Application Deadline: October 7, 2025 11:59 CDT (UTC-5)
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.
Vendor and Artist Definitions
Vendors
Vendors are individuals or businesses that primarily sell commercial merchandise related to anime, manga, and pop culture. This may include:
- Officially licensed merchandise.
- Collectibles and figurines.
- Apparel and accessories featuring popular anime characters.
- Manga, light novels, and other printed materials.
- Gaming merchandise (officially licensed video games, board games, etc.).
Artists
Artists are individuals who create and sell original handcrafted fan-created artwork. This may include:
- Hand-drawn or digital artwork created by the seller.
- Self-published comics or zines.
- Handmade crafts and accessories inspired by anime and manga that were created by the seller.
- Custom illustrations or commissions created by the seller.
Booth Specifications and Prices
Vendors Booths
Vendor booths at Naka-Kon are sold per 10’x10’ booth space, not by tables.
The first bare 10’x10’ booth space costs $400. Each additional bare 10’x10’ booth space costs $300 and vendors can purchase up to four additional spaces (for a total of five spaces maximum).
The first pipe and draped 10’x10’ booth space costs $450. Each additional covered 10’x10’ booth space costs $325, and vendors can purchase up to four additional spaces (for a total of five spaces maximum).
*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 7’ x 9’ and includes one plain table. The cost for each artist booth is $200.
* 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.