Creators After Dark 2026

The Vendor's Hall is Creator After Dark's premier marketplace area, dedicated to established businesses, professional retailers, and vendors selling a curated and commercially-produced selection of merchandise. The focus here is on licensed goods, imported figures, and high-quality, professional-grade fan inventory.

This is the right category for you if:

• You operate a registered, established business focused on retail or resale.
• Your inventory consists primarily of mass-produced, licensed, or officially imported goods, such as Japanese figures, manga, commercial video games, collectible cards, apparel lines, or licensed merchandise.
• You carry a diverse and professionally sourced inventory that is typically larger in volume than items found in the Artist Alley.

Note: Payment is not required upon submission. Your application will undergo a review process in which you will be notified of your approval status before payment is applied.

If you are a content creator, please consider applying as a guest as there will be considerations for full/partial table placement upon request.

Mandatory Policies in this Section: All vendors must be able to verify the ethical and legal sourcing of their commercial products. Drop-shipping is strictly prohibited. Any licensed or official goods sold must be genuine—the sale of counterfeit, bootleg, or illegally pirated goods is grounds for immediate removal.

The Artist Alley is the heart of Creators After Dark, reserved specifically for independent creators, designers, and artisans who sell their original work and fan-made creations. This space celebrates the unique, personal craft that defines fandom.

This is the right category for you if:

• You are the primary creator of the merchandise you intend to sell (e.g., illustrator, sculptor, jeweler, comic artist, textile artist).
• Your products are typically handmade, drawn, designed, or customized by you or your small, dedicated team.
• Your inventory consists primarily of original illustrations, prints, stickers, hand-bound books, resin crafts, small-batch enamel pins, or custom apparel featuring your own intellectual property (IP) or derivative fan designs.

Note: Payment is not required upon submission. Your application will undergo a review process in which you will be notified of your approval status before payment is applied.

If you are a content creator, please consider applying as a guest as there will be considerations for full/partial table placement upon request.

Mandatory Policies in this Section: All products must be 100% human-made. Absolutely no AI-generated artwork or products sourced via drop-shipping are permitted. Products are expected to reflect a high standard of quality, originality, and direct creative input. The original creator of the art must be present at your Artist Alley table and must match the provided name in your application.

Creators After Dark is seeking industry professionals and experienced community members to host and moderate panels within our 18+ programming track.

Do you have deep expertise in monetization, creator safety, business ethics, platform mechanics, or adult fandom niche skills? This is your chance to step into an engaging role, teach your peers, and shape the content that defines the weekend.

We look for unique, engaging, and professional presentations that empower the adult creator community. Successful applicants are compensated with a complimentary Creators After Dark 2026 Panelist badge.

Apply now to lead a panel or workshop!

Please note that submitting an application does NOT guarantee approval. 

Creators After Dark welcomes journalists, photographers, content creators, and professional media outlets who are seeking to cover the atmosphere, unique programming, and special guests of our 18+ convention. We offer complimentary Press credentials to approved applicants who can demonstrate a genuine assignment or consistent, high-quality editorial coverage relevant to the pop culture, fandom, and adult entertainment space.

Creators After Dark is seeking dedicated, professional, and enthusiastic individuals to join our Volunteer Crew for our 2026 event at the Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel.

Unlike traditional conventions, Creators After Dark (CAD) is an exclusively 18+ event focused on elevated content, networking, and a high standard of conduct. Our Volunteers are integral to maintaining this professional atmosphere, ensuring smooth logistics, and providing discreet support for our Guests and Attendees. This is a unique opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes event experience and network with industry-leading creators in a low-friction environment.

Expectations & Commitment
We ask for serious commitments only. Due to the nature of our event, Volunteers must demonstrate punctuality, professionalism, and the utmost discretion at all times.

• Age Requirement: All applicants must be 18 years of age or older by the event date (April 2, 2026).
• Time Commitment: Volunteers commit to completing 15-20 hours of service between Thursday, April 2nd (setup) and Sunday, April 5th (teardown). Shifts are typically 4-5 hours long.
• Code of Conduct: You must read, understand, and agree to strictly adhere to the Creators After Dark Anti-Harassment and Code of Conduct Policy. Any violation will result in immediate badge revocation and dismissal.
• Key Roles: Volunteers assist in essential areas such as:
  
  • Registration: Assist in badge sales, preregistration, and helping people navigate the convention
  • Show Floor: Help out in exhibit hall and artist alley to ensure a smooth traffic flow of congoers and that the artists/vendors are safe
  • Guest Relations: Ensuring panelists and guests have required accommodations and a pleasant experience
  • Modesty/Badge Check: Ensure that no one enters the event space without their badge, and that no one leaves the convention venue in too minimal of an outfit
  • Runners: Not sure how you can help, but you can follow instructions? Be a runner!

Temptation Teahouse is an 18+ interactive lingerie maid café where volunteer maids will entertain guests through games, performances, and will be able to sell fun one on one interactions with guests that they personally choose. The focus is on charm, personality, sexiness and creating a fun atmosphere for our patrons.

If you are a content creator, this is a great opportunity to interact with your fans, sell interactions and potentially gain new ones.

All volunteer maids will receive a Creators After Dark volunteer badge and will be expected to work the minimum required volunteer hours.

All Maids will be required to purchase this maid apron (https://a.co/d/dNS8VUj).

Each maid will be assigned a color based on their personality and archetype. The lingerie worn under the apron must match the assigned color. Maids are encouraged to personalize their look by accessorizing their apron and hair with items in their color theme, such as buttons, bows, pins, patches, or embroidery.

ARE YOU READY TO OWN THE CROWD?

You spoke, we listened. The demand for more spotlight is real, and we're delivering the ultimate platform for the freshest talent in the creator space. The New Baddies on the Block Showcase is your time to shine on the main stage!

This is the Friday evening feature event where we put dazzling performers and creators in the spotlight for a high-energy, rapid-fire showcase in front of the entire Creators After Dark audience.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR: "Baddies" ready to give it a shot preforming on the pole or brand new burlesque routine. Whether you're a seasoned creator or someone stepping onto a convention stage for the very first time.

WHAT'S THE VIBE? This is your chance to test out a new routine, debut a signature dance or perform a viral trend, all under the bright lights of the Creators After Dark Main Stage.