Again, we haven't discussed the specifics of this yet; there'll be a lot of fine-tuned do's and don'ts available on the website farther down the road, so that everybody will know what's up before the con, and (with luck) there won't be any embarrassment or problems for attendees when they arrive.
I'm pretty sure we won't be allowing anything with a metal blade - no swords, knives, stuff like that. For a "Highlander" con, that might be appropriate for the costuming, but not QL. No guns or anything that looks like a gun.
We're not trying to restrict anybody's fun - just keep in mind, it'll be a crowded event. Something that might seem harmless and mundane could cause a problem if someone got accidentally jabbed or smacked with it, or tripped over it.
Keep in mind, too, that the hotel may have health/safety rules of its own that the con committee has no say in.
As far as the availability of autographs, we're hoping that ALL of our guests will be willing and able to sign, but it's up to each one of them to make that decision. We have determined that anyone who will sign autographs cannot charge a fee for them (nor will the con charge a fee; it's included in your ticket price). Signing hundreds of autographs is tiring for the person involved, but we will request it of each guest and will try our best to post the information ahead of time, again so no one is crushed and disappointed when they arrive. We're all working very hard to avoid rude surprises on con weekend -- for anyone.
I'll add another note here, since it would include the autographing sessions - if you've got it in your head that you'd like some physical contact with one of the guests, ASK THEM FOR PERMISSION. Say, "May I shake your hand?" Emma just attended a con last weekend where the main guest was physically tackled and kissed on the mouth by a con-goer, and I can't tell you how many different ways that's wrong. Nobody likes to be grabbed (or assaulted).
That said...we really appreciate all the questions from you guys. We're going to do our best to provide everything you're hoping for, and there may be situations you've thought of that haven't occurred to us. Emma and I have experienced other cons where the committee wasn't responsive to questions, and we're trying our best not to be added to that list. So even if it seems like a dumb question, ask away!