Dealer Information

Selling at Midwest FurFest is restricted to individuals registered with the convention to sell in the Dealers Den, the Art Show, the Artists Alley, and the Artist Marketplace.

Dealers Den applications are closed for 2026.

General Information

The Dealer's Den will be located in Hall A of the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center (DESCC) on the ground floor level. 

Our Adults-Only Dealers Annex will also be located in Hall A. Admission to this space is limited to attendees over the age of 18 and will require additional age verification to enter. Please note that this room is intended for Dealers of explicit adult material. Adult art is permitted throughout the Dealers Den with stringent rules that will be discussed later in this document.

The DESCC is accessible via Skybridge to the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and Hilton hotels with partial access to the Embassy Suites via the parking structure behind their building. Additional access via the Expoteria restaurant will also be available during their operating hours. The Doubletree and Crowne Plaza hotels can access the DESCC by crossing River Rd via the crosswalk near the DESCC main entrance. Shuttle routes from other Furfest hotels are available and will drop off and pick up at the DESCC main entrance.

Selling at Midwest FurFest is restricted to the following areas and ONLY by those that have been approved to sell within them. These areas are: The Dealers Den, the Art Show, the Artists Alley, and the Artist Marketplace. Sales may not take place anywhere else at the convention outside of these spaces and unauthorized sales are a violation of convention rules.

Before completing your application, please carefully review the application process, policies and Dealer's Den rules, as a number of items have had changes for clarity from previous years. Questions may be directed to dealers@furfest.org.

A Dealers-only room block will be available at the Crown Plaza hotel. This can be selected in the Hotel Lottery, and has certain conditions. Information on this will be sent out via email to our applicants when it becomes available.

Table Dimensions & Pricing

Tables in the Dealers Den are approximately six feet by eighteen inches (6’x 18”). Each table will be provided with (2) chairs. Tablecloths will not be provided, and Dealers should plan to bring their own. There will be at least four feet (4’) of space behind the tables next to walls, and at least three and a half feet (3.5’) of space behind tables on the islands. Gaps between tables are required for safety egress and are not to be moved or blocked in any way. Quad spaces and above may request tables removed to accommodate individual setups.

The below outlines the cost for table space for the 2026 convention. Please note that these prices do not include the cost of convention registration(s). During the application process, you will be required to purchase at least one registration for the primary business owner defined henceforth as the “Primary Dealer”. A Primary Dealer must be 18+ at the time of registration.

The cost of tables is as follows:

Booths consist of four (4) eight foot by eighteen-inch (8' x 18”) tables arranged in a square, with equal access by attendees on all sides. 

Suites are fifteen feet by fifteen feet (15’ x 15’) spaces delineated by pipe and drape on three (3) sides. Tables and chairs will only be provided in the Suites by request to accommodate individual setups.

We strive to provide a diversity of spaces to meet all the needs of our Dealers, but further customization of existing spaces can be requested by emailing us at dealers@furfest.org to discuss.

Assistants

Any Primary Dealer that has a need for additional badges for others working in their space, may apply for one or more "Dealer's Assistant" registrations. The number of Assistants allowed will depend on the type of table space requested. Formal numbers are specified on the Dealer's application form. In the event additional registrations are still needed, please email dealers@furfest.org or make note in the application form.

Please note that additional registrations can be added after a Primary Dealer is accepted into the Dealer's Den. There is however, a cutoff for adding Assistant registrations to the Primary Dealer of four (4) weeks prior to the convention. (For the 2026 event, this will be November 5th.)

In the event an Assistant has purchased a registration as a convention attendee separately and it needs to be converted, please email registration@furfest.org. These registrations can be linked to the Primary Dealer Group. We request that the Primary Dealer Group account provide the necessary information (registration #, legal name, badge name) for that badge. 

A valid Attendee registration may be converted to an Assistant at the event. Please see the friendly staff at the Dealer’s Operations Table so they may link that registration to the Primary Dealer Group and issue a new badge. This does take additional time, especially during setup, so we strongly recommend having your assistants registered under the Primary Dealer Group in advance.

Electrical Power

Please note that electrical prices are subject to change. 

