DemiCon venues are specific rooms or areas of the hotel that are dedicated to a popular subject for the entire convention weekend.
Anime Room
The schedule of events is still in the works for the convention Anime room. Anime programming has its own room that is all Anime, all the time. Stay tuned for more information!
If you have any ideas regarding the Anime events you’d like to see at DemiCon, please send your suggestions to anime@demicon.org.
Art Show
The DemiCon Art Show is open to all interested artists and allows artists to share their work with our attendees while simultaneously promoting Fantasy and Science Fiction art by helping artists to display and sell their work.
The Art Show is divided in to several categories.
The art show consists of an exhibition floor, a print shop, and a combination auction and charity auction.
Convention attendees may purchase art at the auction or during exhibition and print shop hours.
Like many sci-fi & fantasy convention art shows, DemiCon’s art show is run entirely by volunteers. All convention attendees who visit the art show are asked to check their bags and drinks outside the door. Volunteers also help check in artists, set up artist displays, facilitate sales, and check out artists.
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to help out, consider signing up to be the Art Show volunteer. It is both fun and easy!
Art Show Hours for Convention Attendees:
The exhibition floor and the print shop will be open to convention attendees to view and purchase items:
- Friday, May 5 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday, May 6 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday, May 7 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
The auction/charity auction will be:
- Saturday, May 6 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
If you purchase any art you can pay for and pick it up from at the auction Saturday night, or on Sunday from 8AM to 12PM.
All times listed are US Central Time.
Information for Artists
The exhibition floor is limited to 20 items per artist.
The print shop is limited to 30 unique pieces, with up to 15 copies of each unique piece. I.E. If you place the maximum amount in the print shop you would be bringing 450 print copies of your art. You may display copies of print shop items in the exhibition area, but each displayed item counts against your limit of 20 exhibition items.
You may donate an unlimited number of items for the charity auction.
To ensure the art show is successful for everyone involved (artist, convention attendees, and volunteers), please pay careful attention to the following information.
Hours
Artist check in and artist check out will take place separately from when the exhibition floor and print shop are open to convention attendees.
If you, or an agent representing you, are planning to be there in person for check in and check out, and the listed times will not work, please email artshow@demicon.org to make alternate arraignments.
All hours are US Central Time.
Artist check in will be:
- Friday, May 5 from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM
- Saturday, May 6 from 8:00 AM to 9:45 AM
Artist chek out will be:
- Sunday, May 7 from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Sales
Print shop sales are handled on a cash-and-carry basis.
Unless you have listed an item as NOT FOR SALE, exhibition sales will be handled as follows:
- All items will start at the minimum bid price set by the artist.
- Convention attendees may bid on items until 5:00 PM on Saturday, May 6 at which time any item that has received three or more bids will go to auction. The auction price will start at the highest bid. Items with one or two bids will sell to the highest bidder without going to auction.
- At any time, if an item does not yet have any bids, then the item may be purchased outright for the quick sale amount without going to auction.
- Any item not sold by the close of the auction at 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 6 may be purchased as a quick sale on Sunday.
Types of art accepted
All art should be science fiction, fantasy, gaming or fannish in nature. We reserve the right to refuse any artwork that does not meet our guidelines.
Works may be original or prints, but they must be entirely the work of the artist whose name appears on the pieces. Resales, hand-colored copies of commercially available art, and similar copyright violations will not be accepted.
The exhibition area is where art is displayed to convention attendees. Gridwall for hanging pieces, as well as tables and floor space, will be provided. Items must be ready to display. We will not assemble frames, mount jewelry, etc.
The print shop contains pieces for immediate sale. Pieces in the print shop are usually prints or reproductions of published artwork (book covers or magazine illustrations).
Labeling and identifying your art
Every exhibit floor item must be clearly labeled with the following information:
- Artist name
- Piece title
- Minimum bid and quick sale price if item is for sale
- “Not for Sale” if item is not for sale
Every copy of every print shop item:
- Artist name
- Piece title
- Sale price
DemiCon volunteers will not label your items and unlabeled items will be rejected.
For your convenience we have some label templates available:
https://static.demicon.org/shared/Print+Shop+Labels.pdf
https://static.demicon.org/shared/Exhibition+Floor+Labels.pdf
Getting your art to DemiCon and unsold mail-in art
You, or a designated agent, may bring your art to DemiCon in person, and then set up and take down your own exhibition art.
You may also mail your art.
Mailed art must arrive by Wednesday, May 3.
