Exhibitors

Exhibit Hall Overview

As the one-stop bazaar of anime goods and wares, the Exhibit Hall is the centralized spot to find official merchandise alongside fan creations for sale. Exhibitors include the following:

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Vendors

Vendors generally sell merchandise that is manufactured by a third-party company other than the respective exhibitor. Typically, these exhibitors offer official product lines.

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Artists

Artists sell merchandise self-produced and created by the respective exhibitor. These exhibitors usually sell products that are original ideas/IP or fan-derivative (think fan art and fan fiction). Artists have personally made or designed 80% or more of their stock and do not sell third-party items.

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Other exhibitors

• Food Vendor (can be inside Exhibit Hall): Interested in feeding attendees? Email exhibitors@dreamconvention.com‍
• Gaming (outside of Exhibit Hall): Have some game goods or a new tabletop game to highlight? Email gaming@dreamconvention.com‍
• Table Swap (outside of Exhibit Hall): Looking to cross-promote your event? Email exhibitors@dreamconvention.com‍
• Career Fair (outside of Exhibit Hall): Showcasing your company’s jobs?
  Email partnerships@dreamconvention.com‍
• Partner (can be inside Exhibit Hall): Want to sponsor Dream Con 2025? Complete and submit the 2025 Dream Con Partner Inquiry Form‍

NOTE: Exhibitor Badges are not transferable or upgrade-able to Premium or any other badge type. Persons interested in the ultimate fan experience are encouraged to purchase or retain standard general admission weekend badges in addition to their Exhibitor badges.

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Deadlines

Exhibitor Application Opens

september 18, 2024

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Exhibitor Application Closes

january 31, 2025

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Exhibitors are notified of their status on a rolling basis throughout the open application window. All applicants will be informed by APRIL 30, 2025.

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Booth Inclusions

Vendor Booth

• 10x10 space
• One (1) 6 ft skirted table
• One (1) wastebasket
• Two (2) chairs
• Pipe and drape (back and sides)
• ID sign
• Two (2) Exhibitor Admission Badges (NOTE: These are not transferable or upgrade-able to Premium or any other badge type. Persons interested in the ultimate fan experience are encouraged to purchase or retain standard general admission weekend badges in addition to their Exhibitor badges.)

Artist Table

• One (1) 6 ft table
• One (1) wastebasket
• Two (2) chairs
• Pipe and Drape (back wall only)
• ID sign
• Two (2) Exhibitor Admission Badges (NOTE: These are not transferable or upgrade-able to Premium or any other badge type. Persons interested in the ultimate fan experience are encouraged to purchase or retain standard general admission weekend badges in addition to their Exhibitor badges.)

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*Extra tables, electrical needs, and other special accommodations will be provided through a third-party company at an additional cost to the exhibitor. Accepted exhibitors will be provided with the necessary information before the con.

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Prices

Vendor Booth - $1200 and includes two (2) admission badges to Dream Con.

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Artist Table - $400 and includes two (2) admission badges to Dream Con.

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For more information on multiple booths/tables:

Vendor Booth Information

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Artist Table Information

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How to Apply

Dream Con 2025 Exhibit Hall - Vendor Application

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Dream Con 2025 Exhibit Hall - Artist Application

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Upon completing the application, you will receive a confirmation email of your submission. Afterwards, the Dream Con team will review applications on a rolling basis throughout the open window period (September 2024 to January 2025) with full notification issued to all by April 30, 2025.

Due to the high volume of submissions, we appreciate your patience as we personally consider and review each application. After submitting your application, be on the lookout for an email from the team for a status update.

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Pro tip: Include exhibitors@dreamconvention.com to your Address Book so that we’re prioritized in your inbox instead of hidden in your Spam folder.

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2025 Shipment Updates

With the new location change to Houston, there will be changes to the shipment and load-in process that may incur additional pass through fees due to 3rd party policies. We will communicate these changes to APPROVED applicants as soon as the Exhibit Hall team receives finalized expectations.

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Application Information

• Business name
• Legal business name
• Contact name
• Address
• Email
• Phone
• Website (Optional)
• Logo (Optional)
• What type of merchandise do you plan to sell?
• What are your featured fandom merchandise categories?
• Describe what your booth setup may look like (i.e. retractable banners, inflatable mascots, LED lights, interactive demos or activities etc.) Please be as specific as possible. Photo uploads and product links are encouraged.
• What's your business Twitter link?
• What's your business Instagram link?
• What's your business TikTok link?
• What's your business YouTube link?
• What's your business Twitch link?
• What's your business Facebook link?
• What's your business LinkedIn link?
• If you plan to sell merchandise at Dream Con, please provide a valid Texas Taxpayer Identification number for your business. You may also upload a copy of your Texas Sales Tax Permit if you wish to do so instead.
• In order to better support Dream Con exhibitors with potential growth and opportunities, our team would like to know more about your business needs. Responses to the following questions are entirely optional:
• Is your business owned by any of the following?
• Where are you based?
• How many employees do you have?
• How many conventions do you sell at every year on average?
• What is your annual revenue?
• Are you looking for assistance in any of the following services?
• What services is your business willing to offer to other vendors?