Level 1 (Up to 300W): $110

If you need enough power for a USB charger, single laptop/computer, portable (small) laminator, printer, or point-of-sale/payment processor device, this level will be adequate.

Level 2 (Up to 600W): $200

For small-to medium wattage, this will run two (2) laptops or two (2) sets of display lights for a Dealer space.

Level 3 (Up to 1000W): Custom Pricing

Recommended for higher wattage items such as a bag sealer, several laptops and/or extensive lighting displays.

In the event that any Dealer requires more than 1000W during the event, please make a note during the application process and please otherwise apply as normal without a need to await an answer before submitting. These requests are individually reviewed by our Facilities and Dealer's staff and will be priced according to needs. We cannot guarantee that higher-wattage requests will be granted.

As a note, Each power-consuming device sold in the United States is required to list their wattage draw on the device; this will assist you in determining which level of power you require. In the event you have questions regarding what your equipment may require, we will help estimate the power draw of the equipment. 

As per DESCC and the City of Rosemont's regulations, all extension cords and power strips must be three-prong. The city's Fire Marshall will demand that any two-prong extension cords and/or power strips (but not individual devices) be replaced. The Dealer's Operations staff and Convention Operations will not have any of these to lend and/or rent, so we ask each Dealer to please plan accordingly.

Application Process

Applications must be within the application window, which will be announced via socials and at the top of this page. Any applications which are received after the window is closed will not be considered.

Please note that the business email provided by each Dealer on their application will be used for ALL notices regarding application. The Dealer's Den Operations staff is not responsible for missed emails. 

If you are current or former FurFest staff, do NOT use your FurFest email address as your business or personal email in this application. 

Special Requests: Examples include requests like proximity to bathrooms, a table in a lower noise area, placement near other Dealers, etc. We strive to meet expectations on special requests, but we may be unable to fulfil all of them. We appreciate your understanding! 

Please note that while in the past we have offered Table Sharing between artists, this is NO LONGER permitted and there will be zero tolerance for unauthorized table sharing.

Review Notes: This field is dedicated to information which you feel would assist in our selection process, such as details not included in a Dealer's merchandise description.

Processing

Please note that applications are all equally considered, regardless of when we receive them during the application window.

Each application is vetted through a rigorous process, consisting of a multi-level assessment. This includes an applicant’s social media footprint, robustness of table setup, diversity/uniqueness/fandom relevance of artwork/merchandise and most importantly the ability to provide content that aligns with Midwest FurFest’s content regulation guidelines.

We expect close to 1,000 applications this year, so please understand this process takes time and effort from our volunteer staff. We will announce our lottery results as quickly as possible. Final decisions are typically sent out within three (3) to four (4) weeks of the application period close.

Approvals

If your application is approved, you will be emailed a link to manage your Dealer Group. This link will allow you to:

• Register Dealer and Assistants.

• Manage electricity requests.

• Make changes in your Merchandise Description, Website link, Special Requests, Review Comments, and add your IDoR Business Number.

• Complete your payment(s).

Payment

Invoices for Dealers have an expected payment window within two (2) weeks of an approved Dealer's Application. If payment is not received after one (1) week you will be sent a reminder notice before your application is put on hold. Nonpayment without communication may be grounds to forfeit your space.

Waitlist

If you are notified that your application has been placed on the Dealer Waitlist and are still planning to attend the convention, please register with the convention as an Attendee. Please note that this will not affect the status of your Dealer application.

If a Dealer on the Waitlist is moved to a table space, we will convert your registration from an Attendee to a Dealer. 

The Waitlist is based on the order of lottery results, with a cap of 50. Dealers on the Waitlist over 50 will be sent an email stating that their application has been Declined. Please note that this does not reflect on any Dealer's suitability or overall consideration.

Please direct any questions on this process to dealers@furfest.org. Please include your business name in any emails to identify your application.

Sales Tax

All Dealers are required by the State of Illinois to collect Illinois State Sales Tax. Payment of the collected taxes is to be sent by the Dealer within ten (10) days of the end of the convention to the Illinois Department of Revenue. 

Midwest FurFest falls under the category of Special Events and is required to provide the Illinois Department of Revenue with a list of all Dealers. 

