Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Thank You for participating in GameACon and growing the community of gamers, creators, and enthusiasts!

Please Read all the rules and guidelines below for attending the GAC convention!

See You There!

What is Gameacon?

Gameacon is a premier convention celebrating everything related to gaming, anime, and comics. We bring together indie and professional game developers, world-class artists, esports competitors, and passionate fans for a weekend of fun and discovery. Attendees can expect a full exhibit hall with vendors, an extensive artist alley, new and vintage games, panels with industry professionals, Q&A sessions, live tournaments, and a vibrant cosplay community. At our core, we are dedicated to celebrating the creators who build the worlds we love to play in.

Do I need a ticket to attend Gameacon?

Yes and no! Because Gameacon takes place in a public shopping center, you have options! Parts of the event are free and open to all mall visitors, while our core interactive events require a ticket.

🛍️ Public Access Includes:

Explore the Vendor Hall: Browse and shop from our amazing selection of vendors and artists located throughout the main mall corridors.
Enjoy the Main Court Stage: Watch select live music performances and other public showcases happening in the mall's main court.
See the Cosplayers: The mall's common areas are a great place to see the incredible creativity of our roaming cosplay community.
Enter Public Giveaways: Everyone has a chance to win cool prizes by signing up for our event-wide giveaways.

🎟️ A 'Gameacon Prime' Pass is required to:

Compete in Esports Tournaments: Sign up and play in our official, prize-supported video game and card game tournaments.
Participate in the Cosplay Contests: Register to take the stage and compete for prizes in our daily judged Cosplay Contests.
Access the Main Event Arena: Enter the heart of the show for Unlimited Free Play, indie game demos, and hands-on creator zones.
Attend Exclusive Panels & Q&As: Get a guaranteed seat at all of our special celebrity panels, workshops, and guest sessions.

When and where is Gameacon?

Dates: Saturday, October 17th & Sunday, October 18th, 2026.
Location: The Shops at Palm Desert, Palm Desert, CA.

What are the event hours?

Saturday, October 17th, 2026: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday, October 18th, 2026: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

(Hours are subject to change. Please check the website closer to the event date for the final schedule.)

How do I get tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online through the official Gameacon website. We highly recommend buying in advance, as prices will be higher at the door.

What is your policy on children's tickets?

Gameacon is a family-friendly event!

Children 6 and under are FREE with a paid adult ticket. (Limit one child per paid adult.)
Please note: All minors must have a responsible adult present at the convention.
- Children 6 and under must remain with their supervising adult at all times.
- For children over 6 but under 12, their supervising adult must be on-site and available.

Event Policies

What is your Anti-Harassment Policy?

Gameacon is a safe place for all. We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of any kind. If you feel you are the victim of or have witnessed harassment, please report it immediately to any Gameacon staff member or event security. Those found in violation of this policy will be removed from the event without a refund.

What is the Cosplay & Props Policy?

IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM MALL MANAGEMENT: Because Gameacon takes place in a public shopping center, all attendees must adhere to the mall's corporate security policy. These rules are strict, not negotiable, and will be enforced by mall security.

The Golden Rule: NO fake weapons, NO face coverings.

1. No Face Coverings (Masks, Helmets, Etc.)

For security purposes, mall policy prohibits wearing any item that covers your face.
This includes cosplay masks, helmets, and face paint that significantly obscures your identity.
You may carry your mask or helmet as a prop, but you cannot wear it while inside the mall.

2. Strictly Prohibited Props The following items are NOT ALLOWED on the premises, regardless of material (foam, cardboard, etc.):

NO replica firearms of any kind.
NO swords, knives, or daggers.
NO staffs, bats, or polearms.
NO fake weapons of any kind.

Allowed Props: To ensure a safe environment, we strongly encourage you to leave all props at home. Small, non-threatening, handheld items (like a magic wand) may be permitted, but this is at the sole discretion of mall security.

Mall Security Has the Final Say: If a mall security guard deems any item (prop or face covering) inappropriate, you will be required to remove it from the mall immediately. Failure to comply will result in your removal from the event without a refund.

What is your AI-Generated Art Policy?

Gameacon maintains a strict policy against the sale of AI-generated art. Art must be created, owned, or licensed by the seller. Our staff will have sole discretion to have any artwork deemed AI-generated removed from the show floor. Violations may result in removal from the event.

What is your Photography & Media Policy?

Gameacon employs on-staff photographers and videographers. By entering the event, you consent to be photographed or filmed and to the use of your appearance in promotional materials for Gameacon.

What is your ticket refund policy?

All ticket sales are final, with no refunds or cancellations.

Tournament FAQs

Who can access the Tournament and Art Area?

Access to the designated Tournament and Art Area is restricted to paid ticket holders only. Please be prepared to show your event badge or proof of ticket purchase to enter this zone.

Can my minor child play in an esports tournament?

Yes! However, any tournament entry fees must be paid for each individual who plays, regardless of age. We require that children under 12 be supervised by an adult while participating in tournaments.

How do I enter the tournaments?

Each tournament has its own registration process and rules. Please visit the "Tournaments" or "Esports" section of our website for detailed information.

Rules and guidelines for Vendors and Artists

Gameacon Coachella Valley 2026 – Exhibitor & Artist Rules and Guidelines

October 17–18, 2026 | The Shops at Palm Desert

PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

Failure to read and accept these rules will result in an automatic rejection.
The person applying will be designated as the primary table holder and must be the one to check in and receive badges. Duplicate submissions will be condensed into a single application.