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Securing Your Pass

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We recommend purchasing a badge during the public release if you would like to guarantee entry to Dream Con in the event you are not chosen to participate as a Vendor/Artist. If you are not selected to be a vendor, Dream Con is not able to offer ticket purchases outside of the general public ticket drops. 

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Once your application is approved, you will be allowed to purchase two (2) additional Dream Con 2025 Exhibitor badges for each booth/table purchased at $150 per additional badge purchased. For example, if you purchase a Triple Booth/Table, your purchase will come included with six (6) Dream Con 2025 Exhibitor badges, and you will be able to purchase six (6) additional badges at $150 each.

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Upon being approved to exhibit as a Vendor/Artist in the Dream Con Exhibit Hall, our team will prompt you to respond with your Order ID via email so that we may issue a ticket exchange or provide a discount code to apply to your booth purchase. In the event you do not receive a confirmation email, contact exhibitors@dreamconvention.com to verify your Exhibit Hall acceptance status.

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NOTE: Exhibitor are not transferable or upgrade-able to Premium or any other badge type. Persons interested in the ultimate fan experience are encouraged to purchase or retain standard general admission weekend badges in addition to their Exhibitor badges.

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Exhibitor Badge Access

Benefits:

• Weekend entry to general convention space
• Skipline for main entrances into the building *Note: this benefit does NOT apply to programming areas such as the mainstage, gaming hall, etc.‍
• Access to loading docks during load-in/out days & times

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Limitations:

• This badge does NOT allow Exhibitors into exclusive areas such as the Deluxe Lounge, Industry Lounge, Green Room, Staff marked Areas, back-of-house hallways for the venue, or backstage.
• Exhibitor badges do NOT allow skipline access nor reserved seating for any events or programming spaces.

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Any inclusions added to this badge’s access will be communicated by the official Dream Con Exhibitors Team.

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Selling Restrictions

All adult materials must be either behind the table. If showcased on the table or display rack, materials must be bagged or covered so that minors may not open it. Exhibitors agree not to sell any adult materials to minors. Violating this rule is cause for immediate dismissal from the show with no refund, and being banned from any future events hosted by the show's management.

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No Bootleg DVDs or CDs. Representatives from various studios will be at the convention. Anyone selling unauthorized merchandise that infringes upon their copyright or licensing agreements (or any other studios) will be asked to leave the show. No refunds will be given if you break this rule and are asked to leave.

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Dream Con has a no firearm policy for the entire duration of the convention and will be enforced. However, cosplay props will be allowed as long as they cannot be mistaken for real weapons. Cosplay weapon props must adhere to the rules:

• We will allow realistic looking prop guns that have brightly-colored tips. Must be able to prove that it is not an actual weapon and cannot be used. BB guns will not be allowed.
• Projectile weapons such as water guns, silly string guns, ping-pong pistols, airsoft guns, etc. must be non-functioning. Must be able to prove that nothing will be able to shoot from the weapon. Example: Water gun tips and triggers will need to be hot glued shut so that nothing will shoot out or that the trigger cannot be pulled
• No metal weapons, sharp weapons, or blunt weapons (baseball bats, bokken, etc.)
• Prop bows will be allowed providing they are unstrung. All arrows must have soft tips.
• All plastic and wooden props must be reviewed by security

Associated Talent & Entertainment Policy

Dream Con kindly request all approved exhibitors consult and attain written approval from the event leadership for any official or unofficial talent (especially high-profile persons or groups) to appear at a table or booth within the exhibit hall during normal operation hours. Hosts, musicians, actors, performers, and other entertainment entities or public figures solicited independently by an approved exhibitor without a Dream Con partnership contract will not be classified or promoted as official Dream Con talent. Thus, access may not be permitted to talent-related complimentary accommodations including, but not limited to, green room, travel, lodging, food, security detail, etc. Exhibitors are highly encouraged to pursue direct consultation with the Dream Con leadership no less than 30 days from the first day of on-site event operations if an independent or affiliated entertainment entity/public figure associated with an approved exhibitor without a Dream Con partnership contract expresses interest in the aforementioned accommodations or appearances in the exhibit hall under any circumstance. This protocol is critical to ensure the safety and satisfactory experience of all attendees.

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Refund Policy

All sales are final for all booth purchases and, therefore, non-refundable. All booths are non-transferable to any other Dream Con event. This also includes all badges. Dream Con reserves the right to change the Refund, Transfer, and Resale Policy at any time without notification.