Mail your art to:
DemiCon Art Show
c/o Craig Leabhart
915 25th Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
You must email artshow@demicon.org with shipping confirmation and tracking information. Please include “Art Show Shipping Confirmation” in the email subject line. Once your art has delivered you will receive a reply confirming that we have it.
You must include sufficient return postage to cover any unsold art. If you do not, your art will be returned cash COD. Prepaid shipping labels are preferred.
We will return your art to you in the same box(es) received. If your box is not sturdy enough the shipping company may require purchasing a better box. If all your art is sold, we will not return your box, unless you request otherwise.
Return art will be sent by UPS. Requests to use a different service, such as U.S. Mail, will be accepted, but may result in a delay in return.
UPS offers loss and damage protection (Declared Value) up to $100. If you want more coverage you must tell us in advance and provide the funds to cover it.
Fees & Payments
To offset the costs of running the art show, we charge fees for the display and sale of your work. In exchange we try hard to sell your work and to pay you as quickly as possible.
Hanging fees:
- Each exhibition item displayed is charged a hanging fee of $0.50 if delivered in person, or $0.75 if mailed.
- No hanging fee is charged for pieces submitted to the print shop.
Commission fees:
- Exhibition floor and auction sales are subject to a 10 percent commission.
- Print shop sales are subject to a 15 percent commission.
We do not collect sales tax. Artists are responsible for their own Iowa sales tax, if applicable.
Unless we receive specific instructions to the contrary, all payments will be made directly to the artist. If payment is to be rendered to another person, such as an agent, we must receive a release form signed by the artist.
Payments to all artists will be sent no later than two weeks after the convention.
We’ve made a Google Sheets “calculator” that you can use to help you calculate your fees. To use the calculator download a copy of it and enter your information into the “yellow” cells. You can access it at the following link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vHXG6GzKoMWERqGJ12Y_IXifK2JSlJ9Av1IZtN8sOgI/edit?usp=sharing.
How to register
Please electronically complete your art show registration using the Art Show Registration link.
Alternately, you may use these PDF registration forms. Choosing to use the PDF forms instead of the registration link above will result in additional data entry work for our volunteers and you will be assessed an additional data entry fee of $5. Either print and mail the completed PDF forms to the art show mailing address listed above, or email the completed PDF forms to artshow@demicon.org.
- https://static.demicon.org/shared/DemiCon+34+Art+Show+Registration.pdf
- https://static.demicon.org/shared/DemiCon+34+Art+Show+Items.pdf
ConSuite
The ConSuite (aka Hospitality Suite) is on the 5th floor. Follow the signs when you exit the elevator. It is a place to refresh, rest, recharge and find quality banter to stimulate your senses.
The bar is well stocked, homebrew is tapped, and we also offer a small selection of non-alcoholic beverages. If you have suggestions for a particular concoction, be sure to bring your ideas to the ConSuite! We can’t guarantee anything, but we’ll certainly take all requests under consideration.
You can also expect to see such delicacies of the Fhannish world as fresh-popped popcorn, sweets & salty snacks, fruits, veggies, plus a few surprises. Be sure to find your way to the 5th floor from time to time (wearing your con badge, of course). While the companions you’ll find there are consistently delightful, the ConSuite’s yummy selections will vary throughout the day.
If you want to be a ConSuite Collaborator or if you’re feeling particularly generous, we’d be happy to help put that good feeling to use! Drop off your donations of cash or checks at the ConSuite. Everything will go towards making an even better spread, and we’ll let everyone know just how COOL you are!
Please note that the ConSuite will not be accepting donations of food or beverage at the con. If you wish to donate or have questions about sponsoring, please contact consuite@demicon.org.
Dealers’ Room
Information for Convention Attendees
Once again, we will have plenty of dealers selling a vast assortment of riches and treasures at DemiCon. The Dealers’ Room is located on the hotel’s main level, and will be open for business during these hours (subject to change):
- Friday — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday — 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Information for Vendors
For DemiCon 34 we will be holding a juried selection for our vendors. This means that all prospective dealers will need to submit a Dealers’ Room application to be considered for having a space for vending at DemiCon 34.
Dealer tables are $35 per table (strict limit of 3 tables), and a convention membership will be required for workers at your table.
DUE DATE: Applications for Dealers’ Room must be received before 11:59 PM Central Time on Friday, February 1, 2023.
Selections will be made during the two weeks following. An email will be sent advising if they have been selected or if they are being placed on the waiting list.
