Welcome to the Katsucon Exhibitor page! It is our goal each year to fill this space with some of the best wares possible! From Japanese Anime figures to plushies and more, we strive for a fun environment that will leave your wallet lighter and your suitcase heavier! Each year we look forward to applications from Exhibitors across the country offering unique high-quality merchandise for even the most discerning types!
Everything you need to know is outlined in our Exhibitor Packet. All Exhibitors are expected to read the packet to completion and understand all policies and procedures within. By applying to Katsucon Merchants Hall, you are agreeing to all the policies and procedures outlined in the Exhibitor Packet and any changes made by Katsucon Leadership with or without notice. Information in the packet can change from year to year.
Click here for the Exhibitor Packet
Click here for the Merchants Application
Click here for the Cons/Clubs Application
Our Application Process
- All exhibitors must submit an application to be considered for Katsucon Merchants Hall
- It is the Exhibitor’s responsibility to check announcements when applications open or close
- All applications go through an independent jury system
- Some aspects they look for are professional/unique displays, quality of merchandise, uniqueness of merchandise offered, the fit with the convention environment, and more
- Pictures of booth layouts are REQUIRED to move forward in the application process
- If you do not have a picture, please create a mockup and submit that, as well as a picture of the merchandise you will be offering.
- Make sure all websites/links/resources provided are in working order and not password protected. If jurors cannot access your links, they cannot judge them
- Acceptable media link/methods of submission include:
- a public Facebook photo album
- Website
- Tumblr/Instagram or other social media link
- Emailed pictures are not an acceptable method due to high volumes of emails
- Acceptable media link/methods of submission include:
- Exhibitors may apply for both Artist Alley and Merchants Hall if their merchandise fits the rules/standards for each
- Exhibitors may only vend in one hall. Acceptance in one hall will result in an automatic rejection of the other application
- Please double check the Exhibitors Packet. All non-compliant merchandise will be rejected
- Every application cycle is a clean slate for all exhibitors. Please understand that there is a high volume of interest in the Merchants Hall and we have limited booth space
- Because of the overwhelming demand, we cannot offer a table to everyone who applies. If denied/waitlisted, Exhibitors are encouraged to apply again next year
- After submission, Exhibitors will receive an email informing them if they are accepted, declined, or placed on our waitlist
- Please do not email staff about application status UNLESS an announcement is made that emails have gone out and you did not receive one
- We understand that denial/waitlisting can be frustrating. Please be respectful when emailing staff and understand that decisions are final
- No Refunds/Roll-Overs
- No late applications are accepted
Merchants Hall Hours of Operation
| Day | Date | Open for Setup* | Open for Early Access* | Open for Attendees | Close Down |
| Thursday | February 11 | 7:00 PM | N/A | N/A | 2:00 AM |
| Friday | February 12 | 9:00 AM | 11:30 AM | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | February 13 | 9:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | February 14 | 9:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
Location: Prince George Exhibit Halls A, B, & C
Merchants Hall Pricing
Vendor Booth Space Prices and Amenities
| 1 Standard Merchant Booth | $500.00 | Non-refundable | Includes one (1) 10ft x 10ft booth space Includes two (2) complimentary badges per booth Maximum of four (4) booths may be purchased Payment is processed upon application approval |
| Corner Space Upgrade | $200.00 | Non-refundable | Request for a corner booth. Not guaranteed Must be added to a booth purchase (not a standalone item) Example: 1 booth + corner upgrade = $700.00 total |
| End Cap Upgrade | $500.00 | Non-refundable | Request for an endcap booth. Not guaranteed Requires a minimum purchase of two (2) booth spaces Must be added to a booth purchase (not a standalone item) Endcaps are limited Example: 2 booths + endcap upgrade = $1,500.00 total |
| Additional Badge Fee | $85.00 | Non-refundable | Purchased badges in addition to the two (2) complimentary badges per 10ft x 10ft booth space Up to four (4) additional badges may be purchased for each 10ft x 10ft booth space Recommended for purchase after acceptance |
Merchants Hall Helpful Hints
- Read through the Exhibitor Packet for complete information
- Food sales are not permitted
- I.E. sodas, candy, or other edible items
- Raffles of any kind are prohibited unless all conditions are met as outlined in the Exhibitor Packet
- Weapons (except for foam, wood, or prop weapons) may not be sold
- Fan Art is not permitted to be sold in any form
- Fan art includes but is not limited to any use of copyrighted/trademarked assets/characters/images used in an unlicensed manner
- Any merchant found to be selling fan art will be given a verbal warning to remove those products. If the items are not removed/are brought back, the vendor will be removed from the Merchants Hall with no refund
- Proxy selling, booth sharing, and AI generated art are prohibited
- Maryland law prohibits selling or dispensing contact lenses, including decorative lenses, without a valid and unexpired prescription
- Wi-Fi, electricity, telephone, and shipping/storage services are available for purchase through the Gaylord National Convention Center. The link to purchase will be provided to accepted vendors at a later date
Exhibitor Expectations
- All Exhibitors are expected to double check their booth space location upon check-in
- Space assignments can change up to the day of the con
- Please give staff 3-4 days to respond to emails
- If you do not receive a response at this time, you are encouraged to follow up
- Any Exhibitors with approved special requests/accommodations are encouraged to follow up a month before the convention to make sure things are set
- Exhibitors must be on time and present during all hall operation hours. Exhibitors that no-show, leave early, arrive late, etc. may affect their acceptance into the hall the following year
- A valid government issued ID is required for check in
- Vendors will need to provide their certificate of insurance to KEI 30 days prior to show weekend
- Exhibitors must keep a copy of their Maryland state tax affidavit in their booth at all times
- Instructions on how to obtain the tax ID are in the Exhibitors Packet
- Katsucon cannot assist with or answer tax questions/issues. A tax affidavit must be displayed at all booths vending merchandise, at all times
- Fillable Exhibitor affidavits are available on the application
- Exhibitors are expected to read through the Exhibitors Packet and follow all Katsucon and GNRCC policies
- Harassment/disrespect towards staff and/or attendees will not be tolerated; this includes but is not limited to verbally or online
Click here for the Exhibitor Packet
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Merchants Team via our email [email protected] for more information. We look forward to seeing you soon!