Know Before You Go

Convention Policies

To ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone, please review our convention policies before attending. These rules help us maintain an environment of respect and professionalism.

Crown Complex Venue Policies

AATC is held at the Crown Complex, and the Crown's venue rules apply to everyone at the show. Here is what they mean for your visit. The Crown sets these rules and can change them, so check its official page before you come.

Crown Complex venue policies (official)

Clear Bags Only

The Crown's clear bag policy is in effect for AATC. The show uses the whole Expo Center, including the ballroom and the Artist Lounge on the upper deck overlooking the Coliseum, so it applies everywhere you go.

You can bring:

A clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag up to 12" x 6" x 12"
A one-gallon clear freezer bag
A small clutch, up to about 4.5" x 6.5"
Medically necessary items, after inspection

Not allowed: backpacks, fanny packs, drawstring bags, purses larger than a clutch, briefcases, luggage, and laptop or camera bags.

Any bag may be searched.

Food and Drinks

The Crown normally does not allow outside food. AATC holds the food truck rights for the show, so food from the Food Truck Rodeo can come inside with you.

The Crown is a Pepsi facility. Coke and other non-Pepsi drinks cannot come inside, even if you bought them at the rodeo.

Re-Entry and Wristbands

Your wristband lets you come and go all day on the day it is for. To get in on another day you need that day's wristband, or a weekend or VIP wristband.

Keep it on: a wristband that is broken, damaged or removed will not be replaced.

Also at the Crown

No weapons of any kind, pocketknives included. The only exception is authorized medieval combat performers in the official entertainment program.
The Crown Complex is smoke- and tobacco-free, inside the building and within 25 feet of any entrance. Two designated outdoor smoking areas are available: one at the Food Truck Rodeo, and a cigar lounge area out back, where our cigar vendor will be set up. Keep your wristband on to get back inside.
Service animals only. Trained service animals as defined by the ADA, leashed or harnessed. Emotional support animals, therapy animals and pets are not allowed.

General Rules

Policies that apply to all convention attendees

Age Policy

All ages are welcome at the convention. Attendees under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. You must be 18 years of age or older to receive tattoo services. Valid photo ID is required for tattoo services.

Photography

Personal photography and video are welcome throughout the convention. Please be respectful and ask permission before photographing artists at work or other attendees. Flash photography is not permitted during tattoo contest judging. Professional media must obtain a press pass in advance.

Refund Policy

All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges will be issued. In the event of a convention cancellation, ticket holders will be notified via email with information about credits or rescheduled dates.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at designated areas within the convention. You must be 21 years of age or older with a valid photo ID to purchase or consume alcohol. Drink responsibly - visibly intoxicated attendees may be asked to leave.

Health & Safety

Your well-being is our priority

First Aid

A first aid station staffed by certified medical personnel is located on site throughout the convention. If you experience a medical emergency, alert the nearest staff member or security personnel immediately.

Aftercare

Aftercare products are available for purchase from several booths throughout the convention floor, including Skin Reserve, WholeLife Aftercare, and After Inked, among others. Your artist will walk you through caring for fresh work before you leave the booth.

Hygiene & Sanitation

All tattoo artists at AATC are required to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and sanitation. Artists must use single-use needles, sterile equipment, and disposable barriers. Health inspectors are on site throughout the event.

Code of Conduct

Expected behavior for all attendees

Treat all attendees, artists, vendors, and staff with respect and courtesy.
Harassment of any kind - including verbal, physical, or sexual harassment - will not be tolerated.
Discriminatory behavior based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or military branch is strictly prohibited.
Do not touch other attendees, their tattoos, or their belongings without explicit consent.
Follow the instructions of convention staff and security at all times.
Report any concerns or incidents to the nearest staff member or security personnel.
Violations of the code of conduct may result in immediate removal from the convention without refund.

Your Information

What we collect, why, and how to stop it

What we collect

When you register for a contest we collect your name, email address and phone number, and your mailing address if you provide one. If you create an account to vote, we collect your email address. We do not collect payment details on this site for contest entry.

Why we collect it

To run the thing you signed up for. That means confirming your place, telling you where and when to check in, and contacting you if the schedule changes. These messages are part of the contest and are sent to everyone who enters.

We never share it

We do not sell, rent, trade or share your information with anyone. It is used by AATC only. Sponsors do not receive it, and neither does anyone else.

Marketing is opt-in, and optional

We only email you about future events, ticket presales and next year's dates if you tick the box asking us to. It is never ticked for you, and it is never required - you can enter a contest, or vote, without opting in, and nothing about your entry changes either way.

Photography at the contest

Entering the Miss AATC Pinup Contest requires agreeing to be photographed at the convention and to AATC using those photographs to promote the convention. This one is required, unlike the marketing opt-in above, and the reason is specific: the first place prize includes a photo shoot, so it cannot be awarded to a contestant who has not agreed to be photographed. It is a separate checkbox and it is not ticked for you. If you would rather not be photographed, the contest is not something we can enter you into - but nothing else on this site asks for it.

How to unsubscribe

Every marketing email has an unsubscribe option, or you can reply to any of them with UNSUBSCRIBE, or email info@allamericantattooconvention.com. Unsubscribing stops event and presale email. It does not stop messages about a contest you have entered - those carry your check-in time and any schedule change, so we keep sending them until the show is over.

Questions about our policies?

AATC 2027

Thank you to our sponsors for helping make this happen for Fayetteville & Ft Bragg NC!