GameAcon 2026 Setup, Event Hours & Participant Information

Information regarding setup, equipment, hours, and policies for all GameAcon participants. Please read this carefully to help ensure a smooth and successful weekend.

Setup & Event Schedule

Friday, October 16 — Optional Early Setup

• Setup Hours: 8:00 PM–10:00 PM

• The mall closes to the public at 9:00 PM, but approved GameAcon setup may continue until 10:00 PM.

• If you plan to set up Friday evening, please let us know in advance so we know to expect you.

• Friday setup is recommended for participants with larger or more complicated displays.

Saturday, October 17 — Day 1

• Participant Setup Begins: 8:30 AM

• All participants should be completely set up and ready by 10:00 AM whenever possible.

• Mall/Event Opens to the Public: 11:00 AM

• The mall closes at 9:00 PM Saturday.

Important Arrival Instructions

Please use the lower-level mall entrances near Macy’s or JCPenney for setup and loading. The Macy’s entrance is closest to many GameAcon spaces.

Do not use the main second-level mall entrance during early setup, as it may not be open and is not practical for loading equipment.

Sunday, October 18 — Day 2

• Participants who still need to set up or access their space may enter beginning at approximately 9:30 AM.

• Mall/Event Opens to the Public: 11:00 AM

• Please be completely set up before the mall opens.

Breakdown & Move-Out

Breakdown may begin only after GameAcon closes to the public at 6:00 PM on Sunday, October 18.

Please do not begin packing merchandise, displays, banners, or equipment while the event is still operating.

All personal items, merchandise, displays, and equipment should be removed promptly following the event.

Exhibitor Equipment Requirements

Vendors — 10×10 and 10×20 Spaces

Vendors are responsible for bringing their own complete setup.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Tables

• Chairs

• Table coverings

• Backdrops

• Display walls

• Shelving

• Banners

• Scaffolding-style display structures

• Signage

• Merchandise displays

• Any other equipment needed for your space

GameAcon and The Shops at Palm Desert do not provide vendor setup equipment.

All displays and equipment must remain within your assigned space and must be safely secured.

Artists — Artist Alley

Artists are also responsible for bringing their own complete setup.

Please bring your own:

• Table

• Chair

• Table covering

• Display racks

• Backdrops

• Banners

• Shelving

• Display walls

• Signage

• Any other equipment needed for your space

GameAcon does not guarantee tables or chairs for Artist Alley participants.

All displays must remain within your assigned area and must be safely secured.

If attaching anything to a mall wall, you must use a non-damaging method such as painter’s tape or removable Command-style strips. Participants are responsible for any damage caused by their setup.

Celebrity & Special Guests

A table will be provided for celebrity and special guests.

Guests should bring any additional materials they would like for their appearance, including:

• Banners

• Backdrops

• Display walls

• Autograph materials

• Photographs or prints

• Merchandise

• Price signs

• Promotional materials

• Any other display items they would like to use

If you require anything beyond the provided table, please plan to bring it with you.

Power

Shared electrical access will be available in certain areas.

If you require electricity, please bring your own:

• Extension cords

• Power strips

• Chargers

• Adapters

Power access cannot be guaranteed at every individual space.

Event Map & Space Assignments

The official GameAcon event map shows the full layout and assigned spaces.

Please make sure you know your assigned space before arriving and set up only within that designated area.

Operating Hours Policy

All vendors, artists, exhibitors, and guests are expected to remain set up and operational throughout the scheduled event hours.

Early breakdown is not permitted.

Please do not begin packing or removing displays before the event closes to the public on Sunday.

Security

GameAcon and The Shops at Palm Desert are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged merchandise, equipment, displays, or personal property.

Please secure valuable items whenever your space is unattended.

Event Rules

All participants and their staff must follow GameAcon and The Shops at Palm Desert policies.

This includes all safety and conduct rules, including restrictions regarding functional weapons, inappropriate behavior, and face coverings, except where permitted as part of an approved costume.

All displays, merchandise, equipment, and structures must be safely installed and must not block walkways, storefronts, emergency exits, or other participant spaces.

We are looking forward to a fantastic and successful GameAcon weekend.

If you have any questions or special setup requirements, please contact us at:

info@gameacon.com

The GameAcon Team