic flow and increase personal space.
Proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test are not required this year. We highly encourage everyone to get vaccinated to help reduce the spread and severity of COVID 19. Additionally, we encourage every person to make informed decisions about attending our event in the best interest of their own health and that of their loved ones. If you are not feeling well or have been recently exposed to somebody with Covid, please plan to stay home.
To help spread the joy that is Dragon Con to those who stay home, we continue to offer Dragon Con Goes Virtual, featuring overlapping coverage of the live convention and exclusive programming just for the platform from our amazing fan tracks, available to fans for the low price of $10. Additionally, we will again host the virtual marketplace from September 1 through September 9, allowing fans both at the event and at home to purchase from and support their favorite vendors and artists.

The very best part of Dragon Con is the community. We know that you have each other’s backs, that you care for your fellow fans, and that you will follow the rules because it’s the right thing to do. We trust you to make good decisions and look forward to welcoming you back.

We will continue to evaluate our policies and procedures and follow the guidance of public health officials in order to keep the convention as safe as possible.

How will the mask mandate be enforced?

Ultimately, we expect our folks to do the right thing and wear their mask. Hotel employees and our Dragon Con volunteers will be working together to ensure that the mandate is followed.

I am not able to wear a mask due to a medical condition. Does that mean I cannot attend Dragon Con because of the mask policy?

We will allow an exemption to the mask mandate for those who have been informed by a licensed healthcare provider that wearing a facial covering or mask will cause or aggravate a health condition for the individual once documentation is provided to our Disability Services department. Documentation (including the name of the person requesting the exemption) needs to be submitted to our Disability Services department located on the first floor of the Sheraton Atlanta. Please contact Disability Services with specific questions on the mask exemption.

I am bringing my child with me to Dragon Con. Is he/she required to wear a mask?

Children over the age of two are expected to wear a mask. Any child unable to wear the mask due to a medical condition will need documentation provided to Disability Services.

What types of masks are permitted?

Masks should adhere to the recommendations of the CDC to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets and reduce the risk of COVID 19.

Am I able to walk around with snacks/drink and not wear a mask?

While we don’t expect you to wear a mask and drink/eat at the same time, we do expect that you be considerate of your fellow fans and wear the mask when not actively eating or drinking. There will be designated areas that are cleaned more frequently than others for eating and drinking to help keep everyone safe.

Do selfies with guests and Epic Photo Ops require masks?

We will leave this up to the guests’ discretion depending on their comfort level. Fans would be allowed to remove their mask for seconds during the photo op of either type if the guest grants permission. Once the photo is completed, the mask will be expected to be put back in place.

Will masks be available at the event?

Fans should plan to bring their own masks. If there is anything we know, it’s that Dragon Con fans like to dress for the occasion and we really look forward to seeing our fan’s creativity on display! If somebody forgets a mask, however, disposable masks will be available throughout the event at the Information Services desks and Safety offices, as well as in all programming spaces throughout the event.

What happens if I lose my badge at the show? Previously, I could purchase another one in registration.

If the show is sold out, we will not be able to sell an additional membership in the event of a lost badge. We encourage our members to do all possible to hold onto their badge. We have placed a lot of focus on streamlining our process for collecting lost badges at the show so we can more quickly locate and get the badge back to the member who may have lost it.

If you have lost your badge, please report to the Solutions Desk in Registration, located on the bottom floor of the Sheraton.

To verify, you can purchase a Growtix Membership online while at the event and just go to badge pickup?

Factually, yes. Most likely, no. Having knowledge of the cap, we anticipate selling out before the convention. We are attempting to be as transparent as possible with providing notifications on the percent of sell out, however, we reserve the right to adjust and stop selling memberships at any time based on what we believe is in the best interest of the convention.

Will there be any changes to policy regarding badge pickup for others to decrease the numbers in badge pickup?

No. Our current policy allows for fans to pick up badges for others as long as they have their QR code, a copy of a valid form of identification and a letter giving permission for the person doing pick up. We believe that the policy, along with the reduced attendance and elimination of onsite purchases, provide flexibility and lowers the numbers to effectively and safely process registration.

Will there be hand sanitizer available?

Absolutely. We are working with our venue partners to ensure that there are additional hand sanitizers readily available throughout the facilities. In addition, we are providing hand sanitizer, and additional cleaning supplies, to all areas of the show as an extra precaution.

What can we do to get ready for Dragon Con 2022?

First and foremost is taking care of yourself. Make sure you follow CDC guidelines and continue good, healthy habits. Get vaccinated and boosted when you can. Science is amazing and we believe strongly in it and encourage everyone who is able to take the step and protect themselves, helping us get back to normalcy one shot and step at a time. And finally, finish up those cosplays, get with friends and plan your journey, and keep an eye on all of our social channels for the most updated information available.