GUEST AGREEMENT

GUEST APPEARANCE AGREEMENT

This Guest Appearance Agreement (the "Agreement") is by and between Japanese Cultural Exposition Group, a California 501(c)(3) non-profit organization doing business as AniFest 2026 ("Organizer"), and ("Guest").

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Organizer is producing AniFest 2026 (the "Event"), a Japanese cultural and anime convention scheduled to take place on June 5-6th, 2026 at the Torrance Cultural Arts Centered (3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 91503); and

WHEREAS, Guest is a [cosplayer / performer / industry professional / other] with expertise and public appeal in the anime/Japanese cultural community; and

WHEREAS, Organizer desires to invite Guest to appear and participate in the Event, and Guest desires to accept such invitation, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. DUTIES & EXPECTATIONS

1.1 Guest agrees to appear at the Event and perform the specific duties mutually agreed upon in writing (via email or attached schedule), which may include, without limitation:

Costume Entertainment (Cosplay): Engaging with attendees in costume, posing for photographs, participating in cosplay contests, parades, or judged events.
Stage Performances: Delivering scheduled performances such as singing, dancing, voice acting, martial arts demonstrations, or other live acts.
Panel Participation & Industry Representation: Hosting or joining panels, Q&A sessions, workshops, or meet-and-greets; professionally discussing Guest’s work, career, and the industry; positively representing Organizer and the Event.
Autograph Sessions & Merchandise Sales: Conducting scheduled autograph sessions and/or selling approved personal merchandise, subject to separate written terms.

1.2 Guest shall devote sufficient time and attention to fulfill scheduled appearances (typically four (4) hours) and arrive on time for all commitments.

1.3 Professional Conduct: Guest shall at all times conduct themselves professionally, respectfully, and in compliance with Organizer’s Code of Conduct (provided separately or available at https://anifest.org/terms-and-conditions). Prohibited conduct includes harassment, discrimination, intoxication, illegal activity, unauthorized weapon/prop use, or any behavior that disrupts the Event or harms attendees, staff, or other guests. Violations may result in immediate removal, forfeiture of compensation/benefits, and exclusion from future events.

2. COMPENSATION & REIMBURSEMENTS

2.1 Compensation: Organizer shall provide Guest with the compensation and benefits outlined in email or separately agreed in writing, which may include honorarium, travel reimbursement, lodging, badges, and/or other perks.

2.2 Expense Reimbursement: Reimbursable expenses (e.g., airfare, ground transport, hotel) must be pre-approved in writing, economy-class unless otherwise agreed, and submitted with receipts within 14 days after the Event. Organizer will reimburse within 30 days of approved submission.

2.3 Merchandise Revenue: If Guest sells merchandise under a special partnership agreement with intellectual property as belonging to JCEG, Inc, Guest shall pay Organizer a fixed revenue venue/commission fee (or flat fee) on gross sales, payable within 7 days post-event as determined by both parties in writing.

3. NON-DISPARAGEMENT

3.1 Guest agrees not to make, publish, or encourage any false, defamatory, or disparaging statements (oral, written, or electronic, including on social media) about Organizer, the Event, its sponsors, staff, volunteers, venue, or attendees.

3.2 Any concerns or grievances must be communicated directly and confidentially to Organizer in writing for internal resolution before any public discussion.

3.3 This clause does not restrict truthful statements made in response to legal process or protected whistleblower activity.

3.4 Breach may result in termination of this Agreement, forfeiture of compensation, and potential legal remedies, including damages.

4. CONFIDENTIALITY (NDA)

4.1 Guest may receive Confidential Information, defined as non-public information regarding Event logistics, security protocols, budgets, sponsorships, unannounced guests/programming, vendor contracts, or other proprietary matters.

4.2 Guest shall not disclose, use, or distribute Confidential Information to any third party without Organizer’s prior written consent.

4.3 Obligations survive termination of this Agreement indefinitely (or for 5 years post-Event for non-trade-secret information).

