Dream Con 2025

Volunteer Code of Conduct All volunteers must exemplify a professional attitude and attire at all times. All volunteers must respect con-goers, dealers, guests, and other staff members, regardless of gender, race, religion or any other differences. On the day of their first shift, volunteers must check in to the volunteer headquarters. All volunteers are expected to complete at least 12 hours of volunteer work during the convention. If you are unable to work your specified shift, please notify the volunteer manager within 2 hours of your designated time. No call, no shows will result in having your badge removed and banned from volunteering at future Dream Con events. Standard Benefits Complimentary access to all weekend via single day badges contingent upon satisfactory performance and crew member assessment/review. One (1) commemorative Dream Con Volunteer Crew T-shirt. Multiple shirts may be available. Access to the volunteer lounge during member's shift(s) within normal event hours. Additional Benefits (Vary from year to year) NOTE: All additional benefits below vary between years and sometimes between departments. These perks are contingent upon a volunteer crew member's daily performance as reviewed by the executive leadership. All rewards are subject to change at staff discretion without notice. Meal Vouchers for on-site food court or food trucks Access to Volunteer Crew Discord channel and community events through end of calendar year Access to volunteer lounge during regular show hours including outside of shift. In the event capacity of the lounge is reached crew members currently on shift will be given priority access. Access to exclusive reserved discounted hotel block(s) while availability lasts Access to after parties and special events Feedback sessions with event staff/leadership to debrief and improve future events Eligibility for inclusion in official media recap content Written referrals/recommendations for other events and opportunities QA/beta testing new products and programs Early access and priority consideration for next year's crew/volunteer application Early notifications and early access for staff applications; when vacancies are available Requirements Must be 18 years old by first day of event (valid photo ID required; must be presented to check-in) Abide by all Dream Con Policies Abide by all rules and regulations enforced by the venue(s): hotels, convention center, etc. Abide by all federal and state laws Abide by all COVID policies established by the venue(s): hotels, convention center, etc. Complete a minimum of 12 hours (maximum of 24 hours) Volunteers are not allowed to impersonate staff members Dress Code All volunteers must adhere to the dress code for the entirety of the convention. The dress code is as follows: No swimwear or bikinis No body paint or extremely tight-fitting clothing Shirts, pants, and shoes must be worn at all times No offensive clothing (shirts with certain language, obscene images etc.) No tattered or ripped shirts or jeans Acceptable level of hygiene Dream Con recommends that all volunteers wear comfortable clothes; many positions require long periods of walking or standing. Volunteer Crew members may have their membership status changed or terminated at staff's discretion without notice. Volunteer Crew members who violate any of the outlined policies on this form are subject to disciplinary action including the revoking of volunteer crew privileges and potential removal from Dream Con. Requirements Must be 18 years old by first day of event (valid photo ID required upon arrival of first shift) Abide by all Dream Con Policies Abide by all rules and regulations enforced by all venues: convention center, hotels etc. Abide by all federal and state laws Complete a minimum of 12 hours (maximum of 24 hours unless additional shifts approved by executive leadership) Volunteers are not allowed to impersonate staff members Volunteers are not to permit any usage of the lounge by friends, family or other affiliates that have not confirmed membership CREW RECRUITMENT PHASE 1 ‍ DEADLINES Crew Applications Open (Early Release; Previous Members Only) SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 ‍ Crew Applications Open (Full Release; Available To Public) SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 ‍ Crew Applications Close (Subject to change; application may close before deadline due to high demand. We appreciate your understanding.) FEBRUARY 1, 2025 ‍ All general applications submitted from: September 16th to October 31st at 11:59pm CST will be classified as WAVE 1 Priority Applicants. November 1st to December 31st at 11:59 pm CST will be classified as WAVE 2 Standard Applicants. January 1st to January 31st at 11:59pm CST will be classified as WAVE 3 Waitlist Applicants. ‍February 1st or later will be classified as "Waitlist Reserve" and have no confirmed timeline or correspondence. ‍ Crew Recruitment Phase 2 Approved Applicant Notification Dates ‍Selected candidates will transition from their respective general applicant classification to "Approved Applicant" upon receipt of a confirmation email via info@dreamconvention.com. Due to the volume of submissions, only approved applicants tentatively accepted to join the Dream Con Volunteer Crew may receive follow-up correspondence regarding their status. Rejected applicants may not receive any updates regarding their application but we appreciate the interest and encourage everyone to apply again in the future. All status updates are issued on a rolling basis as they become available however the following are the final dates to expect correspondence if a candidate is selected depending on the original application submission date: Selected candidates from the WAVE 1 Priority Applicants will be notified via email on or before NOVEMBER 15th @ 11:59 pm CST and must submit the enclosed onboarding documentation by DECEMBER 1st @ 11:59 pm CST ‍ Selected candidates from the WAVE 2 Standard Applicants will be notified via email on or before JANUARY 15th @ 11:59 pm CST and must submit the enclosed onboarding documentation by FEBRUARY 1st @11:59 pm CST ‍Selected candidates from the WAVE 3 Waitlist Applicants will be notified via email on or before FEBRUARY 15th @ 11:59 pm CST and must submit the enclosed onboarding documentation by FEBRUARY 28th @11:59 pm CST ‍All candidates from WAVE 1 and WAVE 2 that are not selected/approved and do not receive correspondence on the aforementioned dates will automatically have their submissions rollover to the WAVE 3 Waitlist Applicant cohort for further consideration in the event there are additional vacancies. However, please note rollover applications that are not selected/approved by May 13th ultimately still may not receive any final updates or follow-up correspondence. Again, we appreciate your interest and encourage everyone to apply again in the future. Failure to submit onboarding/orientation documents by the above deadlines may result in a cancelled offer. Extensions must be requested prior to the deadline. Our team highly recommends confirming travel, lodging, and other relevant accommodations prior to accepting this commitment. NOTE: Confirmations/Approvals for the Volunteer Crew Program do not include complimentary accommodations such as hotels, flights, or ground transportation. These must be researched and purchased at the private discretion of each individual crew member. ‍

