Planet Anime Kansas City is adding a new fun feature! Welcome to the world of Ribbon Collecting and Trading!

Badge ribbons are small pieces of ribbon that are embossed, that attach with an adhesive strip to the bottom of a badge or to the bottom of the next ribbon in the chain. They are a tradition at many pop culture conventions and have recently found their way to Planet Anime KC.

Planet Anime KC has created for purchase a special badge and lanyard set for those who want to participate. This can be pre-ordered on our ticketing page or purchased on-site at the Merch Booth. Keep reading below for Ribbon Etiquette.

Click HERE to pre-purchase the badge and lanyard!

About Badge Ribbons

Most badge ribbons are created by members outside of the convention for a cost, but distributed for free. Badge ribbons come in a wide range of styles and colors and it’s up to the individual to create and distribute their own badge ribbons should they choose to participate. Ribbon distribution is usually open and available to anyone, perhaps with caveats such as speaking a certain phrase or wearing a particular costume.

Ribbon Etiquette

Here are some tips for collecting and distributing ribbons at Planet Anime KC:

  • If you see someone freely handing out ribbons, it’s okay to approach them and ask, “May I please have a ribbon?”
  • People hand out ribbons as part of a game. It’s okay to ask them how to get one of their ribbons, but it is usually frowned upon to ask for a ribbon without playing their game.
  • If someone declines to give you one of their ribbons for whatever reason, accept their decision politely.
  • When someone hands a ribbon to another person or engages in a behavior suggesting they are being secretive, it’s impolite to ask them for a ribbon. They could be low on ribbons.
  • It is frowned upon to randomly walk up to strangers and ask, “Do you have a ribbon?” Ribbons cost money to print and one may not choose to hand them out freely.
  • The best way to get ribbons is to create and offer your own ribbons for trade. If you see someone with ribbons but they are not giving them to everybody we suggest you ask “Are your ribbons available for trading?”
  • Ways to politely decline ribbon requests include “I’m sorry, but this ribbon was specifically made for friends.” Or “I’m sorry, this ribbon is for people who speak a password.”