Youmacon 2025 - Updated 10.19.2025
Vendor Application Process
Vendor Applications are now closed, as of August 8, 2025. Please continue to read below for vendor guidelines and policies.
Welcome to the 2025 Youmacon Vendor Information and Policies Page!
Youmacon is celebrating its 20th anniversary from October 30th – November 2nd, 2025.
We are looking for convention vendors, artists, Industry reps, and Sponsors to join us for the festivities.
The vendor application will be open July 12th – August 2nd 2025. We will announce the opening date on the official Youmacon website and social media pages. The application link will be provided on this page when it goes live.
Before applying, please read all 2025 Vendor Information & Policies thoroughly. We want to make sure you have everything you need to succeed at Youmacon. If you have any questions, please contact the Marketplace Team. We are here to help. Email: marketplace@youmacon.com
2025 Youmacon Vendor Information & Policies
Convention Date and Location
The 20th anniversary of Youmacon will be held at the Huntington Place Convention Center on October 30th through November 2, 2025.
Huntington Place: 1 Washington Blvd. Detroit, MI 48226
The Youmacon Marketplace—located in Halls C and D, with entrance and exit ONLY through Hall C—hosts Artists, Vendors, Guests, Sponsors, and Industry representatives.
The Marketplace is a safe, inclusive space for vendors to showcase and sell official and original merchandise from around the world. All vendors are encouraged to apply.
All official communication for the vendor hall will come from the official Youmacon website, social media, or marketplace@youmacon.com.
Youmacon has a zero-tolerance harassment, bullying, and discrimination policy. This includes the treatment of the Marketplace staff and/or volunteers. Any violation of the policy or any attempts at mistreatment towards the Marketplace staff and/or volunteers will result in your expulsion from the convention without a refund. Please review the code-of conduct page for more information.
Marketplace Hours
| Day | Date | Setup Time | VIP Access | General Access | Close Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Oct 30, 2025 | 10:00 AM* | N/A | N/A | 10:00 PM |
| Friday | Oct 31, 2025 | 8:00 AM | 12:30 PM | 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| Saturday | Nov 1, 2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| Sunday | Nov 2, 2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
*Setup time on Thursday is subject to coordination with the setup team and may change.
Overview
Since 2005, Youmacon has welcomed a wide variety of vendors and artists from across North America, offering merchandise from around the world to our ever-growing community of attendees. Now attracting over 20,000 unique visitors annually to downtown Detroit, our goal is to provide fans with the best and most diverse product selection of anime, video game, and pop culture.
To ensure the best shopping experiences, Youmacon features a Juried Dealer’s Room. This means vendors are selected based on the types of merchandise they offer. Our jury process helps us maintain a wide variety of goods, avoiding oversaturation of specific categories—such as Gundam models or Beyblades (just examples!)—and giving all vendors a better opportunity to succeed.
Why a Juried System?
A curated approach helps create a rich and engaging experience for attendees while also encouraging a healthy variety of products among vendors. Unique or diverse merchandise not only enhances the overall marketplace but also increases your chances of standing out and connecting with customers.
Please note that acceptance is not first-come, first-served. We encourage you to take your time and submit to allow optimal chances at being accepted.
Vendor Booth Pricing & Inclusions
| Booth Type | Price | Included Badges | Max Additional Badges | Extra Badge Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10′ x 10′ Inline | $750 | 2 | 4 | $65 | 1 Table (8′ x 30″), 2 chairs |
| 10′ x 10′ Corner | $900 | 2 | 4 | $65 | 1 Table (8′ x 30″), 2 Chairs |
| 10′ x 10′ Endcap (2 corners) | $1800 | 4 | 8 | $65 | 2 Tables (8′ x 30″), 4 Chairs |
| 20′ x 20′ Island (4 booth spaces) | $3600 | 8 | 8 | $65 | 4 Tables (8′ x 30″), 8 Chairs |
Vendor Application Process
— Application opening and closing dates will be announced on the official Youmacon website and social media.
— A link to the application will be provided once it becomes available.
— This is a juried selection process designed to ensure a high-quality experience for both vendors and attendees.
— Please complete your application carefully and include all required information, including working website links and a photo of your booth setup.
— Vendors will be limited to 4 booths in the Marketplace. Corners and in-line booths will be available.
— After the application period closes, allow up to 4 weeks for review.
— Accepted vendors will receive an email notification followed by an invoice.
— Once all spaces are filled, the remaining applicants will be notified and placed on a waitlist.
— While we will do our best to accommodate placement requests, they are not guaranteed.
— A finalized vendor list and booth map will be shared closer to the event.
