Future Fest Connect Vendor Booths

Durham Convention Center 

Future Fest Connect is a high-energy, future-focused event celebrating technology, gaming, digital culture, and creative innovation. We bring together a diverse and engaged audience of gamers, developers, tech enthusiasts, students, families, and pop culture fans who are excited about discovering new brands, art, products, and experiences.

Our vendor area is designed to be an interactive, high-traffic space where attendees come ready to explore, shop, and connect. We are looking for vendors who align with the spirit of the event and offer unique, creative, or forward-thinking products and experiences.

Great fits for Future Fest Connect include:
• Gaming merchandise and collectibles
• Tech gadgets and accessories
• Artist alley creators and original artwork
• Apparel, streetwear, and fandom-inspired fashion
• Handmade goods with a geek, tech, or pop culture vibe
• Indie games, interactive demos, and creative digital projects
• Innovative products that appeal to a curious, trend-aware audience

Vendors can expect an enthusiastic crowd that values creativity, originality, and community. Booths that offer engaging displays, interactive elements, or eye-catching setups tend to perform especially well.

Future Fest Connect is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all attendees, vendors, and exhibitors. We encourage applications from small businesses, independent creators, and emerging brands looking to connect with a passionate and forward-looking community.

Join us in building a marketplace that feels as exciting and innovative as the future we’re celebrating.

By submitting a vendor application and/or purchasing a booth space, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Application & Acceptance
All vendor applications are subject to review and approval by the Future Fest Connect team. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. We curate vendors to ensure a balanced and engaging experience for attendees.

2. Payment Policy
If your application is approved, your payment method on file will be charged to secure your booth space. Full payment is required at the time of acceptance unless otherwise arranged in writing.

All vendor booth payments are non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of reason, including but not limited to weather, personal circumstances, travel issues, or changes in business operations.

3. Booth Assignments
Booth placement is determined by event management to ensure a well-balanced floor layout and attendee flow. While we do our best to consider vendor preferences, specific booth locations are not guaranteed.

4. Permitted Merchandise & Content
All items sold or displayed must align with the theme and audience of Future Fest Connect. The event team reserves the right to prohibit the sale or display of any items deemed inappropriate, unsafe, offensive, or not previously disclosed during the application process.

Prohibited items may include (but are not limited to):

Weapons or weapon replicas that violate venue or local laws
Hazardous materials
Counterfeit or unlicensed merchandise
Items promoting hate speech, discrimination, or illegal activity
Vendors are responsible for ensuring they have the legal rights to sell all merchandise, including proper licensing for fan art or branded goods.

5. Booth Conduct & Professionalism
Vendors and their staff are expected to behave in a professional, respectful manner at all times. Harassment, discrimination, unsafe behavior, or disruptive conduct toward attendees, staff, volunteers, or other vendors will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the event without refund.

6. Setup & Breakdown
Vendors must adhere to assigned load-in and load-out times. Early breakdown is not permitted unless approved by event management. Vendors who pack up or leave before the event closes may not be invited back to future events.

Vendors are responsible for removing all items, trash, and materials from their booth space at the end of the event.

7. Booth Safety & Appearance
Booths must be kept clean, safe, and within the boundaries of the assigned space. Displays must be structurally sound and may not block aisles, neighboring booths, or emergency exits. Electrical usage must follow venue guidelines.

8. Staffing
Booths must be staffed during all public event hours. Unattended booths are not permitted.

9. Insurance & Liability
Vendors are responsible for their own property, merchandise, and booth materials. Future Fest Connect, its organizers, staff, venue, and partners are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage.

Vendors assume all responsibility for any damage or injury caused by their booth, products, or staff.

10. Event Changes or Cancellation
In the event of circumstances beyond the control of event management (including but not limited to venue issues, government regulations, public safety concerns, or force majeure), Future Fest Connect reserves the right to modify event details, layout, or scheduling. Vendor payments remain non-refundable.

11. Photography & Media
Future Fest Connect may photograph or record the event. By participating, vendors grant permission for their booth, products, and likeness to appear in event marketing, social media, and promotional materials without compensation.

12. Agreement
Submission of a vendor application and/or payment for a booth indicates that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.