Dealers are required to pay for both convention memberships and for dealers’ table spaces. If selected, your selection is not final until we receive payment for the membership and table spaces. The confirmation email will include a summary of the application to confirm information. Once confirmed, you will be contacted with payment details.
The acceptance confirmation email you receive will contain a payment deadline. If you do not make your payment by the deadline, we will open your table space to the next vendor on our waiting list.
It is no secret that DemiCon would not be what it is without the help and support of all our vendors! As a small token of our gratitude, all dealers will receive the benefit of a reduced price adult membership rate of $45 per adult. This price will be extended to yourself and any additional employees needed to staff your dealer’s table. The price of your registration does not include the price of the tables. The price per table will be $35. We do have a limit of three (3) tables per dealer. We hope you can come join us at DemCon in 2023.
Dealer registration is closed. Please consider applying next year.
DEALERS’ ROOM RULES & GUIDELINES
Permit and Sales Tax: The state of Iowa requires that all dealers collect and remit Iowa sales tax on dealer table purchases. Please have your tax permit with you during the convention as you will be asked to provide this information.
Weapons: All edged weapons and other sharp, breakable, or potentially hazardous merchandise must be displayed in a safe and appropriate manner. Do not sell swords, knives, etc., to minors without the permission of the minor’s parent.
Display: Please display any adult-themed merchandise in a tasteful manner.
Safety: No open flames allowed (e.g. no burning of candles, incense, illudim 348, lit canons, etc.). Do not “flow” your merchandise and displays into the aisles or other dealer spaces.
Sound: Music and video are permitted in your dealer area. However, please keep the sound to a volume that does not annoy your neighbors. If it is too loud, you will be asked to turn it down.
Food Vending: Dealers cannot sell food items because of hotel regulations on corkage and food vending.
Membership: DemiCon membership is not included with your table(s). Every person who will work your table must have a membership, and badges must be worn at all times.
Set-Up and Tear-Down: You must vend all three days of DemiCon. You must be set up and ready for business on Friday at 2 p.m. and continue to conduct business during all of the Dealer’s Room hours until 2 p.m. Sunday. You cannot dismantle your tables until Sunday after 2 p.m.
DEALERS’ ROOM SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Friday
Set up: 9 am – 2 pm
Business: 2 pm – 6 pm
Saturday
Room opens for Dealers: 9:30 am
Business: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday
Room opens for Dealers: 9:30 am
Business: 10 am – 2 pm
Fan Tables
Reserve a Fan Table!
Fellow Fans and DemiCon Guests:
- Fan tables are available free to fan clubs and other related organizations on a first-come-first-served basis, with a limit of one table per group per day
- You do not have to have a fan table the whole weekend. If you can only join us on one day that is fine.
- DemiCon memberships are not required for persons who are only staffing fan tables. However, if you choose to see/participate in other parts of the Con, you will need a DemiCon membership.
- You can not sell merchandise.
- If you have merchandise to sell, please apply to be a dealer. Go to our our dealer’s registration page for details.
- You are welcomed to also host a panel to talk about your group but it is not mandatory for a fan table. If you wish to host a panel, go to programming and sign up.
Thank you for your cooperation. To reserve a fan table contact fantables@demicon.org. We look forward to seeing you at the convention. If a day is filled we will have a waiting list in case someone cancels.
Gaming Rooms
We have lots of news to share about the game room for DemiCon. Starting off with a new contest this year, The Quest for the Golden Meeple. Joining the quest is easy. Any game you play during the convention contributes to your Game Geek score. You don’t have to win a game to catch the Golden Meeple. Prizes will be awarded and of course the Golden Meeple will also go to the overall winner.
The Game Room will offer lots of choices for your gaming enjoyment. DemiCon has a game library. You may play games in the game room or check them out to play elsewhere in the hotel. The Meeple Resource Library will be returning this year. The Meeple Resource game selections are graciously loaned to us for the weekend. Many of these games are special editions and Kickstarter exclusives. Special game demos are scheduled during the convention. Check out a Meeple Reserve game to play and get a Meeple Reserve ribbon.
Saturday we will have a cribbage tournament. Prizes will be awarded! Tournament games can also count toward the Golden Meeple Quest too!
RPG gamers have several options for the weekend as well. Friday and Sunday will feature SpellJammer Adventure sessions. Saturday A D&D 5th edition adventure Crypt of the Devil Lich. This is the first time this adventure will be played in 5th edition at any convention anywhere and we have it here at DemiCon!
