Join us at Reconnect for our Cosplay Catwalk and Competition! You'll find more information and rules regarding cosplay participation below.
Cosplay Catwalk & Competition FAQ
- When is the cosplay catwalk and competition?
- When/where can I sign up to participate as a cosplayer?
- What’s different from the previous Reconnect's cosplay event?
- How are winners determined in the Reconnect cosplay competition?
- What can cosplay participants and winners expect from this event?
When is the cosplay catwalk and competition?
The Reconnect cosplay catwalk and competition begins at 10:30am MDT on Saturday, July 12.
All cosplay entrants are expected to arrive in the Reconnect event room in cosplay by 10:00am MDT.
Cosplay entrants that wish to be considered for Best Craftsmanship are expected to be ready and in line for prejudging in the Reconnect event room by 9:45am MDT.
When/where can I sign up to participate as a cosplayer?
Registration for the Reconnect cosplay catwalk and competition will be available during the Welcome Dinner on Friday, July 11.
What’s different from the previous Reconnect's cosplay event?
The Reconnect cosplay event this year will be a cosplay catwalk: it’s a runway style event where cosplayers can show off their cosplay! Cosplayers will be announced to the catwalk in order. The catwalk is not elevated, and it will not require cosplayers to ascend/descend steps.
Each cosplay participant is eligible for award consideration across five award categories:
- Fan Favorite
- Best Performance
- Best Craftsmanship*
- Honorable Mention
- Best In Show
*Cosplay entrants must elect for craftsmanship consideration during sign-up. Please review our Craftsmanship Requirements for more information about this award category.
How are winners determined in the Reconnect cosplay competition?
The winners for Best Performance, Best Craftsmanship, Best In Show, and Honorable Mention are determined by the Reconnect cosplay judges panel. The Fan Favorite award winner is determined by ballot submissions from in-person and online attendees.
What can cosplay participants and winners expect from this event?
All Reconnect cosplay catwalk and competition participants will receive 3 EXP tickets used for prize giveaway entries at Reconnect. Each award category winner will receive a bonus 10 EXP tickets, a commemorative award trophy for their category win, and the following cash award (issued as VISA gift card):
- Fan Favorite - $50 USD
- Best Performance - $50 USD
- Best Craftsmanship - $50 USD
- Honorable Mention - $50 USD
- Best In Show - $100 USD
2025 Reconnect Cosplay Terms & Conditions
Updated as of: March 18, 2025 05:00PM CDT
- You must be a registered Reconnect attendee in order to participate. Each participating member of your cosplay group must have an event badge.
- All costumes must cover "swimsuit areas" – no nudity. Body-paint costumes are not eligible for craftsmanship.
- Reconnect Events adheres to the "PG-13 rule" when it comes to language and hand gestures on stage. Violation of this rule will result in disqualification from the cosplay catwalk and competition.
- During the catwalk and competition, enter and exit the catwalk at the designated points only. Costumes must be handled by the participant or by handler(s) the participant brings to help. Handlers are required to be registered attendees of the Reconnect event, and Reconnect event staff cannot provide catwalk assistants.
- Participants are not allowed to throw anything off the catwalk, nor use projectiles or use anything that will leave a mess. This includes (but is not limited to) liquids, glitter, and confetti. If you have a question about something you want to do, feel free to send an email to reconnect@khguides.com with “Cosplay Question” as the subject. All participants must keep at least one foot on the catwalk at all times (no backflips, cartwheels, acrobatics, etc).
- No pyrotechnics, fire, explosive devices, live animals, or similar special effects can be used during the catwalk and competition; this includes smoke/smog machines and flash paper/powder. Anyone who violates this rule will be disqualified from the catwalk/competition and be asked to leave the event area depending on the severity of the incursion. All prop weapons must conform to the Reconnect Events prop policies, including being checked.
- Each participant may only enter one costume into the competition. You can have up to six people in a cosplay group.
- All participants must be in the room where the pre-meet will occur at a time determined by Reconnect Events staff. Reconnect Events staff reserves the right to turn away any cosplay submission it deems inappropriate or not in compliance with these rules.
- Reconnect event staff is unable to provide lighting cues or effects services for cosplays.
- When participants are in the cosplay room, in pre-judging panels, and backstage for the showcase or competition, the staff and judges will be monitoring sportsmanship. Rude remarks, put-downs, or other unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Egregious cases may result in immediate disqualification from the catwalk and competition. Respect the staff, the judges, and your fellow competitors. Competitors will not be notified if they have been disqualified, and judges are not permitted to discuss the judging process or the results. This is to protect entrants, judges, and staff, as well as to maintain the professionalism of the competition.
- By registering for and participating in the Reconnect Cosplay Catwalk and Competition, you release from liability and waive your right to sue Reconnect Events, their organizers, their employees, officers, volunteers and agents (collectively “Reconnect Event Staff”) from any and all claims, including claims of Reconnect Event Staff's negligence, resulting in any physical injury, illness (including death) or economic loss they may suffer or which may result from their participation in this Event, travel to and from the Event (including air travel), or any events incidental to the Event.
- By registering for and participating in the Reconnect Cosplay Catwalk and Competition, you agree to hold Reconnect Event Staff harmless from any and all claims, loss or damage to your personal property, liabilities and costs, including attorney’s fees, as a result of your participation in this Event, including travel to and from the Event (including air travel) or any events incidental to this Event.
- By registering for and participating in the Reconnect Cosplay Catwalk and Competition, you grant consent to Reconnect Event Staff, its affiliate and agents, to use your image and likeness and/or any interview statements from you in its publications, advertising or other media activities (including the Internet).
Craftsmanship Requirements
- All competitors requesting consideration for the Craftsmanship category are required to construct their own costumes. No store-bought costumes are allowed in consideration of this award.
- If the competitor's costume was constructed by a third party, the third party must be present at the competition. The third party, not the competitor, will be eligible for the award.
- As a general rule, at least 75% of the costume must be constructed or heavily modified by the competitor to be considered for the Craftsmanship category.
- Cosplay judges may disqualify an entrant for this category for not meeting craftsmanship requirements.
- Competitors may share photos of the construction process for their submitted cosplay during sign-up.
- Competitors should expect speak briefly about the construction process for their submitted cosplay with the judges during the prejudging period.
- Cosplay entrants that wish to be considered for Best Craftsmanship are expected to be ready and in line for prejudging in the Reconnect event room by 9:45am MDT.
Questions? Contact us at reconnect@khguides.com