Scalpers ruin autograph sessions. Scalping of Funko Pop figures in particular is the number one source of the problem.
In 2023, Anime Expo's autographs were marred by a large group of organized scalpers (~30 people) who engaged in highly disruptive behavior in the waiting lines and when interacting with a certain Japanese guest. All of them brought Funko Pops to be signed. This year, AX banned Funko Pops from being signed by Japanese guests. As a result, scalpers lost their incentive to participate.
Other cons are learning from that. San Japan now also forbids Funko Pops from being s