TIDEWATER COMICON 2024 EXHIBITOR DETAILS

LOCATION:

Virginia Beach Convention Center
1000 19th St
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

EVENT HOURS:

Saturday May 18th 10am-6pm
Sunday May 19 11am-5pm

LOAD-IN

LOAD-IN LOCATION:

At the rear of the Virginia Beach Convention Center (marked above with a red star) is a security booth. They will let you into the loading area.

Rear of Hall B there is a check-in table for you to sign in and begin setup. During setup, your helpers will not need a wristband but during the event everyone in the hall needs a wristband.

UPDATE
Exhibitors will receive wristbands/badges at the time of check-in and they must be worn for the duration of the show (Saturday and Sunday). Please be aware that broken/cut/lost bands will incur a replacement fee, thank you for your cooperation.

Once you are loaded in (not fully set up but you have your materials in the building) you must move your vehicle out of the loading zone and into the parking lot.
(No exceptions, you will be towed if you do not move. We recommend you get to the building early so you can find parking.)

The staff will show you to your spaces. All spaces are marked and NOT to be moved. As a reminder, the floor managers and volunteers are there to help but are prohibited from bringing in your supplies or working your booth. Be sure to bring any carts, dollies, or load-in help you may need to set up.

PARKING:

Parking is free but very limited. We recommend arriving early on Saturday so you can easily find a spot. You can load in first behind the building but after you load in you MUST move your vehicle to the side of the building for the remainder of the day. Behind the building is temporary parking and they will tow you if you leave your vehicle there without a permit pass.

LOAD-IN TIMES:

Friday 12pm-8pm
Saturday 6:30am-9:30am
Sunday 9am-10:45am

NOTE: Anyone not loaded in by 9:30am on Saturday will not gain entry to the event and no refund will be issued. Your space will be made available to an exhibitor on the waitlist.

We encourage everyone to be ready to go when the doors open so you are available to guests for sales. Late exhibitors will be noted as this reflects poorly on the exhibitors and the event.

Parking can be tricky towards show time, please show up early to avoid last-minute obstacles.

LOAD-IN REMINDERS

• Staff and Volunteers CAN NOT assist you in moving.
• Carts are available through the convention center but are limited, if you absolutely need one to transport your merchandise, it is recommended you bring one.
• Badges and Wristbands will go out on the mornings of load-in. No extra badges will be issued.

EXTRA WRISTBANDS:

You can purchase extra wristbands for $25 a piece, Max of 2. These wristbands are for helpers ONLY. You may purchase these at check-in during the load-in times listed above. Cash only.

Any additional passes after that can be purchased for full price. PLEASE NOTE: You cannot purchase extra badges, just wristbands.

The Check-in tables will close at 9:30am on Saturday. No additional wristbands will be sold at that point.

LOST/SNAPPED/BROKEN wristbands can be replaced at $25 a piece. We encourage you to not lose, snap, or break your wristbands.

NO SHOWS

No shows will not be allowed to apply to next year’s show. It’s not fair to the attendees or the show to have an empty table at the show. If you message us saying you can’t make it and we can find a replacement in time, you get a 50% refund, so it’s in your best interests to let us know you can’t make it.

LATE ARRIVALS

We understand that there may be traffic or some kind of emergency that keeps you from getting to the show on time. If this happens you CAN NOT enter through the front doors of the show. You will need to first go to the Day of Sales (where passes are being purchased) and check in there. They will call someone and you will meet someone at the back (load-in doors) to be let in.

ELECTRICITY and WIFI:

If you need electricity or Wifi services you can purchase it here
https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/convention-center/exhibitor-services/

CONVENTION CENTER GUIDELINES

-No Outside Food Or Drink.
-No Parking in the Load-In Zone. Once you have unloaded you must move your vehicle to the side of the building or they will tow you. They will be enforcing it this year.
–Take ALL trash with you when you leave. Any spaces not left clean will be subject to a fine from the convention center.
-No Adult Materials.
-No Fireworks.
-No Weapons.
-No Firearms.
-No Bootleg merch.

If you are caught breaking these rules by the venue, they will eject you from the event without a refund.

LOAD-OUT

Load-Out begins at 5pm when the doors close on Sunday. Exhibitors can be packing up at close, but cannot exit the hall until the bay doors open. Loading Dock Masters will direct traffic and parking during load out.

A great example of setting up in Artist Alley

IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT ARTIST ALLEY SPACE

Artist Alley Spaces are not 10x10s. You are given one table, two chairs, two passes, and have some space (typically 2 ft behind you for signage, etc.)

We REQUIRE enough space behind Artist Alley exhibitors for other exhibitors to move easily in and out of the area as needed.

Table Splitting is not allowed. Each table should be for one creator and one assistant only.

No more than 2 people behind your table at any time. If you have a friend that wants to sit with you they can swap with your assistant, etc. But at no time should you overcrowd your space.

There are to be NO giant displays, large racks, shelving units, behind you.

At our last event we got a lot of complaints from other artists about folks going outside the limitations of what Artist Alley is supposed to be. So we are asking everyone to fully follow the guidelines at all times, be kind to your neighbors, and considerate of the show.

Thank You!

ARTIST ALLEY EXAMPLE

As an example, this model shows you how the Artist Alley area will look.

All Artist Alley tables are flush (side by side) with no gaps inbetween).

Exhibitors will not be allowed behind your table to shop. The basic rule is, if it fits on your table it’s good to go.

A banner or some small display piece is allowed behind your table but there must be enough walking space (shown in blue) for other exhibitors to get in and out. Venue staff will be by to make sure everyone is complying with these rules.

VENDOR SPACE IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Exhibitor Spaces are 10×10 and can not be “nudged out” for additional space.

Meaning, plan accordingly to give yourself room to walk in and out. Don’t box yourself in with tables. If you encroach into another exhibitors space or into the walkways you will be removed from the event without refund.

You can build UP with your displays to 15ft. But they MUST be secured. If anything falls on yourself or anyone attending the event, any injury or damage will be your responsibility.

VENDOR SPACE EXAMPLES

PROMOTIONAL GRAPHICS

For those of you a little more artistic, you can use the logo to decorate your own announcement. Please do not use the logo in any negative, distasteful, or misrepresenting way.

Check back closer to the show for some graphics to share!

THANK YOU!!

We want to thank all the returning and new exhibitors who are joining us for this year’s show! We can’t believe we are 10 years in and it is in huge part, thanks to you all! <3

A lot of hard work is being put in by the staff, volunteers, exhibitors, and attendees to ensure we have the best Tidewater Comicon yet!

If we don’t have a chance to say it at the show, THANK YOU for being a part of Tidewater Comicon and being a part of our special family!