Exhibitor/Vendor Application

City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey (COCO) is Raleigh’s new comic-book-first convention—a three-day celebration of comic books, creativity, and community. COCO brings together comic book shops, professional artists, independent creators, writers, illustrators, and fans for a focused exhibitor experience built around the heart of the industry: the art, the stories, and the people who create them.

With a curated exhibitor floor, featured guest artists, special appearances, and programming for collectors, readers, and aspiring creators, COCO offers a welcoming space for exhibitors to connect with motivated fans and buyers. Our intimate venue design prioritizes visibility, strong foot traffic, and a high-quality experience for both exhibitors and attendees.

Whether you're a comic book retailer, artist, writer, or creative professional, COCO is designed to help you showcase your work, grow your audience, and be part of a community that truly values comic-book storytelling.

Thank you for your interest in exhibiting at the City of Oaks Comicbook Odyssey!

This application will guide you through everything you need to know — exhibitor categories, space descriptions, event rules, food access, parking, and setup/breakdown logistics. We encourage you to read each section as you go so you can select the best space for your needs.

By choosing your table/space and submitting this application, you acknowledge this electronic agreement and confirm your understanding of COCO’s exhibitor policies. If you need assistance, please reach out — we’re happy to help!

CITY OF OAKS COMICBOOK ODYSSEY (COCO) – EXHIBITOR TERMS & CONDITIONS

Event Dates: February 20–22, 2026
Location: Sheraton Raleigh Hotel — 4215 Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

Show Hours:

Friday: 3 PM – 8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM

Load-In: Friday, 9 AM – 2 PM
Load-Out: Sunday, 4 PM – 8 PM

All times are subject to change based on venue and event staff requirements.

 
1. Exhibitor Categories & Eligibility
Artist Alley
Artist Alley is reserved for:

Artists
Authors
Podcasters
Makers of handmade items
Artist Alley Space Includes:

One (1) 6-ft table
Two (2) chairs
Two (2) exhibitor wristbands
Space footprint: 6 ft x 4 ft
Artist Alley Rules:

Displays may not exceed 10 ft high.
Displays must remain on-table only — no gridwalls, floor displays, or structures in front of, beside, or behind the table.
No table sharing or splitting.
Maximum of 1 artist + 1 assistant per space.
3D-printed items are not permitted in Artist Alley (allowed in Vendor Aisle only).
 
Vendor Aisle
Vendor spaces are for retailers, comic book shops, artisans requiring floor setups, and eligible merchandise sellers.

Vendor Aisle Space Includes:

One (1) 6-ft table
Two (2) chairs
Two (2) exhibitor wristbands
Space footprint: 8 ft x 6 ft

End-Cap / Corner Spaces:

Minimum footprint: 14 ft x 6 ft
Includes two (2) 6-ft tables

Vendor Aisle Rules:

Displays may not exceed 10 ft high.
Vendors may bring additional shelves, racks, or small tables as long as they remain within the assigned footprint.
Booth setups must allow easy entry/exit — no blocking yourself in.
Vendor spaces are subject to inspection and required adjustments.
Not accepted: LuLaRoe, Mary Kay, MLM/network marketing.
Merchandise must be comic-book or fandom-oriented.
 
Club Tables
For clubs, organizations, and charities not selling items.
Includes one (1) 6-ft table, two (2) chairs, and two (2) wristbands.
Club tables must assist with at least one panel or programming session.
 
2. General Rules for All Exhibitors
All materials must be all-ages appropriate.
No outside food or beverages allowed inside the venue.
No food, fireworks, or weapon sales of any kind.
Spaces must remain fully set up during all event hours — no early teardown.
Each space includes two (2) exhibitor wristbands; up to two additional wristbands may be purchased for $20 cash each during load-in.
Children must be supervised at all times.
Exhibitors must bring their own table covering, signage, and display materials.
All displays and signage must stay within the assigned space footprint.
No subletting, sharing, or transferring spaces.
No placement or seating requests due to volume.
Space assignments will be released on February 1, 2026.
City of Oaks ComicBook Odyssey is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
The event reserves the right to remove or cancel any exhibitor at any time.
 
3. Utilities, WiFi & Power
Electricity is not included and must be purchased separately if needed.
Small battery packs are permitted and encouraged.
WiFi is available only through the paid convention center pop-up.
Exhibitors should bring a personal hotspot for reliable internet access.
 
4. Pricing, Fees & Payment Policies
Space Pricing (subject to change):

Artist Alley Space: $225
Vendor Aisle Space: $450
Vendor End-Cap/Corner Space: $950 (includes 2 tables)
Application Fee:

A non-refundable $25 application fee is required at submission through Eventeny.

Eventeny Payment Processing:

Approved applicants are charged immediately upon acceptance.

Spaces are not reserved until payment is successfully processed.
Declined or failed payments result in immediate forfeiture of space.
 
5. Application Review & Accuracy
Application approval is not guaranteed.
Applications are reviewed by the COCO Exhibitor Committee.
Applicants will be notified through Eventeny once a decision is made.
Providing false or misleading information will result in rejection.
 
6. Setup, Load-In & Late Arrival Policy
Load-In: Friday, February 20, 2026 — 9 AM to 2 PM
Late Arrival:

Exhibitors not checked in by 2:30 PM Friday will forfeit their space without refund.
Load-Out: Sunday, February 22, 2026 — 4 PM to 8 PM

Spaces must be cleared of debris; a $75 cleaning fee may apply for trash, abandoned materials, or excessive mess.
Damage to venue property may result in additional charges.
 
7. Conduct, Safety & Compliance
Exhibitors must maintain professionalism with attendees, staff, and volunteers.
Harassment or aggressive behavior will result in removal without refund.
Audio/video must remain at a reasonable volume.
Exhibitors must comply with local, state, and federal laws, including sales tax requirements.
Fire code regulations must be followed at all times.
Adult materials must be covered and accessible only to adults.
 
8. Wristbands & Access Control
Exhibitor wristbands must be worn at all times during show hours.
Up to two (2) additional wristbands may be purchased for $20 cash during load-in.
Anyone without a wristband must purchase a general admission ticket.
 
9. Photography & Media Release
By exhibiting, you grant COCO permission to capture and use photos/video for promotional purposes.
Exhibitors may not use COCO branding without written approval.
 
10. Indemnification
The exhibitor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless:

City of Oaks ComicBook Odyssey, LLC
The Sheraton Raleigh Hotel
Event staff and volunteers
from any claims, losses, or damages arising out of participation in the event.

 
11. Event Changes
City of Oaks ComicBook Odyssey may modify event hours, layout, or policies at any time for operational or safety needs. Notice will be provided whenever possible.

 
12. Electronic Agreement
By submitting this application and selecting your space type, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to all Terms & Conditions outlined above.