Copies of IDOR-6-SETR, which is used for reporting and paying sales tax for those Dealers who do not have an Illinois business license, will be emailed to all Dealers prior to the con. Limited paper copies will be available at the con.

Information on obtaining a business license is available here. Please note that it is possible to obtain a license online in one to two (1-2) business days. Proof of an Illinois Business License is not required with your application or at the convention. We request an IBT number during the Dealer's Application process or after one is issued so that it may be included in our report to the State of Illinois.

It is the sole responsibility of each Dealer to collect, complete, file, and submit their Sales Tax payment to the State of Illinois. Midwest FurFest is not responsible or accountable for any portion of this process.

Hours & Setup

The Dealers Den will open for setup on Thursday, December 3rd, and on for the morning of Friday December 4th before opening to the public mid-day. Specific times will be communicated to our Dealers before the event and are subject to change.

Hall A will be open for vehicle traffic during Thursday and Friday setup hours. A temporary loading area will be available and vehicles entering will be given an exit-by time to ensure each Dealer has time to unload. Please be prepared with cargo dollies, carts or other transport equipment. The DESCC and Midwest Furfest have no equipment to borrow or rent for this purpose.

Parking for transport vehicles/trucks at the DESCC is not available. Dealers should pre-plan to utilize public parking areas or inquire at their hotel(s) for parking options.

Vehicles that remain in Hall A after load-in times are subject to being towed.

An email will be sent to all Dealers two (2) weeks before the convention with finalized hours, loading instructions, and other relevant information.

Loadout

After the Dealer's Den closes on Sunday afternoon, we will allow vehicle traffic once again in Hall A. Exact times will be communicated to Dealers before the event. We request that Dealers prepare their spaces in order to exit the DESCC in a reasonable time. Extensive times to break down displays and leave Hall A may affect consideration in the Dealer's Den in future events.

Shipping to Hyatt & Convention Center

In the event any Dealer requires pre-shipped items/pallets/boxes to the DESCC and/or the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, please contact the Dealer's staff at: dealers@furfest.org

Refunds

If a Dealer is unable to attend Midwest Furfest, or is unable to use their full space, we request that they contact us via email as soon as possible.

Refunds for Dealer's space can only be issued if cancellation is received within two (2) weeks prior the beginning of the convention (November 18th, 2026). After that date, refunds are not guaranteed and are determined by the ability of Waitlisted Dealers to accept and pay for the space. 

Please note that a Dealer's space may not be transferred to another Dealer without the expressed approval of the Dealer's Den Director. Unauthorized transfer of tables can result in the Dealer's space being canceled.

We understand that travel can be unpredictable in December. We ask that any Dealers experiencing travel delays contact us immediately via email at dealers@furfest.org. We will hold tables until 10:00am on Saturday, December 5th, at which time it will be offered to a Dealer on the Waiting List.

Important Rules & Policies

Approved Dealers and their Assistants must agree to the Midwest Furfest Attendee Code of Conduct and the following policies at all times:

Content Guidelines

We strongly encourage merchandise content be Furry/Anthropomorphic or Animal-based in nature. While a portion of non-fandom work is acceptable, we ask that it should not be the majority content.

Inappropriate, Disallowed and Discouraged Items

Below is a recommended guideline on products that are ineligible for sale or are strongly discouraged. If you have questions on specific items, please email us at dealers@furfest.org.

• We request that any items made of real animal fur, bones, teeth or taxidermy items be excluded from sale at Midwest Furfest due to the unique sensitivities of our guests.

• Sale of food and/or drinks is strictly prohibited. This includes professionally packaged or homemade items, whether they be: Candies, powders, teas, jerky, fruits/nuts, coffees, baked goods, etc. 

• Items from foreign mass-manufacturers (Aliexpress, Shein, Temu, etc.) and resold as-is are strongly discouraged from being included at Dealer's tables.

• Any item referencing an endorsement of a political party or individual politicians, foreign and domestic are prohibited. Hate speech in any form, including targeting specific religions or groups of people and endorsement of violence are forbidden.

• Strong-smelling items are discouraged, especially airborne fragrances. Cleaning/fursuit sprays remain acceptable, provided any testing and/or active use are noted during the application process.