Check the program schedule for specific times and more details. You can also reach out to Gaming@demicon.org with any questions, suggestions or requests.
Music Room
This year, once again we have a wonderful slate of artists returning to the music room for DemiCon.
In addition to music guests of honor Cheshire Moon and professional guest Adam Stemple, the following artists will be performing.
If Lilith Fair booked a progressive rock band, it would sound like Beth Kinderman & the Player Characters. They perform original, filk-influenced folk-prog songs about myth, transformation, and video game characters who won’t sleep with you. Their concert will feature music from their upcoming album, “Sisyphus (ten songs about hope).” For more information: www.bethkinderman.com or bethkinderman.bandcamp.com.
Bryan Baker is an American singer-songwriter from Iowa. He has released eight albums, performs locally, and on the internet in Second Life and Twitch. His music blends elements of folk, rock, and Americana, and his lyrics often touch on geekier subjects with references to many pop-culture touchstones. Werewolves howling for lost love and regret, robots enslaving and destroying humanity, lost love returning in the zombiepocalypse, warnings about charming vampires, a whole album of murder ballads and a concept album inspired by “Dead by Daylight”.
CW Smith is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Des Moines. His original songs are influenced by his love of the great rock, blues, jazz, country and popular songs from throughout the 20th century. His latest CD, “Silicon Alley,” was released in 2022.
Dave Stagner always uses quotes when calling himself a “musician”. Wonder why? There’s one way to find out. Probably more than one.
Mike Nixon has had a life-long love of 70’s British hard rock/ blues and SF. This has fueled his songwriting but, somehow, it all turns out much, much weirder. Mike’s claim to infamy was as a founding member of Toyboat. He has done solo shows because the songs he has written demand that he go out and play them for actual human type beings and not just his dogs. You know, like completely normal songs do.
Orckes & Trolles is a high-energy trio of pirates is a wee bit Celtic, a teeny bit pop, a whole lotta naughty, and 100% geeky. They have been singing together for over 30 years and are celebrating their 21st consecutive year of performing at DemiCon! Come listen as they genre hop from Irish drinking songs, TV themes, contemporary tunes, pirate sea shanties, and to everything in between. Check out their newest CD, “Live at the Dirty Manatee.”
Random Fractions is a Chicago area duo, returning to DemiCon featuring new songs alongside much loved favorites from five albums (including their upcoming release!) about connections and journeys of all sorts – inward, outward, uphill, downhill, sideways, and inbetween.
Valerie Baker is a multi-instrumentalist, who started on piano & uke, eventually taking up and improving at guitar and drums. Their set will show their diverse influences, the chief ones being Eagles, Pink Floyd, Bo Burnham, and boygenius. They have been writing music for a year now, mostly about politics, and the realities of being trans in Iowa.
If you are a musician and you are interested in joining us, or if you just have questions about the Music Room, please email music@demicon.org.
Room Parties on the 5th Floor
You can’t have DemiCon without room parties.
If you are new to DemiCon, you might not know what a room party is. On Friday and Saturday nights of the con, some of our attendees will host parties in their own fifth floor rooms (on the same level as the ConSuite).
Information for Party Hosts
Only rooms in the designated party area of the hotel will be allowed to hold parties. Please let us know if you wish to host a room party so that we can ensure your room will be located on the correct floor. If you let us know which night you are holding your shin-dig, and the theme you’ve chosen for your revelry, we will post that information on this page.
Room parties are typically assigned to the ConSuite wing of the fifth floor of the hotel.
No room parties will be allowed outside of the designated area.
If you would like to host a room party, please read the below guidelines as well as our Drinking Policy. You must schedule your room party with the room party coordinator before the room block closes on April 12.
Room party registration is closed. If you haven’t already registered your room party, please contact parties@demicon.org ASAP.
GUIDELINES FOR PARTY HOSTS:
The legal drinking age in Iowa is 21. This means that your birthday must be on or before May 5, 2002, in order for you to consume alcohol. Minors caught with alcohol or adults caught serving alcohol to minors need to be aware of the consequences of their actions. Please drink responsibly and act accordingly.
When posting signage for your party please use blue painters tape and be mindful not to damage the room or its contents.
If you have any issues, questions or concerns during your party, look for the roaming Rangers (identified by the bright yellow/green vests) or the Room Party Department Head.
Please post or otherwise provide information regarding potential allergy issues (nuts, etc.).