Whether it’s service animal info, mobility needs, or more – we want EVERY fan to have access to an amazing convention experience!
At METROCON, one of our primary goals is to ensure that the convention is accessible to as many folks in the anime community as possible. With that in mind, there are several options/services available for those with accessibility needs, and a few things you may want to be aware of ahead of time. More services will be added as we are able, and by demand, so feel free to reach out to us at accessibility@metroconventions.com if you would like us to consider an additional accessibility note/option.
When you arrive and pick up your badge from Registration at the convention, simply let the person helping you know that you'd like an "Accessibility Pass" in addition to the tickets you're redeeming/purchasing. An Accessibility Pass is totally free, and available from registration at any time.
The Accessibility Pass may be a sticker that is placed on your badge (back is ok), a separate wristband, or a small card you're given to keep on you throughout the weekend.
Our staff will never question your disability or accessibility needs - we just want to ensure that you receive what you need throughout the weekend with as little complication as possible! Whenever you are seeking accommodation from a staff member or volunteer, please show them your Accessibility Pass to speed things along.
METROCON has a dedicated Accessibility staff, and their desk is headquartered on the first floor, just outside the badge check area in the rotunda.
If they have to step away for a moment to assist a patron, feel free to ask the nearby panel team (or any staff member with a radio), and we'll be happy to locate them for you.
The accessibility team's role at the convention is to ensure accessibility needs are taken seriously and met, and to approach all departments of the convention from the perspective of accessibility-first. They work with all of the department heads year-round to strategize on how best to serve all members of our community, and additionally, they can provide info on what accommodations are available for folks who have received an accessibility pass.
METROCON supports trained service animals and the role they play in the lives of their owners. Trained working animals are allowed throughout the convention. Any animal that becomes a safety or biological hazard to the general public will yield in asking both the owner and animal to exit the facility. This is a Tampa Convention Center policy. For more information on Service Animals, Service-Animals-In-Training, and the ADA, visit the ADA website here.
Guests with mobility needs will be given special accommodation for line queues throughout the event. If you or someone in your party needs to avoid standing for long periods of time, your group may be seated early for an event (when possible), or a seating area near the door/event can be provided by request. Simply ask the staff/volunteer monitoring the door if you may have a seating accommodation, and they'll be happy to help!
Just a small reminder: for anyone who is seated early for an event, you may get a sneak peak at the show or event you are about to see, as we are often doing tech rehearsals and mic checks right before doors open for the general public - please be respectful of the performers, contestants, stagehands, technicians, and other folks who are working in the space!
If the line queue is for an autograph, you will be offered a seat nearby when possible, and allowed to jump back in line at the place you arrived when your place in the queue comes up.
All spaces at METROCON are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair seating is also available. It may sometimes be necessary for a staff member to quickly rearrange a space to accommodate additional wheelchair seating - please let a staff member or volunteer know if it seems difficult or if space is running low, and we'll take care of it. Guests requiring a seating accommodation for visual/hearing needs will be seated early to events to ensure their preferred seating proximity.
Just a small reminder: for anyone who is seated early for an event, you may get a sneak peak at the show or event you are about to see, as we are often doing tech rehearsals and mic checks right before doors open for the general public - please be respectful of the performers, contestants, stagehands, technicians, and other folks who are working in the space!
For individuals with special hearing/visual concerns, you may ask to be seated early to ensure preferred proximity to speakers/stages/screens.
The most accessible entrance for elevator access to the Tampa Convention Center is the Circle Drive entrance. This entrance is reserved exclusively for our Staff and Cast, Special Guests, and those needing a mobility-aid-accessible entrance and elevator access. The Franklin Street entrance is also ground-floor with elevator access, but it is REENTRY ONLY - once you have your badge/wristband, you can use this entrance without issue, but it does close in the evening. The circle drive entrance is available throughout the event hours for those who need access.
The standard entrance for Registration and the upper floors is on the second-floor landing above Circle Drive. Please consider using this entrance if you are able, as it eases the burden on the smaller monitoring/bag-check staff at the accessibility entrance downstairs.
For more information on the Tampa Convention Center's ADA Elevator Accessibility, click here.
At METROCON, we have a dedicated Quiet Room located in Room 10 on the first floor. This is a great space for those looking for a private space to take a medication/test, a quieter space to wait out a panic attack, etc. More info on the Quiet Room is just above this section.
For those with accessibility needs that necessitate a dedicated aid/assistant in attendance with them at all times (such as a nurse, family member, or other individual who wouldn't otherwise be coming to the convention), we're happy to work with you directly to find the best solution. Please contact our Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility@metroconventions.com and we'll be happy to discuss your specific request/need.
To accomodate those with sensory or mobility issues, we are allowing anyone with an Accessibility Pass to enter the Exhibit Hall during VIP-only hours. This is the first hour from 11A - 12P on Friday, and the first thirty minutes from 10A - 1030A on Saturday and Sunday.
If you have any additional questions about accessibility at METROCON, feedback, or things you'd like to see us add, please reach out directly to our Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility@metroconventions.com and we'd be happy to chat!