• Sale of live animals is strictly prohibited. 

Adult Content Moderation

Merchandise or artwork of an adult nature must be appropriately concealed/censored with opaque, adhesive covers of some kind. (Decals or adhesive notes are preferred.) These may be placed on plastic sleeves containing artwork. Dealers are required to keep adults-only merchandise/artwork separate from all-ages merchandise and avoid displaying adults-only merchandise where it would reasonably be visible to minors. Binders must contain ONLY adult work or general work and cannot contain both separated by a divider. 

It is the responsibility of the Dealer to keep adult materials out of the hands and sight of anyone under 18 years of age. Furthermore, it is the Dealer's responsibility to ensure that these materials are discreetly handled when being viewed by a customer who is over 18. Minors attending Midwest FurFest will have readily-identifiable badges with significant divergence from a regular attendee badge. All Dealers will be told how to recognize them upon check-in at the Dealer's Den Operations table. Midwest FurFest holds each Dealer responsible to ensure that minors are not permitted to view, handle, or be otherwise exposed to adult materials. This policy is zero-tolerance. Dealers found violating it will be removed from the Dealer's Den immediately without refund consideration.

These display rules are suspended ONLY within the Adult Dealer's Annex.

Intellectual Property (IP) Policy

Official Midwest Furry Fandom Inc. Legal Policy as of August 2026:

You must own or have licensed the rights to all merchandise you have for sale. If this depicts a character of any kind in any medium, you must be the owner of all necessary copyright and trademark rights or you must have licensed them from the owner. Practically, this means that if someone is selling merchandise depicting characters owned/published by a commercial entity, Dealers cannot sell it unless they can prove they have the license to do so in writing.

This includes: 

• No unlicensed depictions of characters appearing in third parties' movies, TV shows, books, sound recordings, video games, still images, sculptures, or any other media. Examples include, but are not limited to: Disney, Marvel, DC, Bluey, Pokemon, Hellaverse, HelloKitty, SailorMoon, Sonic, Spyro, StarTrek, etc.

• No fan art. 

• No counterfeit goods.

• No unauthorized reproductions ("bootlegs") of books, audio-visual, sound recordings, or other media are prohibited.

• Any other articles that Midwest Furry Fandom deems to violate this policy in its sole discretion.

Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc. reserves the right in its sole discretion to require the removal of any articles that violate this policy. Midwest Furry Fandom Inc reserves the sole right to respond to refusal to comply with this policy in any appropriate manner including revocation of privileges to conduct commerce at Midwest FurFest and removal from Midwest FurFest premises.

AI Usage

Midwest Furfest firmly and thoroughly supports the artists and creators of our wonderful community, no matter what their medium or talent may be. Creativity is the beating heart of all that we are and because of that, we remain strongly opposed to the use of generative AI. Any and all works displayed, exhibited, sold or played that utilize generative AI in their final product are strictly prohibited at Midwest Furfest. If works featured within the Dealer's Den, Artists Alley, Marketplace and/or the Art Show are found to utilize generative AI, the pieces and their associated vendor will be removed from the space(s). Furthermore, there will be a one-year ban on their return to the vendor spaces at Midwest Furfest to underline the consequences of violating this policy and protect our creative community.

If a piece is suspected to be partly or wholly created by generative AI, our staff will review the piece(s) to ensure fairness to the artist in question. We do strive to keep this outside of our convention spaces, but we also promise our artists will be treated with kindness and respect during the process. We ask for cooperation and understanding from our artists under review and we will strive to ensure that our efforts remain discrete until a decision has been made. 

Vendors in the Dealer's Den that feature products from many sources are asked to kindly review their stock prior to the convention to ensure nothing they're selling features generative AI. In the event products are found to contain generative AI use, we will ask the vendor to remove them and prevent their sale during the convention. Failure to comply with this will mandate the consequences outlined above.

Generative AI has no place at Midwest Furfest and we will do all that we can to ensure it remains that way.

