Exhibit Hall & Artist Alley FAQs
When will applications start for 2026?
The 2026 Exhibit Hall is now open: https://www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=37135
The 2026 Artist App is now open: https://www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=37134
How can I be notified?
You can sign up here to receive an email when any application opens: https://zenkaikon.com/email-alerts/
Also, all announcements will be on our social media channels. To receive updates on future Exhibitor applications for 2026 and beyond, please follow us on our various social media accounts: https://linktr.ee/zenkaikon or sign up for our newsletter on the homepage of our official website: zenkaikon.com
What does a space in Artist Alley include and how much does it cost?
A space in Artist Alley includes:
- One (1) 6’ x 2’ table
- Two (2) chairs
Pricing for 2026:
- $200, includes 1 badge*
- $+50 for a corner spot*
- $30 per additional badge (with the option to purchase up to three badges—one for yourself and two for helpers)
*Some spaces may be subject to additional charges due to location.
What does a space in the Exhibit Hall include and how much does it cost?
The 2026 Exhibit Hall App is now open: https://www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=37135
A space in the Exhibit Hall includes:
- One (1) 10′ x 10′ space
- One (1) 6’ x 2’ table
- Two (2) chairs
Additional tables are available for $25 per table.
Pricing for 2026:
- $500 per space*
- $650 for a corner spot*
- $1400 for an end cap*
- $30 per additional badge (with the option to purchase up to 2 badges per booth purchased, max 10)
*Some spaces may be subject to additional charges due to location.
How do I know if I have been accepted or waitlisted?
This year, we are using Eventeny for both the Artist and Exhibitor Applications. Within this system, you will be made aware of any acceptances, waitlisting, or other statuses. More information regarding our waitlist will be provided prior to the end of the year.
Our Exhibitor Selection Process
Our selection process will be using the new format introduced in 2025. In 2025, our Selection Committee and selection criteria were expanded.
Usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML):
The sale and usage of AI-generated/ML-generated Art is forbidden. Any applicant found to be using either for their art or products will be disqualified from consideration. Any exhibitor (artist/vendor) found selling AI-generated/ML-generated art will be removed from the Exhibit Hall.
AI/ML may be used in reference materials or as a lesser component, such as post-processing filters or retouching. However, the artist must disclose this fact and the nature of the usage when applying.
Plagiarized/Stolen Artwork:
We do not allow the theft or plagiarism of artwork. All artwork must be the work of the artist(s) selling said artwork.
We don’t allow artists to sell simple manipulation or traces of another’s artwork, even if they have permission from the original artist. The artwork must feature significant creative contributions from the artist selling it. Any artists found plagiarizing another artist’s work will be removed from the Exhibit Hall.
Reporting Policy Violations:
During the convention, if you see something that may violate our policies including, but not limited to, AI-generated/ML-generated artwork, plagiarized/stolen artwork, adult content, unauthorized goods, etc., please do not confront the artist or exhibitor directly, let the Zenkaikon staff know at the Zenkaikon Merch table.
Some of the criteria we plan on considering this year (subject to change):
- Art / Goods Diversity – Does the applicant offer only one type of product (i.e. prints), or do they have a varied selection
- Art / Goods Subject Diversity – Do the applicant’s offerings showcase a variety of different fandoms, including current popular shows/media and long-running popular media
- Original / Unique / Niche Offerings – Does the applicant have original content, a unique type of product, something we haven’t seen before or have not seen often
- Proximity to Event – Is the applicant a local of Lancaster? Are they involved in the community?
- Booth Picture – Does the applicant have a photo of their booth picture, whether from another convention or just an example setup they’ve crafted? This allows us to get a better understanding of what the applicant brings to the convention
- Theme Alignment – Does the applicant offer art or goods that align with our 2025 theme, Isekai?
- Pricing Fairness – Does the applicant provide reasonable pricing/upcharging?
- Mass-Produced Items – Does the applicant offer items that are easily and readily available from various online retailers?
