18+ Marketplace 2025

This is an application for AFO's 18+ 2025 Marketplace. This Marketplace will have two entrances - one that is connected to the vendor hall for normal hours and one that is connected to a hallway for after-hours and exit.

This is a juried process. Applications end February 1st and results are emailed by March 15th. 

If you are accepted, you will be automatically invoiced for your booth payment. If there is an issue and you are unable to pay within two weeks, your table will be forfeited to the waitlist. A check or money order made out to Anime Festival Orlando, Inc. may be used for payment. A return check fee of $50.00 will be levied on all checks returned for any reason. Anime Festival Orlando (AFO) is not responsible for lost payments through the Mail (USPS). Merchants are encouraged to contact the Marketplace Coordinator to confirm the remittance address as this will also inform us that a payment is on the way to us. In the event of a lost check, the Merchant may cancel the lost payment through the necessary institutions and will need to contact the Marketplace Coordinator to make other payment arrangements.

If you have any questions, please email us at showcase@animefestivalorlando.com

Welcome to Anime Festival Orlando’s 18+ Marketplace!

AFO takes great pride in providing one-of-a-kind merchandise and artwork for our attendees. Since the beginning, we have hand-selected our artists and vendors to help create a unique and fun shopping experience. This is our second year with our 18+ Marketplace where we offer a more risque experience for everyone. We appreciate your interest in being part of this Marketplace at Anime Festival Orlando.   Please review all information below carefully before submitting any questions.  If the material is already on the website or in your contract, you will be redirected accordingly.  If you have any questions or concerns not clarified in the information below or in your contract, please contact the AFO 18+ Marketplace Coordinator, Jay Dynes (showcase@animefestivalorlando.com)

All prices, spaces, terms, and conditions are subject to change.  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Merchants in the Marketplace are expected to abide by the guidelines below, as well as all rules of Anime Festival Orlando, and the Rosen Plaza Hotel. We want everyone to have fun, enjoy merch, and be safe.

While the Marketplace will be behind locked doors during off-hours, you are responsible for securing your own personal property and merchandise. Anime Festival Orlando, Inc., AFO Staff, and the Hotel are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items, merchandise, etc.

While in the Marketplace, all convention, venue, local, state/federal rules, policies, and laws apply. Convention rules can be found on the AFO website and in your con guide.

Please respect the hotel and AFO staff. 

CHECK-IN

• Marketplace check-in is Thursday (time TBD).
• It will take place inside the hall by the loading dock door.
• You must check in before going to your table. If you do not check in first, you may not be able to apply next year.
• Please have a valid form of ID to pick up your badge(s). Advanced notice is required in order to pick up badge(s) for another merchant.

SET-UP

• Set-up is Thursday and Friday (time TBD).
• Please be ready to vacate the area Thursday at 10pm.
• Please keep the aisle as clear as possible and be aware of your surroundings.
• No tape, staples, glue, any adhesives, gum, bodily fluids, or tacks on the walls, columns, floor, or ceiling. The use of any display which could cause harm to the venue space is prohibited.

TEAR-DOWN

• Be prepared to finalize your sales by 4:45pm on Sunday. The hotel requires us to protect the floors and will be pre-laying floor protections.
• Please be kind and clean up your booth space when closing.
• Any merchant that starts to dismantle their booth (tables, racks, displays, etc.) prior to Sunday at 4:30PM, they will be assessed an early tear down fee of $150.00. This must be paid before any future reservations will be honored.
• For any merchant that fails to properly clean their booth space prior to their departure at the close of the show, they will be assessed a cleaning fee of $75.00. This must be paid before any future reservations will be honored.
   

MARKETPLACE HOURS

• Unlike our first year (where we learned a lot), the 18+ Marketplace will have similar hours to the Vendor Hall. Friday and Saturday, we will both open and close one hour after Vendors. Sunday is TBD.
• All merchants will be able to enter the area one hour before general guest access opens on Saturday and Sunday. Friday extra load-in time is TBD.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• All merchants must show a valid, government-issued photo ID to check in at the Marketplace. If they are unable to produce a valid ID at check-in, their table(s) will be held until noon on Friday. At that time, the table(s) will be considered unclaimed and open for sale on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Accepted forms of ID include, but are not limited to:
  1. State (or district) driver’s license
  2. State (or district) issued identification card
  3. Passport
  4. Military ID
• The merchant makes a formal agreement to showcase in AFO upon receipt of payment. It is understood by AFO that you are over the age of 18. AFO will not refund any payments as a result of any issues that may arise from failure to obtain proper permissions by the artist.
   