Improving My Application Odds

• We recommend having your application assets (business website and supportive photos) be as polished as possible so that we have a more solidified understanding of your business viability.
• Quality over quantity. Multiple submissions does not increase your odds of acceptance.
• Change your “Share” permissions to be visible to those with the links when providing cloud-based storage folders in the application.
• Please proofread. Use Grammarly if needed.
• Be pleasant and patient. Excessive harassment and/or aggressive treatment of Dream Con staff will not be tolerated.
• Any submissions that plagiarize products or designs will be denied.
• First time vending ever? Be bold and apply anyway. We welcome newcomers that are looking to explore the exhibitors' experience.
• Feel free to reach out to exhibitors@dreamconvention.com for concerns/questions you have.
• NOTE: Due to volume of submissions, only selected applications receive correspondence as they move through the process. We appreciate your understanding.

• QUALIFIED PRESS APPLICANTS MUST:
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Using Dream Con or RDCWorld Assets & Trademarks in a Product Idea

Any exhibitors with intent to use the trademarks, likeness, or intellectual property of RDCWorld or Dream Con must submit requests to exhibitors@dreamconvention.com, receive written approval, and agree to the additional licensing terms no later than 60 days prior to Dream Con.

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Failure to do so may result in Dream Con staff not permitting the display or sale of those respective items at the convention. Deliberate violations or attempts to circumvent this protocol with unauthorized goods and services may result in an exhibitor’s removal from Dream Con or attendance restrictions for future events at staff discretion.

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Exhibitor Terms and Conditions

We are very happy to have so many great exhibitors at Dream Con! To make sure we are all on the same page, here are the policies and rules for Exhibitors.

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1. Booths must remain intact and manned throughout the hours of the convention and may not be dismantled prior to the closing of the convention without authorization from

Convention Operations. Dream Con will not be held responsible for any issues arising from an unmanned booth during show hours.

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2. Exhibitors must comply with all local, state, and federal laws, and will not hold management liable for any breaches, losses, injury, or damage to themselves or their property. All exhibitors agree to hold blameless Dream Con and all Dream Con staff members and workers against any loss, damage, theft, expenses, claims, or actions arising from any personal or property damage, loss, or theft due to said exhibitors participation in Dream Con. Exhibitors should take reasonable measures to cover their items before they leave their booths at night. Exhibitors are responsible for their own security during show hours.

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3. Dream Con will NOT provide or maintain insurance coverage for exhibitor’s persons or property, and it is their sole responsibility to obtain insurance covering the loss.

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4. Dream Con does not endorse any exhibitor’s merchandise, exhibits, views, beliefs, or actions. All merchandise bought or sold at Dream Con is done strictly between exhibitors and attendees, Dream Con is NOT a party to or responsible in any way for 

any transactions made between said parties.

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5. No Vaping Pen, Vape, Tobacco, or Alcohol is allowed on the Premises unless purchased through the Austin Convention Center.

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6. No Bootleg DVDs or CDs. Representatives from various studios will be at the convention. Anyone selling unauthorized merchandise that infringes upon their copyright or licensing agreements (or any other studios) will be asked to leave the show. No refunds will be given if you break this rule and are asked to leave.

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7. No outside food vendors are allowed.

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8. All adult materials must be either behind the table. If showcased on the table or display rack, materials must be bagged or covered so that minors may not open it. Exhibitors agree not to sell any adult materials to minors. Violating this rule is cause for immediate dismissal from the show with no refund, and being banned from any future events hosted by the show's management.

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9. No sales on-site or promotion for online or off-site sales of any guns real or replica.

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10. State tax is the responsibility of the artist/vendor to collect according to state laws.

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11. No exhibit may block or interfere with other exhibits or aisle space. Any damage caused to the building or its furnishings by the Exhibitor is the sole responsibility of the Artist/Exhibitor.

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12. Should you (the exhibitor) find that you are not able to attend Dream Con and have already paid for your space, the policy is as follows: All sales are final for all booth purchases and, therefore, non-refundable. All booths are non-transferable to any other Dream Con event.

a. This also includes all badges.

b. Dream Con reserves the right to change the Refund, Transfer, and Resale Policy at any time without notification.

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13. Abandoned Property: Any property not removed from the Austin Convention Center that has not been claimed within forty-eight (48) hours following the end of the event will be considered abandoned by the Exhibitor.

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14. Any exhibitors with intent to use the trademarks, likeness, or intellectual property of RDCWorld or Dream Con must submit requests to exhibitors@dreamconvention.com, receive written approval, and agree to the additional licensing terms no later than 60 days prior to the first day of on-site operations at the Dream Con event. Failure to do so may result in Dream Con staff not permitting the display or sale of those respective items at the convention. Deliberate violations or attempts to circumvent this protocol with unauthorized goods and services may result in an exhibitor’s removal from Dream Con or attendance restrictions for future events at staff discretion.

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15. Dream Con reserves the right to change, amend, and add to the rules and regulations of the show at any time. In the event that new rules are added that prevent you from selling your core product, you will be notified and refunded in full.

‍All questions may be directed to exhibitors@dreamconvention.com.