Media Badges

Thank you for your interest in Zenkaikon!

Zenkaikon Entertainment, Inc. is pleased to offer Press and Content Creator Badges. These are only available through the below applications and are not available on-site.

We also offer a Photographer Registration, which is available below as an application and on-site.

Press Badges

Zenkaikon Press Badges come with the following benefits:

Complimentary Admission to all three full days of that year’s Zenkaikon
Complimentary Admission to Thursday Night Programming/Early Badge Pickup
Access to the Vendor/Exhibit Hall, Panel rooms, Video Gaming / Tabletop Gaming rooms, and Programming / Special Events
Exclusive Access to the Press Room for Interviews/Press Conferences with Guests*
Easy access to a Staff Liaison for questions and concerns

*We cannot guarantee approval for interviews/press conferences. Requests will be handled case-by-case and are subject to space and time availability.

Press Badges are at the discretion of Zenkaikon. They are evaluated on several criteria, including but not limited to the audience reach of the outlet, past coverage of Zenkaikon, and past status as an approved Press Badge holder.

To apply, see here: https://www.eventeny.com/events/applications/application/?id=4104

Please note the following rules and restrictions:

Press are expected to abide by all Zenkaikon convention policies and follow all directions from Zenkaikon staff
Press Badges allow complimentary access during all public hours only
Press Badges do NOT allow early access
Press Badges do NOT provide priority in lines or seating
Press Badges do NOT guarantee you autographs from guests or affect autograph pricing in any way
Press Badges are non-transferrable; any attempt to loan, sell, or otherwise distribute your badge will result in its being revoked and your disqualification from future Press Badge considerations
Press Badge holders may not solicit attendees for payment in exchange for services during the convention
Press are requested to send a copy of any coverage of the Zenkaikon convention to press@zenkaikon.org within 45 days following the convention. Failure to do so will influence future Press Badge applications.
Press Badges are only for active journalistic outlets and their editorial contributors (writers, reporters, reviewers, photographers, videographers, etc.).

Press Badges must be picked up at the convention; please bring a valid government-issued photo ID when picking up your badge(s).

Content Creator Badges

Zenkaikon Content Creator Badges come with the following benefits:

Complimentary Admission to all three full days of that year’s Zenkaikon
Complimentary Admission to Thursday Night Programming/Early Badge Pickup
Access to the Vendor/Exhibit Hall, Panel rooms, Video Gaming / Tabletop Gaming rooms, and Programming / Special Events
Easy access to a Staff Liaison for questions and concerns

Content Creator Badges are at the discretion of Zenkaikon. They are evaluated on several criteria, including but not limited to the audience reach, past coverage of Zenkaikon, and past status as an approved Content Creator Badge holder.

To apply, see here: https://www.eventeny.com/events/applications/application/?id=4105

Content Creator applicants must have at least one of the following:

Instagram: 10k followers
Facebook: 10k followers
TikTok: 50k followers
Twitter: 10k followers
YouTube: 5k subscribers
Twitch: 10k followers

Please note the following rules and restrictions:

Content Creators are expected to abide by all Zenkaikon convention policies and follow all directions from Zenkaikon staff
Content Creator Badges allow complimentary access during all public hours only
Content Creator Badges do NOT allow early access
Content Creator Badges do NOT provide priority in lines or seating
Content Creator Badges do NOT guarantee you autographs from guests or affect autograph pricing in any way
Content Creator Badges are non-transferrable; any attempt to loan, sell, or otherwise distribute your badge will result in its being revoked and your disqualification from future Content Creator Badge considerations
Content Creator Badge holders may not solicit attendees for payment in exchange for services during the convention
Content Creators are requested to send links of any coverage of the Zenkaikon convention to press@zenkaikon.org within 45 days following the convention. Failure to do so will influence future Content Creator applications.

Content Creator Badges must be picked up at the convention; please bring a valid government-issued photo ID when picking up your badge(s).

Photographer Registration

In 2024, Zenkaikon implemented a Photographer Badge to help prevent safety issues and provide more opportunities for photographers within the convention space.

Starting in 2025, we are continuing the program; however, there are some changes.

Previously, only those wishing to charge or accept tips for their services were required to register. This year, we are extending that to include the above and anyone who wishes to use photography equipment, such as tripods, standing lights, etc.

However, we are no longer charging for a specific badge, we are merely just requiring you to register using this form. You must also have a membership to enter Zenkaikon, this does not grant entry into the convention.

Any issues or complaints against any photographer may be reported directly to our Marketing Division here: https://forms.gle/aG9u39A12F2hVcGr5

We will review registrations and notify accepted parties prior to Zenkaikon 2025. Due to the change in the nature of the Photographer Registration, most registrants will be accepted; denials will only be given if you have previous conduct issues or otherwise violate our policies.

All attendees, including Photographers, must follow all of Zenkaikon’s Policies. These policies can be found here: https://zenkaikon.com/about-zenkaikon/policies/

Zenkaikon makes no endorsements as to the quality of the products or services offered. Registrants of the Photographer form are not business affiliates of Zenkaikon. Any Zenkaikon attendee who disrupts the convention or attempts to commit fraud against other attendees may be subject to expulsion from the convention and revocation of membership privileges.

To apply, see here: https://www.eventeny.com/events/applications/application/?id=4989

Photographer Guidelines

Any photographer approached by staff should present their Photographer registration. If you do not have one, you will be directed to the Marketing Office to obtain one. This registration will be available for pre-registration through this form as well as on-location.

Registered Photographers must:

Register with the convention using this form
Inform those interested in services whether its nature is paid before taking any photos
Provide a complete list of equipment to the Marketing Office and have all equipment approved for use
Receive consent/permission before photographing anyone

Registered Photographers may:

Charge for photography sessions and receive tips for their work
Utilize designed Photography areas in which they are allowed the use of tripods, monopods, and similar freestanding equipment (limit two total; must use battery-powered equipment)
Conduct their services throughout the convention space, restrictions withstanding, with their camera and attachments (attachments should not pose a safety or traffic issue)
Advertise their services within the Zenkaikon Facebook group, Zenkaikon Discord, and other online platforms

Photographer Badge holders may not:

Conduct photography in areas that would block vital foot traffic, such as stairways, entrances/exits, wheelchair ramps, and elevators
Block traffic for extended periods; photoshoots should be quick and minimize the impact on foot traffic in the convention space
Enter staff-only or otherwise restricted areas
Instruct, demand, or otherwise require attendees to vacate from an area; you may politely ask for their cooperation and must respect the answer
Ignore staff instruction; The safety of our attendees and operations of the convention take precedence and supersede any other guidelines
Harass, pester, or be rude to any attendee; complaints may result in the revocation of your Photographer Registration or removal from the convention