The Tempe FanCon is an annual event intended to celebrate comics, fantasy, sci-fi, and a love for pop culture. The festival brings together local authors, publishers, merchants, costume contests, and more!

Exhibitor Interest Form - Event is FULL

Food Truck Interest Form - Apply Here

• The event will be held outdoors in the Library Plaza.
• The Library will provide approximately 10' x 10' space - (exhibitors must provide their own set up including table, chairs, and canopy, if desired). 

EXHIBITOR SELECTION CRITERIA

All Vendors:

Each year the Tempe Public Library FanCon seeks authors, illustrators, book sellers, publishers, organizations, associations, merchants, and cosplayers to participate in the fun.

The selection process is competitive as Tempe FanCon is limited by funding, space, and scheduling constraints. Please note the Tempe Public Library reserves the right to refuse submissions at our discretion, including exhibitors that do not fit the event theme or suit the intended audience.

Authors*:

*Please note that meeting these criteria does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the festival.

• Bound, printed copies are available for sale at the event.
• A functional author website exists.
• Preference is given to authors:
• with works edited by a professional editor.
• with professional reviews of their work.
• who have published within the last 18 months.

Other Presenters*:

*Please note that meeting these criteria does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the festival

• A good fit with the overall theme of the event
• Ability to attract and sustain an audience
• Proposal creativity & innovation
• Publications (if any)
• Awards (if any)
• Media Coverage (if any)
• Appearance at other festivals

Applicants whose proposals were accepted in last year’s festival will be eligible to apply again.

SELLING AT THE EVENT

Each vendor selling merchandise will be responsible for processing their own sales and for following all state and local policies regarding collecting and remitting sales tax. We recommend that vendors selling onsite obtain a PayPal or Square reader to be able to process debit/credit card payments.

In order to sell books and merchandise at the event, you are required to have State of Arizona tax license including additional Tempe tax fees.

Obtain a State of Arizona Tax License

Use a fellow vendor's tax license

Please note that a local book distributor has volunteered to sell books on behalf of authors in need, using their distributor's tax license. Arrangements are made solely between the distributor and exhibitors.

Duncan's Books and More
Apply to sell through Duncan's Books by emailing dr_books@ymail.com.

EVENT GUIDELINES

Vendors who are confirmed to attend at the event must agree to the following terms and conditions:

Assumption of Risks

Exhibitor expressly assumes all risks associated with, resulting from or arising in connection with Exhibitor’s participation or presence at the event, including, without limitation, all risks of theft, loss, or damage to property. Please do not leave your booth unattended. Pets are prohibited from the event.

Assignment of Space

Exhibit space shall be assigned by Tempe Public Library (TPL) in its sole discretion for the event. Any such assignment does not imply that similar space will be assigned for future events help by Organizer. TPL reserves the right to change the floor plan or to move an exhibitor to another booth location prior to or during the event if TPL in its sole discretion determines that to do so is in the best interest of the Event.

Cancellation by Exhibitor

If Exhibitor cancels exhibit space after the submission deadline or if Exhibitor fails to show up at the Event, Exhibitor may not be invited back for future events.

Exhibit Space Occupancy

Hours and dates for installing, occupying and dismantling exhibits shall be expressly specified by TPL. If Exhibitor fails to install its display in its assigned space by 30 minutes before the Event opens or leaves its space unattended during the Exhibit hours, TPL shall have the right to take possession of the space. All exhibits must be open for business during the Event hours. Exhibitor may not dismantle the display until the Event is officially closed by TPL. Exhibitors may not assign their display space to third parties without prior approval from Organizer.

Rules of Behavior

Exhibitor must communicate with the public within the perimeter of the booth space. Roaming or advocating sales elsewhere in the Event is prohibited. Exhibitor may educate the public without advocating a specific viewpoint. Any inappropriate behavior or deviation from this conduct can and will be cause to be asked to leave the Event and not be considered for future Library programs or events.  Pets are prohibited from the event.

Taxes Licenses

Exhibitor shall obtain any tax licenses under state or local law applicable to its activities at the Event at its sole expense.

Copyrighted Materials

Exhibitors shall not play or permit the playing or performance of, or distribution of any copyrighted materials at the Event unless it has obtained all necessary rights and paid all required royalties, fees or other payments.

COSPLAY COSTUME & PROP GUIDELINES

The Tempe Public Library FanCon is a family-oriented event. As such, proper attire, ultimately approved by staff, is required. We ask that you use common sense when defining appropriateness of a costume for a family event. The Tempe Public Library reserves the right to deny entry to members who do not comply with the Costume and Prop Policy.

• If you are wearing a large costume or prop, please be aware of other attendees, especially young children.
• Please note that the use of confetti or glitter is not permitted at the event. It makes a tremendous mess for staffers to clean up.
• Do not swing weapons and be mindful of them when moving about the event or posing for photos.
• Loud noise-making props should be minimized as to avoid disruption to the event and attendees.
• We ask that you behave in a respectful manner to all attendees and vendors.
• Misuse of any prop will result in the item being deemed unsafe and removed from the event.
• Any and all props brought into Tempe FanCon must be in compliance with all federal, state and local laws.
• Wooden props such as staffs or wooden swords are permitted.
• Any prop constructed of live steel (sharp edged) is not permitted, including swords, knives and axes and other weapons. If an item is constructed of metal without an edge, it must be approved by a Tempe Public Library staff member prior to admittance into the event.
• Any sort of live martial arts weapon is not permitted into the event. No firearms and/or projectile weapons of any kind are permitted. This includes but is not limited to airsoft guns, BB guns, real firearms or working replicas.
  The exception is as follows:
• Toy plastic guns with non-removable orange tips and no moving parts are permitted