TIDEWATER COMICON 2023 EXHIBITOR DETAILS

LOCATION:

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

EVENT HOURS:

Saturday May 20 10am-6pm
Sunday May 21 11am-5pm

LOAD-IN

LOAD-IN TIMES:

Friday 11am-8pm
Saturday 6am-9:45am

NOTE: Anyone not loaded in by 9:45am 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 wait list.

Sunday 9am-10:45am

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.

LOAD-IN LOCATION:

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

Rear of Hall A and B there is a check in table for you to sign in and begin setup. During setup you can have any help you like.

UPDATE
Exhibitors will receive wristbands/badges at the time of check-in and they must be worn for the duration of the show. Please be aware 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.

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.

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 go to the back of the hall and let a guard know to get one of the staff.

EXTRA WRISTBANDS:

You can purchase extra wristbands for $20 a piece, Max of 2. Cash only when you check in and the individual must be present.

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 10am on Saturday. No additional wristbands will be sold at that point.

LOST/SNAPPED/BROKEN wristbands can be replaced at $20 a piece. We encourage you to not lose, snap, or break your wristbands.

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 or they will tow you.
-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 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

Let your fans KNOW you’ll be at the show! We’ve made a few easy to use tiles for your social media. “Right Click and Save As” or “Shift and Click” for you Mac users.

Available in Big Blue, Power Purple, Syndercut, and Lantern Green.

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.

THANK YOU AND WE’LL SEE YOU AT THE SHOW