The Dream Convention Cosplay Contest is an exciting and prestigious event held annually, where passionate cosplayers from all backgrounds come together to showcase their creativity, craftsmanship, and love for cosplay. This competition offers a platform for cosplayers to display their hard work and talent, whether it's through a solo or group performance, detailed craftsmanship, or striking stage presence. 

 

Show off your craftsmanship and bring your favorite characters to life in Dream Con’s annual Cosplay Contest! Compete against fellow cosplayers for a chance to win the grand prize and claim your spot as a top creator.

 

Dream Con’s Cosplay Contest is open to all badged attendees and free to apply. Please be sure to read through our rules and guidelines carefully before submitting your application. Please also be aware we do not provide badges for contestants to attend the Convention. If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to reach out to us at cosplay@dreamconvention.com. 

 

 

Competition Overview:

The Dream Con Cosplay Contest is an opportunity for cosplayers to compete in various categories, ranging from craftsmanship judging to performance-based showcases. Contestants are invited to enter their cosplay creations for the chance to win prizes, recognition, and the admiration of fellow fans. The competition attracts cosplayers from all over the world, with different skill levels, styles, and inspirations.

 

What the Application Covers: The Cosplay Contest Application is the official form through which contestants register for the event. By filling out this form, you confirm your participation and provide critical information that ensures your spot in the competition.

 

Some of the details that will be required in your application include, but are not limited to:

• Personal Information: This section includes your legal name, cosplay name (if applicable), and other necessary identification details.
• Cosplay Details: Information about the character or series you are cosplaying, the category or division you are entering, and any special performance or craftsmanship elements associated with your cosplay.
• Performance Information (if applicable): For contestants who plan to perform on stage, details about audio submissions, solo/group performances, and other relevant information will be required.
• Special Accommodations: If you need any special accommodations for the judging process or competition day, you’ll have the option to inform the staff, so they can ensure a comfortable and fair experience.

 

Key Aspects of the Competition:

 

Craftsmanship Judging: Cosplayers will be judged on the construction, accuracy, and creativity of their costumes. This is a crucial part of the competition, allowing cosplayers to demonstrate their skills in sewing, prop making, and attention to detail.

Performance/Runway Show: Cosplayers have the option to showcase their character through a performance or participate in a cosplay runway show. These are separate from craftsmanship judging but allow contestants to engage the audience with their stage presence.

Special Categories and Prizes: Depending on the competition, there may be different prize categories, including Best Craftsmanship, Best Group, Fan Favorite, and more. The prizes and titles are awarded to celebrate the diverse and exceptional efforts of cosplayers.

Application Process:

Fill out the Application: Provide your details and preferences, including your chosen category and any special requirements.

 

• Submit Audio/Performance Details (if applicable): If you're performing, upload your audio or provide any necessary performance details.
• Submit the Form: Once your application is complete, submit it for review and confirmation. The staff will send you further instructions and updates as the competition day approaches.

Why Apply:

By participating in the Dream Convention Cosplay Contest, you’ll become part of a community that celebrates creativity, passion, and artistry. It’s not just about the prizes, but also about sharing your love for cosplay with others who appreciate the craft. It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself, gain exposure, and connect with others who share your interests.

 

If you have any questions or need further information about theContest, please reach out to the Dream Con cosplay team at cosplay@dreamconvention.com.

 

Cosplay Contest Divisions:

 

• Master: Any cosplayer who has won two or more awards in Journeyman at any major or local competition may enter this division.
  Professional cosplayers (those who earn the majority of their income from cosplay) must enter this category.

 

• Journeyman: This division is for non-professional cosplayers who have not won major awards in the Master division. Individuals who have won at least one award in Novice or Journeyman categories are eligible to apply. Individuals who have won three or more major awards in Journeyman at any major or local competition are ineligible for this category.

 

• Novice: No professional cosplayers allowed. Individuals who have won two or more contests or have won awards in Journeyman or Master divisions are not eligible.

 

• Youth: Cosplayers aged 13 and under, with parental permission and a guardian present during contest events.

 

Application Requirements:

 

Contestants must submit the following materials by the application deadline (May 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST):

• One reference image or video clearly showing your chosen character.
• Two progress photos or one progress video demonstrating your costume-making process.
• A Work-In-Progress (WIP) portfolio (physical, digital PDF, slideshow, or video format up to 3 minutes).
• A written description of your planned stage performance.
• MP3 audio file if your performance includes music (other formats are not accepted).

Mandatory Rehearsal and Pre-Judging:

• All contestants must attend the rehearsal and pre-judging session scheduled for May 31, 2025, at 12:00 PM CST. Notify staff immediately if you cannot attend.

For questions or more details, please refer to the Cosplay Contest Terms and Conditions or contact cosplay@dreamconvention.com.