February 12–14, 2027 • Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center • National Harbor, Maryland

Overview

Thank you for your interest in the 2027 Katsucon Convention (Katsucon 2027) Artist Alley. This packet provides the key information artists need to apply, prepare, and participate successfully in the event.

Katsucon 2027 will take place February 12–14, 2027 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Artist Alley will be in Prince George Exhibit Hall D and E on the lower level of the venue.

Artist Alley is intended for approved artists and exhibiting work they have created. Katsucon uses a juried process to curate a balanced, engaging, and varied artist lineup for attendees while supporting artists’ opportunities for success.

Event Details and Contacts

Convention Information

Katsucon 2027 is the 32nd annual event and will be held February 12–14, 2027 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745. The venue phone number listed is 301-965-4000.

Artist Alley Contact

Artist Alley inquiries may be directed to [email protected] or Katsucon’s Eventeny messaging system.

General Katsucon Convention Contact

For general convention matters, [email protected].

There are a few easy steps and tips to complete the Artist Alley table application process:

During the application process, you will be asked to confirm that you have read and understand the entire Katsucon 2027 Artist Info Packet.

Submit your application via Eventeny between July 1–15, 2026.

Ensure your email and portfolio links are working, active, and easily accessible (i.e. no passwords)

Wait for jury results. This process takes about 8 weeks. If accepted, you’ll receive an Eventeny approval email, and the payment will be taken automatically. We will give about a week’s notice before the approval emails go out.

Receive your table assignment and further instructions via email in the following months.

Selection is not first-come, first-served. Applications are reviewed through a jury process, so artists should focus on submitting complete and accurate information rather than rushing. If an applicant is not initially accepted, they may be placed on a waitlist as a backup to fill in for cancelled artists.

Artists should include a current portfolio link and at least one clear photo of a table setup, whether from a previous event or a home setup. A digital mock-up is acceptable as well.

Table Options

Standard Artist Table Space — $400

One aisle-facing 6-foot by 30-inch table

Two chairs

One tablecloth

One Artist Badge

Up to two additional Artist Badges may be purchased for $85 each.

Premium Artist Table Space — $800

Two aisle-facing 6-foot by 30-inch tables in an L-shaped corner configuration

Two chairs

Two tablecloths

Two Artist Badges

Up to three additional Artist Badges may be purchased for $85 each.

If all Premium spaces are assigned before an application is reached, the artist will be offered a Standard Artist Table Space instead. Premium setups may be arranged to a preferred configuration if the setup remains safe and does not extend into neighboring spaces.

Artist Badges

Artist Badges are convention badges with Artist Alley access privileges. They allow badge holders to enter during designated setup periods and participate in the convention without purchasing a separate attendee’s badge.

The primary artist is responsible for all badge holders assigned to their table. Badges must remain visible while in convention areas, and only individuals wearing Artist Badges may sit behind Artist Alley tables. Badges and table assignments are non-transferable.

Lost badges are the responsibility of the artist. Lost badges will not be replaced or refunded. Replacement badges would have to be repurchased at the current rate charged for attendee badges.

Hours of Operation

Day	Date	Setup Opens	Open to VIPs	Open to Attendees	Closed to All
Thursday	February 11, 2027	5:00 PM*	N/A	N/A	10:00 PM
Friday	February 12, 2027	8:00 AM	11:30 PM	12:00 PM–8:00 PM	8:30 PM
Saturday	February 13, 2027	9:00 AM	9:30 AM	10:00 AM– 7:00 PM	7:30 PM
Sunday	February 14, 2027	9:00 AM	9:30 AM	10:00 AM– 3:00 PM	5:00 PM

* Subject to change based on hall readiness. Loading dock details will be communicated closer to the convention.

Artists may not enter the exhibit hall outside the authorized hours. All materials must be removed by 5:00 PM on Sunday.

Rules and Policies

Eligibility and Participation

Artists must be at least 18 years old to apply.

Artists are limited to one table space. Premium corner spaces count as one table space.

Table sharing is not permitted. Artist table space is for the approved artist only. Sharing, selling, or subletting any artist table space is not permitted.

Proxy or agented sales are not permitted. Artists must be present at the convention to sell their work. Selling another artist’s work is not permitted.

Studios may display only collaborative work created by participating members present at the convention.

You may apply for both Merchants Hall and Artist Alley but must choose only one. Dual exhibiting in both Artist Alley and the Merchants Hall is prohibited and may result in removal from the convention.

Application and Check-In Requirements

A valid government-issued photo ID is required at check-in.

The legal name on the ID must match the name on the application, subject to approved accommodations for legal name changes. All accommodations for this requirement must be approved in writing by no later than 5 p.m. February 10.

Artists anticipating late arrival should contact Artist Alley staff as soon as possible.

Tables not claimed by 5:00 PM on Friday, February 12, may be reassigned through the no-show lottery process.

Table Conduct and Setup

The primary artist must be present at the table for most open hours, including VIP hours.

If the primary artist is not present at the table, they must be reasonably reachable by phone or email.

Artist, studio, or business names must be clearly displayed at the table, and the displayed name must be provided in the application.