— Booth spaces are non-refundable.
— Dual exhibiting is not permitted. You can apply for both vendor and artist halls if you qualify based on the rules of each hall but can only display/sell in one hall.
— Proxy/agented selling of someone else’s art is not permitted.
— The name of the primary booth vendor/helper you put on the application must match their government ID in order for them to check-in for your booth.
Merchandise Guidelines
— Bootlegs, grey market, or any type of knock-off merch is not permitted in the Marketplace. Violation of this rule will result in your expulsion from the hall without a refund. It is your responsibility to make sure that your merch is authentic.
— Fan art is not permitted in the Vendor Hall.
— Upon request, you must be able to provide legal documentation that you are an officially licensed seller of all IP and copyrighted merch at your booth.
— 18+ merch must be kept behind the table and covered. You must check the ID of any attendee to verify that they are at least 18 years old if they are interested in viewing any 18+ merch.
— We will have a dedicated adults only/18+ vendor area where IDs will be checked before attendees can enter which will allow you to openly display all adult merch without censorship. There is a question on the vendor application to signify your interest in the 18+ booth space.
— Depiction of minors, real or fictional, in adult situations is strictly prohibited.
— Graphic content must be censored (e.g., with tape or paper). Final discretion lies with Marketplace staff.
— Any items of a racist, political, or hateful nature that are meant to provoke or harass attendees are strictly prohibited.
— Grab bags and mystery boxes are not permitted.
— Food and drink sales or offering samples are not permitted. Any exceptions to this rule must be approved through Youmacon and then you will be referred to the concession company for final approval.
— Sales of contact lenses are not permitted.
— 3D printing, wood burning, carving, etching, etc.; files must be the vendor’s original work, and proof must be provided if asked.
— AI-generated merchandise is prohibited.
— Live steel weapon vendors must ensure that any weapons they sell are in sealed boxes and must instruct their customers to leave the box sealed and must immediately take it offsite.
— All weapon prop vendors must ensure their merch falls under the Youmacon Prop Weapons Policy.
— Airsoft and all types of projectile weapon props are not permitted.
— All types of bootleg weapon props based on official and licensed IPs are not permitted.
— Tattoo companies must adhere to ALL regulations regarding age restrictions, waivers, hygiene, safety protocols, etc.
— Paraphernalia that may be used for illegal substances is not permitted.
— Open flames, burning incense, and vapor machines are not permitted.
— Machines that produce fumes, smoke, or strong odors—such as those used for wood burning or cutting, acrylic etching, leather stamping (burning), or glue curing—are not permitted.
This is not an exhaustive list, but simply some of the most common examples of prohibited items. The Marketplace Crew and convention management shall reserve final judgment regarding whether any given item is acceptable for sale in the Youmacon Marketplace.
General Rules & Conduct
— Vendors must be 18 or older to apply.
— The primary vendor is responsible for all badge holders associated with their booth.
— Booths must remain open during all Marketplace hours, including VIP access times.
— Booth sharing, subletting, and transfers are not allowed.
— All Booth set-ups must be safe and strudy, and stay within your booth boundaries. This includes chairs, payment stations, extra stock, etc.
— Booth/business name must be displayed on your booth.
— No hawking, aggressive motioning, or shouting to attract attendees.
— Raffles and/or giveaways are not permitted.
— Low-volume music and lights are permitted if they do not disturb others.
— Sales are only allowed within the exhibit halls.
— Vendors receive 2 additional badges per extra booth purchased.
— Booth helpers must be listed by name for badge issuance.
— DO NOT UNPACK OR START SETTING UP YOUR TABLE/ BOOTH SPACES UNTIL YOU HAVE MOVED YOUR VEHICLE OUT OF THE BUILDING!
— Booths must be claimed by 5:00 PM on Friday of the convention. Unclaimed booths will be reassigned on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5:00 PM Friday.
— If you anticipate being late, email marketplace@youmacon.com to hold your booth(s).
— Any violation of the rules will affect your Marketplace application for future years.
— The Marketplace Staff reserves the right to revoke vendor and vendor assistant status, Marketplace access, loading dock access at any time for any reason, without refund.
— Youmacon Vendors are responsible for procuring their own parking and travel arrangements during Youmacon weekend.
— The 6% Michigan State tax is the responsibility of the artist/vendor to collect an remit according to state laws. For any questions please contact: https://www.michigan.gov/taxes Youmacon Marketplace staff will not answer any tax related questions.
Load-In and Load-Out Procedures
— A Dock Master will be on-site to direct vehicles to the correct entrance. A union crew member will guide you to drive up to, or near, your booth/table space. A staging area for unloading may also be available.