A Note to Dealers Reselling Products

We understand that resale of existing products has always been a part of the Dealer's Den. Whether it be board games, comics, jewelry, pins, plush toys, adult items, region-exclusive items or other merchandise, there is a place in the Dealer's Den for these vendors. For the 2026 convention, we are requesting that every product sold is reviewed for generative AI usage, inappropriate and adult content. Even if products being sold aren't created by the individual vendor, we hold the vendor responsible for the content they are selling. Adult items are subject to the censorship restrictions detailed above. Generative AI content is subject to the AI restrictions noted above. Inappropriate items detailed in the disallowed restrictions noted above are not to be sold at the convention. In the event you have questions about items you may be reselling at the convention, please email dealers@furfest.org for clarification in advance of the convention.

Courtesy to Your Fellow Dealers

Nothing can be placed in the aisles or in the spaces between tables which may impede access by other Dealers to their space. If you have a question about whether your display might violate this rule, please check with Dealers Den staff prior to the convention or before setting up. If you feel that another Dealer is violating this rule, please request assistance from a member of the Dealer’s Den Staff so that we may review it and enforce policy. 

Please do not move any tables from their original positions without approval from Dealer's Den Staff. 

We request Dealers conduct their behavior in a reasonable, professional manner appropriate for a trade show and event setting. 

Disruptive Displays

Flashing/rotating lights, sound generators/stereos, excessively loud music, flames, fire, potential sources of ignition or similar items featured in displays will not be permitted. The volume of video soundtracks or other audio must be kept low enough that they do not interfere with the enjoyment of our Attendees or fellow Dealers. Repeated violations of this rule will result in (but not limited to) removal from the Dealers Den.

There is no live music allowed in the Dealer's Den without expressed permission by the Dealer's Den Director.

Impeding and Disrupting Traffic

Please do not engage in any behavior that significantly impacts traffic flow, blocks fellow Dealers' business or creates crowding. Do not create tripping hazards or other situations that risk harm to others, or damage to property. Each Dealer is solely responsible for any damage resulting from violation of this section. Midwest FurFest is not responsible for injuries, breakage or loss incurred by or caused by any Dealer or Attendee.

Attendees are not allowed behind Dealer's tables or in Dealers-only spaces.

Safe Display Height

Due to risk of injury and destruction of property, table-based displays are limited to a maximum height of ten (10’) feet from the floor, which includes any banners and signage.

Booths and suites with independent and weighted structures for dedicated displays are limited to up to twelve (12’) feet from the floor. The Dealer's staff will inspect displays to ensure they are secure. (This includes pop up tents.)

If there are any questions as to a display, please e-mail dealers@furfest.org in advance of the event. The Dealers Den Directors reserve the right to approve or deny any structure that they consider in violation of these rules. 

Security, Streaming and Cameras

Dealers are permitted to maintain cameras for the sole purpose of security/loss prevention. These may record at all hours from setup Thursday December 3rd to closing on Sunday December 6th. These must be focused primarily on the Dealer's space. Live feeds may not be streamed or shared via public platforms. If a Dealer chooses to have a camera, we require notification displayed prominently within their space to inform Attendees that they are being recorded.

In the event you believe a theft has taken place with recorded evidence, we ask Dealers to contact our Dealers Den staff during operating hours or safety@furfest.org otherwise. 

Livestreaming of vendor spaces is strictly prohibited by the DESCC.

The Final Word

The Dealers Den Directors and/or Staff reserve the right to refuse service to any person or entity. Disruptive behavior, disregard for the rules outlined above or harassment of other persons that is not amenable to correction will face consequence; up to and including removal of the offender from the convention. This includes Dealers, Assistants, and Attendees. If Midwest FurFest's management requires a Dealer or any other person to leave the premises due to violations of the rules, no refunds will be given of any registration or table fees.

All decisions made by the Dealers Den Directors regarding appropriateness of display, artwork, merchandise or conduct will be final. Decisions made by the Dealer's Den Directors may be appealed, but are unlikely to be reversed.

We look forward to working with all of our amazing Dealers! Creating an impressive, diverse and exciting event is our goal and we strive to make it successful for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at dealers@furfest.org and we will gladly assist you. 

Any questions regarding the above policies may be directed to: dealers@furfest.org.

Venue

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 N River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018

Mailing Address

Midwest FurFest
5600 N River Road, Suite 800
Rosemont, IL 60018

Questions?

Please email dealers@furfest.org.