CONDUCT 

The following is an outline of rules to which a merchant must adhere while operating within the Marketplace. AFO reserves the right to institute further restrictions on-site as needs arise.

• While in the Marketplace, all convention rules as well as local, state, and federal laws will apply. If they break any convention rules, they will be dealt with accordingly. If they break any laws, they must expect to have to deal with local authorities.
• All merchants will be required to prominently display their badges when occupying their space.
• The merchant is not permitted to resell their space, in whole or part, to a second party. The merchant may not give away his/her tablespace to another. If you do so, you will be banned from AFO for this year and the next.
• Absolutely no person below the age of 18 is allowed within the Marketplace. Even if that person is a few months old. This is for the safety and comfort of all.

SUBSTANCE USE

• Smoking or use of alcohol or drugs while in the Marketplace will not be tolerated. Violations will result in removal from both the Marketplace and convention.

BEHAVIOR, NOISE, AND PHOTOGRAPHY

• Professionalism is a must! No running, screaming, yelling, obscene language, roughhousing, sparring, etc. Harassment of any sort (sexual, bullying, etc.) is not tolerated at AFO.
• If anyone is disrupting you, please seek assistance from the 18+ Marketplace Coordinator or an AFO Staff member at any time.
• Loud music, videos, etc. will not be tolerated in the Marketplace. Marketplace staff reserves the right to ask that the volume of any loud music or noise be lowered to acceptable levels. Further noise violations can result in the artist being removed from the Marketplace.
• Photography and video recording are permitted within the Marketplace with restrictions, provided that the person being recorded has given permission. Pictures or videos of art are allowed only with permission of the merchant.

REFUNDS AND NO-SHOWS

• Tables are not refundable, and not transferable.
• If a merchant fails to check in for their table by noon on Friday, they will be considered a No-Show. At that point, No-Show table(s) will be offered for sale on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Cancellation rules are as follows:
  1. 45 days prior to AFO 2025 (Sunday 05/06/25) are eligible for a 50% refund of your total booth price.
  2. 30 days prior to AFO 2025 (Monday 05/21/25) are eligible for a 25% refund of your total booth price.
  3. 15 days prior to AFO 2025 or later (Tuesday 06/05/25 - 06/20/25) forfeits all payments made to date. 

ARTIST INFORMATION

• All tables are $275. The approximate size is 6 feet wide by 2 feet deep and 2 feet 5 inches tall. These dimensions are subject to change.
• Two (2) Marketplace Badges will be provided with the purchase of each table. One for you and one for a helper. For additional badges please contact AFO 18+ Marketplace Coordinator (showcase@animefestivalorlando.com).
• You are allowed to apply for a maximum of one (1) table. You may not bring your own table(s) to supplement this amount.
• There is no sharing of tables with another artist at this time.
• There may only be two (2) people behind each table at any time. This includes the common spaces behind the tables as well. If you have more than one helper, only one can be behind your table (two people total) at a time. Please be mindful of access ways.
• Other tablespaces belong either to another artist, vendor, or to AFO. Interference with another table space, chairs, or displays is not allowed, and may subject you to charges, loss of your registered table space, or other action.
• Any structure brought to display artwork must be of sound construction and may not extend more than 8 feet above the table. All displays must reside within the confines of your area, and may not impede access behind the table or any main access ways of the space. Display space behind your assigned table is subject to availability but not guaranteed.
• The artist bears all responsibility and risk for their items brought for sale at AFO. Any questions regarding this policy will be resolved by the Anime Festival Orlando, in consultation with AFO’s lawyer when needed. If any confusion arises with respect to trademarks or copyrighted work, the artist may be asked to remove it from display and sale at the discretion of the AFO.
• Commissions taken for delivery at the convention, regardless if the commission was taken pre convention for delivery or at the convention for delivery are between the artist and commissioner, AFO is not a party in these dealings. As such AFO and AFO Staff cannot assist you in locating the person with whom you arranged the commission with. Please make sure you get contact information as part of your dealings.
• Any Artist accepting commissions requiring a live model during Marketplace hours must conduct these commissions in a manner which does not disrupt attendees, staff operations or fellow artists. Live models should be placed so as to not interfere with the flow of traffic or the space and operations of others.