4.4 Exceptions: Information that is publicly known (through no fault of Guest), independently developed, or required by law (with prior notice to Organizer).

4.5 Breach may result in injunctive relief and damages.

5. MEDIA RIGHTS & LIKENESS RELEASE

5.1 Guest grants Organizer an irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual license to photograph, record, livestream, and use Guest’s name, likeness, voice, performance, and biographical material captured at the Event for promotional, archival, and commercial purposes (including Event highlights, social media, websites, and future marketing).

5.2 Guest waives any right of inspection or approval and releases Organizer from claims related to such use (e.g., privacy, publicity, defamation).

6. SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION

6.1 Guest agrees to promote their appearance at the Event on their public social media accounts (e.g., Instagram, X/Twitter, TikTok, YouTube) with at least one (1) original post prior to the Event, using designated hashtags (#AniFest2026, etc.) and tagging Organizer’s official accounts.

6.2 Posts shall be positive and professional. Organizer will provide promotional assets upon request.

7. SAFETY, SECURITY & COMPLIANCE

7.1 Guest shall comply with all venue rules, security protocols, emergency procedures, and applicable laws.

7.2 Props/weapons must be peace-bonded and pre-approved; live steel or functional firearms are prohibited.

7.3 Guest shall visibly display provided badges at all times in restricted areas.

7.4 Guest shall provide emergency contact information and disclose any medical conditions or allergies that may require accommodation or emergency response.

8. FORCE MAJEURE

8.1 Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform (except payment obligations) due to causes beyond reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, government orders, pandemics, strikes, venue unavailability, or power/internet outages.

8.2 The affected party shall promptly notify the other. Organizer may cancel, postpone, or modify the Event without liability and shall make good-faith efforts to reschedule Guest or provide alternative compensation.

9. CANCELLATION

9.1 By Organizer: Organizer may cancel Guest’s appearance at any time for breach, safety concerns, low ticket sales, or other reasons, upon written notice. Organizer will reimburse pre-approved non-refundable expenses and may provide partial honorarium at its discretion.

9.2 By Guest: Guest must provide written notice of cancellation. If more than 60 days prior: no penalty. 30–60 days prior: Guest forfeits any advance payments. Less than 30 days prior (or no-show): Guest shall reimburse Organizer for non-refundable expenses incurred on Guest’s behalf and may be barred from future events.

10. INDEMNIFICATION

10.1 Guest shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Organizer, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, sponsors, and venue from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from Guest’s breach, negligence, willful misconduct, or violation of law.

10.2 Organizer shall similarly indemnify Guest for claims arising solely from Organizer’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK

11.1 Guest participates voluntarily and assumes all risks inherent in Event activities, travel, and public interactions (including illness, injury, theft).

11.2 Organizer’s total liability shall not exceed amounts paid to Guest hereunder. Neither party is liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages.

12. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

12.1 Any dispute arising from this Agreement shall be resolved through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Commercial Rules, in Los Angeles County, California.

12.2 The arbitrator’s decision is final and binding. Each party bears its own costs; prevailing party may recover reasonable attorneys’ fees.

12.3 This does not prevent seeking interim injunctive relief in court.

13. GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any non-arbitrated actions shall be brought exclusively in California courts.

14. MISCELLANEOUS

14.1 Entire Agreement: This Agreement (including exhibits) constitutes the full understanding and supersedes prior agreements.

14.2 Amendments: Must be in writing signed by both parties.

14.3 Severability: Invalid provisions shall not affect others.

14.4 Assignment: Guest may not assign without Organizer’s consent; Organizer may assign.

14.5 Notices: In writing via email or certified mail to addresses provided.

14.6 Independent Contractor: Guest is an independent contractor, not an employee.

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Signed by Japanese Cultural Exposition Group
Signed On: January 28, 2026

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February 9, 2025 10:20 pm PST

GUEST AGREEMENT Uploaded by Japanese Cultural Exposition Group - drew@anifest.org IP 172.56.234.45