Questions? Email us at info@gameacon.com

Selection Process

All spaces are juried, reviewed by 3–8 Gameacon staff members for a well-rounded and quality-driven selection process.
You may NOT purchase a space outright. Approval is required. Unapproved purchases will not be honored or refunded.

Table Types & Restrictions

You must choose either an Artist Table or Vendor Space—not both. Dual applications will be disqualified.
Artist Tables are intended for creators selling original or fan-based works they personally produce.
Vendor Booths are for commercial merchandise and established retailers.
Chairs are limited—you may bring your own.

Identification Requirements

All exhibitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID at check-in. Acceptable forms include:

Driver’s License
State ID Card
Passport
Military ID

The name on the ID must match the registration name. Unverified tables will be held until 5:00 PM on Friday, October 10, and then released for resale.

Contract & Age Requirements

By applying, you agree to all Gameacon policies, contracts, and codes of conduct.

A signed contract is required at check-in.
Must be 18+ to sign. Under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian who co-signs the contract and remains on-site at all times.

Fan Art Policy (Artist Tables Only)

Fan art may comprise up to 75% of your display. At least 25% must be original work.
Use of logos, character names, or direct references to franchises must be avoided.
The Department Head has final say on what qualifies as fan art.

Prohibited for Sale (Artists Only):

Official or bootleg items
Traced, redrawn, or pixel art of copyrighted material
Retail store-bought merchandise
Replicas of copyrighted props
2nd/3rd party art resale

At-Con Commissions

Gameacon is not involved in commission transactions. Artists and commissioners are responsible for their own arrangements. Always exchange contact info.

Shared Tables

Permitted with pre-approval only.
Artist tables must still follow the 25% original art rule.
All selling parties must check in and complete tax forms.

Table Transfers & Subletting

Tables cannot be transferred or sold to another party.
Registered corporations may assign a space to an employee (with documentation).
Violations will result in immediate removal without refund.

Unsold & Abandoned Tables

Unsold tables may be purchased at full rate starting Saturday, October 11.
Abandoned tables (no check-in by EOD Friday, October 10) will be resold. No credits or refunds issued.

Tables and Display Regulations

Each space includes one table (dimensions subject to change).
Vendor booth spaces must stay within assigned dimensions.
Artist shared space behind tables—be respectful.
Max display height: 5 feet above table / 8 feet total from floor.

Content & Sales Restrictions

Gameacon is a family-friendly event.
Adult content must be concealed from minors and displayed responsibly.
Selling to minors or open display of inappropriate content = immediate removal.

Electricity & WiFi

Electricity is shared—bring your own power strips.
WiFi may be available through The Shops at Palm Desert. For guaranteed access, contact Gameacon to arrange.

Badges & Conduct

Badges must be worn at all times.
No smoking, vaping, drinking, or drug use allowed in the Exhibitions area.
Treat fellow exhibitors, attendees, and staff with respect.
No excessive noise. You will be asked to turn it down or be removed.

Photography & Recording

Only photograph or record others with consent.
Signs may not be moved or altered.
Surveillance of your space is allowed with written approval and signage stating:

“WARNING: Audio and Video Recording in Progress”

Policy Violations & Enforcement

First offense: Verbal warning
Second offense: Possible ejection without refund
Final offense: 1-year ban from exhibiting at Gameacon

Changes to Rules

Gameacon reserves the right to update or revise these rules at any time. Exhibitors will be notified of major changes whenever possible.

Reminder: The Exhibition Team will patrol the hall for compliance. Any violation may result in forfeiture of your table and badge without refund.

Let’s make Gameacon Coachella Valley 2025 an amazing experience for everyone—thank you for your professionalism and creativity!

For Vendors:

Attention: at check out you will not be able to make your purchase unless you agree to the policy plan below:

✅ Plan Policy

🎮 Gameacon Vendor & Artist Agreement & Policies (2026)
By purchasing vendor or artist space for Gameacon (October 17–18, 2026 at The Shops at Palm Desert), you agree to the following terms and conditions:
1. Space & "BYO" Setup: All registrations are for floor space only. This is a "Bring Your Own" setup—you are responsible for providing your own tables, chairs, signage, and displays. We provide the footprint; you provide the rest. All setups must remain within your assigned footprint and must not obstruct aisles or neighboring spaces.
2. Power & Electricity: Electricity is not guaranteed and is not included in your registration fee. Access to power is subject to the mall’s layout and infrastructure. We highly recommend bringing long extension cords and power strips if you plan on using electricity. Lack of power access is not grounds for a refund or chargeback.
3. No Guarantees: Gameacon does not guarantee attendance numbers, specific floor placement, or sales outcomes. While the event is widely marketed and expected to have strong foot traffic, all participants accept full responsibility for their own sales performance, visibility, and customer engagement.
4. Strict No-Refund Policy: ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds will be issued for any reason, including but not limited to: event turnout, weather, scheduling conflicts, sales performance, personal emergencies, or travel disruptions. If the event is canceled for reasons beyond Gameacon’s control, a credit may be issued toward a future event at our sole discretion.
5. Chargeback Waiver: By completing this purchase, you acknowledge that this transaction constitutes a binding digital agreement. You expressly agree not to initiate a chargeback or payment dispute for any reason, including "services not as described" regarding power access or attendance. Any attempt to reverse payment is a breach of contract and may result in legal or collection action.
6. Conduct & Safety: Professional behavior is required. Harassment or disruptive behavior may result in removal without refund. Items sold must be appropriate for a family-friendly public event. Illegal or dangerous merchandise is strictly prohibited. Gameacon is not liable for any lost, stolen, or damaged property.
By completing your purchase, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this legally binding agreement. If you do not agree to these terms, do not complete your purchase.