All displays must be safe, stable, and fully contained within the assigned space.

Displays may not block aisles, entrances, exits, or neighboring tables.

Only two people may occupy the space behind a Standard table at one time; up to four people may occupy the space behind a Premium table.

Artists must move vehicles from the loading dock before beginning setup.

Artists are responsible for keeping their area clean throughout the event.

Merchandise and Content Rules

Fan art is permitted. Original work is strongly encouraged.

All merchandise sold must be meaningfully created or substantially altered by the artist.

Artwork generated through artificial intelligence systems is not permitted.

Photo bashing or collaging using official artwork is not permitted.

Files used for 3D printing, wood burning, carving, etching, or similar processes must be the

artist’s original work. Proof of authorship may be requested.

Mystery or grab bag items must accurately represent the type of merchandise at the table and follow all other merchandise and venue rules.

Professional Conduct

Please treat staff, volunteers, attendees, and fellow artists with respect.

Harassment, intimidation, discrimination, and unsafe behavior are not permitted.

Hawking, yelling, or aggressive attempts to draw attention to a table are strictly prohibited.

Music or audio must be kept at a low volume and may be restricted if disruptive.

Adult Materials

Katsucon is a family-friendly event.

Adult merchandise 18+ (Visual or written materials with explicit sexual content or nudity also products specifically designed for use during intimate activities) must remain behind the table and covered or otherwise blocked from public view.

Artists are responsible for verifying that customers are at least 18 before allowing someone to view or purchase age-restricted material.

Graphic artwork or explicit language must be appropriately censored from public view.

Depictions of minors, whether real or fictional, in adult situations are strictly prohibited.

Artist Alley staff may require removal of any item deemed inappropriate for the event.

Food, Safety, and Venue Restrictions

Food and beverage sales are not permitted in Artist Alley.

Personal food and drinks may be kept behind the table for personal consumption only.

Candy may be distributed for free.

Open flames, incense, vapor machines, smoke machines, fog machines, aerosol cans, airbrushes, and other hazardous or disruptive equipment are prohibited.

Heavy odors, strong fragrances, or similar conditions that disrupt the shared environment are not permitted.

Taxes, Payment, and Refunds

Table payments are non-refundable. All sales are final.

Payment instructions will be provided only to approved artists.

Artists are responsible for collecting and remitting applicable taxes, including 6% Maryland sales tax as required by law.

Security and Liability

Each artist is responsible for the security of their table, materials, and merchandise.

Katsucon is not responsible for loss, theft, damage, fire, or similar causes affecting artist property.

All venue rules and all local, county, state, and federal laws remain in effect.

Rule violations may result in removal from Artist Alley, loss of privileges, and possible impact on future eligibility.

Prohibited Items and Activities

Unlicensed, counterfeit, bootleg, or pirated merchandise

Resale or garage-sale style merchandise not created by the artist

Weapons, including swords, guns, and projectile items

Henna tattoos, body painting, or other art applied directly to another person’s body

Raffles, unless authorized in writing.

Sales from hotel rooms or from locations outside Artist Alley

Signs posted on venue walls

Racist, hateful, political, or intentionally inflammatory merchandise intended to provoke or harass others

No-Show Artist Table Lottery

Tables not claimed by 5:00 PM on Friday may be reassigned through a no-show lottery.

The lottery is open to artists regardless of prior application status.

Registration begins when the hall opens on Friday.

Artists entering must provide their name, business or studio name, portfolio or website information, and a mobile phone number.

One entry per artist is permitted. Duplicate entries are disqualified.

Artists must be physically present to enter, be selected, claim a table, and submit payment.

Winners are selected randomly.

Lottery drawings continue until all available tables are assigned.

Lottery winners must comply with all Artist Alley rules and complete any required application steps before setup.

Loading dock access is not available for lottery winners during load-in.

Stamp Rally Guidance

Artists participating in a stamp rally are responsible for communicating their rules clearly and ensuring that participation remains safe, optional, and welcoming.

Clearly explain themes, rules, prizes, and any purchase requirements.

Keep participation low-pressure and enjoyable.

Make sure enough prizes are available for completed cards.

You do NOT need prior approval from Artist Alley staff.

Harassment Policy

Katsucon maintains a zero-tolerance harassment policy. Artists who experience harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or unsafe behavior should notify Artist Alley staff immediately so the situation can be addressed appropriately.

Participation and Liability

Participation in Katsucon activities carries inherent risks, including the possibility of personal injury, property damage, illness, and other unforeseen circumstances. By participating, attendees and artists accept responsibility for those risks.

Participants are expected to follow event rules, policies, and the Katsucon Code of Conduct. Violations may result in removal from the event without a refund.

Katsucon does not provide health, accident, or liability insurance coverage for participants. Artists are responsible for arranging any insurance they may want or need.

In an emergency, event staff may seek medical assistance on a participant’s behalf. Participants remain financially responsible for resulting medical expenses.

By attending Katsucon, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to the applicable policies governing participation in the event.

Final Notes

Official updates, deadlines, and application instructions should always be confirmed through official Katsucon communications, including the Katsucon website, social media sites, and the Katsucon 2027 Artist Alley page.