Notice: This page only pertains to cosplay guests. All other types of guests should contact our guest relations director. We do NOT accept applications for hosts or performances during the cosplay contest. Solicitations for non-cosplay guests or convention services will not be responded to. NO EMAILED/PRIVATE MESSAGE SOLICITATIONS FROM COSPLAY GUESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. You must fill out our form below to be considered.
We love our cosplay guests! Cosplay guests help our convention have a dynamic and robust lineup and programming offering. We are looking for costume creators who love their craft and have a positive and friendly personality to make our attendees feel welcome. If you’re interested in applying to become a cosplay guest at our convention, we ask that you read the following!
What We Look For In a Cosplay Guest:
Individuals who can appeal to a family friendly crowd
Offer informative workshops/panels on cosplay related topics/skills
Have the craftsmanship knowledge to competently and fairly judge the cosplay contest
We prefer guests who live within a reasonable driving distance of our convention. We love local/regional cosplayers.
Works well with our staff, other cosplay guests and judges, and of course our attendees
Reliable, punctual, good communication with our staff
What We Typically Ask For:
2 to 4 cosplay focused panels throughout the weekend
Cosplay contest judge (this includes prejudging during the day and the masquerade show in the evening)
Promote your appearance before the convention on your social media channels
Be present all 3 days of the convention
What We Typically Provide (these can change or are negotiable depending on certain factors):
A hotel room for the weekend of the convention
A free pass for your handler/assistant
An appearance fee, if applicable
A table in our artist/vendor hall
Food stipend or reimbursement
Gas reimbursement (at this time, we cannot accommodate guests who require flights)
Access to Con Ops for snacks
If you would like to apply to be a future cosplay guest, please fill out the application.
We accept applications throughout the year. However, we may only reach out to you around our decision making time.
Starting August 3, 2023, only applications completed from the above form will be considered. Instagram or Facebook inquiries or emails are not considered an official application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do after I have submitted my application?
You will see a submission successfully received screen after completing your application. You do not need to follow up.
We will reach out to you if we wish to speak to you regarding your application.
We only reach out to applicants around our decision making time which is usually 6-8 months in advance.
Do you accept NSFW/boudoir cosplayers, photographers, or models?
At this time we only accept costume creators who have demonstrated knowledge of sewing, crafting, or another cosplay-related specialty. We try to find amicable solutions to all inquiries and work with people to the best of our ability. However, we do not accept the following types of applications:
models (including SFW)
photographers (including SFW)
NSFW/boudoir
To clarify, you can have experience doing these types of skills however we do not accept applications for someone whose experience is exclusively or majority one of the above skills. Photographers should speak with our media director if they are interested. NSFW cosplayers should speak with our adult track director.
What are the age requirements?
The minimum age is 18. 21+ is preferred. All under 18 applications will be discarded.
Do I need a history of winning contests, hosting panels, or judging contests?
No, however, these can be positive factors to help your application.
We do prefer if the applicant has a history of hosting panels or judging contests.
Do you accept people new to cosplay guesting?
Yes! You do not need a prior history of being a guest to be considered.
Can I fly in?
At this time, we cannot accommodate flights.
Will I have a driver or guest liasion?
No. We ask that you bring your own transportation and assistants.
How many years of experience do I need?
There is no set number. We are interested in your skills, personality, and engagement.
How many guests do you book each year?
We book based on our budget. There is no set number and it changes yearly.
Can I host non-cosplay or mature panels?
Depending on the need, what is available, or content you have available we certainly can entertain other types of panels or events or mature events. Mature events may need to be approved by the adult director.
Can I host or perform in the contest?
At this time, we want our guests to use their knowledge to judge. We typically already have a host and performers selected.
How many social media followers do I need to have?
We look for craftsmanship quality, reliability, and an engaging personality. While you should have social media accounts, we do not usually consider the follower count in our decision making process.
Do you receive a lot of applications? Do people submit a lot of similar things?
We do get many applications and a lot of our applicants submit similar work, skills, and panels. Anything you can do to make your application stand out helps!
We recommend having a wide variety of panels with as unique a skill or presentation as possible to list in your application. We receive a lot of applications that cover skills or topics such as: wig styling, foamsmithing, confidence, disabilities, and creating on a budget.
