Application Deadline: Sunday, December 1, 2024 11:59 CST
Notification of Application Decision: First week of January 2025
Scam warning: We've had reports of unauthorized parties claiming to represent or work with Naka-Kon and offering exhibitor room blocks. Naka-Kon does not offer a separate room block for exhibitors.
About Naka-Kon Exhibit Hall
Every year, Naka-Kon strives to design a diverse and exciting Exhibit Hall that supports our mission in celebrating Japanese pop culture and art. From reliable fan favorites, to new and exciting vendors and artists, our hall is always changing. Open all three days in Exhibit Halls A and B, you can often find exactly what you are looking for from our variety of artists and vendors.
While we wish to accept every application submitted, we are not able to do so. Limited space is the primary reason we cannot accept every applicant. Diversity is another reason. Oversaturation of our exhibit hall with the same or similar artists and vendors is poor business practice and unappealing to the attendees. While we want a fun and exciting hall, it is also important to us for you, the vendors and artists, to enjoy yourselves and make money too!
While we greatly appreciate having the applications filled out as soon as possible, booths are NOT assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis as there are many factors at play when it comes to picking our artists and vendors each year. Therefore, just because you have submitted the first application does not guarantee you will be assigned the first booth space. However, it will provide us time to get in contact with you if we have questions about your application and/or booth requirements. Keep in mind that it also helps us make our determinations faster if we have examples of your product or artwork. Please make sure to include your website link on the application or email examples of your product/artwork to vendors@naka-kon.com after completing this application.
If selected, you will receive confirmation via email along with payment options and a contract to fill out, sign, and return in order to guarantee your booth space. We will make final decisions on the applications no later than Monday, February 5, 2024. If additional time is needed to review applications, we will notify you by email.
Booth Specifications and Prices
Vendors Booths
Vendor booths at Naka-Kon are sold per 10’x10’ booth space, not by tables.
Each bare 10’x10’ booth space includes one uncovered 6’x18” table and one full-weekend convention badge. This excludes any pipe and drape surrounding the booth area. The first bare 10’x10’ booth space costs $300. Each additional bare 10’x10’ booth space costs $240 and vendors can purchase up to four additional spaces (for a total of five spaces maximum).
Each pipe and drape 10’x10’ booth space include one plain 6’x18” table, one full-weekend convention badge and contains pipe and drape around the booth area. The first pipe and draped 10’x10’ booth space costs $350. Each additional covered 10’x10’ booth space costs $275, and vendors can purchase up to four additional spaces (for a total of five spaces maximum).
As stated above, each vendor booth includes one full-weekend convention badge (you will only be issued badges for vendor staff in attendance at the convention). Vendors may purchase up to three additional badges for $45 each.
*You must bring enough staff to run your table(s). For the safety and security of the exhibit hall, we do not allow you to hire convention attendees to help you at the convention.
Artists
An artist booth space is 6’ x 8’ and includes one plain 6’x18” table and two full-weekend convention badges (you will only be issued badges for people in attendance at the convention). The cost for each artist booth is $150.
Artists may purchase up to two additional badges for $45 each.
* You must bring enough staff to run your table(s). For the safety and security of the exhibit hall, we do not allow you to hire convention attendees to help you at the convention. It is recommended that artists bring their own tablecloth.
Trying to find out where an artist or vendor is at? Make note of their booth number and check out map.
No 18+ Material Allowed in the Exhibit Hall
Because the Overland Park Convention Center prides itself on being a family-friendly venue, vendors are not permitted to sell any mature material (18+). If you have questions or concerns about any of the products you intend to sell, please contact vendors@naka-kon.com with your inquiries.
Weapons Policy
No weapons may be sold or carried on hotel and convention center premises. This includes but is not limited to live steel, guns (including AirSoft™ guns), boken, shunai, kunai (throwing stars), etc.
Imitation products of weapons are allowed. Any questionable products may be subject to removal from the exhibit hall upon request by a Naka-Kon staff member.
Please review the full convention weapon policy.
Bootleg Merchandise and Artificial Intelligence Generated Artwork
Bootleg merchandise and artificial intelligence (AI) generated artwork is not allowed in the Naka-Kon Exhibit Hall. This includes artwork derived in whole or in part from AI technology.
If you are found selling bootleg merchandise or AI-generated artwork, you will receive one warning and be asked to remove the items from the premises. If you are found selling bootleg materials or AI-generated artwork subsequent to the first warning, you will be asked to leave the convention without a refund.
In addition, your company will be placed on a list that Exhibit Hall staff will refer to when reviewing future applications for Naka-Kon.
For more information on how to spot a bootleg, research the following resources:
The information above may be subject to change and you will be notified of any changes. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email the exhibit hall directors at vendors@naka-kon.com.