— Check-in will take place at the Marketplace Crew Table located at the front of the hall. Please bring a government-issued photo ID for badge pickup and space confirmation.
— Turn off all vehicle engines while parked inside the building.
— Unload promptly and move your vehicle out of the hall before beginning setup so others can unload. Please try to keep your unload time at 45 minutes or less.
— Do not start setting up yaour booth/table space until your vehicle has been moved out of the hall.
— Do not leave your vehicle unattended inside the hall. Unattended vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.
— Avoid blocking aisles with boxes or merchandise during setup or teardown as much as possible.
Loading Dock Entrance Address: 600 W Congress St Detroit, MI 48226
Thursday Setup – October 30, 2025
— Setup access: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. (subject to change)
— Loading dock access: 110:00 AM – 7:00 PM. (subject to change)
— All vehicles must exit the hall by 7:00 PM. (subject to change)
— Vendors and Artists may continue setting up until 10:00 PM.
Friday Setup – October 31, 2025
— Loading dock access: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM.
— All vehicles must be out by 10:00 AM.
— All tables must be fully set up and aisles cleared by 12:30 PM for VIP and accessibility access.
Alternative Loading Options
— If using the front entrance, you must unload all items at once and move your vehicle immediately. Please note: Huntington Place does not permit unloading or loading in the front driveway or on Atwater Street. You may be asked to move your vehicle.
— It is recommended to bring a second person to assist with unloading or parking.
— You may also use the convention center parking garage (parking fees apply). Please note: There is a height restriction for the garage.
— Rooftop parking is also available at the Huntington Place Roof Deck located at the corner of Congress and Third Streets on the roof of the venue.
Sunday Teardown – November 2, 2025
— Teardown: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
— Loading dock doors open shortly after 4:00 PM
— To access the dock for load-out, your table must be fully packed before obtaining a load-out dock pass from the Marketplace Crew Table.
— Vehicles without a load-out dock pass will be sent to the back of the line.
— Once you get your load-out pass, you can join the line so you can drive up to your table to load out
— Keep aisles clear (as much as possible) to ensure a smooth exit for all participants
— If you need to retrieve packing materials from your vehicle, speak with Marketplace staff to obtain a temporary dock pass. After unloading materials, your vehicle must be moved out of the hall before packing. Once ready for full load-out, you’ll receive your official dock pass to re-enter the dock line.
— All vendors must be fully cleared out by 8:00 PM. Late departures WILL result in additional charges.
Participation and Liability Waiver
— Assumption of Risk: Participation in Youmacon/Renaissance Conventions LLC activities—including panels, cosplay, the Marketplace, workshops, contests, and social events—carries inherent risks such as personal injury, property damage, illness (including communicable diseases), and other unforeseen events. You voluntarily accept full responsibility for these risks.
— Release of Liability: In exchange for being allowed to participate, you release and hold harmless Youmacon/Renaissance Conventions LLC , its organizers, affiliates, sponsors, vendors, artists, volunteers, venue owners, and staff from any and all claims or liabilities arising from your participation, including those resulting from negligence, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
— Code of Conduct: You agree to comply with all event rules, policies, and instructions, including the official Code of Conduct. Violations may result in removal from the event without a refund.
— Medical Authorization: In the event of an emergency, you authorize event staff to seek medical treatment on your behalf. You are financially responsible for any resulting medical expenses.
— Insurance: Youmacon/Renaissance Conventions LLC does not provide health, accident, or liability insurance. It is your responsibility to obtain any desired coverage.
— Media Release: You grant Youmacon/Renaissance Conventions LLC and its organizers permission to photograph, film, and record you during the event, and to use your likeness in promotional materials without compensation.
— Health and Safety: You understand that attending a public event may increase your risk of exposure to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases. You agree to follow all health and safety protocols in place during the event.
— Governing Law: This waiver is governed by the laws of the State of Michigan. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of Wayne County, Michigan.
— Acknowledgment: By attending Youmacon/Renaissance Conventions LLC 2025, you confirm that you have read, understood, and voluntarily agreed to the terms of this waiver.
For electrical services: https://www.freemanco.com/store/show/landing.jsp?nav=02&review=true&showID=540460 Please note: Electrical services will cost more to add during the convention.
For Gems services and products:
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us: marketplace@youmacon.com
We look forward to seeing you at Youmacon 2025!
– Youmacon Marketplace Team
Youmacon/Renaissance Conventions LLC reserves the right to amend these rules at any time without prior or posted notice and reserves the sole right to interpretation.
