Dream Con 2025

Join our first-ever Pop-Up Tattoo Parlor at Dream Con 2025!

Dream Con is expanding! For the first time, we’re opening up a dedicated tattoo activation space inside the convention—and we’re looking for talented, licensed artists who love anime, gaming, and pop culture to join us.

Dream Con 2025 takes place May 30 – June 1, 2025 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX, drawing over 22,000 attendees and a massive online audience. This activation will be highly promoted and centrally located on the convention floor.

If you’re ready to connect with fans, tattoo passionate Dreamers, and showcase your work in one of the most unique environments out there—this is your shot.

Booth Details & Pricing 

We have 3 exclusive 10x20 booth spaces available for tattoo parlors. Each booth includes:

• Space for up to 2 licensed artists
  
• High-visibility placement within Dream Con’s Pop-Up Tattoo Parlor activation (located inside the exhibit hall)
  
• 2 Artist Badges
  
• Basic electrical access (if requested)
  

Cost: $1,200 per booth
Due Date: Full payment must be received no later than May 22, 2025 to confirm your participation.

Please note: booth availability is first come, first served. Approved artists/parlors will receive invoicing details upon acceptance.

Join our first-ever Pop-Up Barber Parlor at Dream Con 2025!

Dream Con is expanding! For the first time, we’re opening up a dedicated barber activation space inside the convention—and we’re looking for talented, licensed artists who love anime, gaming, and pop culture to join us.

Dream Con 2025 takes place May 30 – June 1, 2025 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX, drawing over 22,000 attendees and a massive online audience. This activation will be highly promoted and centrally located on the convention floor.

If you’re ready to connect with fans, hair passionate Dreamers, and showcase your work in one of the most unique environments out there—this is your shot.

Booth Details & Pricing 

We have 3 exclusive 10x20 booth spaces available for barber parlors. Each booth includes:

• Space for up to 2 licensed artists
  
• High-visibility placement within Dream Con’s Pop-Up Barber Parlor activation (located inside the exhibit hall)
  
• 2 Exhibitor Badges
  
• Basic electrical access (if requested)
  

Cost: $1,200 per booth
Due Date: Full payment must be received no later than May 22, 2025 to confirm your participation.

Please note: booth availability is first come, first served. Approved artists/parlors will receive invoicing details upon acceptance.

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.