VENDOR INFORMATION

• All booths are $475. The size of each booth is 10 feet by 10 feet. Due to the room we are in, all booths are sold as inline and there is no guarantee of a corner space.
• Each booth comes with 2 chairs. You may instead bring your own to supplement this amount. Please let us know if you do not need us to provide chairs.
• While each booth price comes with 1 table, we will offer a refund of $100 if you intend to bring your own and thus do not need a table. Please note that if you go this route and end up needing a table, it will be a $250 charge at the venue.
• If you need to ensure that you have additional tables beyond the single table, you will need to purchase them separately.
• Two (2) Marketplace Badges will be provided with the purchase of each booth. One for you and one for a helper. You may purchase additional badges at the discounted rate, up to a maximum of 2 beyond your allotment. For additional badges please contact AFO 18+ Marketplace Coordinator (showcase@animefestivalorlando.com).
• You are allowed to apply for a maximum of two (2) booths.
• There may only be three (3) people at each 10x10 booth at any time. This includes the common spaces around the booth as well. Please be mindful of access ways.
• Other tablespaces belong either to another artist, vendor, or to AFO. Interference with another table space, chairs, or displays is not allowed, and may subject you to charges, loss of your registered table space, or other action.
• Any structure brought to display merchandise must be of sound construction and may not extend more than 10 feet above the booth. All displays must reside within the confines of your area, and may not impede access behind the table or any main access ways of the space. Display space behind your assigned table is subject to availability but not guaranteed.

EXAMPLES OF PROHIBITED MERCHANDISE FOR SALE 

If we see any of these items being sold, you will be asked to leave the premises, and you forfeit all payments - no refunds will be issued. You will not be allowed back to vend for AFO for the next three years. AFO has final say over whether any specific item is allowed to be sold and reserves the right to deny any item from being sold for any reason.

• Artists:
  1. AI work - this is a place to showcase an artists talent
  2. Items not owned by the registered artist
  3. Any work with copyrighted materials or trademarks, including traces, etc.
  4. Majority selling clothing and accessories including but not limited to t-shirts, hats, bags, costumes, etc. Please purchase a vendor booth if you sell mostly clothing items.
• Vendors:
  1. Titles or merchandise which are not clearly licensed for sale.
  2. Bootleg or Pirated products to include unauthorized productions of video or manga as well as self-printed copies of artwork to which the artist does not have rights.
  3. Any recorded media (including fan-subtitled videos).
• BOTH:
  1. Anything supporting or alluding to pedophilia.
  2. T-shirt presses, soldering irons, fixatives, epoxies, etc.
  3. Food, snacks or beverages.
  4. Weapons, real or cosplay props, that are a replication of a copyrighted and/or licensed nature.
  5. Raffles, auctions, or other types of giveaway are not permitted.
  6. There is to be no selling or displaying of any merchandise promoting pedophilia. We reserve the right to prohibit the display of any merchandise that we deem inappropriate.

RULES AND REGULATIONS ON CERTAIN ITEMS

• Contact Lenses
  • The sale of contact lenses for costume or cosplay purposes must be FDA-Approved and/or FDA-Cleared Cosmetic/Theatrical Contact Lenses. AFO will not be held liable for violations to any Local, State, or Federal Regulations. AFO reserves the right to ask a vendor to present appropriate documentation including but not limited to authorized distribution/license and 501(k) summary for brands of contacts being sold. AFO reserves the right to ask for removal of unauthorized materials; failure to do so will result in removal from the premises and forfeit of all payments - no refunds will be given.
  • Federal Regulations – Title 16, Part 315 – Contact Lens Rule:
    http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=6a4cf6b9f987b8e92b7c34d0e9ef2125&rgn=div5&view=text&node=16:1.0.1.3.39&idno=16
  • FDA-MedicalDevices-Decorative Contact Lenses:
    http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/ContactLenses/ucm270953.htm
• Laser Devices/Toys
  • If you sell any sort of laser device or toy which emits a laser beam such as a laser pointer, targeting sights, pet toys, etc., be advised that it must NOT exceed a Class 1 rating (ANSI Z 136.1 or IEC 60825-1 Standard).
  • All laser products must come from the manufacturer with the class rating clearly labeled. Any laser items found not properly labeled or found to exceed Class 1 ratings must not be sold and should be removed from the convention space. Failure to comply with a removal request will result in the confiscation of the articles or the forfeiture of your booth for the remainder of AFO with NO refund at AFO’s discretion.
• Weapons/AirSoft
  • The sale of live steel and air guns to minors under 18 years of age is at your own risk (FL Statues, Ch. 790, Sec. 17, 225, 18, 22). All blades and air gun items must be sealed in a tapped box prior to leaving the booth. AFO requests that all Vendors mark the merchandise box with the birthdate of the purchaser. Federal and State law requires that any toy gun is to be tipped in orange and we expect all Vendors to comply. Failure to check ID or to secure or identify a weapon may lead to immediate dismissal with NO refund. Please review Florida State Statues Chapter 790 and applicable Federal Laws. A Weapons Addendum will be provided upon request.
    
    

ADVERTISING
If you are interested in an advertising option, please email showcase@animefestivalorlando.com

ADULT MATERIAL

While Anime Festival Orlando is a family-friendly event, all explicit works sold must be in a discreet bag once it leaves the Marketplace room. Please let the Marketplace Coordinator know if you do not have access to this.

PANEL HOSTING

Any vendor who is interested in hosting a panel should fill out the appropriate panel request form found on the AFO website (www.animefestivalorlando.com). If you are planning to submit a panel application(s), please notify the 18+ Marketplace Coordinator so they may follow up with the Panel Staff regarding your panel approval and scheduled time(s).

SALES TAX

All Vendors assume full responsibility for the collection and payment of any local state and or federal taxes. All vendors are responsible for any operating licenses that may be required by local, state or federal law.

By submitting this application you are acknowledging that you are responsible for any and all applicable taxes pertaining to the sale of all goods and services you provide.

SHIPPING INFO

At this time, we are not able to access items shipped ahead of time to the venue.

BREACH OF CONTRACT

If you do not adhere to the stipulations set forth in this contract, it may be deemed a breach of contract. You may be asked to leave the premises and will not be entitled to any refunds. All rights to litigation will be waived. If you need to send your reservation and payment by mail, please contact showcase@animefestivalorlando.com for the remittance address.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• To be considered for the AFO 18+ Marketplace, we ask that you complete the Marketplace Application. Due to the high volume of inquiries, we cannot guarantee an immediate response to your application.
• The application process is electronic; therefore AFO is not responsible for technical issues that may cause your application to not be received. If you are unsure if your application was received, please contact the Marketplace Coordinator (showcase@animefestivalorlando.com)
  Multiple applications will not improve the chances of being accepted. Please DO NOT submit multiple applications.
• All fields must be completed and a link to your portfolio must be included in order for your application to be reviewed. If a field does not apply to you please indicate with “N/A”. Any missing information and/or lack of portfolio will cause your application to be rejected. All applications will be reviewed in the order received. Any attempt to reapply will be reviewed in the normal order of receipt and will not be based on your original application submission date.
• If your portfolio is approved, you will be contacted with instructions to reserve your table. Tables will be reserved based on when your full payment is received. Partial Payments will not be accepted to reserve a table.
• The merchant must provide an example of the table display that they will be using in the Marketplace. This will be used to assign space placement if they are accepted. We will accept either of the following:
  1. A photograph of a previous display
  2. A photo or drawing of the proposed display
• We kindly ask that you review all information before submitting any questions. If the material is already on the website, you will be redirected accordingly. If you have any questions or concerns not clarified in the above information, please contact the AFO 18+ Marketplace Coordinator.   

Upon receipt it is understood that I have read the AFO Vendor Contract and agree to the conditions set forth. I also realize that these conditions may change based on policies of the Venue. I agree this document is a binding contract between Anime Festival Orlando, Inc. (AFO) and the Company which I am authorized to represent.     

With that said… Hello everyone! My name is Jay and I am your AFO 18+ Marketplace Coordinator for AFO 2025!

We learned so much from our first year and plan to make our space better than ever. Don’t worry - no more waiting for the room to close while everyone else is out partying - our hours will match closer to the vendor room so you’re able to get out there and have fun as well!

As I mentioned last year, nothing will offend me in regards to art, which makes me perfect for this room. Bring on your 18+ merch and let us show the Orlando area what you can do! If you do have any questions before submitting your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me - I do not mind clarifying if anything is “too much” or “not enough” in regards to this Marketplace.

I still work closely with the Artist and Vendor Coordinators, so if you need anything during the convention and cannot locate/contact me, do not hesitate to reach out to them (or any other Staff members).    

Jay Dynes 

18+ Marketplace Coordinator 

Anime Festival Orlando 

www.animefestivalorlando.com 

showcase@animefestivalorlando.com